Remote Maintenance Computer Data Linking via Serial Number
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remote machine maintenance in the graphics industry often fail to effectively link data from different information channels, leading to inefficiencies and errors in the maintenance process.
Innovation Solution
The method involves mathematically linking maintenance orders placed via telephone with operating data retrieved from machines via the Internet, using a machine's serial number to connect the data, and storing it in a SAP system for error diagnosis and tracking, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If maintenance orders and operating data are collected via different information channels (telephone and Internet), then data can be gathered from multiple sources, but the data cannot be effectively linked and leads to errors in the maintenance process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that receives data from multiple information channels (telephone, Internet, email) and maintains a database that links all maintenance-related data. The server acts as a mediator that correlates data from different channels using common identifiers like machine serial numbers, ensuring accurate linking while maintaining versatility in data collection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server system performs multiple functions: it receives maintenance orders, collects operating data, stores information in a unified database, and provides access to various users (service personnel, customers, manufacturers). This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle diverse data sources while maintaining consistent data linking through universal identification mechanisms.
2Reliability
If service personnel visit machines frequently to check problems, then maintenance issues can be addressed promptly, but travel time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service capabilities where the machine itself automatically transmits operating data and error information to the central server via the Internet. Service personnel do not need to physically visit the machine to collect diagnostic information, as the machine performs self-diagnosis and automatically reports issues, eliminating travel time while maintaining effective maintenance response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of service personnel traveling to machines with an automated electronic data transmission system. Operating data is transmitted electronically from the machine to the central server, substituting physical travel with digital communication, thereby eliminating travel time and costs while maintaining or improving maintenance effectiveness.
3Loss of information
If manual data entry and linking is performed for maintenance tickets, then data can be documented, but errors occur and data consistency across systems is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual data entry and linking processes with automated electronic data transmission and processing. The central server automatically receives, stores, and links maintenance data from various channels using machine identifiers, eliminating human error in data entry and linking while ensuring complete and accurate maintenance documentation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The method involves feeding a maintenance request for a printing machine (3) to a remote maintenance computer (4) via an information channel. The maintenance request is transferred into a maintenance ticket. Operating data of the machine is fed to the computer via another information channel. The operating data is linked with the maintenance ticket in the computer, where the linked data is subjected to error diagnosis by the computer. The ticket is stored in a system for maintenance tracking. An error message is generated during failed linkage of entry of diagnostic with the ticket.