The present invention relates to a pay as you go electrical appliance and to a method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to an electrical appliance in the form of a solar powered electrical appliance, and particularly to a solar powered television, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the electrical appliance of the present invention could be any electrical appliance, such as a fridge, freezer, radio, telephone, lighting and/or the like. In addition, the electrical appliance could be powered by any suitable means, such as battery power, solar power, electrical generator power, wind power, mains electricity power and/or the like. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is most advantageous when being used in an“off grid” setting (i.e. where it is not powered by mains electricity).

In warm, sunny countries, such as Africa, the use of solar powered technology is well known. It allows electrical appliances to be operated without requiring electricity grid infrastructure, whilst harnessing the sun’s energy to run the appliances in a cost effective manner. However, a problem with conventional solar powered electrical appliances is that once the sun goes in, such as on a cloudy day or during the night, the energy stored in the associated solar powered battery is quickly drained and the electrical appliance stops working. This is frustrating for a user if they still require use of the electrical appliance. In addition, conventional solar powered electrical appliances typically require large solar panels with large batteries that are located externally of the electrical appliance in order to operate the same. This makes the appliance large, cumbersome and unsightly.

An example of a solar powered electrical appliance that overcomes the abovementioned problems is disclosed in the Applicant’s co-pending patent application GB1609337.9, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. However, a problem with solar powered electrical appliances is that due to the economic climate in the countries in which such appliances tend to be used, such as in a remote African village for example, the cost of buying the solar power electrical appliance is still prohibitively expensive for many potential users. In an attempt to overcome this problem, the Applicant is proposing that one solution is for the user to have the appliance installed and then pay for use of the appliance on a“pay as you go” basis. This is equivalent to the user renting the electrical appliance and only having to pay the service provider when they use the appliance. This makes the electrical appliance more affordable for many users.

However, a problem with“pay as you go” electrical appliances that are used in an “off grid” setting is how the use of the electrical appliance can be accurately monitored by the service provider and securely paid for by the user. Conventionally, use of“pay as you go” electrical appliances that are operated by mains electricity are typically monitored by measuring how much mains electricity is used and/or supplied to the appliance or locality in which the appliance is being used, monitoring directly the activation of a service or the electrical appliance, such as a television, by an operator or service provider using WIFI, Bluetooth, telephone, using two way communication between the operator or service provider and the electrical appliance and/or the like, or paying for use of the appliance by inserting a SIM card, token card and/or the like which is physically inserted into a card or token slot within or associated with the appliance. These methods of monitoring and payment are not typically available to users of electrical appliances in an“off grid” situation or where the locality of use of the appliance is remote.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a pay as you go electrical appliance which overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using a pay as you go electrical appliance which overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a pay as you go solar powered electrical appliance which overcomes the abovementioned problems. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a method of using a pay as you go solar powered electrical appliance that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a pay as you go solar powered television and/ or method of use thereof

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a pay as you go electrical system and/ or method of use thereof

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a“pay as you go” electrical appliance, said electrical appliance including: data processing means capable of processing data in use; said electrical appliance movable between a powered condition, wherein electrical power can be supplied to the appliance, and a non-powered condition, wherein electrical power is not supplied to the appliance; and, in at least the powered condition, said electrical appliance movable between an enabled condition, wherein the electrical appliance is capable of functioning in a required manner in use, and a disabled condition, wherein the electrical appliance is not able to function in a required manner in use; characterised in that with the electrical appliance in the powered condition, the data processing means is arranged to generate a unique “pay as you go” identification means on detection of one or more conditions relating to the electrical appliance, and the electrical appliance is arranged to visually and/or audibly communicate said identification means via the electrical appliance to a user of said electrical appliance; said data processing means further arranged to process a“pay as you go” activation means that is at least partly related to the generated “pay as you go “identification means, and which is input into the electrical appliance via a user in use using input means provided with or associated with the electrical appliance; and, said data processing means arranged such that on detection of a valid“pay as you go” activation means, the electrical appliance is maintained in the enabled condition or is moved from the disabled condition to the enabled condition.

The present invention has the advantage that enablement of one or more functions of the electrical appliance can take without requiring direct two way communication between the electrical appliance and a service provider or operator, or without requiring a physical token or card to be inserted into the electrical appliance which has to be obtained from a service provider or operator. The present invention can therefore be operated on a pay as you go basis anywhere in the world, such as in a remote location where WIFI, mains electrical grid connections, shops and/ or the like are not available (i.e. in an off grid situation). In addition, the present invention can be used to provide an alternative way in which a pay as you go electrical appliance can be enabled, irrespective of where in the world the electrical appliance is located. Thus, the same pay as you go electrical appliance, system and/or method can be used even if the electrical appliance is connected to a mains electrical supply, capable of communicating via WIFI and/ or the like.

Preferably reference to the electrical appliance functioning in a required manner when in the enabled condition is for the electrical appliance to operate in a normal or expected manner (i.e. the appliance can undertake one or more operational functions). Reference to the electrical appliance not able to function in a required manner when in the disabled condition is for the electrical appliance to be prevented from operating in a normal or expected manner (i.e. the appliance cannot undertake the one or more operational functions).

Preferably the activation means is generated at a location remote to the electrical appliance and/or is generated by data processing means at or associated with a service provider for the electrical appliance, such as for example, a“pay as you go” service provider. In one embodiment the one or more conditions of the electrical appliance which result in the appliance data processing means generating an identification means include any or any combination of: that the electrical appliance has been moved or is due to be moved from the enabled condition to the disabled condition; the electrical appliance is in the disabled condition; a user has requested the identification means via the electrical appliance; the electrical appliance has been moved from the non-powered condition to the powered condition; one or more time periods have expired or are due to expire; a pre-determined amount of electrical power has been used or is due to be used by the electrical appliance; one or more operational functions of the electrical appliance have expired or are due to expire and/ or the like.

Preferably when one or more of the conditions are due to take place, the electrical appliance generates the identification means a pre-determined time period before said condition takes place, thereby providing a user with some warning of the condition, that a“pay as you go” payment is required to be made, and/ or some warning that the electrical appliance will move from the enabled condition to the disabled condition.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance generates the identification means automatically on detection of the one or more conditions.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance generates the identification means following a user manually requesting the electrical appliance to generate the same. For example, a user can make a selection using a button on or associated with the electrical appliance and/or can select an option from a menu displayed on or associated with the electrical appliance.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance visually communicates the identification means and/ or one or more menu options via display means provided on or associated with the electrical appliance. Preferably the display means are normally provided for displaying one or more data items associated with the electrical appliance in use, such as for example a television screen.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance audibly communicates the identification means to a user via speaker means provided on or associated with the electrical appliance.

Preferably the identification means are unique to the electrical appliance, and further preferably are unique to each of said conditions detected by said electrical appliance. Thus, for example, each time the electrical appliance detects a“pay as you go” payment event needs to be made, it generates a unique identification means to that particular payment event.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance includes detection means for detecting said one or more conditions that result in the identification means being generated. For example, the detection means can include electrical power detection means or device, a clock or timing means or device and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the identification means is in the form of one or more data items or data arrays.

Preferably the one or more data items or data arrays includes or consists of any or any combination of one or more codes, tokens, numbers, letters, symbols, images, shapes and/ or the like.

Preferably one data item, data array, code and/ or token contains or consists of a plurality of numbers, letters, symbols, images, shapes and/ or the like.

In one embodiment at least part or all of the identification means, one or more data items, data arrays, codes and/or tokens are randomly generated by the data processing means of the electrical appliance when generating the identification means. In one embodiment the identification means, one or more data items, data arrays, codes and/or tokens that are randomly generated includes a randomly generated portion or seed and a non-randomly generated but variable portion or seed.

Preferably the randomly generated portion or seed and the non-randomly generated but variable portion or seed are fed into an algorithm run by the appliance data processing means to generate the identification means.

Preferably the non-randomly generated but variable portion or seed can include a time, date, a setting of the electrical appliance, volume of the electrical appliance, last channel selected in the electrical appliance and/ or the like.

In one embodiment at least part or all of the identification means, one or more data items, data arrays, codes and/or tokens are pre-stored in memory means provided in or associated with the electrical appliance, and are selected from the memory means in order for the electrical appliance to generate the identification means.

Preferably an electrical appliance generated identification means, data item, code and/or token can only be used for a single“pay as you go” transaction or event and/or is only valid for a limited pre-determined period of time for that electrical appliance (irrespective of whether it is used or not). If the electrical appliance generated identification means is not used in the pre-determined time period, it expires and a new identification means needs to be generated by the electrical appliance.

Preferably the identification means is generated by software and/or an algorithm provided in or associated with the data processing means of the electrical appliance.

In one embodiment the data processing means of the electrical appliance is arranged to generate the identification means following a request by a user of the electrical appliance. This can take place when the electrical appliance is in the electrically powered condition and in the disabled and/ or enabled conditions.

In one embodiment the data processing means of the electrical appliance is arranged to generate the identification means automatically on detection that a “pay as you go” payment needs to be made and/or on detection of the one or more conditions. This can take place when the electrical appliance is in the disabled and/or enabled conditions. Thus, even though the electrical appliance may be in a disabled condition, the generation of the identification means and the processing of the activation means is still possible.

In one embodiment the user makes the request for the electrical appliance to generate the identification means using input means provided on or associated with the electrical appliance.

Preferably the input means are used for inputting the activation means into the electrical appliance.

In one embodiment the input means can include any or any combination of a remote control device, one or more buttons, switches, dials, touch screen, keyboard, virtual buttons or keys and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the activation means is in the form of one or more data items or data arrays.

Preferably the one or more activation data items or data arrays includes or consists of any or any combination of one or more codes, tokens, numbers, letters, symbols, images, shapes and/ or the like.

Preferably the one or more activation data items, data arrays, codes and/or tokens contain or consist of a plurality of numbers, letters, symbols, images, shapes and/ or the like. In one embodiment the one or more activation means, data items and/or data arrays are generated and/or provided by a service provider and/or operator of or associated with the electrical appliance.

Preferably the service provider and/ or operator are located remotely with respect to the electrical appliance.

Preferably the service provider and/ or operator are not arranged to or are not able to communicate directly with the electrical appliance in use.

Preferably the service provider and/or operator only provide the one or more activation means, data items or data arrays once the user has provided a valid identification means from the electrical appliance and once the user has made a valid“pay as you go” payment for use of the electrical appliance.

Preferably the payment made to the service provider and/or operator for use of the electrical appliance by a user can be in respect of use of a specific“pay as you go” value of the electrical appliance, such as for example use of the electrical appliance for a pre-determined period of time, such as for example, for a pre determined number of minutes, hours, days, weeks, years and/ or the like; relates to a particular operational function of the electrical appliance, such as for example, for playing audio, video, a game, a particular film and/or the like; for allowing a pre-determined amount of electrical power to be supplied to the electrical appliance and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the activation means are selected from memory or a memory device provided in or associated with the data processing means of the service provider/ operator.

Preferably the activation means is generated using software and/or an algorithm on the data processing means at the service provider/ operator. Preferably the activation means is generated using one or more seeds, such as a time, date, installation data, user account data, electrical appliance serial number, service provider identification code and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the display means provided on or associated with the electrical appliance can include an LCD display, a touch screen, a television screen, a telephone screen and/ or the like.

In one embodiment once the electrical appliance detects a “pay as you go” payment is required and/or detects the one or more conditions, the electrical appliance is arranged to move from the enabled condition to the disabled condition or remains in the disabled condition until a valid activation means has been input into the electrical appliance by a user.

Preferably the activation means generated or provided by the service provider or operator is unique to the electrical appliance and is in response to the unique identification means provided to it by the user and/or the operational function required to be performed by the electrical appliance, the user of the electrical appliance, the identification means and/or the like. Thus, in one example, the operation activation means is only detected as being valid by the data processing means for the specific electrical appliance, for the operational function required to be performed by the electrical appliance, the user, the identification means and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the data processing means of the electrical appliance detects the activation means and is arranged to determine whether the activation means matches one or more pre-determined parameters specific to the electrical appliance, is in some way associated or linked to the identification means generated by the electrical appliance, is valid for the electrical appliance, is valid in terms of a particular time, time period, date and/or the like. If the appliance data processing means detects the activation means is valid, it maintains the electrical appliance in the enabled condition or moves the electrical appliance from the disabled condition to the enabled condition.

Preferably, when enabled, the electrical appliance is maintained in this condition until a further“pay as you go” event is required or detected.

In one embodiment, once a user has obtained identification means from the electrical appliance, the user can communicate this to a service provider or operator in person, by telephone, by text message, by a messaging service, in writing, verbally, by post and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the service provider or operator can communicate the operation activation means to the user in person, by telephone, by text message, by a messaging service, in writing, verbally, by post and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance is a stand alone and/or isolated appliance which is not able to communicate remotely with a service provider or operator.

Preferably the data processing means of the electrical appliance is an integral component of the electrical appliance.

Preferably the data processing means of the service provider/ operator is an integral component of a server or computer provided at the service provider/ operator.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance and the service provider or operator can have one or more, or a plurality, of mutually shared or associated secret and/ or public keys, codes, algorithms and/or the like which are used to generate the identification means and the activation means and/or to link, relate and/or associated the identification means and activation means together.

In one embodiment the one or more, or the plurality, of mutually shared or associated secret and/ or public keys, code, algorithms and/ or the like are provided in the electrical appliance during manufacture, on sale of the electrical appliance, once the electrical appliance has been installed, following a registration procedure and/ or the like.

In one example, the public key is or includes a serial number or other identification device or code for the electrical appliance.

Preferably an encryption algorithm is used by suitable data processing means at or associated with the service provider or operator to take the electrical appliance identification means and to generate an activation means that is unique for said electrical appliance. This prevents, in one embodiment, a generated activation means from being used on an electrical appliance which is not the appliance that has generated the associated pay as you go identification means.

In one embodiment the activation means contains or consists of at least two different elements; the first element being associated with or containing a whole or part of the pay as you go identification means, and at least a second element being any or any combination of one or more data items relate to user information of the electrical appliance, such as for example a user’s address, a user’s date of birth, user name, user mobile phone number; a serial number of the electrical appliance, a date and/ or time, and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance issues a prompt to inform a user that the electrical appliance has detected the one or more conditions, requires a“pay as you go” payment to be made, a new activation means, or will require a new activation means within a pre-determined period of time, in order to maintain and/ or use the electrical appliance in an enabled condition.

Preferably the prompt is displayed on the display means of the electrical appliance and/or sounded via speaker means provided on or associated with the electrical appliance. The prompt can be in the form of a symbol, written message, audio message, audio alarm and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance includes timing means, a real time clock, a clock offset from the actual time or a real time clock and/or the like to allow the electrical appliance to determine how long the electrical appliance is allowed to be or has been enabled for and/or is allowed to be or has been used for.

In one embodiment the data processing means of the electrical appliance may initiate, set and/or reset the timing means, real time clock, or offset clock on receipt of a valid activation means.

In one embodiment the electrical appliance data processing means is able to compare a time associated with the received activation means with a time detected on the real time clock to allow a length of time to be calculated for which the electrical appliance can be enabled for, and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the offset time provided by the offset clock in the electrical appliance may be unique to the electrical appliance, thereby allowing the service provider or operator to provide an activation means that is linked to the offset clock. The time for which the activation means is able to allow the electrical appliance to be enabled for may only be recognised by the offset clock of that particular electrical appliance.

Preferably the data processing means of the electrical appliance and/or service provider is or includes one or more computers, servers, micro-processing devices, micro-processing chips and/ or the like.

In one embodiment the power supply means providing electrical power to the electrical appliance can include any or any combination of solar power, wind power, mains grid power, generator power, battery power and/ or the like. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical appliance is a solar powered electrical appliance.

In one embodiment the one or more electrical appliances can include any or any combination of a television, a fridge, a radio, a telephone, a light and/ or the like.

In one embodiment, when in the enabled condition, the electrical appliance is able to undertake one or more normal or expected operational functions. Preferably, the one or more operational functions relate to normal operation of the electrical appliance when in the powered condition. For example, if the electrical appliance is a television, enablement of the television allows video and/or audio to be watched/listened to on the television when in the powered condition. If the electrical appliance is a fridge, enablement of the television allows the fridge to perform a cooling function and/ or the like when in a powered condition.

Preferably the electrical appliance to movable between an operational and/or powered condition, wherein the electrical appliance can perform one or more operational functions when enabled, and a non-operational or non-powered condition, wherein the electrical appliance cannot perform one or more operational functions, or any functions, irrespective of whether the appliance is enabled or disabled.

Thus, the electrical appliance can be in a powered condition and in an enabled condition or a disabled condition; or can be in a non-powered condition and in an enabled condition or a disabled condition.

Preferably the enabled or disabled conditions are independent of and/or separate to the powered and non-powered condition.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a“pay as you go” electrical appliance, said electrical appliance including: data processing means capable of processing data in use; said electrical appliance movable between a powered condition, wherein electrical power can be supplied to the appliance, and a non-powered condition, wherein electrical powered is not supplied to the appliance; and, in at least the powered condition, said electrical appliance movable between an enabled condition, wherein the electrical appliance is capable of functioning in a required manner in use, and a disabled condition, wherein the electrical appliance is not able to function in a required manner in use; characterised in that with the electrical appliance in the powered condition, said method includes the steps of generating a unique“pay as you go” identification means via the data processing means on detection of one or more conditions relating to the electrical appliance; communicating said identification means visually and/or audibly via the electrical appliance to a user of said electrical appliance; inputting a“pay as you go” activation means into the electrical appliance using user input means provided on or associated with the electrical appliance; said activation means at least partly related to the generated“pay as you go” identification means; processing the“pay as you go” activation means via the data processing means; and on detecting a valid“pay as you go” activation means via the data processing means, maintaining the electrical appliance in the enabled condition or moving the electrical appliance from the disabled condition to the enabled condition.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a“pay as you go” system, said system including a“pay as you go” electrical appliance and a service provider, said electrical appliance including: appliance data processing means capable of processing data in use; said electrical appliance movable between a powered condition, wherein electrical power can be supplied to the appliance, and a non-powered condition, wherein electrical powered is not supplied to the appliance; and, in at least the powered condition, said electrical appliance movable between an enabled condition, wherein the electrical appliance is capable of functioning in a required manner in use, and a disabled condition, wherein the electrical appliance is not able to function in a required manner in use; said service provider including service provider data processing means capable of processing data in use; characterised in that with the electrical appliance in the powered condition, the appliance data processing means is arranged to generate a unique“pay as you go” identification means on detection of one or more conditions relating to the electrical appliance, and the electrical appliance is arranged to visually and/or audibly communicate said identification means via the electrical appliance to a user of said electrical appliance; on communication of the identification means to the service provider data processing means, said service provider data processing means arranged to generate a unique“pay as you go” activation means for the electrical appliance on detection of a valid identification means, on communication of the activation means to the appliance data processing means via a user using input means provided with or associated with the electrical appliance, the appliance data processing means further arranged to process the activation means that is at least partly related to the generated“pay as you go” identification means; and said appliance data processing means arranged such that on detection of a valid activation means, the electrical appliance is maintained in the enabled condition or is moved from the disabled condition to the enabled condition. According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a“pay as you go” system, said system including a“pay as you go” electrical appliance and a service provider, said electrical appliance including: appliance data processing means capable of processing data in use; said electrical appliance movable between a powered condition, wherein electrical power can be supplied to the appliance, and a non-powered condition, wherein electrical powered is not supplied to the appliance; and, in at least the powered condition, said electrical appliance movable between an enabled condition, wherein the electrical appliance is capable of functioning in a required manner in use, and a disabled condition, wherein the electrical appliance is not able to function in a required manner in use; said service provider including service provider data processing means capable of processing data in use; characterised in that with the electrical appliance in the powered condition, said method includes the steps of generating a unique“pay as you go” identification means via the appliance data processing means on detection of one or more conditions relating to the electrical appliance; communicating said identification means visually and/ or audibly via the electrical appliance to a user of said electrical appliance; communicating said identification means to the service provider data processing means; generating a unique“pay as you go” activation means via the service provider data processing means on detection of a valid identification means; communicating the activation means to the appliance data processing means via a user using input means provided with or associated with the electrical appliance; said activation means at least partly related to the generated“pay as you go” identification means; processing the“pay as you go” activation means via the appliance data processing means; and on detecting a valid“pay as you go” activation means via the appliance data processing means, maintaining the electrical appliance in the enabled condition or moving the electrical appliance from the disabled condition to the enabled condition.

According to further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided a pay as you go system, including an electrical appliance arranged to generate unique“pay as you go” identification means and an operator and/or service provider arranged to generate unique“pay as you go” operation activation means.

In one embodiment the user communicates the identification means generated by the electrical appliance to a service provider or operator. This communication can be done for example, by telephone, via a messaging service, via a shop and/or the like. The service provider or operator takes a payment from the user for using a function of the electrical appliance or takes credit from a pre-payment previously made by the user to the service provider or operator. The service provider or operator then provides the user with an activation means that they can input into the electrical appliance. The activation means only typically works for the electrical appliance which generated the identification means. The processing means is able to detect whether the input activation means is valid and, if so, it allows enablement or continued enablement of a function of the electrical appliance.

According to further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided pay as you go electrical apparatus; a method of using pay as you go electrical apparatus; a pay as you go television; a method of using a pay as you go television; a solar powered electrical appliance or apparatus; a method of using a solar powered electrical appliance or apparatus. The present invention could be retrofitted to an existing solar powered electrical appliance or could be integrally formed in a new solar powered electrical appliance.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic showing a pay as you go solar powered television apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pay as you go system including an electrical appliance in the form of a television 2, and a central server provided at a“pay as you go” service provider 4.

The television in this example is a solar powered television that is arranged to work “off mains grid”. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention could be used for any television or other electrical appliance powered by any suitable power means.

The television can be moved between a powered condition, wherein electrical power can be supplied to the television and one or more normal operation functions of the television can be used, such as sounding audio data and/or displaying video data, and a non-powered condition, wherein electrical power is not supplied to the television and one or more normal operation functions of the television cannot be used.

When the television is in a powered condition, the television is capable of being moved automatically between an enabled condition, wherein one or more normal operation functions of the television can be used, and a disabled condition, wherein normal operation functions of the television are not usable.

The television 2 operates on a“pay as you go” basis, such that the television is only operable in the enabled condition when a valid payment has been made by a user to the service provider 4. The payment can represent a pre-determined time period for which the television can be used, a pre-determined amount of electricity the television can use or similar. When the payment runs out, the television is moved from the enabled condition to the disabled condition until a further valid payment has been made by the user to the service provider.

The“pay as you go” system is typically set up on the television 2 during an installation process, where the television is programmed with the service provider details and with the user details. The“pay as you go” system is then activated for “pay as you go” use.

The television 2 can be used in a normal manner until expiry of the“pay as you go” allocated time period, whereupon the television is automatically moved from the enabled condition to the disabled condition and a unique “pay as you go” identification code is displayed on the display screen of the television for use by the user to allow them to pay the service provider. The user communicates this identification code to the service provider and makes a payment, whereupon the service provider 4 then issues a“pay as you go” activation code to the user. This code is typically generated by the server of the service provider and is linked to the identification code such that the activation code can only be used on the television which generated the identification code. The user inputs this code into the television, thereby allowing the television to move from the disabled condition to the enabled condition for the allocated“pat as you go” time period.

If the user does not make a valid payment or communicate a valid identification code to the service provider, the television 2 remains in a disabled condition.

Referring to figure 1, it can be seen that micro-processing means within the television is able to detect when a payment for use of the television needs to be made, as shown by step 6. The television then automatically generates a unique identification code 8 and displays the same on the television display screen. This detection can, for example, include a real time clock 16 in the television that detects when a“pay as you go” time period has expired. The identification code 8, when displayed on the screen may also be provided with instructions for the user as to how to make the payment and use the code 8.

The identification code 8 is typically randomly generated in step 10 using a random seed 12 and a non-random but variable seed 14. The random seed 12 is typically unique to the television 2 and the variable seed 14 typically relates to a time, television setting, volume, channel associated with the television and/ or the like.

The television 2 also undergoes a registration or installation process on first use to allow installation data 18 to be input into the television. This installation data can, for example, include user account details 20, the television serial number 22, a pin number 24 of the service provider 4 and the current time and/ or date 26. This data can be used to generate the identification code and/ or to validate a“pay as you go” activation code provided by the service provider 4 which is input into the television 2 by a user.

Thus, once the user has communicated the identification code 8 to the service provider 4, typically via the phone or by text, as shown by arrow 30, and has made a valid payment for a new“pay as you go” time period for use of the television 2, as shown by step 32, the service provider generates an activation code 34. The generated activation code 34 is associated with the identification code 8, a time 36 generated by a clock 38 of the server at the service provider, and the installation data 18’ (that is a copy of the installation data 18 on the television 2). A“switch off’ date 39 relating to the“pay as you go” time period can optionally be associated with the activation code to ensure that the television 2 is moved from an enabled condition to a disabled condition once the pay as you go time period has expired or the OFF period has been reached if a valid payment is not made before said expiry or OFF period. The activation code 34 is displayed to the service provider in step 40 and is communicated to the user 42 by phone or text, as shown by arrow 44.

The user inputs the activation code 34 into the television 2 using the buttons on the TV remote control 46, as shown by step 48. A security algorithm 28 provided in the micro-processing means of the television 2, which generated the identification code 8 for the television, compares the input activation code 34 with the generated the identification code 8 and, if there is a match, moves the television to the enabled condition or maintains the television in the enabled condition. If a number of invalid token codes 40 are input into the algorithm 28 in a relatively short period of time, the system may prevent enablement of the television until a new code 8 is generated. In addition, the television can optionally block the input of further token codes 40 for a period of time, thus preventing any hacking attempts by unauthorised third parties.

The identification code and the activation codes are typically unique for each“pay as you go” payment transaction, as well as being unique for the television. The codes are only typically valid for a pre-determined period of time.

The identification code and activation code can be a series of numbers, letters and/ or symbols in one example.

It will be appreciated that the“pay as you go” system of the present invention can be used with a television and a service provider which are not directly in communication with each other (although the system still works even if the service provider and television are able to communicate with each other). All the generated data has to be manually transferred by a user between the service provider and the television and, as such, the codes used are secure and one time only use codes.

In one example, the elements of the algorithm in the television and service provider used to generate the identification code, activation code and to process the activation code once received, is based on seven items of data/ seeds:

1. A random seed from the TV (identification code) [only known to TV] called the PAYCODE.

2. A seed from the service provider (service provider code) [Only known to service provider] called the Dealer PIN code

3. A seed relating to user identification information (i.e a User Mobile Number) [generally known but different for every user]

4. A seed relating to user identification information (i.e. User account number (with“Pay as you go” service provider) [known to user and provider]

5. A seed in the form of a TV serial number [known but different for every TV]

6. A seed in the form of a Date and Time (to set the real time clock of the TV)

In addition, to the above,

7. The activation code or TOKEN (provided by the micro-processing means on the service provider’s computer). When entered to the TV via the remote control the TV to start working again.

In the above example, the system is extremely secure since the algorithm uses the random seed from the TV(identification code), the service provider’s code, user's mobile number, user's account number and TV serial number to generate the unlock code or identification code. In order to hack into the code, an unauthorised hacker would need to obtain 6 data items including the actual algorithm to be successful.

Security can be further enhanced by using a variable seed element to help generate the identification code, as shown by step 14 in figure 1. The variable seed can be obtained by taking seeds from the television settings, such as for example, using a brightness setting, avolumc setting, the last channel used and/ or the like.

The micro-processor in the television typically requires use of a RTC (Real Time Clock).

In one example, when the television is in a disabled condition, the lights, external appliance ports and USB charger of the television can either stay powered or automatically be moved to a non-powered condition.

It is to be noted that the random number generated in step 10 and used for identification code 8 is truly random in that it is based partly on an entirely random seed and partly on a variable seed which is generated for each identification code generation. The identification code or paycode 8 does not need to be secured or transmitted in any encrypted format, thereby simplifying the process and negating the need for secrecy.

The activation code 34, 40 are only valid for the television that generated the identification code 8.

The identification code 8 and/or the activation code 34, 40 are valid for an extended time period to allow time for manual transport of the code 8 from the television to the service provider, manual generation of the activation code and entry of the activation code into the television. This extended time period extends until the next identification code or Paycode is generated. When a valid token is entered, a new identification code or paycode is generated and a new activation code of token will be required to match it.

The service provider could further enhance the security of their system by using different dealer pins for each customer/ television.

A detailed example of an installation process is provided below in one embodiment of the present invention.

1. A service provider sets up his unique PIN code on his computer/server in relation to a television. The same PIN code could be used for all television appliances they are the“pay as you go” service provider for, or each television appliance they are the provider for can have a different PIN code associated with the same. The PIN code is known to the service provider but not to the user of the television or anyone else.

2. The television is normally in a default“enabled condition”. In the Menu of the television there is provided a setup page for the service provider. After installation of the television in a“pay as you go” mode by the service provider, the setup page is locked and can only be reopened or accessed using the service provider PIN code (Note: to prevent hacking of the Dealer Pin by repeated attempts to enter it on the TV, a throttling effect can occur after several wrong attempts to reopen the setup page. The TV refuses to accept more attempts for a period of time.)

3. The installer enters data into the set up page relating to:

a). Service Provider PIN code (Dealer Pin);

b). User Mobile Number;

c). User account number (with Service Provider);

d). TV serial number

e). The date and time.

The above data is also copied to the service provider’s computer. It is noted that the date and time may not always be copied at the service provider’s computer in case there is a discrepancy between the time in the service provider’s computer and the time in the television.

4. Once installed, the television is enabled using an activation code generated by the service provider’s computer.

5. The television is now ready for“pay as you go” operation.

A detailed example of user operation of their television is now given below according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The television once installed will function and remain in an enabled condition until the allocated“pay as you go” time period expires, whereupon the television is locked/moved to a disabled condition and cannot be used. The television is also preferably automatically moved from a powered condition to a non-powered condition in order to save power when in the disabled condition.

If the“on” operational button is pressed on the television, the television generates and displays a“Pay as you go” identification code on the television screen. This may also be accompanied with instructions for the user as to how the user must use the code to make a“pay as you go” payment with the“pay as you go” service provider.

3. To unlock/ enable the television, the identification code must first be sent by the user to the service provider, together with a valid payment (for example by Phone or Text)

4. An unlock/ activation code will be generated by the service provider and sent back to the user (for example by phone or text).

5. The user enters the unlock/ activation code into the television using the television remote control.

6. The television recognises the valid unlock/ activation code and unlocks itself/moves itself to an enabled condition.

7. If an incorrect activation code or no code is entered, the television remains in a locked/disabled state. The television typically returns to a non-powered condition so as to save power.

8. If a valid activation code is provided, the television moves to the enabled condition and remains in the enabled condition until the relevant“pay as you go” time period expires once again.

The above steps are repeated each time a“pay as you go” time period expires.

A new identification code can be generated by the television each time it is moved from a non-powered condition to a powered condition, or when the television detects expiry of a “pay as you go” condition. The identification code can be generated a pre-determined period of time before expiry of the“pay as you go” condition to allow the user sufficient time to make another“pay as you go” payment before the television is moved to a disabled condition. This allows the user to maintain the television in an enabled condition at all times if they desire.

A detailed example of the steps involved by the service provider are shown below in one embodiment of the present invention.

When the service provider receives an identification code from the user (either by phone, verbally or by text), they have to ensure that the user has paid the relevant “pay as you go” amount to the service provider.

2. When payment is complete, the service provider needs to ascertain how many weeks or days the“pay as you go” payment equates to (i.e. how long the television can be used for or the“pay as you go” time period).

3. The service provider then enters the following onto their computer (in one example):

a) The payed up date (ie the date when the television will next stop working);

b) The identification code sent from the user;

c) The user's account number;

d) The user’s mobile phone number (This is the phone number registered with the service provider and entered to the television at installation);

e) The television serial number;

f) The service provider PIN code;

4. The algorithm on the service provider’s computer then generates a unique activation code which is supplied to the user and is unique to the user’s television.

The user inputs the activation code in their television as previously described.

The above process is repeated each time a new pay as you go payment is required.