System and method for communication between remote locations
OwnerMark E. Dayinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A communication system regulates communication between a utility and a customer. The communication system can be adapted as a payment metering system by incorporating a utility host, a meter, and customer interface. A payment medium can be used for transferring payment onto the system. Meter read information can be uploaded onto the payment medium where desired. A control can also be included in the system and located remote from the meter to accommodate monitoring of the meter where desired and any additional communication.
Claims34
A method for customers to communicate with and pay a utility for at least one utility service, said method comprising the steps of:
- establishing a customer account with said customer, said customer account including a billing method and a payment method;
- providing a communication system comprising a utility host, a customer interface, and a control assembly programmed to control said utility service and communication between said utility host and said customer interface;
- communicating payment information to and from said customer using said communication system to complete payment of at least a portion of a customer balance on said customer account in accordance with said billing method and said payment method.
A communication system for customers to communicate with and pay a utility for at least one utility service comprising:
- a utility host programmed to store a customer account for said customer, said customer account including a billing method and a payment method;
- a customer interface to communicate payment information to and from said customer to complete payment of at least a portion of a customer balance on said customer account in accordance with said billing method and said payment method;
- and
- a control assembly in communication with said utility host and said customer interface, said control assembly being programmed to control said utility service.
A communication system for customers to remotely communicate with and pay a utility for at least one utility service comprising a customer control system at a location remote from said utility, said customer interface being programmed to communicate payment information to and from said customer to complete payment of at least a portion of a customer balance on a customer account in accordance with a billing method and a payment method stored at said utility;
- and to control said utility service to said customer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.