Patent Application
20080015873
By way of one example of many to serve as background in understanding the present invention,
As shown in
The clubhouse 120 includes a remote computer 200. A more detailed view of the remote computer 200 is shown in
As shown in
The mode of use referred to as the retrospective billing mode is simultaneously described in
The remote computer 200 will alert the clubhouse 120 that the air conditioner 130 is either inactive or is about to become inactive and that the accumulated hours must be collected and paid for in order to continue operation of the air conditioner 130. Once the time remaining in the remote processing unit 300 reaches zero, further use of the air conditioner 130 is precluded. An individual must place the electronic data storage device 220 near the hardware interface 330 so that the identification number 132 and the duration of use data 335 is transferred from the memory 342 of the remote processing unit 300 to the electronic data storage device 220. The data 335 can be encrypted for additional security. The electronic data storage device 220 is also presumed to have sufficient memory to collect data 335 from hundreds of air conditioners 130.
Once all of the data 335 from one or more air conditioners 130 has been acquired and stored on the electronic data storage device 220, the electronic data storage device 220 is placed near the hardware interface 210 of the remote computer 200 at the clubhouse 120. The data 335 from the electronic data storage device 220 is then transferred to the remote computer 200 which then calculates the total amount of time the air conditioner(s) 130 had been in use for a given time period. In order to secure the process, the remote computer 200 then generates and displays an encrypted code 160 that contains the golf course identification number 134 and usage data 335. Once the encrypted code 160 is obtained, an individual must access the Internet web server 150, preferably or most likely from the remote computer 200. Typically, this is done by logging into a website 151 through the Internet 154 that is maintained on the web server 150. Once accessed, the individual enters the encrypted code 160 along with payment information 158 such as a credit card or bank account number, into the website 151. The web server 150 then processes the transaction and issues a new encrypted number 161 that correlates to the golf course identification number 134 and provides the new usage data 335 for activating the air conditioner 130 for a specified period of time. The encrypted number 161 is then entered into the remote computer 200.
To reactivate the air conditioner 130, the electronic data storage device 220 is held near the second hardware interface 210 that is connected to the remote computer 200. The remote computer 200 transfers the usage data 335, corresponding golf course identification number 134 and the air conditioner identification number 132 to the electronic data storage device 220. Again, this information may be encrypted for security purposes. The electronic data storage device 220 is then held near one or more of the hardware interface(s) 210 on the remote processing units 300 on the air conditioners 130 that must be activated. The remote processing units 300 then extract the usage data 335, corresponding golf course identification number 134, and the air conditioner identification number 132 from the electronic data storage device 220. The activation status 344 of the air conditioner 130 is then switched to on.
In an alternative embodiment, the entire process of transmitting usage data 335 between the remote computer 200 and the remote processing unit 300 could be accomplished using a secure wireless transmission between the computer 200 and the unit 300.
As shown in
The user activates the air conditioner 130 by placing the electronic data storage device 220 near the second hardware interface 210 of the remote processing unit 300. The remote processing unit 300 verifies that the encryption key number 160 is valid. If it is valid, the remote processing unit 300 extracts the time data 156.
If the air conditioner 130 is operating in the absolute time mode, the air conditioner unit 130 will remain active until the time of day contained in the electronic data storage device 220 has been removed. When the predetermined time of day is reached, the remote processing unit 300 deactivates the air conditioner 130 until new activation data is received from the electronic data storage device 220.
If the air conditioner 130 is operating in the “hours of use” mode, the air conditioner unit 130 will remain active for the discrete period of time contained in the electronic data storage device 220. When the predetermined time of use has elapsed, the remote processing unit 300 deactivates the air conditioner 130 until new activation data is received from the electronic data storage device 220.
While the inventive apparatus, as well as a method of cooling ambient air as described and claimed herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the detail of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to one or more particular preferred embodiments, persons possessing ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.
