GB2352057A - Apparatus for controlling the availability of functions in a machine - Google Patents

Apparatus for controlling the availability of functions in a machine Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2352057A
GB2352057A GB9915607A GB9915607A GB2352057A GB 2352057 A GB2352057 A GB 2352057A GB 9915607 A GB9915607 A GB 9915607A GB 9915607 A GB9915607 A GB 9915607A GB 2352057 A GB2352057 A GB 2352057A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
machine
functions
card
processor
platform
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9915607A
Other versions
GB9915607D0 (en
Inventor
Timothy Leslie Newton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ADDAPAC Ltd
Original Assignee
ADDAPAC Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ADDAPAC Ltd filed Critical ADDAPAC Ltd
Priority to GB9915607A priority Critical patent/GB2352057A/en
Publication of GB9915607D0 publication Critical patent/GB9915607D0/en
Publication of GB2352057A publication Critical patent/GB2352057A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/10—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
    • G07F7/1008—Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/346—Cards serving only as information carrier of service
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/20—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
    • G07C9/215—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass the system having a variable access-code, e.g. varied as a function of time
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0014—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The apparatus, which can be used with hire machines, such as an access platform (10), selectively controls the functions of the machine that are available to the hirer. An enabling means such as a smart card is preprogrammed with information relating to certain predetermined criteria such as the period of hire and the functions on the machine which have been requested, and the machine incorporates a card reader 20 for reading the information from the card. The apparatus also includes a processor which enables operation of only those functions of the machine which have been programmed into the smart card. The programmed information can also be printed on, or provided by the shape of the enabling means. The reader 20 may be attached to or incorporated within a control panel 26 which can be removably mounted on the machine and which includes a clock. A master card or master key 30 enables all functions of the machine.

Description

2352057 SecuLrily -Apparatus
The invention relates to apparatus for selectively controlling the operation of a machine and finds particular application in the field of hired machinery or vehicles.
Machinery or vehicles are often hired for a specific limited time period, such as one day, one week, etc.
According to the invention there is provided apparatus for controlling a machine by selectively enabling operation of one or more functions of the machine, the apparatus including:
portable enabling means containing information relating to certain predetermined criteria; means for reading the information from the enabling means; and means for enabling operation of the or each function of the machine only when the pre-determined criteria are met.
Preferably the enabling means is programmable and preferably the information relating to the pre-determined criteria is alterable. The enabling means may include a processor and is preferably a "smart card". Alternatively the information relating to the pre-determined criteria may be embodied in the shape of the enabling means or printed onto the surface of the enabling means.
The reading means may include a card reader. Preferably the reading means is associated with, and may be located on or within, the machine.
Preferably the apparatus Includes processor means for determining whether the pre-determined criteria are met. Preferably the processor means is connected to the reading means. The processor means may include a printed circuit board.
Preferably the processor means is associated with, and may be located on 2 or within, the machine.
The reading means and/or the processing means may be attached to or incorporated within a control panel. The control panel may be provided with hook means for removably mounting it on the machine. The control panel may be electrically connected to the machine by a flexible connector.
The processor means may include a clock, which may be adjustable to represent real time. The pre-determined criteria may include time, such that the criteria are only fulfilled within a certain time period. Information relating to the time period may be contained within the portable enabling means. The portable enabling means may include information relating to a start time and a stop time. The processor means may include means for determining whether the time represented by its clock falls between the start and stop times.
The apparatus preferably includes an encoder for encoding information relating to the pre-determined criteria into the enabling means. Preferably the encoder is located remotely from the machine.
The apparatus may selectively enable more than one function of the machine. The functions may be enabled according to the same or different predetermined criteria.
The machine may include drive means associated with drive wheels of the machine, and the drive means may be selectively enablable.
The machine may include a platform which may be raised and lowered by platform drive means, which may be selectively enablable.
Preferably a master card or master key is provided, which enables all functions of the machine. When the machine is so enabled, the internal clock may be adjustable.
3 An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. I is a diagrammatic perspective view of an access platform provided with apparatus according to the invention; and Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a control panel suitable for the access platform of Fig. 1.
Referring to the drawing, an access platform 10 includes a base 12 mounted on wheels 14. Drive means such as an electric motor drives two or more of the wheels to allow the base 12 to be moved. A platform 16 is mounted on the base 12 via a pillar 18 and a platform drive means is operable to raise and lower the platform 16. Safety rails 17 are provided around and above the platform. A person may stand on the platform and thereby gain access to high areas, for example to perform maintenance work.
A control panel 26 (shown in detail in Fig. 2) is provided for controlling the movement of the access platform, by the use of a joystick 28. The control panel includes a key slot 30, into which a key may be inserted to operate the access platform, and a stop switch 32. The control panel includes hooks (not illustrated in the drawings) so that it may be hooked anywhere on the access platform for each use. For example, in the Fig. I access platform 10, the control panel is hooked onto the safety rails 17 above the platform 16. A flexible electrical connector (not illustrated) allows the control panel to communicate with the drive means wherever it is located.
Such access platforms are often hired from hire companies for predetermined time periods. For example a platform may be hired for a day or a week, etc. Using apparatus according to the invention, the access platform can be disabled from functioning for longer than the predetermined period of hire, as described in more detail below.
4 The access platform 10 includes a card reader 20 and a processor including a printed circuit board. The processor includes an internal clock which may be set to give an indication of real external time. The card reader 20 and the processor are provided within a security unit 22 attached to the underside of the control panel 26. An opening 24 in the security unit allows a smart card (not illustrated) to be swiped across the card reader 20, which is able to read information encoded on the smart card.
The processor controls the operation of various functions of the access platform. For example, the drive means and the means for raising and lowering the platform may only function when the processor enables them to do so. The processor is linked to the card reader 20, and may be set up such that the functions of the machine are only enabled when certain pre-determined criteria, at least partly encoded on the card, are met.
For example, the card may be programmed with information representing two times, one indicating the start of a hire period and one the end of a hire period. In this case, the processor may compare the information representing the two times with the reading from its own internal clock (representing the actual time) and only enable the machine to operate if the actual time falls within the two encoded times.
The card may be encoded such that certain functions of the access platform are allowed and certain are disabled. For example, the drive for raising and lowering the platform 16 might be enabled and that for moving the access platform 10 disabled. Functions may be enabled or disabled depending upon what hire package a customer has chosen.
The information is encoded onto the smart card using a card encoder, which is generally provided at the hire company's premises. The card encoder includes software for programming the smart card according to the predetermined criteria chosen.
Preferably a master card or master key is also provided, which enables all functions of the machine at any time. This card or key would generally be retained by the hire company. When the machine is so enabled, it may be possible to adjust the internal clock.
There is thus provided an apparatus which allows access to and functioning of hire vehicles and machinery to be selectively enabled and disabled. This allows hire companies to control the use of their machinery and vehicles to a much greater extent than was possible previously.
Various modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. The machinery need not be an access platform. The invention is applicable to any type of machinery or vehicle, for example to hire cars. A smart card need not be used. Instead, a disposable plastic or cardboard token could include holes or markings relating to the pre-determined criteria. The holes or markings would be readable by the card reader or an equivalent reader, associated with the processor. The holes or markings would be punched onto the token by an encoder.
Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.
6 Qaims:- 1. Apparatus for controlling a machine by selectively enabling operation of one or more functions of the machine, the apparatus including: portable enabling means containing information relating to certain predetermined criteria; means for reading the information from the enabling means; and means for enabling operation of the or each function of the machine only when the pre-determined criteria are met.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the enabling means is programmable and the information relating to the pre-determined criteria is alterable.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the enabling means includes a processor.
4. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the information relating to the pre-determined criteria is embodied in the shape of the enabling means or printed onto the surface of the enabling means.
S. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the reading means is located on or within the machine.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, the apparatus including processor means for determining whether the pre-determined criteria are met.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the processor means is connected to the reading means.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the processor means is located on or within the machine.
7 9. Apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the reading means and/or the processing means is attached to or incorporated within a control panel.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the control panel is provided with hook means for removably mounting it on the machine.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the control panel is electrically connected to the machine by a flexible connector.
12. Apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 11 wherein the processor means includes a clock, which may be adjustable to represent real time.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the pre-determined criteria include time, such that the criteria are only fulfilled within a certain time period.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein information relating to the time period is contained within the portable enabling means.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the portable enabling means includes information relating to a start time and a stop time.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the processor means includes means for determining whether the time represented by its clock falls between the start and stop times.
17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, the apparatus including an encoder for encoding information relating to the pre-determined criteria into the enabling means.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the encoder is located remotely from the machine.
8 19. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus may selectively enable more than one function of the machine.
20. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the machine includes drive means associated with drive wheels of the machine, and the drive means is selectively enablable.
21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the machine includes a platform which may be raised and lowered by platform drive means, which is selectively enablable.
22. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a master card or master key which enables all functions of the machine.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22 wherein when the machine Is so enabled, the internal clock is adjustable.
24. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
25. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.
GB9915607A 1999-07-02 1999-07-02 Apparatus for controlling the availability of functions in a machine Withdrawn GB2352057A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9915607A GB2352057A (en) 1999-07-02 1999-07-02 Apparatus for controlling the availability of functions in a machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9915607A GB2352057A (en) 1999-07-02 1999-07-02 Apparatus for controlling the availability of functions in a machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9915607D0 GB9915607D0 (en) 1999-09-01
GB2352057A true GB2352057A (en) 2001-01-17

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9915607A Withdrawn GB2352057A (en) 1999-07-02 1999-07-02 Apparatus for controlling the availability of functions in a machine

Country Status (1)

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GB (1) GB2352057A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012013575A1 (en) * 2010-07-26 2012-02-02 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning device
WO2012016847A1 (en) * 2010-07-26 2012-02-09 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning device
EP2186064B1 (en) * 2007-07-26 2020-01-01 Robert Bosch GmbH Tool management system
EP3598398A1 (en) * 2018-07-18 2020-01-22 EUCHNER GmbH + Co. KG Access system

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2076181A (en) * 1980-05-12 1981-11-25 Hitachi Heating Appl A card-controlled heating apparatus
WO1984003785A1 (en) * 1983-03-12 1984-09-27 Ernst Hans Hellmut Start, operation and control device for motor vehicles
US4477874A (en) * 1980-11-25 1984-10-16 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Card-operated control system for vehicle components
US4821107A (en) * 1987-01-26 1989-04-11 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Multi-functional imaging apparatus
EP0345785A2 (en) * 1988-06-09 1989-12-13 Natco Corporation Variable keyed power distribution and control system for motorized wheelchair
EP0530601A2 (en) * 1991-09-02 1993-03-10 GRUNDIG E.M.V. Elektro-Mechanische Versuchsanstalt Max Grundig GmbH & Co. KG Multiple fonction electronic device
US5214556A (en) * 1989-04-14 1993-05-25 Kilbel Joseph J Video cassette recorder protection system
GB2313925A (en) * 1996-06-04 1997-12-10 Select Technology Limited Control and display panel for office equipment
EP0907156A2 (en) * 1997-09-03 1999-04-07 Universal Electronics, Inc. Universal remote control system

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2076181A (en) * 1980-05-12 1981-11-25 Hitachi Heating Appl A card-controlled heating apparatus
US4477874A (en) * 1980-11-25 1984-10-16 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Card-operated control system for vehicle components
WO1984003785A1 (en) * 1983-03-12 1984-09-27 Ernst Hans Hellmut Start, operation and control device for motor vehicles
US4821107A (en) * 1987-01-26 1989-04-11 Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha Multi-functional imaging apparatus
EP0345785A2 (en) * 1988-06-09 1989-12-13 Natco Corporation Variable keyed power distribution and control system for motorized wheelchair
US5214556A (en) * 1989-04-14 1993-05-25 Kilbel Joseph J Video cassette recorder protection system
EP0530601A2 (en) * 1991-09-02 1993-03-10 GRUNDIG E.M.V. Elektro-Mechanische Versuchsanstalt Max Grundig GmbH & Co. KG Multiple fonction electronic device
GB2313925A (en) * 1996-06-04 1997-12-10 Select Technology Limited Control and display panel for office equipment
EP0907156A2 (en) * 1997-09-03 1999-04-07 Universal Electronics, Inc. Universal remote control system

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2186064B1 (en) * 2007-07-26 2020-01-01 Robert Bosch GmbH Tool management system
CN102984984B (en) * 2010-07-26 2015-11-25 阿尔弗雷德·凯驰两合公司 Cleaning equipment
CN102984984A (en) * 2010-07-26 2013-03-20 阿尔弗雷德·凯驰两合公司 Cleaning device
CN103025223A (en) * 2010-07-26 2013-04-03 阿尔弗雷德·凯驰两合公司 Cleaning device
US8957758B2 (en) 2010-07-26 2015-02-17 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning appliance
RU2543605C2 (en) * 2010-07-26 2015-03-10 Альфред Кэрхер Гмбх Унд Ко. Кг Cleaning apparatus
WO2012013575A1 (en) * 2010-07-26 2012-02-02 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning device
CN103025223B (en) * 2010-07-26 2016-03-09 阿尔弗雷德·凯驰两合公司 Cleaning equipment
US9367044B2 (en) 2010-07-26 2016-06-14 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning appliance in which access is granted based on an authorization carrier and authorization profile
EP2598014B1 (en) 2010-07-26 2017-05-17 Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG Cleaning device
EP2598013B1 (en) 2010-07-26 2017-05-17 Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG Cleaning device
WO2012016847A1 (en) * 2010-07-26 2012-02-09 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Cleaning device
EP3598398A1 (en) * 2018-07-18 2020-01-22 EUCHNER GmbH + Co. KG Access system

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Publication number Publication date
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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)