IL233115A

IL233115A - Periodically maintained device and system and method for deactivating and reactivating it

Info

Publication number: IL233115A
Application number: IL233115A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Thau Strategies Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-12
Filing date: 2014-06-12
Publication date: 2017-05-29
Also published as: WO2015189848A1

Description

P-78213 -IL PERIODICALLY MAINTAINED DEVICE, AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEACTIVATING AND REACTIVATING THEREOF BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[001] Devices that require periodic maintenance such as scent delivery systems, water purification systems, coffee machines and home appliances, are common in many households, businesses, offices and public places. While such devices require periodic maintenance in order to operate properly and to prevent malfunction, and hazards to the users of such devices, many times such periodic maintenance is neglected, or even intentionally avoided in order to save costs.

[002] For example, scent delivery systems are used for neutralizing unpleasant odors as well as for creating a pleasant atmosphere in privet homes and commercial areas, and for scent branding and marketing. Scent delivery devices typically receive a disposable and replaceable container of scent substance.

[003] When the scent substance in the container is finished, the container needs to be replaced with a new container. Since a single container may suffice for a known time period, scent delivery devices maintenance may be scheduled according to the number of containers that have been replaced since the last maintenance. Furthermore, some scent delivery devices distributors relay on the revenues of selling scent substances and thus provide the device for free or for a non-profit price. However, many users of such scent delivery devices try to avoid the replacement of containers and thus use different methods in order to refill the disposable containers. These methods may be dangerous to the user, may damage the device and may risk passers at the vicinity of such a device in which a refilled container is used.

[004] In order to prevent the reuse of disposable containers in scent distribution devices, different approaches have been used. For example, some devices use pressure containers.

P-78213 -IL However, such containers may also be refilled by drilling a hole in the container and refilling it with an aromatic substance and then closing the hole in the container with a cork or plug.

[005] An alternative approach used in some devices is connecting the device to a cellular network or the internet to allow remote monitoring of the device. However, this approach is limited to areas with either cellular coverage or access to the internet. Furthermore, such devices require a periodic payment to the cellular or internet service provider.

[006] In another example, water treatment bars required periodic replacement of some components, such as filters and UV light source. Failure to timely replace a filter or other component of the water bar may reduce water quality and may damage the device. Obviously, replacing these components with incompatible components may also harm the device and put at risk the users of such device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for deactivating and reactivating a device requiring periodic maintenance. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise: generating, by a processor of the periodically maintained device a first random code, upon first connection of the periodically maintained device to a power source; initiating a timer upon activation of the periodically maintained device; recording on a non-volatile memory of the periodically maintained device, the time that has elapsed since the timer has been initiated, every predefined time interval; and deactivating the periodically maintained device when the recorded time that has elapsed since the initiation of the timer reaches a deactivation time limit.

[008] The method may further comprise presenting on a display of the periodically maintained device the first random code and a second random code, generated a preset P-78213 -IL time prior to the deactivation time limit; receiving a reactivation code, entered via a code input device; checking validity of received reactivation code; and when said received reactivation code is valid, reactivating the periodically maintained device and reset the timer, wherein when an invalid reactivation code is received more than an allowed number of times, locking the code input device for an input lock time, and wherein when the input lock time elapses, unlocking the code input device and resetting the counter value.

[009] According to some embodiments, checking the validity of the reactivation code may comprise applying a mathematical formula on the first code and the second code and comparing the received reactivation code with the outcome of the formula.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the method may further comprise providing an indication that the periodically maintained device will be deactivated, a preset time prior to deactivation of the periodically maintained device.

[0011] In yet additional embodiments, the first code is a serial number recorded on the non-volatile memory of the periodically maintained device.

[0012] According to some embodiments the second code may be changed every reactivation of the periodically maintained device.

[0013] The reactivation code, according to some embodiments, may be inserted by a user of the device via an input device, wherein said user receives said reactivation code from a remote service provider, and wherein said remote service provider generates said reactivation code upon receipt of said first code and said second code from said user.

[0014] According to some embodiments, disconnecting the periodically maintained device from a power source and reconnecting the periodically maintained device to the power source, advances the timer by a predefined time interval. According to some embodiments the time interval may be 1 day, and the input lock time may be 1 hour.

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[0015] According to some embodiments, the periodically maintained device is a scent delivery device. According to other embodiments, the periodically maintained device is a water treatment device or coffee machine.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for deactivating and reactivating a periodically maintained device. The system may comprise: a periodically maintained device; and a remote server connected to a network.

[0017] The device may comprise: a processor; a memory; and a timer. According to some embodiments, the periodically maintained device may be deactivated when a predefined time has elapsed since activation of the timer, and may be reactivated when a valid reactivation code is entered by a user via a code input device of the periodically maintained device.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the periodically maintained device further comprises a display. According to yet other embodiments, the periodically maintained device may further comprise at least one LED to provide indications to a user.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the periodically maintained device is a scent delivery device that may further comprise a scent release device. According to some embodiments, the scent delivery device may further comprise a controller to activate and deactivate the scent release device, according to instructions received from the code validation unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and P-78213 -IL advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] Fig. 1A is a block diagram of a system for deactivating and reactivating a periodically maintained device according to an embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Fig. IB is a block diagram of a system for deactivating and reactivating a scent delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0023] Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for deactivating and reactivating a scent delivery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0025] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0026] Although embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard, discussions utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “establishing”, “analyzing”, “checking”, or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as P-78213 -IL physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer’s registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer’s registers and/or memories or other information storage medium that may store instructions to perform operations and/or processes.

[0027] Although embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein may include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed at the same point in time.

[0028] Reference is now made to Figs. 1A and IB which are block diagrams of a system 1100 for deactivating and reactivating a periodically maintained device 100a, 100b according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, system 1100 may comprise a device 100a, such as a scent delivery device 100b, a remote server 1000 and a network 1110.

[0030] As may be seen in Figs. 1 A and IB, device 100a, 100b may comprise, according to some embodiments, a processor 110, a memory 120, a power source 118, and a timer.

[0031] Processor 110 may comprise a Random Number Generator (RNG) module 112 to generate, for example, a device identifying code, a maintenance requirement code, or any other code required for the operation of system 1100. Processor 110 may further comprise a code validation unit, adapted to receive a reactivation code, via code input device 150, P-78213 -IL and verify the validity of the received code based on a verification algorithm stored, for example, on memory 120.

[0032] According to some embodiments, processor 110 may further comprise a controller to control the operation of device 100a, 100b for example, according to instructions received from code validation unit 114, or from other components of device 100a, 100b.

[0033] According to some embodiments, device 100a, 100b may comprise a display 130. Display 130 may, according to some embodiments, present information to a user, such as codes, operation instructions and the like.

[0034] Display 130 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a LED display, an OLED display, or any other type of display known in the art.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present invention, device 100a, 100b may further comprise a code input device 150. Code input device 150 may be a keypad, a touch screen, or any other input device suitable for inputting a numeric or alphanumeric code.

[0036] In the embodiments of Fig. IB, scent delivery device 100b may further comprise a scent substance container chamber 160, and a scent release device 165. Scent release device 165 may comprise a pump 170, a ventilator 180 and a scent outlet 190. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, ventilator 180 may not be required and other scent distribution elements may be uses such as sprayers or the like. According to some embodiments, controller 116 may be adapted to disconnect scent release device 165 and/or at least one of the components thereof, when device 100b is deactivated. It should be appreciated that when periodically maintained device 100a is not a scent delivery device, such as device 100b, the device 100a may comprise other components required for the device’s operation. It should be understood that controller 116 may be adapted to P-78213 -IL disconnect the appropriate components of the deactivated device according to the type of device.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, device 100a, 100b may comprise LED elements to provide indications to the user, such as, for example, an indication that the device is on and working, an indication that the device will be deactivated with in a predefined time if no reactivation code is entered, and the like.

[0038] According to some embodiments remote server 1000 may comprise a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1030, a memory 1020 and a reactivation code generator 1010. Server 1000 may be adapted to generate a reactivation code upon receipt of an identifying code and maintenance requirement code from a user, via a network 1110, such as the internet or a cellular communication network.

[0039] Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a flowchart of a method for deactivating and reactivating a periodically maintained device such as scent delivery device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when a scent delivery device, such as device 100b in Fig. IB, is connected to a power source for the first time, a Random Number Generator (RNG) unit (112 in Figs. 1 A and IB) may generate a random code (block 210) which may serve as a device identifier (e.g. a device serial number). According to some embodiments, the random number may be generated as a reaction to pressing a button on input device (150 in Figs. 1A and IB) and may be, for example, a function of the time that elapses since the connection of the device to a power source and till the button has been pressed. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other method of generating random codes may be used, as known in the art. The device identifying code may be a numeric code, an alphanumeric code or any other code known P-78213 -IL in the art. The device identifying code may have, for example four characters, six characters, or any other number of characters.

[0041] It should be appreciated that the generation of the device identifying code described in block 210, may be done by the manufacturer of the scent delivery device, before releasing the device for marketing, by the distributor of the device, prior to providing the device to an end user, or by the end user of the device upon first activation thereof. It would be appreciated, however, that once an identifying code has been generated, it may be recorded on a non-volatile memory of the device (such as memory 120 in Figs. 1 A and IB), and may not be changed.

[0042] As seen in block 220, when the device is activated (e.g. connected to a power source), a timer (140 in Figs. 1 A and IB) may be initiated.

[0043] According to some embodiments, a time record may be recorded on a memory, such as a non-volatile memory, every time interval, to keep track of time that elapsed since activation (or reactivation) of the device (block 230). For example, every hour, every six hours, every 24 hours or any other appropriate time interval, a time stamp may be recorded on the non-volatile memory (120 in Figs. 1A and IB) so that even if the device is disconnected from a power source, the time that has elapsed since the activation of the device (or its reactivation) may be maintained.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the device is disconnected from a power source and then reconnected, the timer may be promoted by one or more time intervals and a record of the updated time may be recorded on the non volatile memory. For example, in order to prevent attempts to stop the timer by disconnecting the device from a power source, each time the device is disconnected and P-78213 -IL then reconnected to a power source, the timer may be promoted by one or more days (e.g. 24 hours, 48 hours, etc.), and a time record may be registered on the memory of the device.

[0045] As indicated in block 240, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the device may be deactivated when the recorded time that has elapsed since the initiation, or re-initiation of the timer reaches a deactivation time limit.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the deactivation time limit may be 30 days, 32 days, 47 days, 60 days, 62 days, 90 days, or any other number of days, according to the type of device and its maintenance requirements. For example, when the device is a scent delivery desvice as illustrated in Fig. IB, the deactivation time limit may be determined according to the scent container exhaustion time, which may be calculated, for example according to the following formula: Formula 1 : ET = TV/(VPR * NR) Wherein: ET is the scent container exhaustion time; TV is the total volume of substance in the scent container; VPR is the volume of substance release in each use; and NR is the number of substance releases per hour.

[0047] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other parameters may be used in order to determine the deactivation time limit.

[0048] According to some embodiments, prior to deactivation of the device, RNG (112 in Figs. 1A and IB) of processor (110 in Figs. 1A and IB) may generate a maintenance requirement code (block 250). Maintenance requirement code may be a numeric code, an alphanumeric code or any other code known in the art. Maintenance requirement code may contain 4, 6, 8 or any other number of characters as may be known in the art.

[0049] According to some embodiments, as shown in block 250, the device identifying code and the maintenance requirement code may be presented on a display of the device.

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[0050] According to some embodiments, the maintenance requirement code may be generated a preset time prior to the deactivation of the device. For example, the preset time may be three days prior to the elapse of the deactivation time limit. According to other embodiments, the preset time may be 7 days prior to the elapse of the deactivation time limit. It would be appreciated that other time periods may be set.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the maintenance requirement code may be changed every reactivation of the device.

[0052] In order to reactivate the device, a reactivation code should be entered via a code input device (block 260). The reactivation code may be received from a remote server (such as remote server 1000 in Figs. 1 A and IB).

[0053] For example, the reactivation code may be inserted by a user of said periodically maintained device via an input device, wherein the user may receive the reactivation code from a remote service provider, and the remote service provider may generate the reactivation code upon receipt of the device serial number or identifying code and the maintenance requirement code from the user.

[0054] According to some embodiments, a user may communicate with a remote server via a communication channel such as the internet, a phone line or any other communication channels known in the art. The user may provide to the remote server the device identifying code and the maintenance requirement code and in return receive from the remote server a reactivation code.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the reactivation code may be generated as a function of the device identifying code and the maintenance requirement code. For example, checking the validity of the reactivation code may comprise applying a P-78213 -IL mathematical formula on the device identifying code and the maintenance requirement code and comparing the received reactivation code with the outcome of said formula.

[0056] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the reactivation code may be a numeric code, and alphanumeric code or any other type of code known in the art. It should be further appreciated that the form and content of reactivation code may be derived from the form and content of the device identifying code and the maintenance requirement code.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the reactivation code may be a 6 characters code, an 8 characters code or any other number of characters codes.

[0058] After receiving from the remote server a reactivation code, the reactivation code may be inputted via input device (such as input device 150 in Figs. 1A and IB) and a counter of the number of attempt made to enter a reactivation code may be promoted by 1 (block 260). The processor may then check the validity of the received reactivation code (block 270).

[0059] According to some embodiments, when the received reactivation code is a valid code, the device, such as scent delivery device (100b in Fig. IB), may be reactivated and the timer may be restarted (blocks 280 and 285).

[0060] When the received reactivation code is invalid the processor may check whether the number of attempts to enter a valid reactivation code, counted by the counter, is larger than the allowed number of attempts (block 290). When the number of attempts to enter a reactivation code is smaller than the allowed number of attempts, another attempt to enter a code may be allowed. However, when the number of attempts made exceeds the allowed number of attempts, the input device may be locked and no further attempts may be allowed for an input lock time (block 295). According to some embodiments, the input P-78213 -IL lock time may be one hour. According to other embodiments, a different input lock time may be set.

[0061] When the input lock time elapses, the counter value may be reset to zero and the user may try to enter a valid reactivation code (blocks 295 and 260).

[0062] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further provide an indication, a predefined time prior to deactivation of the device, that the device will be deactivated. The indication may be, according to some embodiments, by presenting a message on the display of the device. According to other embodiments, the indication may be provided by a sequence of lights, such as one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LED) on an exposed face of the device.

[0063] For example, according to some embodiments, three days prior to the elapse of the deactivation time limit, a plurality of LEDs (e.g. 3 LEDs) located on a visible face of the device, such as scent delivery device, may blink slowly to indicate that the deactivation time limit is about to elapse and that a reactivation code should be obtained and entered. It would be appreciated that other indications may be provided in order to draw the attention to the upcoming deactivation of the device.

[0064] Some embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software for execution by a processor-based system, for example, central server 1000, and scent delivery device 100. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in code or software and may be stored on a non-transitory storage medium having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform methods as discussed herein, and can be used to program a system to perform the instructions. The non-transitory storage medium may include, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only P-78213 -IL

Claims

CLAIMS [0067] What is claimed is:

1. A method for deactivating and reactivating a device requiring periodic maintenance, comprising: generating, by a processor of the periodically maintained device a first random code, upon first connection of the periodically maintained device to a power source; initiating a timer upon activation of the periodically maintained device; recording on a non-volatile memory of the periodically maintained device, the time that has elapsed since the timer has been initiated, every predefined time interval; deactivating the periodically maintained device when the recorded time that has elapsed since the initiation of the timer reaches a deactivation time limit; presenting on a display of the periodically maintained device the first random code and a second random code, generated a preset time prior to the deactivation time limit; receiving a reactivation code, entered via a code input device; checking validity of received reactivation code; and when said received reactivation code is valid, reactivating the periodically maintained device and reset the timer, wherein when an invalid reactivation code is received more than an allowed number of times, locking the code input device for an input lock time, and wherein when the input lock time elapses, unlocking the code input device and resetting the counter value.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein said checking the validity of said reactivation code comprises applying a mathematical formula on said first code and said P-78213 -IL second code and comparing the received reactivation code with the outcome of said formula.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 and 2 further comprising providing an indication that the periodically maintained device will be deactivated, said preset time prior to deactivation of said periodically maintained device.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said first code is a serial number recorded on said non-volatile memory of said periodically maintained device.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said second code is changed every reactivation of said periodically maintained device.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said reactivation code is inserted by a user of said periodically maintained device via an input device, wherein said user receives said reactivation code from a remote service provider, and wherein said remote service provider generates said reactivation code upon receipt of said first code and said second code from said user.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said deactivation time limit is one time limit from a group consisting: 32 days, 47 days and 62 days.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein disconnecting said periodically maintained device from a power source and reconnecting the periodically maintained device to the power source, advances the timer by a predefined time interval.

9. The method according to claim 8 wherein said time interval is 1 day.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said input lock time is 1 hour. P-78213 -IL

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said first code, said second code and said reactivation code are numeric codes.

12. The method according to claim 11 wherein said first code and said second code are 4 digits codes and said reactivation code is a 6 digit code.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-10 wherein said first code, said second code and said reactivation code are alphanumeric codes.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said periodically maintained device is a scent delivery device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-13 wherein said periodically maintained device is a water treatment device.

16. A system for deactivating and reactivating a periodically maintained device, comprising: a periodically maintained device; and a remote server connected to a network; wherein said scent delivery device comprises: a processor; a memory; and a timer, wherein said periodically maintained device is deactivated when a predefined time has elapsed since activation of said timer, and wherein said periodically maintained device is adapted to be reactivated when a valid reactivation code is entered by a user via a code input device of said periodically maintained device. P-78213 -IL

17. The system according to claim 1 wherein said reactivation code is generated by said remote server upon receipt, at said remote server, from a user, via said network, a device identifying code and a maintenance requirement code.

18. The system according to claim 17 wherein said device identifying code and said maintenance requirement code are generated by said processor of said periodically maintained delivery device.

19. The system according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein said periodically maintained device further comprises a display.

20. The system according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein said periodically maintained device further comprises at least one LED to provide indications to a user.

21. The system according to any one of claims 16-20, wherein said periodically maintained device is a scent delivery device.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein said scent delivery device further comprises a scent release device.

23. The system according to claim 22 wherein said scent delivery device further comprises a controller to activate and deactivate said scent release device, according to instructions received from said code validation unit.

24. A periodically maintained device comprising: a processor; a memory; a timer; and a code input device; wherein said periodically maintained device is deactivated when a predefined time has elapsed since activation of said timer, and wherein said periodically maintained device