Patent ID: 6141652
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: G06F,G06Q,G07F,H04L,H04M

Abstract:
A method of operating a first apparatus for value, the apparatus being connected to a further apparatus, comprising a monitor device comprising a communications device and a programmable processor operating under the control of a stored program, arranged to control the use of the first apparatus, the first apparatus being connected to a telecommunications channel, the method comprising the steps of:transmitting a forward message from the monitor device to a remote location via said telecommunications channel;receiving a corresponding return message from said remote location via said telecommunications channel;verifying said return message to determine whether it is authentic; and, if so;permitting the operation of said first apparatus; and, if not;inhibiting the operation of said first apparatus, the program being arranged to monitor the operation of the first apparatus and to perform the above steps periodically when the first apparatus is in use;wherein, a predetermined progressive sequence of differing said forward messages is provided.