In this new "internet of things" world, we need an easy way to pay remotely for a service without using coins or bills, for very small businesses.
I'm thinking, for example, of the capability to turn on a sauna at a club or homeowner association remotely to warm it up before arriving. I would use my smart phone to sign on to a website to request a service, which would then transfer me to a payment website, such as Google Pay, PayPal, or Apple Pay. After paying, the service site, would be able to send an encrypted message to the internet-connected device and start/confirm that the service is started. The service could be used to enable a code for un-chaining a boat rental, bike rental, car wash, or other service. It could turn on spotlights at a view spot, open a parking gate, allow access to a small gym, enable an entertainment system, turn on heating or air conditioning etc.
The key to the service is a small internet-connectable device that would receive the encrypted commands, and be able to control external hardware. It would probably need backup battery support, wifi as well as ethernet connectivity, and maybe even wireless phone connection. For some applications it could have a built in timer that would turn off the service (such as a sauna or car wash) after an allotted amount of time. Deluxe models of these devices could include capability of accepting biometrics, taking photo of customer, read a bar code, and provide a visual display of parameters related to the service being provided -- such as number of minutes left for the service.
I'm sure that big businesses can, or have already been able to set up similar services. I know that laundromats have cards that can be used to pay for laundry. Cities have systems using cards for payment of rapid transit. Cable companies for years allow customers to buy pay-per-view movies. But "little guys" don't have an easy way to set up such a system.
My vision is that a small businessman could go online and order the device controller that would handle his situation. The business would install the device, and probably secure it in a small, locked box in a location with power and internet or phone connectivity. The business would then go online to the payment service and register the device with a MAC address, IP address, and a serial number provided by the manufacturer of the device. The payment service would do a handshake with the device, and send it a second encryption key to use when transferring information. The payment service would allow the business to select a template to use and customize and provide a link that the business would add to their website to set up the service. I would think the service could charge $1-$2 + a percentage of the revenue stream that would be added to the clients account.
I believe such a service will eventually be available. But whoever gets there first will be able to build a large infrastructure, establish interface standards and maybe patents, build a brand name, and make a difficult barrier to entry for other competitors.
I'm thinking, for example, of the capability to turn on a sauna at a club or homeowner association remotely to warm it up before arriving. I would use my smart phone to sign on to a website to request a service, which would then transfer me to a payment website, such as Google Pay, PayPal, or Apple Pay. After paying, the service site, would be able to send an encrypted message to the internet-connected device and start/confirm that the service is started. The service could be used to enable a code for un-chaining a boat rental, bike rental, car wash, or other service. It could turn on spotlights at a view spot, open a parking gate, allow access to a small gym, enable an entertainment system, turn on heating or air conditioning etc.
The key to the service is a small internet-connectable device that would receive the encrypted commands, and be able to control external hardware. It would probably need backup battery support, wifi as well as ethernet connectivity, and maybe even wireless phone connection. For some applications it could have a built in timer that would turn off the service (such as a sauna or car wash) after an allotted amount of time. Deluxe models of these devices could include capability of accepting biometrics, taking photo of customer, read a bar code, and provide a visual display of parameters related to the service being provided -- such as number of minutes left for the service.
I'm sure that big businesses can, or have already been able to set up similar services. I know that laundromats have cards that can be used to pay for laundry. Cities have systems using cards for payment of rapid transit. Cable companies for years allow customers to buy pay-per-view movies. But "little guys" don't have an easy way to set up such a system.
My vision is that a small businessman could go online and order the device controller that would handle his situation. The business would install the device, and probably secure it in a small, locked box in a location with power and internet or phone connectivity. The business would then go online to the payment service and register the device with a MAC address, IP address, and a serial number provided by the manufacturer of the device. The payment service would do a handshake with the device, and send it a second encryption key to use when transferring information. The payment service would allow the business to select a template to use and customize and provide a link that the business would add to their website to set up the service. I would think the service could charge $1-$2 + a percentage of the revenue stream that would be added to the clients account.
I believe such a service will eventually be available. But whoever gets there first will be able to build a large infrastructure, establish interface standards and maybe patents, build a brand name, and make a difficult barrier to entry for other competitors.
