Abstract:
An integrated electronic system consisting of a network of appliances and machines, such as clothes washers and dryers, vending machines, or other equipment, controlled from a central management computer. Each networked apparatus is uniquely identified, and is maintained in an inoperative standby state, until a prospective user has a valid account for payment, and authorizes stated charges to be billed to their account, or optionally has presented a charge card, thus paying for use of the respective appliance or machine. Account information is maintained and processed in the central management computer, which can be interactively linked to a separate billing system, property management system, or financial institution, thereby automating the verification and billing process. Message data can be sent to and displayed on any or all appliances and machines, a periodic polling of the network ensures security, and an audit trail is generated, with the operational history of each apparatus on the network. Operation of any or all appliances and machines on the network can be inhibited, on command from the central management computer, and the system has extensive maintenance and diagnostic capabilities.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     
         ______________________________________Field of Search:______________________________________68/12, 194/205, 194/211, 194/217, 194/241, 194/302, 307/38, 307/40,340/298, 340/299, 340/500, 340/517, 340/523, 340/635, 340/825, 364/138,364/140, 364/221, 364/440, 364/479, 364/570, 364/921, 395/200, 395/325,395/375, 395/650, 395/725______________________________________U.S. Patent Documents:______________________________________5,600,310   February 4, 1997                 Whipple III, et. at.                               340/8255,570,085   October 29, 1996                 Bertsch       340/8255,424,940   June 13, 1995 Ousborne      364/1404,555,639   November 26, 1985                 Melek         307/384,510,778   April 16, 1985                 Cotton        68/12______________________________________ 
    
     FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     Reference To Microfiche Appendix: Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to networks of appliances and other machines that are controlled by a central management computer. More specifically, it relates to appliances and other machines that are remotely activated, in response to the user&#39;s authorization to charge the costs incurred to the user&#39;s account, or the equivalent, through a central management computer which accomplishes the billing functions and also provides a number of additional control and monitoring capabilities. 
     In hotels, motels, resorts, and a variety of institutions, amenities have become a key part of efforts to attract customers and clients, and to increase revenues. Often, these are simple, relatively low cost items, such as coffee makers, that are provided for the user&#39;s convenience. More complex and expensive items such as laundry machines are not typically offered, however, despite their significant potential appeal. A primary reason is the difficulty of managing the use and maintenance of such equipment. 
     Conventional appliances and machines present an administrative dilemma, since there is no easy way to govern their use, and they can bring significant maintenance problems. Coin-operated machines have been around for many years, but they are expensive, too large to install in, for example, hotel rooms, and they don&#39;t alleviate the maintenance concerns. 
     Most current appliance and machine designs utilize microcontrollers to manage timing and control of the device&#39;s operation. With relatively minor hardware and software changes, these microcontrollers can be connected, via a network cable, to a central, file-server-type computer. 
     Concepts have been developed for networking appliances together, in a variety of ways, but none have addressed the requirements of these applications. Prior art has included systems to control coin-laundry washers and dryers, to control associated appliances from a single device, to selectively switch power to various machines, and to manage a variety of home appliances. However, there has been no known showing of a system designed to charge the use of an appliance or machine to a customer&#39;s existing billable account, and to meet the other specific needs of the hospitality industry. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an efficient and cost-effective means for controlling and monitoring a network of appliances or other machines from a central management computer, identifies individual appliances and machines by preset unique identification codes, and automatically charges customers for their use of the appliances and machines. 
     Another novel feature is the ability of this system to interact with other, independent computer systems, obtaining customer account verification data, and providing posting data which automatically debits the user&#39;s account for charges incurred through the use of an appliance or machine connected to this system. 
     It is a further object of this invention to simplify and expedite any required maintenance of the networked appliances and machines, which it accomplishes by implementing a number of diagnostic features. It also provides a means of verifying the functionality of the networked appliances and machines, ensuring their security, tracking their operational history, inhibiting their use whenever necessary, and transmitting messages and advertisements to users. 
     This system is designed to meet the needs of the hospitality industry, and can offer benefits in many other fields as well, by managing, for example, vending machines, car washes, fuel dispensers, and entertainment products. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     Other objects and aspects of this invention and advantages thereof will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an appliance or machine control system according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 represents a data message transmitted over the network by the central management computer to send an instruction or message to an appliance or machine on the system. 
     FIG. 3 represents a data message transmitted over the network by an appliance or machine to make a service request, to respond to a query from the central management computer, or to report a detected malfunction. 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an appliance or machine controller with provisions appropriate for use with this control system. 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a central management computer, configured for use in an embodiment of this control system. 
     FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show a flow chart useful in understanding the interaction of an appliance or machine controller, the central management computer, and a property management system, for a typical system transaction. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised of a plurality of appliances or machines 12-15, each located in a specific location, a central management computer 10 equipped with a printer 17, modem 16, and uninterruptible power source 20, a network cable 11 which interconnects the appliances 12-15 and the central management computer 10, and a PMS data cable 18 which interconnects the central management computer 10 with the site&#39;s property management system 19. 
     The network type may be a Local Area Network, a high speed or low speed serial network, or a wireless network, depending on the system and site requirements. For a typical application, a high speed serial network is utilized and conventional interface hardware is employed for cost, installation, and standardization reasons. 
     FIG. 2 shows an example of a data format used by the central management computer 10 to transmit instructions, acknowledgments, and messages to appliances and machines on the network. The first component of the data format is a preamble A that identifies it as a transmission from the central management computer 10, which has a higher priority than transmissions from appliances. Next is the routing identifier B which addresses an individual appliance or machine by its unique identification code. This is followed by the data field C and message field D. The last field E contains a checksum to protect data integrity. 
     The central management computer checks for an acknowledgment for each transmission sent, and sends an acknowledgment for every data transmission correctly received. In the event an acknowledgment is not received, the transmission is repeated a preset number of times, after which a maintenance report is generated, so that an inoperative appliance or machine, or network fault, is repaired promptly. 
     FIG. 3 is an example of the data format used by appliances and machines to transmit requests for service to the central management computer 10, to respond to instructions from the central management computer 10, and to report any malfunction detected by the appliance or machine controller&#39;s diagnostics. 
     The first field a contains the appliance&#39;s unique identification code. Next is the data field b, and the last field c contains the checksum. Like the central management computer, the appliance or machine controller checks for an acknowledgment for every data transmission, and retries a preset number of times if the transmission is not acknowledged. In the event an acknowledgment is still not received, the transmission is held in a buffer and retried at random time intervals until the data is received and acknowledged by the central management computer 10. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, the controller in each appliance or machine incorporates a suitable interface for the network link, and its software is modified as required to implement the network communication interface and protocol, and to enable the central management computer 10 to control its operation. Depending on the type of appliance or machine involved, various switches and sensors may be used as inputs to the microcontroller, and the microcontroller outputs may drive motors, valves, heaters, and other devices. 
     The example shown in FIG. 4 is a controller appropriate for use in a variety of appliances and machines. Microcontroller 30 is the heart of this controller, managing all timing, control, and communications functions for this appliance or machine by executing software instructions stored in an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or equivalent 35. The user interface for this machine is comprised of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or equivalent 31,which advises the user of choices available, actions required, system status, advisory messages, and other pertinent information, and the accompanying key switches 32, which allow the user to input commands to the controller. Audible alert 33 is used to call the user&#39;s attention to the LCD display 31, when important or urgent information is being presented. 
     As in appliances with conventional electronic controller/timers, operational data is fed to the microcontroller 30 by means of a number of input interfaces and sensors 36, which condition and buffer external signals from switches, mechanisms, and other devices, providing voltage levels acceptable for use by microcontroller 30. 
     Outputs from microcontroller 30 are presented to motors, pumps, heaters, and other devices at the required voltage and power levels by means of a number of output interfaces and devices 37. The 115 volt AC line input power to the appliance or machine is switched by means of power control relay 38. 
     Modifications of the controller hardware pertinent to this invention consist of a network interface as appropriate to connect to network cable 11, and backup battery 34. Card reader 39 and receipt printer 40 may optionally be added. Also required are software changes that incorporate the ability to communicate with the central management computer via the network interface, that implement a unique identification code for the appliance or machine, that request and require activation by the central management computer prior to running any operational cycles, and that add a number of additional, related features. 
     These related features include: the incorporation of an idle mode, which is activated during power failures, utilizing voltage from the backup battery 34 to save and retain all pertinent data, so that the appliance or machine can be restarted, by a command from the central management computer, at the point in the operational cycle when the power failure occurred; 
     the incorporation of self-diagnostics which can detect and report malfunctions via the network to the central management computer. Examples of such self-diagnostics include the use of an optical sensor to check for a broken belt, a sensor switch to ensure that a lint filter is properly installed, or a moisture sensor to detect water leaks. These diagnostic functions can also be invoked from the central management computer 10 to allow maintenance personnel to diagnose and troubleshoot reported problems; 
     the capability to display message data, sent from the central management computer 10 via the network, on the appliance&#39;s LCD display or equivalent 31 and to utilize the appliance&#39;s audible alert 33 to call attention to the presence of such message data; 
     the ability to respond, by sending the appliance&#39;s unique identification code, when polled via the network by the central management computer 10; 
     the capability to erase and reprogram the EEPROM or equivalent 35 via the network, on command from and with program code supplied by the central management computer 10; for security purposes 
     the ability to suspend and inhibit all operations of the appliance or machine when so commanded, via the network, by the central management computer 10; 
     as an option, the capability to read data from optional card reader 39, to format such data and send it via the network to the central management computer 10, and to print charge confirmation receipts on optional receipt printer 40, in response to appropriate commands from central management computer 10. 
     In FIG. 5, an embodiment of the central management computer system is shown. The central management computer 10 may be any type or model of computer with the required capabilities, but is typically a current technology, high performance IBM-compatible personal computer. It utilizes a hard disk drive 22 for data storage and may employ mirrored drives, a disk array, or other fault-tolerant storage means, for maximum data integrity. 
     The central management computer 10 is powered by an uninterruptible power source 20, for protection from AC power line disturbances and interruptions. In the event of a power loss, the uninterruptible power source 20 provides a signal to central management computer 10, advising of the condition. Central management computer 10, on receiving such a signal, takes appropriate action to save all active data and to close all files, and sends a command via the network to all appliances, instructing them to cease operations and to switch to idle mode. Upon receiving a signal from the uninterruptible power source 20 that the AC power input has returned to normal, the central management computer 10 waits for a preset time interval to minimize the probability of repeated shutdowns, then resumes normal operation and sends a command via the network, directing the appliances and machines 12-15 to also resume operation. 
     The central management computer 10 is linked to appliances and machines 12-15 connected to the system by means of the network cable 11 and is linked to the site&#39;s property management system 19 by means of the PMS data cable 18. Upon receiving a service request from an appliance or machine, central management computer 10 sends a query to the property management system 19 to determine if guests have registered in the room identified by the respective appliance&#39;s unique identification code, and whether the guests have a valid billing account and have authorized charges to their account for the use of this appliance or machine. 
     If these conditions are not met, the central management computer 10, via the network, sends a message to the respective appliance or machine 12-15, informing the users that they do not have a valid account, and advising the action to take if they wish to establish an account. 
     If the required billing conditions are met, the central management computer 10, via the network, sends a message to the users instructing them to select the appliance or machine cycle they wish to use. 
     When the users make a selection, the appliance or machine controller communicates this data to the central management computer 10 via the network. The central management computer 10 checks its database for the price to be charged for the appliance or machine cycle selected by the users, and sends a message to the users informing them that their account will be billed the stated amount for the selected use, and asking that they choose to proceed or to cancel. 
     In the event that they elect to cancel, a reset command is sent to the appliance or machine controller, in preparation for the next user selection. 
     If they elect to proceed, the central management computer 10 opens a transaction file that records the unique identification code of the appliance or machine, the cycle selected by the user, the price quoted, and the date and time the election to proceed was made, then the central management computer 10 sends an instruction to the specific appliance or machine, enabling it to run the cycle or mode selected by the user. 
     When the cycle is completed, the appliance or machine controller notifies the central management computer 10 that the selected cycle was completed successfully, then resets in preparation for the next user selection. The central management computer updates its billing database with information from the respective transaction file, closes the transaction file, formats the charge posting data, and sends it to the property management system 19 via PMS data cable 18. The property management system 19, via PMS data cable 18, returns a reply that the billing data was posted; in the event that this reply is not received, the central management computer 10 buffers the charge posting data and retries at periodic intervals, until a valid reply is received. 
     The central management computer 10, via the network cable 11, periodically, at random intervals, or at specified times polls each appliance and machine 12-15 on the network by its unique identification number, for security purposes. 
     The central management computer 10, in response to service requests from appliances and machines equipped with an optional card reader 39, places a call via modem 16 to a bank processing center or other financial institution to verify the validity and creditworthiness of the card being used. If the card is not accepted, the central management computer 10, via the network, advises the user accordingly and resets the appliance or machine&#39;s controller. 
     If the card is accepted, the central management computer 10 proceeds to process the transaction in the same manner as an account that is billed locally or through a property management system 19. The only exception is that when the selected cycle is completed, the central management computer 10 places a call via modem 16 to the bank processing center or other financial institution to bill the cost of the selected appliance or machine use to the card account, then sends a command and message to the respective appliance, via the network, directing the controller to print a charge confirmation for the user, using the optional receipt printer 40. 
     The central management computer 10, via network cable 11, can send message data, such as advisories, announcements, or advertisements, to all appliances and machines on the network, or selectively to individual or groups of appliances and machines. 
     The central management computer 10, via network cable 11, can send a command to all appliances and machines on the network or selectively to individual or groups of appliances and machines, instructing them to inhibit or suspend all operations. This prevents the use of the networked appliances and machines during late hours, or in the event of an earthquake, sewer blockage, or other problem. 
     The central management computer 10, via network cable 11, can send a command to any appliance on the network, instructing it to execute specific diagnostic tests and to transmit the results of these tests back to the central management computer 10, via network cable 11. Utilizing modem 16, the diagnostic capabilities of the central management computer 10 can be controlled from remote locations. Reports of problems and results of diagnostics are provided through the use of printer 17, which can also be used to generate administrative reports and account invoices. 
     Program software in any or all appliances or machines on the network can also be updated through the central management computer 10. 
     The central management computer 10 generates an audit trail for each appliance on the network. This is an historical record of the utilization of the appliance, including the specific cycles that were run, problem reports, and maintenance actions. 
     In addition to its automated features, central management computer 10, through the use of monitor and keyboard 21, allows on-screen review of transactions in process, history files, user account status, and system diagnostics. Through the use of password-protected programs, it also allows account credits, special no-charge use of specific appliances and machines, and operatordirected diagnostic routines. 
     With a system configured as shown in FIG. 1 and referring to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the following is a typical transaction interchange: 
     While waiting to be activated by a user, the appliance or machine controller responds 612 to security polling 610, receives 606 and displays messages 608, and performs self-diagnostic monitoring 602. In the event that the self diagnostic monitoring detects a fault, a problem code is sent 600 via the network to the central management computer, where a maintenance request 604 is generated. To activate the appliance or machine, the user presses a switch 614, indicating a desire to wash a load of clothes, on appliance 14, located in room #103. 
     The request is transmitted from appliance 14, via the network cable 11, to the central management computer 10. 
     The central management computer 10 sends a request for account verification 620, via PMS data cable 18, to the property management system 19. 
     The property management system 19 checks its data base 618 to see if a guest is registered in room #103, and if the registered guest has authorized charges for use of the clothes washer. 
     The property management system 19 replies, via PMS data cable 18, to the central management computer 10, in the affirmative or negative, depending on the information retrieved from its database. 
     If the central management computer 10 received a negative response from the property management system 19, a message is sent 622, via the network cable 11, to appliance 14, which is presented on the display readout of appliance 14, notifying that the user that the account for room #103 is not valid or use of the clothes washer has not been authorized, and that the user should contact the front desk at extension #808 for assistance. The controller is then reset 616, in preparation for the next user selection. 
     If the central management computer 10 received an affirmative response from the property management system 19, a message is sent 624, via the network cable 11, to appliance 14, instructing the user to select the desired wash cycle. 
     Appliance 14, via network cable 11, sends a request 626 to central management computer 10, indicating the wash cycle that the user has selected. 
     Central management computer 10 checks its Pricing Database 628 to determine the price to be charged for the wash cycle selected by the user. 
     Central management computer 10 sends a message, via the network cable 11, to appliance 14, which is presented on the display readout of appliance 14, notifying that the user 630 that the room #103 account will be billed $2.00 for the use of the clothes washer, and to press key #1 to proceed, or key #2 to cancel. 
     Appliance 14, via network cable 11, sends a response to central management computer 10, indicating whether the user has decided to proceed or cancel. 
     If the user has decided to cancel 636, the central management computer 10 sends a command, via the network cable 11, to appliance 14, instructing the controller to reset 632, in preparation for the next user selection. 
     If the user has decided to proceed, the central management computer 10 opens a transaction file for room #103 638, then sends a command 640, via the network cable 11, to appliance 14, instructing the controller to begin executing the selected wash cycle. 
     When the selected wash cycle is finished, appliance 14, via network cable 11, sends a response 646 to central management computer 10, indicating that the selected operations have been completed. 
     The central management computer 10 sends a command 648, via the network cable 11, to appliance 14, instructing the controller to reset 642, updates the central management computer billing database with the charges to room #103&#39;s account, then closes the room #103 transaction file 652. 
     The central management computer 10 sends charge posting data 656, via the PMS data cable 18, to property management system 19. 
     Property management system 19, via PMS data cable 18, sends a confirmation 654 to central management computer 10 that the charges were successfully posted to the room #103 account. 
     Central management computer 10 updates its billing database 656, indicating that the room #103 charges have been posted to the property management system 19. If the room #103 charges have not been successfully posted, the central management computer 10 holds this data in a buffer and continues to periodically send the posting data, via PMS data cable 18, to property management system 19, until an acknowledgment is received. 
     If any problems had been detected by the controller diagnostics during the wash cycles, appliance 14 would have sent, via network cable 11, a response 644 to central management computer 10, indicating the presence and nature of the problem, thus generating a maintenance request 650 for the clothes washer in room #103. The central management computer 10 would not update its billing database with charges to the room #103 account, and would keep the room #103 transaction file open until appliance 14 has been repaired and the selected wash cycle completed, or until this transaction is cancelled due to appliance 14 being inoperative. In any event, charges will not be posted to the property management system 19 until the central management computer 10 has verified that appliance 14 has successfully completed the wash cycle that was selected by the user in room #103. 
     While specific embodiments and examples of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes are possible, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.