Patent ID: 6970850
Filing Date: 2005-11-29
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
1. A method for managing a plurality of proximity service systems, comprising the steps of: storing in a proximity service provider computer system a plurality of proximity service codes, each proximity service code being uniquely associated with one or more proximity service systems, each proximity service system providing a predetermined service in response to receiving an authorization code from a proximity authorization unit; providing access to the proximity service codes stored in the proximity service provider computer system to a customer; receiving from the customer the customer's selection of one or more of the proximity service codes stored in the proximity service provider computer system by inputting a customer code uniquely identifying the particular customer and an identification of the selected proximity service codes; providing to the customer by the proximity service provider computer system a proximity authorization code unique to the customer for the selected proximity service code and unique for the selected proximity authorization unit and a system customer code uniquely identifying the customer, the proximity authorization code permitting the customer to operate proximity service systems associated with the proximity service code by outputting the proximity authorization code by the customer using the customer's proximity authorization unit for activating one of the proximity service systems associated with the selected proximity service codes to provide the predetermined service; and receiving information, by the proximity service provider computer system, from the proximity service systems indicating usage of the proximity service systems, the information including proximity authorization codes identifying the customers using the proximity service systems, and proximity service codes identifying the proximity service systems, wherein at least some of the proximity service systems are owned by a first owner, and at least some of the proximity service systems are owned by a second owner, and wherein the method further comprises the steps of outputting statement for the first owner indicative of usage of the proximity service systems owned by the first owner, and outputting a statement for the second owner indicative of usage of the proximity service systems owned by the second owner.