Abstract: An embodiment of the invention extends to a device (which may be considered an asset that is purchased or which provides a service that may be purchased) that can be controlled through the use of a mobile communications apparatus such as a cellular phone. The cellular phone is connected to a transaction processing system that allows a user to pay for the use of the device. The transaction processing system communicates with the device to allow usage of the device only if the user has successfully paid for such use. A further embodiment of the invention relates to collecting usage information of the device and collating this information at a location remote from the device.

Abstract: A device is communicatively connected to a remote transaction processing system. In at least one embodiment, the device comprises a dedicated power supply that is independent of a mains power supply, and has an operational state that is set according to an outcome of a transaction processed by the remote transaction processing system. The remote transaction processing system processes the transaction via communication with a separate mobile communications device. In another embodiment, a system comprises a device having a primary function other than facilitating communication, an interface for operating the device, and a transaction processing system that is remote from the device. The device, the interface, and the transaction processing system communicate wirelessly. The transaction processing system is configured to process payment transactions for usage of the device, and the outcome of the payment transactions determines whether the device is operational to provide its primary function.

Abstract: Embodiment of the invention extend to a device (which may be considered an asset which is purchased or which provides a service which may be purchased) which can be controlled through the use of a mobile communications device such as a cellular phone. The cellular phone is connected to a transaction processing system which allows the user to pay for the use of the device. The transaction processing system communicates with the device to allow usage of the device only if the user has successfully paid for such use. A further embodiment of the invention relates to collecting usage information of the device and collating this information at a location remote from the device.

Abstract: Embodiment of the invention extend to a device (which may be considered an asset which is purchased or which provides a service which may be purchased) which can be controlled through the use of a mobile communications device such as a cellular phone. The cellular phone is connected to a transaction processing system which allows the user to pay for the use of the device. The transaction processing system communicates with the device to allow usage of the device only if the user has successfully paid for such use. A further embodiment of the invention relates to collecting usage information of the device and collating this information at a location remote from the device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising equipment provides a principal functionality other than two-way communication. A computing device in the apparatus controls the equipment. The apparatus operates in a plurality of modes including an operational mode and a paid off mode. When the apparatus is in the operational mode, the computing device communicates with a remote computer and in response, receives an instruction that is based on a state of a financial account. Based on the received instruction, the computing device controls whether the equipment provides the principal functionality. When the apparatus is in the paid off mode, the equipment provides the principal functionality without being controlled by the computing device based on the state of the financial account. The apparatus transitions from the operational mode to the paid off mode based on a wireless communication from the remote computer resulting from an amount owed in the financial account being paid off.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising equipment provides a principal functionality other than two-way communication. A computing device in the apparatus controls the equipment. The apparatus operates in a plurality of modes including an operational mode and a paid off mode. When the apparatus is in the operational mode, the computing device communicates with a remote computer and in response, receives an instruction that is based on a state of a financial account. Based on the received instruction, the computing device controls whether the equipment provides the principal functionality. When the apparatus is in the paid off mode, the equipment provides the principal functionality without being controlled by the computing device based on the state of the financial account. The apparatus transitions from the operational mode to the paid off mode based on a wireless communication from the remote computer resulting from an amount owed in the financial account being paid off.