M2M System for Proactive Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of machines, such as vehicles and home appliances, face challenges in understanding and accessing clear options for servicing malfunctions or maintenance schedules, including costs, availability, and provider information, due to a lack of immediate and updated feedback on available services at their location.
Innovation Solution
A Machine-to-Machine (M2M) system that communicates sensor data from machines to a remote server, which matches providers based on location and other criteria, and provides users with up-to-date information on service options through a user interface or mobile device, utilizing wireless communication networks and databases of service providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a sensor alerts a user to a malfunction or service schedule, then the user is notified of the condition, but the user does not receive immediate feedback with up-to-date information on service options, costs, and availability at their location
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where sensor data triggers automated queries to service providers, and the results are immediately fed back to the user through the machine's user interface or mobile device. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures users receive real-time information about service options, costs, and availability without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that acts as a mediator between the machine's sensor and the service provider. This intermediary automatically exchanges data about machine conditions and service availability, eliminating the need for users to directly contact providers and reducing information acquisition time.
2Ease of operation
If the system provides detailed service options and provider information, then users can make informed decisions, but the complexity of the information delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically querying service providers and presenting processed information to the user without requiring manual search or intervention. The machine's control system handles the complex tasks of data collection, processing, and presentation, allowing users to simply view the information on their interface or mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: sensor monitoring, communication with service providers, data processing, and user interface presentation are combined into one cohesive system. This consolidation reduces the apparent complexity from the user's perspective while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
3Productivity
If service providers communicate their schedule availability, price, location, and specials to potential customers, then customers receive comprehensive information, but the efficiency of this communication process is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically querying service providers before the user needs service. Service providers pre-load their availability, pricing, and location data into the system, so when a machine reports a condition, the information is already prepared and immediately available to the user without requiring real-time communication with providers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous communication between the machine's control system and service providers, maintaining an ongoing exchange of data about availability and pricing. This continuous action ensures that information is always current and ready for immediate presentation to the user, eliminating communication delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A data message is received from a machine-to-machine (M2M) device over a mobile communication network. The data message includes: a Machine Identification (MID) number of a machine coupled to the M2M device and/or an identifier of the M2M device; location information of the machine; and an alert based on a condition of the machine satisfying a service or alarm criterion. A database associated with the application server is searched for different solutions for the machine satisfying a service or alarm criterion. The machine is then matched with one or more providers that can service the machine for each solution. A tailored response data message, based on the machine location information, the identified condition and the matched provider(s), is sent to the user of the machine.