Peripheral Device Network Identification for Warranty Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Companies face challenges in tracking the location of distributed computer peripheral devices and accurately activating and verifying warranty start dates and validity periods, leading to revenue loss and resource-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
A computer peripheral device equipped with a storage module and controller that establishes communication over a network to obtain a unique identifier and address, which are transmitted to a computing system for tracking and warranty management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If companies manually track device locations and verify warranty dates, then they can maintain basic device identification, but the process becomes resource intensive and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically transmits its identifier and location data to the computing system upon connection to the network, before any warranty verification is needed. This preliminary automatic data transmission eliminates the need for manual tracking and ensures accurate warranty start date recording from the moment of device activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device autonomously performs the function of transmitting its own identification and location information to the company's computing system. This self-service capability removes the burden of manual tracking from company resources while ensuring accurate and timely data capture for warranty management.
2Productivity
If companies use manual warranty card processing, then customers can submit warranty claims, but the process is time consuming and prone to inaccurate purchase date reporting
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically transmits its identifier and location data to the computing system upon connection to the network, before any warranty verification is needed. This preliminary automatic data transmission eliminates the need for manual tracking and ensures accurate warranty start date recording from the moment of device activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of filling out and mailing warranty cards with an automated electronic data transmission system. The device automatically sends its identification and location information over the network to the computing system, eliminating the time-consuming manual processes while improving productivity in warranty activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices use only unique identifiers without location data, then device identification is simple, but companies cannot track device locations or prevent parallel imports
Solution Approach 1:
The computing system is designed to handle multiple functions through a unified data transmission process. When the device transmits its identifier and location data, the system simultaneously performs device identification, location tracking, and warranty activation. This multi-functionality approach enables comprehensive device tracking without significantly increasing device complexity.
4Reliability
If companies verify international shipping orders manually, then they can check device locations, but the process is resource intensive for large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously performs the function of transmitting its own identification and location information to the company's computing system. This self-service capability removes the burden of manual tracking from company resources while ensuring accurate and timely data capture for warranty management.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically transmits its identifier and location data to the computing system, creating a feedback loop that provides the company with real-time information about device locations and warranty status. This automated feedback mechanism ensures reliable order verification without requiring intensive manual resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A device having a unique identification or an identifier for uniquely identifying the device. The unique identification can be a series of alphanumeric characters, a series of numeric characters or letters of the alphabet. The device further comprises a storage module for storing the unique identification. The device also comprises a controller for establishing communication with a computing system over a network when the device is coupled to the network. The device has an address on the network, also known as a network address, when coupled thereto. The network address and the unique identification are transmittable by the controller to the computing system upon communication being established with computing system. The controller comprises a processor and a network access module for facilitating coupling of the device to the network. The device is able to receive data from the computing system, the data storable in the storage module.