Facsimile Self-Diagnosis Controller for A/S Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Facsimile machines often require on-site visits for maintenance due to inaccurate remote diagnosis, leading to increased after-service costs and potential misdiagnosis caused by low-skilled engineers, which can result in unnecessary component replacements.
Innovation Solution
A self-diagnosis method implemented in facsimile machines that includes a user interface, modem unit, line interface, memory, and controller to perform internal structure checks and connection diagnostics, allowing for accurate reporting of errors and proposing solutions, thereby enabling users to diagnose issues independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an A/S engineer visits a client to fix a facsimile machine, then the problem can be addressed on-site, but A/S costs increase due to travel and potential unnecessary component replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The facsimile machine performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting internal component status and connection conditions, generating diagnosis reports without requiring external service personnel. This eliminates the need for A/S engineer visits while maintaining effective problem identification and resolution guidance.
2Ease of operation
If a remote diagnosis is performed by an A/S engineer, then service can be provided remotely, but diagnosis accuracy decreases due to low skill level, leading to misdiagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual diagnostic procedures performed by A/S engineers with an automated electronic diagnosis system. The controller executes predetermined diagnosis programs that systematically test internal components and connections, eliminating human error and skill-level limitations while maintaining remote service capability through automated report generation.
3Productivity
If users attempt to diagnose problems independently, then on-site visits can be reduced, but users lack the skill to perform accurate diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The facsimile machine is equipped with self-diagnosis functionality that automatically detects faults in internal components (modem unit, line interface unit, controller) and connection conditions (telephone line, cable connections). The system generates comprehensive diagnosis reports that guide users through the diagnostic process without requiring technical expertise, thereby enabling independent problem identification while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A facsimile machine and a self-diagnosis method performed by a facsimile machine are provided. The facsimile machine receives a self-diagnosis execution command, performs self-diagnosis according to the self-diagnosis execution command, and outputs a self-diagnosis result report.