Remote Equipment Control via Telephone Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipment leasing scenarios often face challenges in enforcing prompt payments and maintenance due to logistical issues and inconsistent legal remedies, making it difficult for lessors to control or access leased equipment remotely.
Innovation Solution
A remote equipment management system utilizing a telephone interface to communicate with a control system, which includes a signal receiver and microprocessor, allowing for remote control of leased equipment through tone-based codes, enabling actions such as disabling the equipment upon payment default without physical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lessor wants to control leased equipment remotely to enforce payment obligations, then payment compliance improves, but the system complexity and cost of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical/mechanical control methods with electronic communication systems. A telephone interface and control system electronically connect the lessor to the leased equipment, allowing remote control without physical presence. This substitution reduces the need for complex mechanical control mechanisms while enabling reliable remote enforcement of payment obligations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the lessor and the leased equipment. This intermediary comprises a telephone interface, signal receiver, and control circuitry that mediates communication and control actions. The intermediary simplifies the direct control relationship while enabling remote monitoring and control capabilities.
2Reliability
If a lessor needs to physically access equipment for maintenance and upgrades, then equipment performance is maintained, but time and travel costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical access requirements with electronic communication for maintenance activities. The control system allows the lessor to remotely diagnose, monitor, and perform maintenance functions through telephone-based communication, eliminating the need for physical travel to the equipment location while maintaining equipment performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system enables the lessor to independently perform maintenance and upgrades remotely without requiring physical presence or external service providers. The system provides self-service capabilities through remote access to equipment diagnostics and control functions, reducing maintenance time and costs.
3Reliability
If a lessor collects data from equipment for maintenance purposes, then maintenance quality improves, but access difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces difficult physical data collection processes with electronic data transmission. The control system automatically collects and transmits equipment data through the telephone interface and control circuitry, making data accessible remotely without requiring physical access to the equipment or complex data retrieval procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements feedback mechanisms that automatically collect equipment data and provide it to the lessor. The system continuously monitors equipment status, performance parameters, and diagnostic information, providing real-time feedback that improves maintenance quality while simplifying data access through automated transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remote control of equipment such as office equipment is provided. The system involving a telephone interface and a control system. A method is provided for remote equipment control having steps of installing and configuring equipment. A method is provided controlling equipment remotely having steps relating to using elements of a control system.