Method and system of remote diagnostic, control and information collection using a dynamic linked library of multiple formats and multiple protocols with intelligent protocol processor

• US 20050015487A1
• Filed: 06/02/2004
• Published: 01/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Avery Fong, Tetsuro Motoyama
• Original Assignee: Avery Fong, Tetsuro Motoyama
• Inventors: Motoyama, Tetsuro, Fong, Avery
• Granted Patent: US 7,617,311 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/224
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/06 Management of faults, events, alarms or notifications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0681 Configuration of triggering conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/00 User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/025 for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols

Abstract

A method, system and computer program product for (1) collecting information from a remote application unit and/or (2) diagnosing or controlling the remote application unit. By supporting dynamic generation of multiple data formats and/or multiple communication protocols, a computer code device increases the likelihood that a supported format and/or protocol will be either receivable or understandable by a receiver without having to pre-generate the protocol or format processor. By utilizing a shareable computer code device (e.g., a dynamic linked library), a new application can utilize tested, proven code without having to reproduce existing functionality.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring events of a target application in a device, the device performing at least the steps of:

monitoring data of the events;

generating a log of the monitored data;

selecting a first protocol from plural Internet communication protocols to transfer the log of the monitored data by a communication unit; and

transferring the log of the monitored data between a remote receiver and the communication unit through the first protocol; and

wherein the monitoring generating selecting and transferring steps are initiated internal to the device.

2. A method of monitoring events of a target application in a device according to claim 1, wherein the target application is a software program being executed under control of a user.

3. A method of monitoring events of a target application in a device according to claim 1, wherein the target application controls an operation panel.

4. A method of monitoring events of a target application in a device according to claim 1, wherein the target application monitors an internal state change.

5. A method of monitoring events of a target application in a device according to claim 1, wherein the device is an image forming device.

6. A method of monitoring events of a target application in a device according to claim 1, wherein the device is an appliance.

7. A method of monitoring events of a target application in a device according to claim 5, wherein the image forming device comprises at least one of copying machine, printer, facsimile or scanner.

8. A method of monitoring events of a target application in a device according to claim 1, the first protocol comprises at least one of SMTP, FTP and HTTP.

9. A method of monitoring events of a target application in a device according to claim 6, wherein the appliance comprises at least one of a microwave oven, VCR, digital camera, cellular phone, and palm top computer.