Appliance DTMF Signal Generator for Remote Information Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household appliances lack the capability to connect to communication networks, making it difficult for consumers to retrieve essential information such as serial numbers, model numbers, and maintenance data, which are often not easily accessible, leading to inefficiencies in service requests and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
Equipping household appliances with a Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signal generator that allows them to output stored information, such as model numbers, serial numbers, and maintenance data, via a telephone system when prompted by a user, enabling easy retrieval over communication networks without the need for additional communication systems or wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If household appliances are built without communication network capability, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but information retrieval becomes difficult and customer service efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telephone system as an intermediary medium between the appliance and the customer. The appliance generates DTMF signals that are transmitted through the telephone system to convey information such as model numbers, serial numbers, and diagnostic data, eliminating the need for direct network connectivity while enabling efficient information retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic communication systems with a simpler acoustic signal generation system. Instead of using network protocols and digital communication hardware, the appliance uses a DTMF signal generator to produce audible tones that can be captured by a telephone, substituting mechanical/acoustic methods for electronic network communication.
2Ease of operation
If appliance information is stored in accessible locations, then information retrieval is simplified, but device design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance automatically generates and transmits its own information through DTMF signals without requiring customer intervention to locate or read physical labels. The system serves itself by converting stored information into audible signals that can be retrieved remotely, eliminating the trade-off between accessibility and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an audible copy of the appliance's identification and diagnostic information through DTMF signals. Instead of requiring physical access to labels or displays, the system generates sound wave representations of the stored data that can be captured and transmitted, allowing information retrieval without compromising design flexibility.
3Loss of information
If customers manually provide appliance information, then service providers can gather necessary data, but customer effort increases and service efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback from the appliance to the service provider. When a customer initiates a service request, the appliance automatically generates DTMF signals containing complete information such as model numbers, serial numbers, and diagnostic data, which are transmitted back to the service provider without requiring manual customer input, thereby reducing both customer effort and service retrieval time.
Solution Approach 2:
The appliance pre-stores all necessary identification and diagnostic information in its memory system before service is needed. This preliminary preparation allows the information to be immediately retrieved and transmitted via DTMF signals when a service request is initiated, eliminating the need for customers to manually gather information at the time of service request.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and effortless retrieval of appliance information, reducing customer effort and service provider prompts, enhancing customer service by allowing direct access to pertinent data for maintenance and diagnostics, and enabling seamless transfer of ownership information.
Implementation Method 1
The DTMF signal may be output via a speaker in the appliance
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for retrieving information from household appliances are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a user of an appliance. The method then receives stored information from the appliance as one or more Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) signals.