Remote Feature Management in Mailing Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The conventional method of enabling features in mailing systems is time-consuming and costly, requiring manual intervention by a customer service representative, and can lead to memory space issues due to unoptimized storage of feature programs.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for remotely enabling and disabling features in a mailing system, where a data center generates and sends files to the system via a network to activate or deactivate features, allowing for memory optimization by purging unnecessary files.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual feature activation by CSR is used, then features can be enabled, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature activation processVSAvoidtime for feature activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic feature activation where the mailing system itself performs the activation process by receiving feature files from the data center and automatically installing them, eliminating the need for manual CSR intervention and significantly reducing activation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of CSR physically visiting the site and using keyboard input is replaced with an automated electronic file transfer system where feature files are transmitted via network and automatically processed by the mailing system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple feature programs are stored in UIC memory, then more features can be supported, but memory space becomes limited and system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of supported featuresVSAvoidmemory space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-loads only the feature programs that are currently needed into UIC memory, while storing other feature programs in external storage media. This preliminary selection and loading approach optimizes memory usage while maintaining the capability to support multiple features on demand

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The feature storage system is segmented into two parts: frequently used feature programs stored in UIC memory and less frequently used programs stored in external storage media, allowing efficient memory management and system performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If CSR physically visits the site for feature activation, then features can be added, but travel and service costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature addition capabilityVSAvoidservice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The mailing system autonomously receives and processes feature activation files from the data center without requiring CSR physical presence, eliminating travel costs and service fees while maintaining full feature addition capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A network communication system acts as an intermediary between the data center and the mailing system, enabling feature activation through electronic file transfer without requiring physical CSR intervention at the customer site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual feature activation is performed, then features can be enabled, but it becomes difficult to track which features are currently loaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature configuration flexibilityVSAvoidfeature status information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates and maintains a feature status file that provides real-time feedback on which features are currently loaded and enabled in the mailing system, making it easy to track and manage feature configurations without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7844554B2Method and system for remote feature enabling and disabling in a mailing system

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 PITNEY BOWERS INC

AI summary

A system and method to remotely enable and disable features in a mailing system is provided. When a customer desires to change the operating features of a mailing system, the customer places an order with a data center. The data center generates a file that identifies each of the features that should be enabled within the mailing system, and the file is sent to the mailing system, along with any files required to implement and support the enabled features, via a network. The mailing system will store the required files, and purge any files no longer required to implement and support features that are no longer enabled. The enabling and disabling of operating features is thus performed remotely from the data center, and does not require a customer service representative to physically visit the location at which the mailing system is installed.