Patent ID: 9536239
Date: 2017-01-03
CPC Classifications: G06Q,G07F,H05B,Y02B,Y04S

Claim:
1. A method of configuring an asset for use, the method comprising: in response to receipt of a deposit, providing a user with possession of the asset, the deposit being less than a capital cost of the asset; by a transaction processing system that is remote from the asset, charging an amount for a determined amount of time in which the asset is switched on, wherein the amount charged includes a portion allocated to the capital cost of the asset; receiving a funds transfer for payment of the amount charged, wherein the funds transfer is received by the transaction processing system remotely from the asset via wireless communication with a mobile communications apparatus that is separate from the asset; in response to successful processing of a payment for the amount charged by the transaction processing system, sending an electronic message to the asset by wireless communication from a remote location which causes a processor in the asset to activate an internal switch in the asset so that the internal switch is on, thereby providing a circuit path with electrical power when the asset is switched on for the determined amount of time, and if processing of the payment is not successful or if the asset has been switched on for the determined amount of time, deactivating the internal switch in the asset so that the internal switch is off and the asset cannot be switched on, and wherein the internal switch is coupled to the processor so that the processor determines whether the asset can be switched on even if the user has otherwise attempted to activate the asset; repeating the steps of charging an amount for a determined amount of time, receiving a funds transfer for payment of the amount charged, and activating the internal switch in the asset so that the asset can be switched on, until the capital cost of the asset has been paid; and after successful processing of payments by the transaction processing system such that the capital cost of the asset has been paid, sending an electronic message to the asset by wireless communication from a remote location which causes the processor in the asset to activate the internal switch in the asset so that the internal switch is on and enables the asset to be switched on without further charges for the capital cost.