Field of the invention

The present invention relates to Powered devices and more particularly to a system and method for Powered device recharging on Pay Per Time (PPT)/ pay- per-use (PPU)/ Pay Per Amp (PPA) basis

Background of the invention

In several developing nations, centralized electrical production isn't out there and getting autonomous electrical production capabilities and appliances for utilizing created electricity is a price prohibitory affair. At present, billions of individuals need access to power and they spend most of their major income on low-quality, perilous fuel-based sources of light, for example, lamp fuel, in order to meet their vitality needs. Families go out hours to the closest source of power to charge their mobile phones or purchase batteries. In like manner, a need exists for a sheltered and temperate method for giving light and vitality to base level family units. Also, a price of buying alternative energy means, such as a powered device, is a costlier affair for such individuals.

Efforts are seen in the art to develop a strategy and framework for performing electronic exchanges utilizing a state of offers gadget. Thus, systems exist that allow persons having budget constraints to amass recharge based powered systems in order to improve health and duality of life. These systems enable a client to make installments at a state of offers thereby utilizing client's communicate device such as a cell phone, a feature phone or smart phone. However, existing system do not portray techniques and gadgets for monitoring use of energy and enable the client to pay for these administrations on an incremental basis. Moreover, existing systems fail to provide various recharging options to the user through a single device such as“pay per use (PPU)” or“Pay Per Time (PPT)” or“Pay Per Amp (PPA)” and the like. In addition, existing system and devices fail to have multiple input methods to recharge codes into the powered device such as IR remote, Wi-Fi, DTMF, Bluetooth, Keypads, GSM, Zigbee and the like.

Accordingly, there is need of a powered device recharging system that facilitates various recharging options to the user such as“pay per use (PPU)” or“Pay Per Time (PPT)” or “Pay Per Amp (PPA) through a single device thereby overcoming all the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a powered device recharging system that facilitates a plurality of users to interact through said system for recharging a powered device. The powered device recharging system comprises a powered device unit that is configured to be positioned within the powered device. The powered device unit receives an input from an input device selected from IR, keypad, Bluetooth, DTMF receiver and the like. The powered device unit includes a microcontroller (MCU), a semiconductor switch and a battery. The powered device recharging system includes a server that sends instructions to the powered device unit. The server is integrated with local SMS and payment gateways to facilitate both internet and non-internet (using SMS and USSD codes) based payments. The server communicates with a registered user database and a recharge codes database. The system includes a microcontroller unit having an input buffer module, a comparing logic unit, a timer module with a current measurement sub module, an output pin, recharge codes generation module, a sleep mode control unit and a serial port.

The powered device recharging system is deployed on online server and it includes a login and profile module, a user management module, a device management module, an online payment management module, a device registration management module, a device recharge management module and a report management module. The login and profile module is configured to manage profile and passwords for a plurality of users. The login and profile module includes a super admin sub module, a manufacturer sub module, a business owner sub module, a distributor sub module and a customer sub module. The user management module is configured to manage credentials of the plurality of users. The super admin sub module includes an admin control panel, a data analysis module, and a recharge code generation algorithm. The manufacturer sub module includes a manufacturer control panel, a data analysis module and a manufacturer tool configured with a seed point generation algorithm.

The manufacturer tool includes a server that communicates with a manufacturer’s communication device. The manufacturer’s tool includes a desktop terminal interfaced with barcode scanner and USB to serial converter module. The barcode scanner scans serial number in form of barcode pasted on the device being manufactured, sends that scanned barcode to server using desktop terminal (Server has list of serial-seed pair), then server sends back corresponding seed point, that seed point is fed into the device using serial to USB port. The business owner sub module includes a business owner control panel, and a data analysis module. The distributor sub module includes a distributor’s control panel and a data analysis module. The customer sub module includes a customer control panel and a data analysis module. The device management module is configured to maintain information related to the powered device. The device management module manages a predefined and configurable percentage of commission for distributor in accordance with the type of the powered device. The device management module tracks commission change log for distributor with respect to the powered device. The device management module manages calculation of distributor balance as per the predefined commission percentage of the powered device. The online payment management module is configured to manage online payment through integrated payment gateways for the plurality of users. The online payment management module shows current balance of the distributor through a portal and generates invoice for each payment made by the user. The device registration management module is configured to release activation code and display said activation code followed by sending said activation request via SMS to the user. The device recharge management module is configured to facilitate selection of the powered device and denomination of the recharge. The device recharge management module is configured to release of selected denomination mapped with an recharge/unlock code followed by display of said recharge/unlock code on the screen and sending the same via SMS. The device recharge management module calculates credit balance as per type of the powered device, percentage of commission value and keeps record of transaction history of the user. The report management module has filters by virtue of which one can access data analytics to view reports in the form of graphs and written text showing Distributor wise, geographical region wise, device type wise historical data.

The powered device of the present invention may be configured as a pay-per-use (PPU) device, Pay Per Time (PPT) device or Pay Per Amp (PPA) device. The PPU device is designed such that said PPU device is solely usage based wherein validity of usage of device is dependent upon usage only and device retains validity even after its not been used for few days/months. The PPT device is designed such that it has some fixed validity of duration and its validity credit is decremented on basis of time as it is totally independent of usage or power consumption. The PPA device is designed such that its validity is dependent upon current drawn by load. If Device consumes more current then its validity credit decrements faster. Alternatively, if said device consumes less current then validity credit decrements slowly and device can be used for longer duration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is an environment diagram of a powered device recharging system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1A shows a five level hierarchy of a login and profile module of the powered device recharging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. IB is a block diagram of showing various components of the login and profile module of FIG. 1 A; FIG.1C is a block diagram showing components of a manufacturer tool of the login and profile module of FIG. IB;

FIG. 2 is a system architecture diagram of the powered device recharging system of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing component details of the powered device used in conjunction with the powered device recharging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an embodiment of the power device of FIG. 3 with a master- slave communication platform to facilitate tamper-proofing feature to the powered device recharging system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3B is a flowchart showing an operational flow of the master - slave communication platform of the powered device recharging system of FIG. i;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing serve set up for the powered device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a process of generating/ obtaining recharge codes in accordance with the powered device recharging system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a process for feeding recharge codes into the powered device recharging system of FIG. 1.

Detailed Description of the invention

References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase“in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. References in the specification to“preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention.

The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The present invention discloses a powered device recharging system which functions in an offline mode through SMS/USSD and an online mode through website and android app wherein the user puts device’s serial number, recharge amount in a specified SMS format to request recharge code in offline mode. The offline (non-internet based) payment can also be done by using USSD codes. The online payment can be done by visiting online portal or by using android app. The system is designed such that the powered device and its online server both store complete log of recharge amounts made by a distributor or a customer for future reference and analysis. The system also includes a keypad to enter recharge code into the powered device. Alternatively, other input methods to feed recharge codes into device can be IR remote, Wi-Fi, DTMF, Bluetooth, , GSM, Zigbee and the like. The powered device of the present invention may be configured as a pay-per-use (PPU) device, a Pay Per Time (PPT) device or a Pay

Per Amp (PPA) device in accordance with the present invention.

Now referring to FIG. 1, a powered device recharging system 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The powered device recharging system 100 is configured to accommodate a high-level initial approach wherein distribution of powered devices is facilitated to the consumers only through the distributors that are linked with the system 100 thereby availing facility to payments through the distributor network. The powered device recharging system 100 includes a login and profile module 110, a user management module 120, a device management module 130, an online payment management module 140, a device registration management module 150, a device recharge management module 160 and a report management module 170.

As shown in FIGS. 1 A and 1B, the system 100 creates account and credentials for all the users registered with the system l00.The login and profile module 110 facilitates the user to login through the system 100 with preapproved credentials. It is understood here that the user in the context of the present invention is a super admin or a manufacturer or an owner or a distributor or a customer. The login and profile module 110 also facilitates management of user profile and passwords. The login and profile module 110 of the powered device recharging system 100 includes a five level hierarchy inclusive of a super admin sub module 110A, a manufacturer sub module l lOB, a business owner sub module 110C, a distributor sub module 110D and a customer sub module 110E.

The super admin sub module 110A includes an admin control panel 110A1 that facilitates creation of a super admin for the system 100. The super admin facilitates technology to the manufacturer. The super admin sub module 1 10A includes a data analysis module 110A2 that facilitates data analysis of self, manufacturers, owners, distributors and end customers. The super admin sub module 110A also includes a recharge code generation algorithm 110A3 that generates recharge codes. The super admin sub module 110A has a separate login platform to view data such as manufacturers’ details, devices details, transaction history, different reports and the like. The super admin sub module 110A has restricted access to the business owner sub module 110C, distributor sub module 110D and customer sub module 110E is restricted to read data pertaining to owners, distributors and customers respectively.

The manufacturer sub module HOB includes a manufacturer control panel 110B1 that assists the manufacturer for integration of the technology into device at the time of manufacturing. The manufacturer sub module HOB includes a data analysis module 110B2 that facilitates data analysis of self , owners, distributors and customers. The manufacturer sub module 110B facilitates a separate login platform wherein the manufacturer can view data such as owners’ details, devices details, transaction history, different reports and the like. However, it is understood that the manufacturer has limited access to data and is able to view similar data in read only format only for distributors and customers via manufacturer sub module 110B. The manufacturer sub module HOB includes a manufacturer tool 110B3 that is configured with a seed point generation algorithm 110B4.

The business owner sub module 110C includes a business owner control panel 110C1 that facilitates the owners to assign/sale device to distributor. The business owner sub module 110C has a separate login platform wherein the user is facilitated to view data such as distributors’ details, devices details, transaction history, different reports and the like. However, it is understood that the owner is able to view similar data in read only format only of customers via the business owner sub module 110C. The business owner sub module 110C includes a data analysis module 110C2 that facilitates data analysis of self, distributors and users.

The distributor sub module 110D includes a distributor’s control panel 110Dl that facilitates access to the distributor to assign the device to the customer. The distributor sub module 110D includes a data analysis module 110D2 that allows data analysis of self and the users. The distributor sub module 110D has a separate login platform wherein the distributor is facilitated to view all data such as customers details, devices details, transaction history, different reports and the like.

The customer sub module 110E includes a customer/ end user control panel 110E1 that facilitates access to view data. The customer sub module 110E includes a data analysis module 110E2 that facilitates self-data analysis to the customer. The customer sub module 110E has a separate login platform wherein the customer is allowed to view all data such as device details, transaction history, different reports and the like. Referring to FIG. IB and 1C, the manufacturer tool 110B3 of the manufacturer sub module l lOB includes a server MT1 that communicates with manufacturer’s communication device MT2. The manufacturer tool 110B3 includes a desktop terminal interfaced with a barcode scanner and a USB to serial converter module. The manufacturer tool 110B3 includes a manufacturer device MT3 pasted with a barcode. The manufacturer device MT3 includes a serial port MT4 and a memory MTS. It is understood that a barcode scanner MT6 may be used to scan serial number in form of barcode and sends the same to the server MT1 through the desktop terminal having list of serial-seed pair. The server MT1 sends back corresponding seed point along with a secret configuration that is fed into the device through the serial port MT4. The manufacturer’s communication device MT2 is configured to feed the seed point and secret configuration to the device through a USB to serial converter MT7.

The user management module 120 facilitates management of various users of the system such as distributors and consumers. The device management module 130 maintains important information related to powered device such as device type, device ID, device name, device unlock code in encrypted format and device image. The device management module 130 is configured to set a predefined and configurable percentage of commission for distributor in accordance with the type of the powered device used in conjunction with the system 100. The device management module 130 is configured to track commission change log for distributor with respect to the powered device. The device management module 130 is configured to manage recharge denominations and number of recharge days based on type of the powered device. The device management module 130 is configurable to manage calculation of distributor balance as per the predefined commission percentage of the powered device. The online payment management module 140 is configured to manage/ perform online payment using a payment gateway by distributors and consumers. The online payment management module 140 is configured to show current balance of the distributor through a portal of the system 100. The online payment management module 140 is configured to generate invoice for each payment made by manufacturers, owners, distributors and consumers. The device registration management module 150 is configured to map powered device to consumer details. The device registration management module 150 is configured to release activation code and display the same on the screen. The device registration management module 150 is configured to send activation code via SMS to a consumer and/ or distributor. The device recharge management module 160 is configured to facilitate selection of the powered device and denomination of the recharge. The device recharge management module 160 is configured to release of selected denomination mapped with unlock code. The device recharge management module 160 is configured to display unlock code on the screen and send the same via SMS. The device recharge management module 160 is configured to calculate credit balance as per type of the powered device and percentage of commission value. The device recharge management module 160 is configured to track transaction history of the user. The report management module 170 is configured to generate distributor wise online payment history report. The report management module 170 is configured to generate report for area wise sales distributors. The report management module 170 is configured to provide consumer and distributor wise recharge transaction report. The report management module 170 is configured to generate device type wise commission report. The report management module 170 is configured to facilitate the user to export said reports in excel format and graphical format such as bar graph, pie chart, geographical hotspot etc.

Referring to FIG. 2, system architecture adapted for powered device recharging system 100 is shown that facilitates a distributor 205 and/or a customer 210 to interact with the system 100 through a gateway 215. The gateway 215 is integrated server with local SMS and payment gateways to facilitate both internet and non-internet (using SMS and USSD codes) based payments. A powered device unit 220 includes an input medium 225 selected from IR, keypad, Bluetooth, DTMF receiver and the like. The powered device unit 220 includes a microcontroller unit 230. The microcontroller unit 230 includes an input buffer module 235, a comparing logic unit 240, a timer module 245 with current measurement sub module 250, an output pin 255, a recharge codes generation module 260, a sleep mode control unit 265 and a serial port 270. The powered device unit 220 to be recharged also includes a microcontroller (MCU) 275, a semiconductor switch 280 and a battery 285. The input medium 225 is configured to receive an input from an input device 290 such as IR remote, keypad, Smartphone and the like. The SMS gateway API 215 is configured to receive instructions from a server 292. The server 292 is configured to communicate with a registered user database 294 and a recharge codes database 296. The server 292 is configured to facilitate a payment gateway through a payment gateway API 298. The server 292 is also configured to interact with a data analysis and reports module 299.

Referring to FIG. 3, components of a powered device 300 to be recharged using the system 100 of the present invention are shown. The powered device 300 includes PPU, PPT, PPA 310 and a semiconductor switch 320. The powered device 300 receives an input power for charging battery can be taken from mains, solar panels, other battery, any renewable energy source and the like. The powered device 300 includes Load 330 operating on 5VDC. For loads demanding higher voltages like 12v, 18v, 24 v, 48v, 96v, a DC to DC converter 340is connected, which converts battery voltage to any other higher voltages. In an embodiment, a suitable DC to AC inverter may be connected for loads operating on AC voltages.

Referring to FIG. 3 A, in an embodiment of the present invention, the device 300 has a tamper-proof feature. The device 300 works in collaboration with other devices which either stored power such as a battery or sourced power such as AC outlet, solar panels and the like. Accordingly, an end user/ consumer who are supposed to receive the device 300 by paying a fractional payment may bypass a semiconductor switch in said device 300 to eliminating the need of feeding recharge code or alternatively may replace the device with another device not containing the semiconductor switch at all. In order to avoid such event, the system 100 advantageously facilitates tamper-proofing feature to the device 300 through a master-slave communication mechanism 3000. It is understood here that the device 300 may be a master device or a slave device that works in conjunction with the master device. The master-slave communication platform 3000 includes a master unit 3010, a first slave unit 3020 and a second slave unit 3030. The master unit 3010 includes a communication unit 3012, a semiconductor switch 3014, and an input and our proprietary algorithm unit 3016. However, the first slave unit 3020 includes a communication unit 3022 and a semiconductor switch 3024. The second slave unit 3030 includes a communication unit 3032 and a semiconductor switch 3034. In an embodiment, the communication units 3012, 3022, 3032 can be a wired module or a wireless module such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC, to exchange data with each other. Further, the data communication between master unit 3010 and slave units 3020, 3030 is bidirectional. The semiconductor switches 3014, 3024, and 3034 are configured to simply control power flowing from one device to another. The input and proprietary algorithm unit 3016 is configured to generate pool of recharge codes, compare these codes with code input by user and signal the semiconductor switch 3014 to pass power to next device.

As shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B, an operational flow of the tamper-proofing feature of the device 300 is shown. In an initial step 3050, the master unit 3010 receives recharge code entered by the user. In step 3052, the master unit 3010 validates the received recharge code and accordingly communicates data“abc” to slave units 3020, 3030 in step 3054 in case if the recharge code is found valid else redirects control to step 3056 in case if the recharge code is found invalid. In step 3056, the master unit 3010 blocks the flow of power and accordingly signals the slave units 3020, 3030 to block the flow of power. Accordingly, the slave units 3020, 3030 block the power in step 3058. In step 3060, the slave units 3020, 3030 reply back reply data“xyz” in case if the recharge code is found valid and the process moves to next step 3062. If the data reply from slave unit 3020, 3030 is timed out then the control shifts to step 3064 such that slave units 3020, 3030 block power as per step 3058. However, if the data reply from master unit 3010 is timed out then the control shifts to step 3066 such that master unit 3010 blocks flow of power as per step 3056. In step 3062, the master unit 3010 signals the slave units 3020, 3030 to switch on the flow of power between master unit 3010 and slave units 3020, 3030 such that the whole system 100 starts functioning in step 3068. In last step 3070, the system keeps functioning with flow of power through master unit 3010 and slave units 3020, 3030 until the expiry of the recharge code. After the expiry of the recharge code, the control shifts to step 3056 wherein the master unit 3010 blocks the flow of power and signals the slave units 3020, 3030 to block the flow of power.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, a process 400 for set up of pay-per-user unit 310 and server 292 is shown that includes a desktop based software which takes serial number of the device as input seed point and generates x digit random numbers. These numbers are unique corresponding to unique serial number. This method eliminates need of more memory of microcontroller hence a low cost and low power microcontroller can be adapted in the context of the present invention. In the context of the present invention, the recharge amount to recharge converter deployed on server decides for how much money, what credit time duration is to be sent to customer. Recharge amount to recharge duration conversion rate is configurable by owner and distributor. Distributor has no restriction over this conversion rate if owner has sold device to distributor. If owner assigns device to distributor then owner can put restriction over this conversion rates. It is understood however that all codes are in an encrypted format.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, a process 500 for distributor registration in accordance with the system 100 of the present invention is described hereinafter. In the context of the present invention, distributor is a person who will be given dealership/distributorship of selling powered devices in particular geographical region. For the person to become distributor, he/she has to register his/ her“distributor account", on online portal using login and profile module 110. The distributor has to pay a predefined amount by any regular internet/non internet based payment methods like USSD/UPI/any digital payment gateway available in the art.

Against that payment, distributor account may be optionally credited with said predefined amount however it is understood that such credit facility may change in other alternative embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, distributor is assigned some devices with a predefined deposit amount per device, which would be about a predetermined percentage of device cost, which will be deducted from his/her account. Accordingly, as and when customer to which device is already assigned wants to get recharge code, he /she will pay the recharge amount to distributor who will send internet/S MS based request to server. Against his/her request, server will reply back with an SMS containing recharge code to distributor’s and customer's registered mobile number. Alternatively, a Customer can directly make payment to Owners account using USSD / UPI/any digital payment gateway or online transactions and the recharge code which will be sent by SMS to the customer as well as distributor. It is understood here that, distributor is credited with a dealer margin for each recharge.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 includes a virtual wallet facility which will allow the user to transfer money to owner/system account by means of UPI/USSD, E-wallet and the like. Accordingly, the system 100 provides two modes to detect that payment is received , namely through Email mode and through API mode. Once balance is available in user’s virtual wallet, the user can request recharge code by using SMS, as mentioned earlier. In payment detection through Email mode, the customer is facilitated to make USSD payment. The information such as UPI ID of person who has generated payment request and amount of transaction is received via email on predefined email ID. The received email is automatically read and parsed by server 292 and required information is extracted from contents of email. Accordingly, virtual wallet of person holding that UPI ID is credited with amount for which transaction is made.

In payment detection through API mode, when x amount is sent by user to owner/system then as soon as bank receives payment, information transaction is sent by Bank’s server to system’s server 292 through APIs. Accordingly, virtual wallet of person holding that UPI ID is credited with amount for which transaction is made.

In an embodiment, a process 500 for one time device registration is given hereinafter. In the context of the present invention, when distributor assigns device to customer, by default the device is in inactive state, and user cannot use it without registration. Accordingly, a registration process can be initiated by the user/distributor by two methods namely through online portal or by sending SMS/USSD. by sending a message to unique number dedicated solely to Owner in a specially designed SMS format such as for example,“REG 98xxxxxx67 12xxxxxxx890 name address”, wherein REG stands for user wants to get the powered device registered. 98xxxxxx67 is mobile number of user that will be used as unique ID of user. 12xxxxxxx890 is serial number of the powered device. This received SMS at SMS gateway is fed to server software which separates out fields of SMS and links user mobile number with recharge codes corresponding to serial number of the powered device.

After registration, the user has to pay initial deposit and money for first recharge code to obtain an activation code. It is understood that the server software checks for payment confirmation. If payment is received for that recharge amount, the server software pickup activation code from its database for the amount paid and for the particular device and sends to user by SMS through SMS gateway. Thereafter, the user is supposed to input this activation code into the powered device by the input method to get the powered device activated for first time use and further recharges. Alternatively devices can be assigned by Owners to distributor by debiting their pre-paid account/virtual wallet and the distributor can further assign and activate the device for his/her customer through the software portal.

In the context of the present invention, the process 500 for obtaining recharge codes is designed such that User/ distributor sends a SMS to some specific number, assigned exclusively to Owner, provided by SMS gateway service provider in a specially designed format such as for example“RCG 123xxx890 50 AMT” or“RCG 123xxx890 50 HRS” wherein RCG is a command which indicates that user wants to get recharge code and‘50’AMT indicates amount in any currency and‘50’ HRS indicates number of hours Further,‘ 123xxx890’ is a unique serial number of the powered device in accordance with the present invention. In next step, the received SMS is pushed as it is by SMS gateway 215 to control server 292 such that the server software separates out above mentioned fields from SMS. However, it is understood that it is necessary to check whether user is already registered or not. The server software sends mobile number obtained in to the registered user database 294. If the user is registered then confirmation is sent back from the registered user database 294 to control server 292. Accordingly, the system 100 checks if that payment is received in owners account and then confirmation flag is sent to recharge codes database 296. The recharge code corresponding to amount requested is pulled from database and sent to SMS gateway 215. In next step, the recharge code is sent to user's handset 205/ 210 by SMS through SMS gateway 215.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, a process 600 for feeding recharge codes into the powered device is described hereinafter. In an initial step, the user uses IR remote/ wired keypad/smart phone 290 to enter received recharge code into the powered device in a digit by digit manner. The powered device is equipped with IR/Bluetooth/ DTMF/ Keypad receiver 225 to receive data entered by the user. Accordingly, the data entered by user is stored in input buffer of microcontroller unit 230. The microcontroller unit 230 includes a predetermined set of algorithm to generate recharge codes internally and while even being in offline mode. In next step, the recharge code gathered in input buffer 235 is compared with codes generated by microcontroller unit 230. In next step, the process 600 triggers the internal timer 245 if match is found such that the internal timer 245 starts for specified time period and output of timer 245 goes high till its time out occurs. In next step, the output pin 255 of microcontroller is high as long as the timer 245 has not expired. In next step, the output pin 255 triggers semiconductor switch 280 to turn ON and pass flow of power from battery 285 to to load 276. In the context of the present invention, time out period of the timer 245 is by a first factor and a second factor. The first factor is such that the time ticks of internal clock. The second factor is current (power) drawn by load. By this logic, if load 276 is High, the timer 245 is subjected to time out earlier than the case when Load 276 is in dim state. Hence, if user uses Load 276 at high mode then time out will occur earlier in accordance with the present invention. In accordance with the present invention, Device's recharge circuitry consumes power only at the time of recharging the powered device. However, whole recharge circuitry is put on sleep mode to save battery power once recharging is done. However, details of historical log can be taken out of the powered device on electronic device such as Laptop or Smartphone using serial port thereof. In the context of the present invention, the user can recharge the powered device for multiple times. The system lOOsends user a SMS containing unlock code once predefined amount is collected from user. However, if user enters this unlock code then the powered device gets unlocked and user can use the powered device without need to recharge it any further.

Accordingly, the powered device becomes free if user pays for the full price of the powered device 300. For example, if the cost of device is Rs. 1000/- then the device can be assigned to user by paying 250 Rs. as a deposit . Subsequently, if Rs. 1000/- is paid by the user by recharges, then Rs. 250/-is already paid by the user as deposit then the powered device is made free and the deposit amount of Rs. 250 is returned to the user. Thereafter, the server 292 detects that user has paid full amount for the powered device and sends one unlock code to user such that the powered device 300 becomes free of charge forever after entering said code in to the powered device. However said logic can be altered in other alternative embodiments wherein the seller can decide his/her business model as per their requirements. In one embodiment of the present invention, the powered device 300 of the present invention is a pay-per-use (PPU, hereinafter) device. The PPU device is designed such that said PPU device is solely usage based wherein validity of usage of device is dependent upon usage only and it not used for few months then it still can be used if has valid usage credit. In PPU mode, the owner of PPU device can set maximum validity period. The user can pay and get recharge code as and when needed within said validity period. However, in such event, the only- condition is that the user has to pay full amount within maximum validity period.

The system 100 intelligently calculates and suggests recharge amounts to customer so that full amount is recovered within a predetermined time period. For example, the intelligent working of the system 100 is illustrated for an event wherein maximum validity period for device is 12 months and cost to recover device is Rs. 5000. Accordingly, different scenarios are explained hereinafter. In one scenario, wherein the user has paid Rs. 4000 till the end of 11th month and wants to get a recharge code then the system 100 asks the user asked to make two recharges of Rs. 500 each within remaining 1 month time period. In another scenario, wherein the user has paid only Rs. 2000 till end of 11th month and wants to get a recharge code then the system 100 asks the user to make two recharges of Rs. 1500 each with usage validity of 15 days each, or alternatively 3 recharges of 1000 each with usage validity of 10 days each. In an embodiment of the present invention, the powered device of the present invention is Pay per Time (PPT, hereinafter) device. The PPT device is designed such that it has some fixed validity of duration and its validity credit is decremented on basis of time as it is totally independent of usage or power consumption. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the powered device of the present invention is a Pay Per Amp (PPA, hereinafter) device. The PPA device is designed such that its validity is dependent upon current drawn by load. If Device consumes more current then its validity credit decrements faster. Alternatively, if said device consumes less current then validity credit lasts longer.

In an alternative embodiment, the PPT and PPA devices are by default configured as PPU. If Distributor wants to change device to PPT scheme, he needs to use any input method like IR remote, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Personal Area Network (PAN) and accordingly the user needs to enter some predefined key sequence on remote controller such as for example "mode+191" such that the PPU device starts working as PPT or "mode+192" such that PPU device starts working as PPA.

However, it is understood here that there can be multiple input methods to recharge codes into device such that depending upon target customer one can provide options such as IR remote, Wi-Fi, DTMF, Bluetooth, Keypads, GSM, Zigbee and the like. Further, it is understood that Keypad, DTMF and IR remote are one directional communication options that can feed data into the device but cannot take data out of device. However, using bidirectional communication methods, one can feed recharge codes inside device as well as we can get internal status of device like battery parameters, input power source parameters, usage log, device health and the like.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may include Bluetooth, IOT and GSM for bidirectional communication wherein GSM or Wi-Fi connectivity enables functionality of sending recharge code directly to device 300, which would eliminate need to manually feed recharge code by user. Using Wi- Fi or GSM device integrated into system controller 230, the complete device 300 may be monitored and controlled remotely.

In the context of the present invention, system 100 facilitates monitoring of parameters of device 300 such as daily usage time, current consumption, remaining usage time, voltage/power consumed by each load, power generated by solar panel, health of battery like state of charge, expected lifetime of battery, electrolyte level in case of lead acid battery, temperature, self-diagnosis in case of device failure and the like. In addition, the system 100 is designed such that the server MT1 can stop working of device 300 anytime by sending some special code incase user fails to recharge at expected frequency.

In the context of the present invention, system 100 facilitates various methods to track location of device 300. In an embodiment, the device 300 may be embedded with GPS module such that GPS will send location information of device to server, through SMS, Wi-Fi or GPRS module. In an alternative embodiment, an approximate location of device 300 may also be traced by the GSM tower location in case if GPS receiver hardware is not available. In yet another embodiment, location of device 300 may also be traced using its global IP address with Wi-Fi module integrated into device 300.

In the context of the present invention, system 100 is designed such that the device 300 is fed with recharge codes in a sequential order according to sequential order in which they are generated. However, in an event wherein the user does not put sequential recharge code generated, the device 300 may store said sequence number into EEPROM memory _' of the device 300. In such event, the user is allowed to use successor codes to keep the device 300 functioning. However, it is understood that said missed sequence number is accepted by device when the user feeds missed recharge code into the device 300. Further, it is understood the device 300 is configured to store twenty five number of such missed recharge codes therein.

In the context of the present invention, system 100 is configured such that the device 300 can be recharged with minimum and maximum amounts wherein said minimum and maximum amounts are calculated by the system server and displayed on system’s portal or conveyed by SMS. In context with this embodiment, the minimum amount for recharge is lhour and is decided by recharge amount to recharge duration conversion rate. In context with this embodiment, the maximum amount for recharge is decided by maximum allowable time duration for the device 300 and amount needed to make device free. In the context of the present invention, system 100 is configured such that owner of the device 300 can be either sell or assign the device 300 to a distributor. In an event of assignment of the device 300, an ownership of the device 300 remains with the owner and distributor gets a commission for each and every transaction happening through such assigned device 300. In an event of sell of the device 300, an ownership of the device 300 remains with the distributor and said distributor becomes an owner who gets all the power/capacities including but limited to reassign the device to third party, decide commission, cost charged for per unit time and the like.

In the context of the present invention, system 100 is configured to give reminders to the users in case if the user is not recharging the device at expected frequency. In such event the system server is configured to send reminders to the user via SMS for recharging the device 300.

In the context of the present invention, the system 100 is configured to use conventional payment methods however system 100 may use crypto -currency based payment based upon block chain technology in other alternative embodiments of the present invention.

Advantages of the present invention

1. The system 100 facilitates mails to customer, distributor and owner for every transaction alerts, if are set active. 2. The system 100 is designed to send reminders to the user if customer does not recharge with expected frequency. 3. The system 100 facilitates the customer/distributor/owner to have his/her own dashboard to know all history related to the powered device.

4. The system 100 is designed such that a dedicated android app can be provided to the user along with web app. 5. The system 100 facilitates three modes of operations like PPU, PPT, PPA that can be selected at the time of device sold/assignment.

6. The device 300 of system 100 can be made tamper proof by enabling master- slave communication platform 3000 between master unit 3010 and slave units 3020, 3030. 7. The system 100 facilitates tracking of approximate location of the device 300 using GSM/ Wi-Fi such that exact location of device can be tracked using GPS receiver

8. The system 100 facilitates use of GSM/IOT with bidirectional communication platform such that the recharge codes can be sent directly to device 300. 9. The system 100 is designed to work without internet connectivity or sim card into device.

10. The system 100 is capable of integrating PPU, PPT and PPA functionality into any existing device thereby requiring minimal changes in existing hardware design. 11. The system 100 includes a server platform that is substantially flexible and includes configurable system parameters therein.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others, skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.