Patent ID: 6356881
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
A laundry system for use in providing a plurality of laundry functions, the laundry system comprising:a laundry machine executing the plurality of laundry functions of the laundry system, the laundry machine comprising: a first input device; random number generator; machine code generator which generates a unique machine code based on a random number generated by said random number generator; first output device which generates an output based on the machine code not previously contemplated but possible generated by said machine code generator; first replenish code generator, coupled to said first input device, which generates a replenish code based on the machine code generated by said machine code generator and a payment amount or point count received by said first input device; point balance register storing a current point value for the laundry machine; compare unit which, upon detection of a valid replenish code input to said first input device, replenishes the point value stored in said point balance register in accordance with the payment amount or point count input to said input device; and function enable unit, coupled to said point balance register, detecting a requested one of the plurality of laundry functions provided by the laundry system based on requests for function input by said first input device, and determining whether said point balance register contains a sufficient point value balance to satisfy the point value cost of the requested function, wherein said function enable unit issues an enable signal for the requested function upon detection of a point value balance in said point balance register at least matching the corresponding point value cost for each requested function, said function enable unit reducing the point balance stored in said point balance register in accordance with the point value cost of each requested function upon issuing an enable signal; a system operator authorizing operation of said laundry machine, the system operator comprising: a second input device which receives a replica of the machine code generated by said machine code generator, and receives a point count or payment amount; a second replenish code generator, coupled to said second input device, which generates a user replenish code based on the machine code replica and point count or payment amount input by said second input device; and a second output device, coupled to said second replenish code generator, which outputs the user replenish code generated by said second replenish code generator for use in replenishment of point values stored in said laundry machine so as to enable execution of requested ones of the plurality of laundry functions by said laundry machine.