Method and system for procuring, storing and distributing remotely accessed data gathered by logging devices

Abstract

A method for billing customers over the Internet or other means of electronic communication between an access provider and a customer for use of services. The provider creates access to measurement data obtained by the customer for electronic data loggers which have been programmed for one time use by the manufacturers, distributor or agent for use by the customer or customers. A unique identity is embedded within the measurement device so that the provider can associate measurement data and/or billing information with the customer or end user. The provider then bills the transaction to either the user's account or those of designated account holders. This method for billing customers is applicable for all sensor based technologies to include temperatures, humidity, pressures, light, events, voltage, acceleration, shock, strain, flows and any other discipline where electronic sensors are embedded in devices programmed for one-time use and used in either remote locations or during transportation. The system and method may also include device locating means. While having the unit returned enables the manufacturer or agency the opportunity to resell the unit for further commercial benefit, the device may be remotely reprogrammed for further use, because the present invention with its web-enabled technology allows the user to reprogram the device through a central server so that it does not have to be returned and allows the provider the ability to track, monitor, store and bill the customer each time the device is enabled, programmed or read.

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         39 . A system for recovering data from an environmental data logger, which monitors and stores environmental condition data, the system comprising: 
 an electronic environmental data logger attached to an environment to be monitored, wherein the data logger has data electronically stored therein;    a network connection for connecting the data logger to a network, upon receipt of the data logger at a destination; and    a server connected to the network, wherein when a customer accesses the server via the network, the customer is allowed access to the data stored on the data logger, and the customer is billed by the server for accessing the data stored on the data logger.    
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the data stored on the data logger is transferred from the data logger and stored on the server, such that environmental data relating to the contents of the shipping container can be stored and statistical data can be processed.  
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 40 , wherein third-parties can access the data stored on the server and the customer is billed for each access by a third-party.  
     
     
         42 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the data includes information regarding one or more members of a group consisting of temperature, humidity, motion, pressure, voltage, flow and sound.  
     
     
         43 . A system for reprogramming an environmental data logger over a network, the system comprising: 
 an electronic data logger attached to an environment to be monitored, wherein the data logger has data electronically stored therein;    a network connection for connecting the data logger to a network, upon receipt of the data logger at a destination; and    a server connected to the network, wherein when a customer accesses the server via the network, the data logger is reprogrammed and the customer is billed for reprogramming the data logger, thereby facilitating remote reprogramming of the data logger without requiring the customer to return the data logger for reprogramming.    
     
     
         44 . The system of  43 , wherein the data logger is also recalibrated at the time of reprogramming.  
     
     
         45 . The system of  claim 44 , wherein the data includes information regarding one or more members of a group consisting of temperature, humidity, motion, pressure, voltage, flow and sound.