Remote Maintenance System Using IP Network for Automatic Failure Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote maintenance systems incur communication costs for users and are limited by low-speed data communication over Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), making them unsuitable for large data transfers and efficient failure management in devices like digital MFPs and facsimile machines.
Innovation Solution
A remote maintenance system connects communication terminal devices via the Internet, enabling automatic failure code notification and call initiation between the center device and user, using an IP network for voice communication sessions, allowing for efficient communication and management of device failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If PSTN is used for remote maintenance communication, then call functionality is available, but communication cost increases and data transfer speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from PSTN to IP network, enabling high-speed data transfer and eliminating per-call charges. The system uses IP addresses and port numbers instead of traditional telephone numbers, and leverages the existing data communication infrastructure for both data and voice communications.
2Quantity of substance
If PSTN is used for remote maintenance, then voice communication is possible, but large data transfer capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IP network serve multiple functions - both data communication and voice communication - eliminating the need for separate PSTN infrastructure. The system can transfer large amounts of data efficiently while also supporting voice calls through the same network infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If automatic call initiation is implemented, then user accessibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device automatically initiates calls to the center device when failures occur, without requiring user intervention. The device monitors its own status, detects failures, and autonomously communicates with the maintenance center, reducing user burden while managing the complexity internally.
4Loss of time
If failure notification is automated, then response time decreases, but communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device continuously monitors its operational status and prepares failure information in advance. When a failure occurs, the device immediately transmits the pre-prepared failure code and diagnostic data to the center device, reducing response time while managing protocol complexity through standardized error reporting formats.
Data Source
AI summary
A failure code indicating a failure content in a communication terminal device is automatically notified to a center device. The center device automatically makes a call to a user of the communication terminal device with the failure. When a trouble generates in the communication terminal device, the user of the communication terminal device can communicate with an operator of the center device in accordance with an operation of the user.