Simultaneous voice and data communication for diagnostic procedures in a printing or copying machine
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsCarl W. Edmunds, Daniel Auman, Kevin R. Mathers, Craig S. Lippolis, Arturo M. Lorenzo, Carol-Lynn Goldstein
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for conveying diagnostic data from a machine, such as a digital copier or printer, to a remote specialist allows simultaneous transfer of diagnostic data and live voice data through the same communication channel. A distinct sequence of steps between the computer in the machine and the specialist's computer minimizes the chance of time-wasting errors in establishing communication.
Claims14
A machine adapted for a user and a remote specialist to perform a diagnostic procedure thereon, the specialist having a computer, comprising:
- diagnostic means for gathering diagnostic data about a physical condition of the machine, the diagnostic means further including means for identifying the machine by a serial number;
- communication means whereby diagnostic data can pass between the diagnostic means and the specialist's computer, and voice data can pass between the user and the specialist, the communication means including a single communication channel for diagnostic data and voice data, the single communication channel being a computer network connection;
- means, disposed on the machine, for the user to initiate communication with the specialist;
- and
- the communication means sending the serial number of the machine to the specialist's computer and causing the specialist's computer to initiate voice communication to the user in response to the user initiating communication with the specialist.
A method of performing a diagnostic procedure on a machine attended by a user by a specialist having a computer, comprising:
- gathering diagnostic data about a physical condition of the machine, the diagnostic data including a serial number;
- passing diagnostic data between the machine and a specialist's computer, and passing voice data between the user and the specialist, via a single communication channel for diagnostic data and voice data, the single communication channel being a computer network connection;
- the user initiating communication with the specialist;
- and
- sending the serial number of the machine to the specialist's computer and causing the specialist's computer to initiate voice communication to the user in response to the user initiating communication with the specialist.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.