System, method, apparatus and program for collecting and providing information
US7340501B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99933
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A transmission device sends status information representing status of a copier to a center through a PSTN. In the center, the status information of each copier is analyzed, and suggestion information selected based on a result of the analysis is provided to a terminal of the user of the copier concerned. In this case, the user is informed by an e-mail or through a Web page with using the terminal. The information includes: a suggestion to multiply the copier, replace the currently-used copier with a new copier, performance information regarding a model of the currently-used copier, information regarding a timing for replenishing/replacing an expendable supply (such as a toner unit, etc.), a suggestion to purchase the expendable supply, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.