[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025156013A1 - Data communications network and method for identifying and remediating issues with networked devices - Google Patents

Data communications network and method for identifying and remediating issues with networked devices

Info

Publication number
WO2025156013A1
WO2025156013A1 PCT/AU2025/050048 AU2025050048W WO2025156013A1 WO 2025156013 A1 WO2025156013 A1 WO 2025156013A1 AU 2025050048 W AU2025050048 W AU 2025050048W WO 2025156013 A1 WO2025156013 A1 WO 2025156013A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data communications
networked
user
devices
requirement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/AU2025/050048
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ty David FENWICK
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2024900175A external-priority patent/AU2024900175A0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2025156013A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025156013A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16Y—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS [IoT]
    • G16Y40/00—IoT characterised by the purpose of the information processing
    • G16Y40/40—Maintenance of things
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B23/00—Testing or monitoring of control systems or parts thereof
    • G05B23/02—Electric testing or monitoring
    • G05B23/0205—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults
    • G05B23/0259—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults characterized by the response to fault detection
    • G05B23/0283—Predictive maintenance, e.g. involving the monitoring of a system and, based on the monitoring results, taking decisions on the maintenance schedule of the monitored system; Estimating remaining useful life [RUL]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B23/00—Testing or monitoring of control systems or parts thereof
    • G05B23/02—Electric testing or monitoring
    • G05B23/0205—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults
    • G05B23/0218—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults characterised by the fault detection method dealing with either existing or incipient faults
    • G05B23/0243—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults characterised by the fault detection method dealing with either existing or incipient faults model based detection method, e.g. first-principles knowledge model
    • G05B23/0254—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults characterised by the fault detection method dealing with either existing or incipient faults model based detection method, e.g. first-principles knowledge model based on a quantitative model, e.g. mathematical relationships between inputs and outputs; functions: observer, Kalman filter, residual calculation, Neural Networks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
    • G06F11/07—Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance
    • G06F11/0703—Error or fault processing not based on redundancy, i.e. by taking additional measures to deal with the error or fault not making use of redundancy in operation, in hardware, or in data representation
    • G06F11/0751—Error or fault detection not based on redundancy
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
    • G06F11/07—Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance
    • G06F11/0703—Error or fault processing not based on redundancy, i.e. by taking additional measures to deal with the error or fault not making use of redundancy in operation, in hardware, or in data representation
    • G06F11/0766—Error or fault reporting or storing
    • G06F11/0769—Readable error formats, e.g. cross-platform generic formats, human understandable formats
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06N—COMPUTING ARRANGEMENTS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS
    • G06N20/00—Machine learning
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/06—Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
    • G06Q10/063—Operations research, analysis or management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/20—Administration of product repair or maintenance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16Y—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS [IoT]
    • G16Y40/00—IoT characterised by the purpose of the information processing
    • G16Y40/20—Analytics; Diagnosis
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
    • H04L9/50—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols using hash chains, e.g. blockchains or hash trees
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/10—Plc systems
    • G05B2219/15—Plc structure of the system
    • G05B2219/15117—Radio link, wireless
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
    • G06F11/07—Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance
    • G06F11/0703—Error or fault processing not based on redundancy, i.e. by taking additional measures to deal with the error or fault not making use of redundancy in operation, in hardware, or in data representation
    • G06F11/0793—Remedial or corrective actions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16Y—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS [IoT]
    • G16Y10/00—Economic sectors
    • G16Y10/60—Healthcare; Welfare
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16Y—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE INTERNET OF THINGS [IoT]
    • G16Y10/00—Economic sectors
    • G16Y10/80—Homes; Buildings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/023—Services making use of location information using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a data communications network and a method of operating same for identifying issues associated with networked devices that are inter- operably connected across a data communications network, and determining actions to facilitate remediation of any identified issues to ensure that the devices are functioning and remain connected and interoperating.
  • the Internet of Things refers to a collective network of connected devices/equipment, including a data communications network that facilitates communication between devices and one or more computer servers connected to the internet (cloud), as well as communications between the devices themselves.
  • loT devices/equipment include, but are not limited to, cooling apparatus such as refrigerators, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems such as air- conditioning units, and other apparatus which can be connected to the internet, which may further include dish-washing machines, clothes washing machines and vehicles.
  • HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
  • loT devices typically experience issues such as operational faults, component wear and tear, outdated software, and cybersecurity threats.
  • such equipment requires frequent maintenance, software updates and repair.
  • Regularly and promptly carrying out fault identification and maintenance of loT devices and equipment gives rise to a number of benefits, including avoiding the increased expense and downtime associated with allowing faults to remain undetected for prolonged periods of time.
  • the longer a fault remains undetected the greater the risk that a faulty component, or the entire device or equipment, will require replacement rather than repair, which significantly increases cost to the owner of the device or equipment.
  • Another problem that can arise is the failure to regularly attend to any software updates associated with loT devices, which can result in cybersecurity breaches leading to data and financial losses.
  • loT devices and equipment are becoming increasingly ubiquitous with most, if not all, households, it will be appreciated that by improving systems and/or methods for promptly identifying issues and attending to any required actions to facilitate remediation, the user experience with such devices will be enhanced, and operational longevity of such devices will improve.
  • Other advantages and benefits that may arise include reduced costs associated with the timely maintenance and repair of devices and equipment, and avoiding or at least minimizing instances of operational cybersecurity breaches.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a solution to problems and disadvantages associated with existing systems and/or methods for identifying and remediating issues associated with loT devices, or at least seeks to provide an alternative to same.
  • the present invention provides a data communications network including connected data communications devices and a method of operating same to identify issues in relation to one or more networked devices associated with a user, the method including integrating, by one or more processors, one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) with the data communications network to enable data communications with components of the network including one or more connected data communications devices associated with a user and a central hub operable to receive wireless data communications from each of one or more networked devices data communications associated with the user, receiving, by one or more processors, details relating to the one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, wherein each networked data communications device is linked to the central hub which is further operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means, received data to the data communications devices of the user, detecting, by one or more processors based on processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub from the one or more networked data communications devices, a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networke
  • APIs application programming interface
  • the notification includes information sufficient to enable the user to identify the networked device(s) for which a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance has been detected.
  • the notification further includes one or more recommendations enabling remedial action to be undertaken to address the problem or requirement detected in respect of the networked device(s).
  • the remedial action includes one or more of, an action recommended to be undertaken by the user, an action recommended to be undertaken by a goods and/or service provider, or an action automatically initiated by the data communications network by transmitting instructions to the networked data communications device(s) to perform the remedial action.
  • the one or more recommendations further specify a goods and/or service provider located within a predetermined geographical vicinity of the user who is available to assist with respect to addressing the problem or requirement.
  • the goods and/or service providers available for inclusion in the recommendation(s) are registered users who have previously provided details regarding one or more of their expertise, qualifications, experience, and the goods and/or services offered.
  • selection of the provider(s) for inclusion in the recommendation(s) is further based on the provider(s) having one or more of the relevant expertise, qualifications, experience, and goods and/or services to assist in addressing the problem or requirement detected in respect of networked data communications device(s).
  • the one or more recommendations further include the contact details of the selected provider(s), including a phone number and address thereof.
  • the notification that is transmitted to the data communications device of the user includes a link selectable by the user to enable the user to access an interface to connect with a goods and/or service provider and to communicate and receive repair and/or maintenance instructions from the goods and/or service provider via a video link.
  • the one or more networked data communications device(s) include one or more Internet of Things (loT) devices, wherein each loT device relates to one or more of, HVAC, refrigeration, home automation devices including home appliances and vehicles, industrial loT, or healthcare devices.
  • loT Internet of Things
  • the problem is a fault detected in one or more networked data communications device(s).
  • the requirement is a scheduled service for the one or more networked data communications device(s) (eg. to maintain a valid warranty).
  • either the one or more processors (ie. the server) of the data communications network or the central hub causes the notification regarding the problem or requirement to be generated and transmitted in substantially real-time to the data communications device(s) of the user.
  • detecting a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked data communications devices is facilitated by one or more artificial intelligence techniques used to identify the problem or requirement based at least on the wireless data communications received from each networked device.
  • detecting the problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair using the one or more artificial intelligence techniques is further based on a previously generated forecast regarding the problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair.
  • the forecast is generated by implementing one or more machine learning models to predict problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with the one or more networked data communications devices according to one or more of, sensor data, historical trends, long-term operational data, device performance metrics, device patterns, and environmental factors.
  • detecting a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair using the one or more artificial intelligence techniques is further based on voice commands received by the one or more networked data communications devices.
  • the voice commands are processed using natural language processing (NLP) to interpret the voice commands and to identify the extent to which the commands are indicative of there being a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance associated with the one or more networked data communications devices, wherein only those commands which are determined as indicative of there being a problem or requirement are utilized.
  • NLP natural language processing
  • the present invention provides a computer-implemented system for identifying issues in relation to one or more networked devices associated with a user, the system including one or more processors operable to integrate one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) associated with one or more data communications device with the data communications network where the connected data communications devices are associated with users to enable data communications with components of the network including one or more connected data communications devices associated with a user and a central hub operable to receive wireless data communications from each of the one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, receive details relating to one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, wherein each networked data communications device is linked to the central hub which is further operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means, the wireless data communications to the data communications device(s) of the user, detect, based on processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub from the one or more data communications networked devices, a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked
  • APIs application programming interface
  • the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer instruction code stored therein, that when executed on one or more processors of a data communications network, causes the network to perform the steps of integrating, by the one or more processors, one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) associated with one or more data communications devices with data communications network to enable data communications with components of the network including one or more connected data communications device(s) associated with a user and a central hub operable to receive wireless data communications from each of one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, receiving, by the one or more processors, details relating to one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, wherein each networked data communications device is linked to the central hub which us further operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means, the wireless data communications to the data communications device of the user, detecting, by the one or more processors, based on processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub from the one or more networked data communications devices,
  • APIs application programming interfaces
  • Figure 1 provides an overview of a data communications network according to an embodiment of the present invention showing, in particular, the interaction of various network components;
  • Figure 2 provides a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary server component of the network illustrated in Figure 1 ;
  • Figures 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to download and install a software application, and subsequently access, or register to use, the software application for interaction with the network illustrated in Figure 1 , including to establish a user account and to link their device(s) to a low orbit satellite for receipt and transmission of data;
  • Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables the user to receive substantially real-time notifications regarding problems or requirements for repair and/or maintenance associated with one or more networked devices of the user;
  • Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables service providers to view available repair and/or maintenance requirements in respect of which users have been notified and enables users to engage with such service providers;
  • Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to access additional functionality of the software application, including a repair/maintenance calendar and an interface for proving feedback regarding the use of the software application and service provider performance.
  • the present invention provides a computer- implemented data communications network and a method of operating the network which includes data communication devices (50) inter-operably connected with one or more servers (20) within the network to generate and provide notifications (85) to users (30) regarding a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with one or more networked devices (75) of the user (30) (eg. HVAC equipment such as air conditioner units (75A), cooling equipment such as refrigerators (75B), or any other networked device(s) associated with the user (30) including automobiles (75C)).
  • networked devices eg. HVAC equipment such as air conditioner units (75A), cooling equipment such as refrigerators (75B), or any other networked device(s) associated with the user (30) including automobiles (75C)
  • Reference herein to a “device” is not intended to limit the scope solely to handheld or hand-operated devices, but may also include other types of devices, equipment, units, apparatus, and assemblies. It will also be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to any one loT device, and may include devices across different device loT ecosystems such as home automation, industrial loT, and devices used in the delivery of healthcare services.
  • the network and method provide a platform that hosts a computerexecutable software application (40), wherein the application (40) is accessible by a plurality of registered users (30) seeking to be notified in substantially real-time regarding problems with their networked data communications devices (75), and maintenance and/or repairs that are required to be undertaken on their networked device(s) (75).
  • the network utilizes a central server (20) in communication with data communication devices (50) associated with users (30).
  • the central server (20) maintains one or more processors and/or databases for performing functions, including integrating one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) with the data communications network to enable data communications with components of the network including a connected data communications device (50) associated with the user (30) and a central hub (80) operable to receive wireless data communications from each of the one or more networked devices (75) associated with the user (30).
  • the server (20) is further configured to receive details relating to the one or more networked devices (75) associated with the user (30), wherein each networked device (75) is linked to the central hub (80) which is further operable to transit received data to the data communications device (50) via the network (eg.
  • a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any one or more of the networked devices (75) may be detected, and the server (20) or central hub (80) is caused to generate and transit a notification in substantially real-time (85) to the user’s data communications device (50) regarding the problem or requirement associated with the device(s) (75) belonging to the user (30).
  • the platform provides a user (30) with a means of ensuring that their networked device(s) (75) are functional and operating correctly (or at least at a minimal level of functionality to ensure their operation) by causing the user (30) to be notified regarding the need to take instantaneous (eg. fault related) or ongoing (eg. service/maintenance) actions.
  • instantaneous e. fault related
  • ongoing e. service/maintenance
  • FIG. 1 is divided into segments which are further expanded in subsequent Figures 2-6.
  • Segment 200 of Figure 1 shows the server component (20) with which the software application (40) operating on each data communications device (50) is configured to communicate.
  • the software application (40) may be a mobile application or a web application
  • the data communications devices (50) utilized by users (30) may be mobile devices or fixed location computing devices. Examples of mobile devices include mobile phones, wearables and laptops, and examples of fixed location devices include personal computers and workstations (not shown).
  • the server component (20) is additionally detailed in figure 2.
  • the central hub (80) and/or server (20) may be programmed to provide most, or all, of the functions described herein particularly where they cannot be provided locally on the user devices (50) or where it may be impractical or not technically or commercially feasible to implement such a configuration.
  • the steps described herein as performed by the devices (50) or components thereof may be associated with hardware located externally of the devices (50), such as the central hub (80) and/or remote central server (20) (ie. in a distributed architecture). Different arrangements are possible in this regard, and alternative variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology.
  • Segment 300 of Figure 1 shows a user (30) downloading and installing an application (40) and subsequently accessing the application (40) to establish a user account and profile, including submission of various details and preferences relating to their interaction with the software application (40), and entering details including a location (55) of the user (30) and/or user device (50) and selecting a wireless transfer means (eg. a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-Wave connection, or in accordance with the embodiment shown a low-orbit satellite (70)) with which to connect the device (50) for the purpose of receiving and transmitting data communications (ie. in addition to exchanging data communications with the central server (20)).
  • a wireless transfer means eg. a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-Wave connection, or in accordance with the embodiment shown a low-orbit satellite (70)
  • the user (30) may select from a list of available low-orbit satellites (70) with which to connect.
  • the device (50) may automatically link to the low-orbit satellite (70) recorded as having the greatest signal strength, as detailed in Figure 3.
  • Segment 400 of Figure 1 illustrates a notification interface (170) providing users (30) with the ability to upload information relating to their networked devices (75) and/or the central hub (80) configured to receive wireless data communications from the networked device(s) (75), and to enable the user devices (50) to receive and display, in substantially real-time, notifications (85) regarding problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with any one of the one or more networked devices (75), which may include one or more recommendations, as further detailed in Figure 4.
  • Segment 500 of Figure 1 illustrates various additional interfaces including a service provider access interface (180) that enables goods and/or service providers (60) to register to use the software application (40) and enter information including their location (65) and additional relevant information including, but not limited to, their availability to accept new repair/maintenance jobs, as well as a goods/service provider engagement/payment interface (190), as further detailed in Figure 5.
  • a service provider access interface 180
  • goods and/or service providers 60
  • additional relevant information including, but not limited to, their availability to accept new repair/maintenance jobs, as well as a goods/service provider engagement/payment interface (190), as further detailed in Figure 5.
  • segment 600 of Figure 1 illustrates still further functionality of the software application (40) including a repair/maintenance calendar interface (210) that enables users (30) and goods and/or service providers (60) to track scheduled maintenance and/or repair tasks with respect to the networked devices (75), and a review/rating interface (220) that enables users (30) to provide feedback with respect to the goods and/or services provided by providers (60), as further detailed in Figure 6.
  • a repair/maintenance calendar interface (210) that enables users (30) and goods and/or service providers (60) to track scheduled maintenance and/or repair tasks with respect to the networked devices (75)
  • a review/rating interface (220) that enables users (30) to provide feedback with respect to the goods and/or services provided by providers (60), as further detailed in Figure 6.
  • Figure 2 shows in greater detail segment 200 of Figure 1 and, in particular, Figure 2 illustrates the server component (20) which includes infrastructure upon which the platform of the present invention operates.
  • the infrastructure may be local or cloud-based.
  • the central server (20) may operate one or more computer processors and maintain one or more databases to enable the following functionality and/or storage;
  • User account register (100) storing user details such as name, age, address (55), contact details, identifiers such as driver’s license or passport details, and any additional data which may be relevant for the purpose of identifying and distinguishing between registered users (30);
  • Networked device register (105) storing details relating to all networked devices (75) for which details have been uploaded by registered users (30), wherein each registered device (75) is linked to the user (30) responsible for uploading such information or with whom the device (75) has been associated.
  • the device details may include, but are not limited to, the device name, device type, the device location, information pertaining to any central hubs (80) responsible for receiving wireless communications from each device (75) and transmitting same to the server (20) or to the user device (50) (eg. via a wireless transfer means such as a low orbit satellite (70)), as well as historical information pertaining to the repair and/or maintenance of each device (75) including the type and purpose of the repair and/or maintenance, a time and date stamp associated with same, etc;
  • Goods/service provider register (1 10) storing details relating to good and/or service providers (60) registered to assist with respect to problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with the networked devices (75), which could include tradespeople such as plumbers and electricians.
  • the data stored may be similar to the data stored in the user account register (100) and may include details such as name, age, location (65), authentication details, and additional data which may be relevant for the purposes of identifying and distinguishing between goods and/or service providers (60), as well as more specific information pertaining to qualifications, expertise, availability, etc, associated with each provider (60);
  • Data processing functionality (115) for processing user input commands and received data to generate relevant outputs for display.
  • data processing functionality (1 15) may be responsible for detecting (including through the use of artificial intelligence techniques as described in greater detail herein) problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with the networked devices (75), and for causing each central hub (80) to transmit notifications (85) via wireless transfer means to the user device (50) based upon detection of same.
  • the functionality (115) may also be responsible for generating notifications (85) which may include recommendations enabling the user (30) to take remedial action to address the problem or requirement detected in respect of the particular networked device(s) (75), and to process feedback and perform additional tasks as described herein including tasks required to maintain a repair/maintenance calendar (90);
  • Payment gateway functionality (120) allowing users (30) to manage any required payments using functionality provided by the software application (40) including, for example, payment to goods and/or service providers (60) as well as payment to an administrator of the software application (40) in respect of any subscription fees;
  • Alerts/notifications functionality (125) enabling users (30) to receive alerts and/or notifications with their devices (50) and in particular using functionality provided by the software application (40) operating on each device (50), wherein such alerts and/or notifications may be generated according to pre-defined criteria. For example, an alert and/or notification could be generated based on the generation of a notification (85) regarding a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a particular user’s networked device (75), an incoming message from another user (30) or from a goods and/or service provider (60), etc;
  • Repair/maintenance calendar functionality (130) storing details relating to scheduled events agreed between users (30) and goods and/or service providers (60), including but not limited to times and locations at which goods and/or services will be provided based upon an agreed purchase price, wherein such details may be automatically stored and the calendar (90) automatically updated according to selections made by users (30) and goods and/or service providers (60); and
  • FIG 2 also depicts that server (20) is configured to enable communication with the user devices (50), in particular, with the software application (40) operating on each device (50). Such communications may occur via the internet or any similar data communications network.
  • FIG 3 shows in greater detail Segment 300 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the steps associated with a user (30) installing the software application (40) which may be achieved by downloading the application (40) from an application store or by other means.
  • Each user (30) may create an account using the application (40) and the account information may be stored in the user account register (100).
  • the user account register may capture information sufficient to enable each user (30) to be identified.
  • interface (160) which enables users (30) to install the application (40) in order to access the functionality thereof, including to create and maintain a user account and specify preferences of the user (30). Such preferences may be entered in one or more additional interfaces which may prompt the user (30) to enter such preferences.
  • the user (30) may be presented with an interface identical or similar to interface (160), to allow the user (30) to add preferences to their profile, including the ability to edit profile/account information.
  • the user (30) will be successfully registered such that the user (30) becomes a registered user and may subsequently utilize the functionality of the application (40) which may be in accordance with a subscription level of the user (30).
  • Figure 3 also illustrates how the user (30) may select and link their device (50) to a wireless transfer means to enable communications to be received from the central hub (80) which receives data communications from the networked devices (75).
  • the wireless transfer means may be an available Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-Wave connection, although in the embodiment shown the wireless transfer means is in the form of a low-orbit satellite (70) configured to receive transmissions from the central hub (80), and it will be appreciated in this regard that the use of such satellite technology will enhance the user’s interaction with the platform since there are increased prospects of notifications and recommendations relating to a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a networked device (75) of the user (30) to be received successfully and in substantially real-time.
  • the platform may utilize multiple communication modules capable of receiving and processing data from various standards, eg. using hardware adapters to interpret different data formats and communication patterns from each protocol.
  • Figure 4 shows in greater detail Segment 400 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the use of the software application (40) and the low-orbit satellite (70) to enable the data communications device (50) to receive notifications (which may include recommendations) regarding the problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance with respect to the user’s network device(s) (75).
  • the central hub (80) is illustrated in Figure 4 as a means of receiving signals from multiple networked devices (75A), (75B) and (75C) and subsequently transmitting same to the data communications device (50) via the low-orbit satellite (70).
  • Such communications may be processed by the hub (80) and/or the server (20), and the hub (80) or server (20) may be subsequently caused, according to detection of a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with particular networked device (75), to generate and transmit a notification (85) in substantially real-time to the device (50) regarding the problem or requirement associated with the particular networked device (75).
  • the central hub (80) could include the necessary processing hardware to process signals received from the networked devices (75) such that no communication is required with the central server (20), in which case the relevant notification (85) may be generated by the central hub (80) for transmission to the device (50) using the wireless transfer means (eg. the low-orbit satellite (70)).
  • the notifications (85) may include information enabling users (30) to identify the networked device(s) (75) affected, as well as providing recommendations enabling the user (30) to take remedial action to address the problem or requirement detected in respect of the particular device(s) (75).
  • the recommendations may include detailed instructions to repair a fault in the networked device (75) (eg.
  • instructions generated by an Al-driven chatbot or by a service provider (60) as described in greater detail below may be in the form of a reminder to the user (30) that the device (70) requires repair and/or maintenance, and/or may specify a goods and/or services provider (60) having a location (65) within a predetermined geographical vicinity of the location (55) of the user (30) who is available to assist with respect to addressing the user’s problem or requirement.
  • the user’s location may be input by the user (30) or automatically detected (eg. by utilizing integrated GPS tracking or geolocation functionality) and the location (55) may be matched with nearby goods and/or service providers (60) using geofencing functionality. Additional functionality may be provided, including mapping of service provider locations and the use of a dynamic routing algorithm to ensure the closest and most available provider is selected.
  • the goods and/or services providers (60) available for inclusion in the recommendation may represent previously registered providers who have recorded information regarding their expertise, qualifications, experience, or products and/or services offered, in addition to their availability. Such additional information may also be utilized during the automatic selection of particular service providers for inclusion in the recommendation (eg. based upon the selected service provider having the relevant expertise, qualifications, experience, products and/or services, and also availability to assist to address the problem or maintenance requirement).
  • the platform may integrate with service provider management systems to ensure real-time availability data is used for scheduling and to avoid conflicts or delays, and the scheduling feature may be supported by an Al-based decision engine that learns from historical scheduling data to optimize future appointments.
  • the recommendation may further include the contact details of the selected service provider(s) (60) including a phone number and address to enable the user (30) to make contact.
  • the notification (85) will also specify the problem or requirement detected with respect to the particular networked device (75).
  • the problem identified may be a fault detected in an appliance (75).
  • the requirement identified relates to the particular networked device (75) requiring a scheduled service, to maintain a valid warranty.
  • the present invention is not limited to any one particular problem or requirement that may be detected in respect of a particular networked device (75), or to any one recommendation to address the problem or requirement.
  • the server (20) and/or central hub (80) may utilize one or more artificial intelligence techniques to identify the problem or requirement based at least on the wireless data communications received from each networked device (75) (eg. to identify that the device (75) is not operating according to standard operational expectations).
  • detecting a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair may be facilitated by a previously generated forecast regarding the problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair.
  • the platform may utilize one or more artificial intelligence techniques to predict problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with the one or more networked devices based on various data inputs, including one or more of sensor data, historical trends, long-term operational data, device performance metrics, device patterns, and environmental factors. In this way, the detection of a problem or requirement is not only reactive (ie. based on a current detection of a problem or requirement) but also proactive in the sense that a problem or requirement may be predicted in advance.
  • APIs to enable data communications with the data communications devices (50) as well as the central hub (80) has been previously described, and it will be well understood that such APIs enable different applications associated with the server (20) to communicate with applications associated with each of the device (50) and hub (80) using a set of mechanisms and protocols.
  • One or more additional APIs may be used to allow bidirectional communication between the networked devices (75) and the central hub (80) or any other component with which the networked devices (75) may be required to communicate.
  • each networked device (75) may have integrated smart assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc, and hence the platform may be configured to interface with these voice-controlled platforms, including to translate commands and send same to the backend (server (20)) for processing.
  • smart assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc
  • Natural Language Processing may be utilized to interpret user queries received through such devices (75) and the extent to which such information may be useful in detecting that a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance may be required in respect of a particular networked device (75).
  • Such information may be processed along with additional wireless data communications received by the central hub (80) as well as any additional data as described herein to give rise to a potentially improved output (notification and/or recommendation). For example, if a voice recording of a user (30) indicates that the user (30) has expressed frustration regarding the operation of a particular appliance (75) such as coffee machine, such information may be taken into account when the system is processing retrieved data to detect whether the particular coffee machine has a fault or is due for repair and/or maintenance.
  • the ability of the server (20) and/or central hub (80) to identify problems or requirements may also be based upon feedback provided by users (30) in respect of previous notifications (85) and recommendations received from the platform including the accuracy and usefulness of previous notifications and recommendations.
  • one or more artificial intelligence techniques may involve machine learning whereby a combination of data including historical feedback data from users (30) may be utilized to improve the accuracy of subsequently generated notifications and recommendations provided to users (30) with respect to identifying problems or requirements associated with networked devices (75).
  • the backend could feature an Al-driven diagnostic engine that continuously learns from user feedback and new data, refining the accuracy of new notifications and recommendations (as well as any predictions as described in the preceding paragraph).
  • the platform may be capable of diagnosing underlying causes of the problems or requirements which will facilitate the generation of recommendations suggesting appropriate corrective actions.
  • the notifications (85) may be presented to users (30) in a number of ways, including through in-app messages, push notifications, text message, and email. Users (30) may specify their notification preference, and may also specify different notification preferences according to the severity of the problem or requirement that has been identified (eg. major appliance fault notifications to be sent by text message, etc).
  • a rule engine may be used to dynamically adapt the type and frequency of notifications (85) based on user input. This rule engine could be integrated with the backend server, which would process user preferences and adjust the notification system’s behavior accordingly.
  • the recommendations provided to users (30) through notifications (85) may also be automatically implemented by the platform.
  • various networked devices (75) may be capable of being controlled such that repair and/or maintenance tasks may be automatically implemented.
  • the function may be automatically activated by generating and transmitting an instruction to the coffee machine in circumstances where a determination is made regarding an appropriate time to activate a cleaning function in order to maintain the coffee machine and/or to maintain a valid warranty.
  • the notification (85) that is transmitted to the data communications device (50) of the user (30) may include a link selectable by the user (30) to enable the user (30) to access an interface (not shown) to connect with a goods and/or service provider (60) and to communicate and receive repair and/or maintenance instructions from the goods and/or service provider (60) via a video link.
  • the platform may incorporate virtual reality (VR) support for remote diagnostics allowing service providers (60) to visually inspect and troubleshoot devices (75) through VR glasses utilized by users (30).
  • VR virtual reality
  • the user (30) could initiate a remote diagnostic session with a technician who would guide them through troubleshooting steps in a VR environment, and the technician could simulate repairs or provide visual cues using VR-bases overlays.
  • Instructions may also be generated and transmitted to systems and devices other than the networked device (75) in circumstances where the other systems and devices may be operable or required to carry out (or facilitate) repair and/or maintenance on the networked device (75).
  • the platform may integrate with existing third- party maintenance management tools, which would enable retrieval of diagnostic data and maintenance schedules, as well as additional data relating to repair logs, service requests and maintenance history.
  • the condition of networked devices (75) may also be continuously monitored and evaluated, and in this regard, each device (75) may have a health score allocated to it which changes over time depending on the health of the device (75).
  • the score may be based on various parameters such as device age, performance history, frequency of repair and/or maintenance, and sensor readings (eg. temperature, pressure, or vibration).
  • the platform may generate a numerical or color-coded health score to quickly indicate the state of the device, enabling users to prioritize maintenance and repairs accordingly.
  • Figure 5 shows in greater detail Segment 500 of Figure 1 and, in particular, a goods and/or services provider (60) using the software application (40) to identify when they have been included in a recommendation to a user (30) and therefore, to expect an engagement request from the user (30).
  • the goods and/or services provider (60) may be presented with a map or similar display which shows various different locations with respect to repair and/or maintenance tasks in which the goods and/or services of the particular provider (60) have been, or may be, requested by different users (30).
  • An example of such an interactive map interface (180) is shown in Figure 5.
  • the software application (40) further utilizes a payment gateway (120) to enable transactions to be made using the functionality provided by the platform including payments from users (30) to goods and/or services providers (60) in respect of goods and/or services provided.
  • the user (30) may be requested to provide funds to the provider (60) in advance of tasks being performed (ie. based upon accepting the recommendation offered in notification (85)), or alternatively, payment arrangements may be made directly with the service provider (60) based upon completion of the repair or servicing task which is not necessarily required to be conducted via the software application (40).
  • the user (30) may prefer to pay cash to the goods and/or services provider (60).
  • FIG 6 shows in greater detail Segment 600 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the use of the software application (40) to provide a repair/servicing calendar interface (210) in which an interactive calendar (90) is accessible by both users (30) and goods and/or services providers (60) in order to enable users (30) to track arrangements including scheduled meeting times and dates on which the service provider (60) has agreed to provide repair and/or servicing in respect of one or more networked devices (75) associated with the user (30).
  • the platform may be configured to integrate with external maintenance scheduling tools, which would allow users (30) to automatically transfer device maintenance data to centralized management systems, allowing businesses or property managers to schedule maintenance for all devices (75) in their portfolios efficiently.
  • This integration may enable automated maintenance scheduling (eg. by incorporating same into the interactive calendar (90), reducing administrative overhead and ensuring that devices are properly maintained according to organizational requirements.
  • Figure 6 also shows a review/rating interface (220) which enables users (30) to provide feedback with respect to not only the goods and/or services provided by the provider (60) but also in respect of the general use of the software application (40) including the previously described feedback with respect to the nature of the notifications (85) and recommendations included in same.
  • the feedback provided through interface (220) may be useful when the platform seeks to detect particular problems or requirements for repair and/or maintenance associated with a networked device (75), but also in respect of other aspects such as the performance of service providers (60).
  • one or more artificial intelligence techniques could also be used to analyze the feedback to detect patterns, such as frequently reported issues with a particular provider (60), or to identify providers (60) with consistently high ratings, and then such data may be used to improve future service provider recommendations.
  • Blockchain technology may also be implemented to ensure the integrity of data exchanged between components of the network. All interactions, from service provider recommendations to device status updates and maintenance history, could be stored on a blockchain, ensuring that the data is immutable and tamper-proof. Each repair, maintenance request, and associated transaction would be recorded as a block, creating a transparent and verifiable audit trail. This decentralized approach would provide enhanced security, protecting sensitive user data such as device information, location data, and repair/maintenance histories. [0076] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software, program codes, and/or instructions on a processor.
  • the processor may be part of a server, cloud server, client, network infrastructure, mobile computing platform, stationary computing platform, or other computing platform.
  • a processor may be any kind of computational or processing device capable of executing program instructions, codes, binary instructions and the like.
  • the processor may be or include a signal processor, digital processor, embedded processor, microprocessor or any variant such as a co-processor (math co-processor, graphic coprocessor, communication co-processor and the like) and the like that may directly or indirectly facilitate execution of program code or program instructions stored thereon.
  • the processor may enable execution of multiple programs, threads, and codes. The threads may be executed simultaneously to enhance the performance of the processor and to facilitate simultaneous operations of the application.
  • methods, program codes, program instructions and the like described herein may be implemented in one or more threads.
  • the thread may spawn other threads that may have assigned priorities associated with them; the processor may execute these threads based on priority or any other order based on instructions provided in the program code.
  • the processor may include memory that stores methods, codes, instructions and programs as described herein and elsewhere.
  • the processor may access a storage medium through an interface that may store methods, codes, and instructions as described herein and elsewhere.
  • the storage medium associated with the processor for storing methods, programs, codes, program instructions or other type of instructions capable of being executed by the computing or processing device may include but may not be limited to one or more of a CD-ROM, DVD, memory, hard disk, flash drive, RAM, ROM, cache and the like.
  • a processor may include one or more cores that may enhance speed and performance of a multiprocessor.
  • the process may be a dual core processor, quad core processors, other chip-level multiprocessor and the like that combine two or more independent cores (called a die).
  • the methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software on a server, cloud server, client, firewall, gateway, hub, router, or other such computer and/or networking hardware.
  • the software program may be associated with a server that may include a file server, print server, domain server, internet server, intranet server and other variants such as secondary server, host server, distributed server and the like.
  • the server may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other servers, clients, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like.
  • the methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the server.
  • other devices required for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the server.
  • the server may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, clients, other servers, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like. Additionally, this coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of programs across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method at one or more locations without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.
  • any of the devices attached to the server through an interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, programs, code and/or instructions.
  • a central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices.
  • the remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.
  • the software program may be associated with a client that may include a file client, print client, domain client, internet client, intranet client and other variants such as secondary client, host client, distributed client and the like.
  • the client may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other clients, servers, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like.
  • the methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the client.
  • other devices required for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the client.
  • the client may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, servers, other clients, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like. Additionally, this coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of programs across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method at one or more locations without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.
  • any of the devices attached to the client through an interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, programs, applications, code and/or instructions.
  • a central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices.
  • the remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.
  • the methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through network infrastructures.
  • the network infrastructure may include elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs, firewalls, clients, personal computers, communication devices, routing devices and other active and passive devices, modules and/or components as known in the art.
  • the computing and/or non-computing device(s) associated with the network infrastructure may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack, RAM, ROM and the like.
  • the processes, methods, program codes, instructions described herein and elsewhere may be executed by one or more of the network infrastructural elements.
  • wireless networks examples include 4th Generation (4G) networks (e.g., Long-Term Evolution (LTE)) or 5th Generation (5G) networks, as well as non- cellular networks such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).
  • 4G Long-Term Evolution
  • 5G 5th Generation
  • WLANs Wireless Local Area Networks
  • the operations, methods, programs codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on or through mobile devices.
  • the mobile devices may include navigation devices, cell phones, mobile phones, mobile personal digital assistants, laptops, palmtops, netbooks, pagers, electronic books readers, music players and the like. These devices may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as a flash memory, buffer, RAM, ROM and one or more computing devices.
  • the computing devices associated with mobile devices may be enabled to execute program codes, methods, and instructions stored thereon. Alternatively, the mobile devices may be configured to execute instructions in collaboration with other devices.
  • the mobile devices may communicate with base stations interfaced with servers and configured to execute program codes.
  • the mobile devices may communicate on a peer-to-peer network, mesh network, or other communications network.
  • the program code may be stored on the storage medium associated with the server and executed by a computing device embedded within the server.
  • the base station may include a computing device and a storage medium.
  • the storage device may store program codes and instructions executed by the computing
  • the computer software, program codes, and/or instructions may be stored and/or accessed on machine readable media that may include: computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (e.g., USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.
  • RAM random access memory
  • mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms
  • the methods and systems described herein may transform physical and/or intangible items from one state to another.
  • the methods and systems described herein may also transform data representing physical and/or intangible items from one state to another, such as from usage data to a normalized usage dataset.
  • machines may include, but may not be limited to, personal digital assistants, laptops, personal computers, mobile phones, other handheld computing devices, medical equipment, wired or wireless communication devices, transducers, chips, calculators, satellites, tablet PCs, electronic books, gadgets, electronic devices, devices having artificial intelligence, computing devices, networking equipment, servers, routers and the like.
  • the elements depicted in the flow chart and block diagrams or any other logical component may be implemented on a machine capable of executing program instructions.
  • the methods and/or processes described above, and steps thereof, may be realized in hardware, software or any combination of hardware and software suitable for a particular application.
  • the hardware may include a general-purpose computer and/or dedicated computing device or specific computing device or particular aspect or component of a specific computing device.
  • the processes may be realized in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable devices, along with internal and/or external memory.
  • the processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed on a machine-readable medium.
  • the computer executable code may be created using a structured programming language such as C, an object oriented programming language such as C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, or combinations of different hardware and software, or any other machine capable of executing program instructions.
  • a structured programming language such as C
  • an object oriented programming language such as C++
  • any other high-level or low-level programming language including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • Evolutionary Computation (AREA)
  • Data Mining & Analysis (AREA)
  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
  • Educational Administration (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a data communications network, system and method for identifying issues associated with networked devices (eg. IoT devices) of a user. Each networked device is linked to a central hub through an API with the hub operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means (eg. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, low-orbit satellite), data received from the networked device(s) to the data communications device of the user. By processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub, a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with the networked device(s) may be determined. According to detection of a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance, a notification regarding the problem or requirement, which may include recommendations for remedial action, is generated and transmitted in substantially real- time to the data communications device of the user.

Description

DATA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING AND REMEDIATING ISSUES WITH NETWORKED DEVICES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001 ] The present invention relates to a data communications network and a method of operating same for identifying issues associated with networked devices that are inter- operably connected across a data communications network, and determining actions to facilitate remediation of any identified issues to ensure that the devices are functioning and remain connected and interoperating.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The Internet of Things (loT) refers to a collective network of connected devices/equipment, including a data communications network that facilitates communication between devices and one or more computer servers connected to the internet (cloud), as well as communications between the devices themselves.
[0003] Whilst loT devices that connect wirelessly to a network (internet) and that transmit data are well known, existing techniques to automatically detect problems, faults, repair/maintenance dates, etc., and to report same to data communications devices of users presently have inherent problems. These inherent problems include inaccuracies associated with detecting such problems and/or an inability to provide substantially realtime notifications (including relevant remedial action recommendations) to users. More particularly, remedial action recommendations require an ability to accurately determine the location of such devices and appropriately locate service personnel competently skilled to service or repair the device(s), yet such features are not currently available or are ineffective in systems and methods known to the Applicant at the priority date of the claims herein.
[0004] loT devices/equipment include, but are not limited to, cooling apparatus such as refrigerators, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems such as air- conditioning units, and other apparatus which can be connected to the internet, which may further include dish-washing machines, clothes washing machines and vehicles. Over time, such devices typically experience issues such as operational faults, component wear and tear, outdated software, and cybersecurity threats. As a result, such equipment requires frequent maintenance, software updates and repair. Regularly and promptly carrying out fault identification and maintenance of loT devices and equipment gives rise to a number of benefits, including avoiding the increased expense and downtime associated with allowing faults to remain undetected for prolonged periods of time. Furthermore, in some instances, the longer a fault remains undetected, the greater the risk that a faulty component, or the entire device or equipment, will require replacement rather than repair, which significantly increases cost to the owner of the device or equipment. Another problem that can arise is the failure to regularly attend to any software updates associated with loT devices, which can result in cybersecurity breaches leading to data and financial losses.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need to improve upon existing systems and methods of identifying, and attending to remediation of, issues associated with loT devices and equipment. Since loT devices and equipment are becoming increasingly ubiquitous with most, if not all, households, it will be appreciated that by improving systems and/or methods for promptly identifying issues and attending to any required actions to facilitate remediation, the user experience with such devices will be enhanced, and operational longevity of such devices will improve. Other advantages and benefits that may arise include reduced costs associated with the timely maintenance and repair of devices and equipment, and avoiding or at least minimizing instances of operational cybersecurity breaches.
[0006] The present invention seeks to provide a solution to problems and disadvantages associated with existing systems and/or methods for identifying and remediating issues associated with loT devices, or at least seeks to provide an alternative to same.
[0007] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge at the priority date of the present disclosure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a data communications network including connected data communications devices and a method of operating same to identify issues in relation to one or more networked devices associated with a user, the method including integrating, by one or more processors, one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) with the data communications network to enable data communications with components of the network including one or more connected data communications devices associated with a user and a central hub operable to receive wireless data communications from each of one or more networked devices data communications associated with the user, receiving, by one or more processors, details relating to the one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, wherein each networked data communications device is linked to the central hub which is further operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means, received data to the data communications devices of the user, detecting, by one or more processors based on processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub from the one or more networked data communications devices, a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked data communications devices, and causing, by one or more processors, according to detection of a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a particular networked data communications device of the one or more networked devices, a notification regarding the problem or requirement to be generated and transmitted in substantially real-time to the data communications device(s) of the user.
[0009] In an embodiment, the notification includes information sufficient to enable the user to identify the networked device(s) for which a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance has been detected.
[0010] In an embodiment, the notification further includes one or more recommendations enabling remedial action to be undertaken to address the problem or requirement detected in respect of the networked device(s).
[0011] In an embodiment, the remedial action includes one or more of, an action recommended to be undertaken by the user, an action recommended to be undertaken by a goods and/or service provider, or an action automatically initiated by the data communications network by transmitting instructions to the networked data communications device(s) to perform the remedial action.
[0012] In an embodiment, the one or more recommendations further specify a goods and/or service provider located within a predetermined geographical vicinity of the user who is available to assist with respect to addressing the problem or requirement.
[0013] In an embodiment, the goods and/or service providers available for inclusion in the recommendation(s) are registered users who have previously provided details regarding one or more of their expertise, qualifications, experience, and the goods and/or services offered.
[0014] In an embodiment, selection of the provider(s) for inclusion in the recommendation(s) is further based on the provider(s) having one or more of the relevant expertise, qualifications, experience, and goods and/or services to assist in addressing the problem or requirement detected in respect of networked data communications device(s).
[0015] In an embodiment, the one or more recommendations further include the contact details of the selected provider(s), including a phone number and address thereof.
[0016] In an embodiment, the notification that is transmitted to the data communications device of the user includes a link selectable by the user to enable the user to access an interface to connect with a goods and/or service provider and to communicate and receive repair and/or maintenance instructions from the goods and/or service provider via a video link.
[0017] In an embodiment, the one or more networked data communications device(s) include one or more Internet of Things (loT) devices, wherein each loT device relates to one or more of, HVAC, refrigeration, home automation devices including home appliances and vehicles, industrial loT, or healthcare devices.
[0018] In an embodiment, the problem is a fault detected in one or more networked data communications device(s).
[0019] In an embodiment, the requirement is a scheduled service for the one or more networked data communications device(s) (eg. to maintain a valid warranty). [0020] In an embodiment, either the one or more processors (ie. the server) of the data communications network or the central hub causes the notification regarding the problem or requirement to be generated and transmitted in substantially real-time to the data communications device(s) of the user.
[0021] In an embodiment, detecting a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked data communications devices is facilitated by one or more artificial intelligence techniques used to identify the problem or requirement based at least on the wireless data communications received from each networked device.
[0022] In an embodiment, detecting the problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair using the one or more artificial intelligence techniques is further based on a previously generated forecast regarding the problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair.
[0023] In an embodiment, the forecast is generated by implementing one or more machine learning models to predict problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with the one or more networked data communications devices according to one or more of, sensor data, historical trends, long-term operational data, device performance metrics, device patterns, and environmental factors.
[0024] In an embodiment, detecting a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair using the one or more artificial intelligence techniques is further based on voice commands received by the one or more networked data communications devices.
[0025] In an embodiment, the voice commands are processed using natural language processing (NLP) to interpret the voice commands and to identify the extent to which the commands are indicative of there being a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance associated with the one or more networked data communications devices, wherein only those commands which are determined as indicative of there being a problem or requirement are utilized.
[0026] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented system for identifying issues in relation to one or more networked devices associated with a user, the system including one or more processors operable to integrate one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) associated with one or more data communications device with the data communications network where the connected data communications devices are associated with users to enable data communications with components of the network including one or more connected data communications devices associated with a user and a central hub operable to receive wireless data communications from each of the one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, receive details relating to one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, wherein each networked data communications device is linked to the central hub which is further operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means, the wireless data communications to the data communications device(s) of the user, detect, based on processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub from the one or more data communications networked devices, a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked data communications devices, and cause, according to detection of a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a networked data communications device of the one or more networked devices, a notification regarding the problem or requirement to be generated and transmitted in substantially real-time to the data communications device(s) of the user.
[0027] In a yet further aspect, the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer instruction code stored therein, that when executed on one or more processors of a data communications network, causes the network to perform the steps of integrating, by the one or more processors, one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) associated with one or more data communications devices with data communications network to enable data communications with components of the network including one or more connected data communications device(s) associated with a user and a central hub operable to receive wireless data communications from each of one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, receiving, by the one or more processors, details relating to one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, wherein each networked data communications device is linked to the central hub which us further operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means, the wireless data communications to the data communications device of the user, detecting, by the one or more processors, based on processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub from the one or more networked data communications devices, a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked data communications devices, and causing, by the one or more processors, according to detection of a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a networked data communications device of the one or more networked devices, a notification regarding the problem or requirement to be generated and transmitted in substantially real-time to the data communications device of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:
[0029] Figure 1 provides an overview of a data communications network according to an embodiment of the present invention showing, in particular, the interaction of various network components;
[0030] Figure 2 provides a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary server component of the network illustrated in Figure 1 ;
[0031 ] Figures 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to download and install a software application, and subsequently access, or register to use, the software application for interaction with the network illustrated in Figure 1 , including to establish a user account and to link their device(s) to a low orbit satellite for receipt and transmission of data;
[0032] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables the user to receive substantially real-time notifications regarding problems or requirements for repair and/or maintenance associated with one or more networked devices of the user;
[0033] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables service providers to view available repair and/or maintenance requirements in respect of which users have been notified and enables users to engage with such service providers; and
[0034] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to access additional functionality of the software application, including a repair/maintenance calendar and an interface for proving feedback regarding the use of the software application and service provider performance. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION
[0035] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring to embodiment(s) thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a better understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent, however, that the disclosure may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, some features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.
[0036] According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a computer- implemented data communications network and a method of operating the network which includes data communication devices (50) inter-operably connected with one or more servers (20) within the network to generate and provide notifications (85) to users (30) regarding a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with one or more networked devices (75) of the user (30) (eg. HVAC equipment such as air conditioner units (75A), cooling equipment such as refrigerators (75B), or any other networked device(s) associated with the user (30) including automobiles (75C)).
[0037] Reference herein to a “device” is not intended to limit the scope solely to handheld or hand-operated devices, but may also include other types of devices, equipment, units, apparatus, and assemblies. It will also be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to any one loT device, and may include devices across different device loT ecosystems such as home automation, industrial loT, and devices used in the delivery of healthcare services.
[0038] In particular, the network and method provide a platform that hosts a computerexecutable software application (40), wherein the application (40) is accessible by a plurality of registered users (30) seeking to be notified in substantially real-time regarding problems with their networked data communications devices (75), and maintenance and/or repairs that are required to be undertaken on their networked device(s) (75). In particular, the network utilizes a central server (20) in communication with data communication devices (50) associated with users (30).
[0039] The central server (20) maintains one or more processors and/or databases for performing functions, including integrating one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) with the data communications network to enable data communications with components of the network including a connected data communications device (50) associated with the user (30) and a central hub (80) operable to receive wireless data communications from each of the one or more networked devices (75) associated with the user (30). The server (20) is further configured to receive details relating to the one or more networked devices (75) associated with the user (30), wherein each networked device (75) is linked to the central hub (80) which is further operable to transit received data to the data communications device (50) via the network (eg. via a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-Wave connection, or using other wireless transfer means such as via a low orbit satellite (70) as illustrated in the embodiment described and illustrated herein noting that such an embodiment will require the hub (80) to be capable of transmitting a signal to the low orbit satellite (70)). Based upon processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub (80) from the one or more network devices (75), a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any one or more of the networked devices (75) may be detected, and the server (20) or central hub (80) is caused to generate and transit a notification in substantially real-time (85) to the user’s data communications device (50) regarding the problem or requirement associated with the device(s) (75) belonging to the user (30).
[0040] Accordingly, the skilled person will appreciate that the platform provides a user (30) with a means of ensuring that their networked device(s) (75) are functional and operating correctly (or at least at a minimal level of functionality to ensure their operation) by causing the user (30) to be notified regarding the need to take instantaneous (eg. fault related) or ongoing (eg. service/maintenance) actions. In this way, problems associated with existing techniques for automatically detecting problems, faults, repair/maintenance dates, etc, and reporting same to data communication devices (50) of users (30) in a timely manner to enable users (30) to detect and take remedial action in respect of such problems/requirements are addressed.
[0041] Figure 1 is divided into segments which are further expanded in subsequent Figures 2-6. In particular, Segment 200 of Figure 1 shows the server component (20) with which the software application (40) operating on each data communications device (50) is configured to communicate. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology that the software application (40) may be a mobile application or a web application, and that similarly, the data communications devices (50) utilized by users (30) may be mobile devices or fixed location computing devices. Examples of mobile devices include mobile phones, wearables and laptops, and examples of fixed location devices include personal computers and workstations (not shown). The server component (20) is additionally detailed in figure 2.
[0042] The skilled person will appreciate that various steps described herein may be executed by the devices (50), wherein such operations are facilitated by the software application (40) operating on each device (50). According to another implementation of the present invention, the central hub (80) and/or server (20) may be programmed to provide most, or all, of the functions described herein particularly where they cannot be provided locally on the user devices (50) or where it may be impractical or not technically or commercially feasible to implement such a configuration. In other words, the steps described herein as performed by the devices (50) or components thereof, may be associated with hardware located externally of the devices (50), such as the central hub (80) and/or remote central server (20) (ie. in a distributed architecture). Different arrangements are possible in this regard, and alternative variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology.
[0043] Segment 300 of Figure 1 shows a user (30) downloading and installing an application (40) and subsequently accessing the application (40) to establish a user account and profile, including submission of various details and preferences relating to their interaction with the software application (40), and entering details including a location (55) of the user (30) and/or user device (50) and selecting a wireless transfer means (eg. a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-Wave connection, or in accordance with the embodiment shown a low-orbit satellite (70)) with which to connect the device (50) for the purpose of receiving and transmitting data communications (ie. in addition to exchanging data communications with the central server (20)). In this regard, the user (30) may select from a list of available low-orbit satellites (70) with which to connect. Alternatively, the device (50) may automatically link to the low-orbit satellite (70) recorded as having the greatest signal strength, as detailed in Figure 3.
[0044] Segment 400 of Figure 1 illustrates a notification interface (170) providing users (30) with the ability to upload information relating to their networked devices (75) and/or the central hub (80) configured to receive wireless data communications from the networked device(s) (75), and to enable the user devices (50) to receive and display, in substantially real-time, notifications (85) regarding problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with any one of the one or more networked devices (75), which may include one or more recommendations, as further detailed in Figure 4.
[0045] Segment 500 of Figure 1 illustrates various additional interfaces including a service provider access interface (180) that enables goods and/or service providers (60) to register to use the software application (40) and enter information including their location (65) and additional relevant information including, but not limited to, their availability to accept new repair/maintenance jobs, as well as a goods/service provider engagement/payment interface (190), as further detailed in Figure 5. Finally, segment 600 of Figure 1 illustrates still further functionality of the software application (40) including a repair/maintenance calendar interface (210) that enables users (30) and goods and/or service providers (60) to track scheduled maintenance and/or repair tasks with respect to the networked devices (75), and a review/rating interface (220) that enables users (30) to provide feedback with respect to the goods and/or services provided by providers (60), as further detailed in Figure 6.
[0046] As mentioned above, Figure 2 shows in greater detail segment 200 of Figure 1 and, in particular, Figure 2 illustrates the server component (20) which includes infrastructure upon which the platform of the present invention operates. The infrastructure may be local or cloud-based.
[0047] The central server (20) may operate one or more computer processors and maintain one or more databases to enable the following functionality and/or storage;
• User account register (100) storing user details such as name, age, address (55), contact details, identifiers such as driver’s license or passport details, and any additional data which may be relevant for the purpose of identifying and distinguishing between registered users (30);
• Networked device register (105) storing details relating to all networked devices (75) for which details have been uploaded by registered users (30), wherein each registered device (75) is linked to the user (30) responsible for uploading such information or with whom the device (75) has been associated. The device details may include, but are not limited to, the device name, device type, the device location, information pertaining to any central hubs (80) responsible for receiving wireless communications from each device (75) and transmitting same to the server (20) or to the user device (50) (eg. via a wireless transfer means such as a low orbit satellite (70)), as well as historical information pertaining to the repair and/or maintenance of each device (75) including the type and purpose of the repair and/or maintenance, a time and date stamp associated with same, etc;
• Goods/service provider register (1 10) storing details relating to good and/or service providers (60) registered to assist with respect to problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with the networked devices (75), which could include tradespeople such as plumbers and electricians. The data stored may be similar to the data stored in the user account register (100) and may include details such as name, age, location (65), authentication details, and additional data which may be relevant for the purposes of identifying and distinguishing between goods and/or service providers (60), as well as more specific information pertaining to qualifications, expertise, availability, etc, associated with each provider (60);
• Data processing functionality (115) for processing user input commands and received data to generate relevant outputs for display. For example, data processing functionality (1 15) may be responsible for detecting (including through the use of artificial intelligence techniques as described in greater detail herein) problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with the networked devices (75), and for causing each central hub (80) to transmit notifications (85) via wireless transfer means to the user device (50) based upon detection of same. The functionality (115) may also be responsible for generating notifications (85) which may include recommendations enabling the user (30) to take remedial action to address the problem or requirement detected in respect of the particular networked device(s) (75), and to process feedback and perform additional tasks as described herein including tasks required to maintain a repair/maintenance calendar (90);
• Payment gateway functionality (120) allowing users (30) to manage any required payments using functionality provided by the software application (40) including, for example, payment to goods and/or service providers (60) as well as payment to an administrator of the software application (40) in respect of any subscription fees;
• Alerts/notifications functionality (125) enabling users (30) to receive alerts and/or notifications with their devices (50) and in particular using functionality provided by the software application (40) operating on each device (50), wherein such alerts and/or notifications may be generated according to pre-defined criteria. For example, an alert and/or notification could be generated based on the generation of a notification (85) regarding a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a particular user’s networked device (75), an incoming message from another user (30) or from a goods and/or service provider (60), etc;
• Repair/maintenance calendar functionality (130) storing details relating to scheduled events agreed between users (30) and goods and/or service providers (60), including but not limited to times and locations at which goods and/or services will be provided based upon an agreed purchase price, wherein such details may be automatically stored and the calendar (90) automatically updated according to selections made by users (30) and goods and/or service providers (60); and
• User feedback/rating functionality (135) for storing and processing feedback and ratings provided by users through interface (220) with respect to the engagement of particular goods and/or service providers (60) to address problems or requirements detected in respect of the networked devices (75).
[0048] Figure 2 also depicts that server (20) is configured to enable communication with the user devices (50), in particular, with the software application (40) operating on each device (50). Such communications may occur via the internet or any similar data communications network.
[0049] Figure 3 shows in greater detail Segment 300 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the steps associated with a user (30) installing the software application (40) which may be achieved by downloading the application (40) from an application store or by other means. Each user (30) may create an account using the application (40) and the account information may be stored in the user account register (100). As discussed above, the user account register may capture information sufficient to enable each user (30) to be identified.
[0050] The process of downloading the software application (40) is indicated by arrow (150), and interface (160) is also shown which enables users (30) to install the application (40) in order to access the functionality thereof, including to create and maintain a user account and specify preferences of the user (30). Such preferences may be entered in one or more additional interfaces which may prompt the user (30) to enter such preferences. In other words, once the application has been accessed by a user (30), the user (30) may be presented with an interface identical or similar to interface (160), to allow the user (30) to add preferences to their profile, including the ability to edit profile/account information. Once sufficient information has been provided by the user (30), and such information has been verified using, for example one or more digital verification techniques, the user (30) will be successfully registered such that the user (30) becomes a registered user and may subsequently utilize the functionality of the application (40) which may be in accordance with a subscription level of the user (30).
[0051] It will also be understood that in circumstances where goods and/or services providers (60) also access the software application (40) to accept tasks and to view the repair/maintenance calendar (90) pertaining to the particular goods and/or services provider (60), a similar process of downloading, installing and accessing the software application (40) as described above may be equally applicable to the goods and/or services provider (60) or any other individual requiring access to the software application (40).
[0052] Figure 3 also illustrates how the user (30) may select and link their device (50) to a wireless transfer means to enable communications to be received from the central hub (80) which receives data communications from the networked devices (75). The wireless transfer means may be an available Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee or Z-Wave connection, although in the embodiment shown the wireless transfer means is in the form of a low-orbit satellite (70) configured to receive transmissions from the central hub (80), and it will be appreciated in this regard that the use of such satellite technology will enhance the user’s interaction with the platform since there are increased prospects of notifications and recommendations relating to a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a networked device (75) of the user (30) to be received successfully and in substantially real-time.
[0053] By providing multiple different wireless transfer options between the central hub (80) and the user’s data communications device (50), including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave and satellite (70), and by ensuring that the transfer option(s) with the strongest prospects of ensuring that communications are transmitted and received in realtime are selected, users (30) can be assured that they will be updated with relevant notifications regarding any problems (eg. faults) or any requirements for repair and/or maintenance associated with their networked devices (75) in substantially real-time. In this regard, the platform may utilize multiple communication modules capable of receiving and processing data from various standards, eg. using hardware adapters to interpret different data formats and communication patterns from each protocol.
[0054] Figure 4 shows in greater detail Segment 400 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the use of the software application (40) and the low-orbit satellite (70) to enable the data communications device (50) to receive notifications (which may include recommendations) regarding the problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance with respect to the user’s network device(s) (75). In this regard, the central hub (80) is illustrated in Figure 4 as a means of receiving signals from multiple networked devices (75A), (75B) and (75C) and subsequently transmitting same to the data communications device (50) via the low-orbit satellite (70). Such communications may be processed by the hub (80) and/or the server (20), and the hub (80) or server (20) may be subsequently caused, according to detection of a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with particular networked device (75), to generate and transmit a notification (85) in substantially real-time to the device (50) regarding the problem or requirement associated with the particular networked device (75).Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the central hub (80) could include the necessary processing hardware to process signals received from the networked devices (75) such that no communication is required with the central server (20), in which case the relevant notification (85) may be generated by the central hub (80) for transmission to the device (50) using the wireless transfer means (eg. the low-orbit satellite (70)).
[0055] As shown in interface (170) of Figure 4, the notifications (85) may include information enabling users (30) to identify the networked device(s) (75) affected, as well as providing recommendations enabling the user (30) to take remedial action to address the problem or requirement detected in respect of the particular device(s) (75). For example, the recommendations may include detailed instructions to repair a fault in the networked device (75) (eg. instructions generated by an Al-driven chatbot or by a service provider (60) as described in greater detail below), may be in the form of a reminder to the user (30) that the device (70) requires repair and/or maintenance, and/or may specify a goods and/or services provider (60) having a location (65) within a predetermined geographical vicinity of the location (55) of the user (30) who is available to assist with respect to addressing the user’s problem or requirement. In this regard, the user’s location may be input by the user (30) or automatically detected (eg. by utilizing integrated GPS tracking or geolocation functionality) and the location (55) may be matched with nearby goods and/or service providers (60) using geofencing functionality. Additional functionality may be provided, including mapping of service provider locations and the use of a dynamic routing algorithm to ensure the closest and most available provider is selected.
[0056] The goods and/or services providers (60) available for inclusion in the recommendation may represent previously registered providers who have recorded information regarding their expertise, qualifications, experience, or products and/or services offered, in addition to their availability. Such additional information may also be utilized during the automatic selection of particular service providers for inclusion in the recommendation (eg. based upon the selected service provider having the relevant expertise, qualifications, experience, products and/or services, and also availability to assist to address the problem or maintenance requirement).
[0057] The platform may integrate with service provider management systems to ensure real-time availability data is used for scheduling and to avoid conflicts or delays, and the scheduling feature may be supported by an Al-based decision engine that learns from historical scheduling data to optimize future appointments. The recommendation may further include the contact details of the selected service provider(s) (60) including a phone number and address to enable the user (30) to make contact.
[0058] The notification (85) will also specify the problem or requirement detected with respect to the particular networked device (75). In one example, the problem identified may be a fault detected in an appliance (75). In another scenario, the requirement identified relates to the particular networked device (75) requiring a scheduled service, to maintain a valid warranty. The present invention is not limited to any one particular problem or requirement that may be detected in respect of a particular networked device (75), or to any one recommendation to address the problem or requirement.
[0059] The server (20) and/or central hub (80) may utilize one or more artificial intelligence techniques to identify the problem or requirement based at least on the wireless data communications received from each networked device (75) (eg. to identify that the device (75) is not operating according to standard operational expectations).
[0060] It will be appreciated that additional information may be retrieved and processed in order to provide a more accurate identification of a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance with respect to a particular networked device. For example, detecting a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair may be facilitated by a previously generated forecast regarding the problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair. In this regard, the platform may utilize one or more artificial intelligence techniques to predict problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with the one or more networked devices based on various data inputs, including one or more of sensor data, historical trends, long-term operational data, device performance metrics, device patterns, and environmental factors. In this way, the detection of a problem or requirement is not only reactive (ie. based on a current detection of a problem or requirement) but also proactive in the sense that a problem or requirement may be predicted in advance.
[0061] The use of one or more APIs to enable data communications with the data communications devices (50) as well as the central hub (80) has been previously described, and it will be well understood that such APIs enable different applications associated with the server (20) to communicate with applications associated with each of the device (50) and hub (80) using a set of mechanisms and protocols. One or more additional APIs may be used to allow bidirectional communication between the networked devices (75) and the central hub (80) or any other component with which the networked devices (75) may be required to communicate. In this regard, each networked device (75) may have integrated smart assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, etc, and hence the platform may be configured to interface with these voice-controlled platforms, including to translate commands and send same to the backend (server (20)) for processing.
[0062] Natural Language Processing (NLP) may be utilized to interpret user queries received through such devices (75) and the extent to which such information may be useful in detecting that a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance may be required in respect of a particular networked device (75). Such information may be processed along with additional wireless data communications received by the central hub (80) as well as any additional data as described herein to give rise to a potentially improved output (notification and/or recommendation). For example, if a voice recording of a user (30) indicates that the user (30) has expressed frustration regarding the operation of a particular appliance (75) such as coffee machine, such information may be taken into account when the system is processing retrieved data to detect whether the particular coffee machine has a fault or is due for repair and/or maintenance.
[0063] The ability of the server (20) and/or central hub (80) to identify problems or requirements may also be based upon feedback provided by users (30) in respect of previous notifications (85) and recommendations received from the platform including the accuracy and usefulness of previous notifications and recommendations. In this way, one or more artificial intelligence techniques may involve machine learning whereby a combination of data including historical feedback data from users (30) may be utilized to improve the accuracy of subsequently generated notifications and recommendations provided to users (30) with respect to identifying problems or requirements associated with networked devices (75). For example, the backend could feature an Al-driven diagnostic engine that continuously learns from user feedback and new data, refining the accuracy of new notifications and recommendations (as well as any predictions as described in the preceding paragraph).
[0064] In addition to identifying problems and requirements as described above, the platform may be capable of diagnosing underlying causes of the problems or requirements which will facilitate the generation of recommendations suggesting appropriate corrective actions.
[0065] The notifications (85) may be presented to users (30) in a number of ways, including through in-app messages, push notifications, text message, and email. Users (30) may specify their notification preference, and may also specify different notification preferences according to the severity of the problem or requirement that has been identified (eg. major appliance fault notifications to be sent by text message, etc). A rule engine may be used to dynamically adapt the type and frequency of notifications (85) based on user input. This rule engine could be integrated with the backend server, which would process user preferences and adjust the notification system’s behavior accordingly.
[0066] The recommendations provided to users (30) through notifications (85) may also be automatically implemented by the platform. For example, various networked devices (75) may be capable of being controlled such that repair and/or maintenance tasks may be automatically implemented. For example, if a coffee machine has an automatic cleaning function, the function may be automatically activated by generating and transmitting an instruction to the coffee machine in circumstances where a determination is made regarding an appropriate time to activate a cleaning function in order to maintain the coffee machine and/or to maintain a valid warranty.
[0067] The notification (85) that is transmitted to the data communications device (50) of the user (30) may include a link selectable by the user (30) to enable the user (30) to access an interface (not shown) to connect with a goods and/or service provider (60) and to communicate and receive repair and/or maintenance instructions from the goods and/or service provider (60) via a video link. In one example, the platform may incorporate virtual reality (VR) support for remote diagnostics allowing service providers (60) to visually inspect and troubleshoot devices (75) through VR glasses utilized by users (30). In other words, if a fault is detected in a device (75), the user (30) could initiate a remote diagnostic session with a technician who would guide them through troubleshooting steps in a VR environment, and the technician could simulate repairs or provide visual cues using VR-bases overlays.
[0068] Instructions may also be generated and transmitted to systems and devices other than the networked device (75) in circumstances where the other systems and devices may be operable or required to carry out (or facilitate) repair and/or maintenance on the networked device (75). For example, the platform may integrate with existing third- party maintenance management tools, which would enable retrieval of diagnostic data and maintenance schedules, as well as additional data relating to repair logs, service requests and maintenance history.
[0069] The condition of networked devices (75) may also be continuously monitored and evaluated, and in this regard, each device (75) may have a health score allocated to it which changes over time depending on the health of the device (75). The score may be based on various parameters such as device age, performance history, frequency of repair and/or maintenance, and sensor readings (eg. temperature, pressure, or vibration). The platform may generate a numerical or color-coded health score to quickly indicate the state of the device, enabling users to prioritize maintenance and repairs accordingly.
[0070] Figure 5 shows in greater detail Segment 500 of Figure 1 and, in particular, a goods and/or services provider (60) using the software application (40) to identify when they have been included in a recommendation to a user (30) and therefore, to expect an engagement request from the user (30). In this regard, the goods and/or services provider (60) may be presented with a map or similar display which shows various different locations with respect to repair and/or maintenance tasks in which the goods and/or services of the particular provider (60) have been, or may be, requested by different users (30). An example of such an interactive map interface (180) is shown in Figure 5.
[0071] The software application (40) further utilizes a payment gateway (120) to enable transactions to be made using the functionality provided by the platform including payments from users (30) to goods and/or services providers (60) in respect of goods and/or services provided. In this regard, the user (30) may be requested to provide funds to the provider (60) in advance of tasks being performed (ie. based upon accepting the recommendation offered in notification (85)), or alternatively, payment arrangements may be made directly with the service provider (60) based upon completion of the repair or servicing task which is not necessarily required to be conducted via the software application (40). For example, the user (30) may prefer to pay cash to the goods and/or services provider (60).
[0072] Figure 6 shows in greater detail Segment 600 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the use of the software application (40) to provide a repair/servicing calendar interface (210) in which an interactive calendar (90) is accessible by both users (30) and goods and/or services providers (60) in order to enable users (30) to track arrangements including scheduled meeting times and dates on which the service provider (60) has agreed to provide repair and/or servicing in respect of one or more networked devices (75) associated with the user (30).
[0073] The platform may be configured to integrate with external maintenance scheduling tools, which would allow users (30) to automatically transfer device maintenance data to centralized management systems, allowing businesses or property managers to schedule maintenance for all devices (75) in their portfolios efficiently. This integration may enable automated maintenance scheduling (eg. by incorporating same into the interactive calendar (90), reducing administrative overhead and ensuring that devices are properly maintained according to organizational requirements.
[0074] Figure 6 also shows a review/rating interface (220) which enables users (30) to provide feedback with respect to not only the goods and/or services provided by the provider (60) but also in respect of the general use of the software application (40) including the previously described feedback with respect to the nature of the notifications (85) and recommendations included in same. Accordingly, the feedback provided through interface (220) may be useful when the platform seeks to detect particular problems or requirements for repair and/or maintenance associated with a networked device (75), but also in respect of other aspects such as the performance of service providers (60). In this regard, one or more artificial intelligence techniques could also be used to analyze the feedback to detect patterns, such as frequently reported issues with a particular provider (60), or to identify providers (60) with consistently high ratings, and then such data may be used to improve future service provider recommendations.
[0075] Blockchain technology may also be implemented to ensure the integrity of data exchanged between components of the network. All interactions, from service provider recommendations to device status updates and maintenance history, could be stored on a blockchain, ensuring that the data is immutable and tamper-proof. Each repair, maintenance request, and associated transaction would be recorded as a block, creating a transparent and verifiable audit trail. This decentralized approach would provide enhanced security, protecting sensitive user data such as device information, location data, and repair/maintenance histories. [0076] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software, program codes, and/or instructions on a processor. The processor may be part of a server, cloud server, client, network infrastructure, mobile computing platform, stationary computing platform, or other computing platform. A processor may be any kind of computational or processing device capable of executing program instructions, codes, binary instructions and the like. The processor may be or include a signal processor, digital processor, embedded processor, microprocessor or any variant such as a co-processor (math co-processor, graphic coprocessor, communication co-processor and the like) and the like that may directly or indirectly facilitate execution of program code or program instructions stored thereon. In addition, the processor may enable execution of multiple programs, threads, and codes. The threads may be executed simultaneously to enhance the performance of the processor and to facilitate simultaneous operations of the application. By way of implementation, methods, program codes, program instructions and the like described herein may be implemented in one or more threads. The thread may spawn other threads that may have assigned priorities associated with them; the processor may execute these threads based on priority or any other order based on instructions provided in the program code. The processor may include memory that stores methods, codes, instructions and programs as described herein and elsewhere. The processor may access a storage medium through an interface that may store methods, codes, and instructions as described herein and elsewhere. The storage medium associated with the processor for storing methods, programs, codes, program instructions or other type of instructions capable of being executed by the computing or processing device may include but may not be limited to one or more of a CD-ROM, DVD, memory, hard disk, flash drive, RAM, ROM, cache and the like.
[0077] A processor may include one or more cores that may enhance speed and performance of a multiprocessor. In some embodiments, the process may be a dual core processor, quad core processors, other chip-level multiprocessor and the like that combine two or more independent cores (called a die).
[0078] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software on a server, cloud server, client, firewall, gateway, hub, router, or other such computer and/or networking hardware. The software program may be associated with a server that may include a file server, print server, domain server, internet server, intranet server and other variants such as secondary server, host server, distributed server and the like. The server may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other servers, clients, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like. The methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the server. In addition, other devices required for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the server.
[0079] The server may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, clients, other servers, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like. Additionally, this coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of programs across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method at one or more locations without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any of the devices attached to the server through an interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, programs, code and/or instructions. A central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices. In this implementation, the remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.
[0080] The software program may be associated with a client that may include a file client, print client, domain client, internet client, intranet client and other variants such as secondary client, host client, distributed client and the like. The client may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other clients, servers, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like. The methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the client. In addition, other devices required for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the client.
[0081] The client may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, servers, other clients, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like. Additionally, this coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of programs across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method at one or more locations without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any of the devices attached to the client through an interface may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, programs, applications, code and/or instructions. A central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices. In this implementation, the remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.
[0082] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through network infrastructures. The network infrastructure may include elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs, firewalls, clients, personal computers, communication devices, routing devices and other active and passive devices, modules and/or components as known in the art. The computing and/or non-computing device(s) associated with the network infrastructure may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack, RAM, ROM and the like. The processes, methods, program codes, instructions described herein and elsewhere may be executed by one or more of the network infrastructural elements.
[0083] The methods, program codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented in different devices which may operate in wired or wireless networks. Examples of wireless networks include 4th Generation (4G) networks (e.g., Long-Term Evolution (LTE)) or 5th Generation (5G) networks, as well as non- cellular networks such as Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). However, the principles described therein may equally apply to other types of networks.
[0084] The operations, methods, programs codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on or through mobile devices. The mobile devices may include navigation devices, cell phones, mobile phones, mobile personal digital assistants, laptops, palmtops, netbooks, pagers, electronic books readers, music players and the like. These devices may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as a flash memory, buffer, RAM, ROM and one or more computing devices. The computing devices associated with mobile devices may be enabled to execute program codes, methods, and instructions stored thereon. Alternatively, the mobile devices may be configured to execute instructions in collaboration with other devices. The mobile devices may communicate with base stations interfaced with servers and configured to execute program codes. The mobile devices may communicate on a peer-to-peer network, mesh network, or other communications network. The program code may be stored on the storage medium associated with the server and executed by a computing device embedded within the server. The base station may include a computing device and a storage medium. The storage device may store program codes and instructions executed by the computing devices associated with the base station.
[0085] The computer software, program codes, and/or instructions may be stored and/or accessed on machine readable media that may include: computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (e.g., USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.
[0086] The methods and systems described herein may transform physical and/or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems described herein may also transform data representing physical and/or intangible items from one state to another, such as from usage data to a normalized usage dataset.
[0087] The elements described and depicted herein, including in flow charts and block diagrams throughout the figures, imply logical boundaries between the elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering practices, the depicted elements and the functions thereof may be implemented on machines through computer executable media having a processor capable of executing program instructions stored thereon as a monolithic software structure, as standalone software modules, or as modules that employ external routines, code, services, and so forth, or any combination of these, and all such implementations may be within the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of such machines may include, but may not be limited to, personal digital assistants, laptops, personal computers, mobile phones, other handheld computing devices, medical equipment, wired or wireless communication devices, transducers, chips, calculators, satellites, tablet PCs, electronic books, gadgets, electronic devices, devices having artificial intelligence, computing devices, networking equipment, servers, routers and the like. Furthermore, the elements depicted in the flow chart and block diagrams or any other logical component may be implemented on a machine capable of executing program instructions. Thus, while the foregoing drawings and descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems, no particular arrangement of software for implementing these functional aspects should be inferred from these descriptions unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the various steps identified and described above may be varied, and that the order of steps may be adapted to particular applications of the techniques disclosed herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. As such, the depiction and/or description of an order for various steps should not be understood to require a particular order of execution for those steps, unless required by a particular application, or explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context.
[0088] The methods and/or processes described above, and steps thereof, may be realized in hardware, software or any combination of hardware and software suitable for a particular application. The hardware may include a general-purpose computer and/or dedicated computing device or specific computing device or particular aspect or component of a specific computing device. The processes may be realized in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable devices, along with internal and/or external memory. The processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. It will further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed on a machine-readable medium.
[0089] The computer executable code may be created using a structured programming language such as C, an object oriented programming language such as C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, or combinations of different hardware and software, or any other machine capable of executing program instructions.
[0090] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.
[0091] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step or group of features or steps.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
1. A data communications network including connected data communications devices and a method of operating same to identify issues in relation to one or more networked devices associated with a user, the method including: integrating, by one or more processors, one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) with the data communications network to enable data communications with components of the network including one or more connected data communications devices associated with a user and a central hub operable to receive wireless data communications from each of one or more networked devices data communications associated with the user; receiving, by one or more processors, details relating to the one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, wherein each networked data communications device is linked to the central hub which is further operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means, received data to the data communications devices of the user; detecting, by one or more processors based on processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub from the one or more networked data communications devices, a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked data communications devices; and causing, by one or more processors, according to detection of a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a particular networked data communications device of the one or more networked devices, a notification regarding the problem or requirement to be generated and transmitted in substantially real-time to the data communications device(s) of the user.
2. A data communications network according to claim 1 , wherein the notification includes information sufficient to enable the user to identify the networked data communications device(s) for which a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance has been detected.
3. A data communications network according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the notification further includes one or more recommendations enabling remedial action to be undertaken to address the problem or requirement detected in respect of networked data communications device(s).
4. A data communications network according to claim 3 wherein the remedial action includes one or more of: an action recommended to be undertaken by the user; an action recommended to be undertaken by a goods and/or service provider; or an action automatically initiated by the data communications network by transmitting instructions to the networked data communications device(s) to perform the remedial action.
5. A data communications network according to claim 3, wherein the one or more recommendations further specify a goods and/or service provider located within a predetermined geographical vicinity of the user who is available to assist with respect to addressing the problem or requirement.
6. A data communications network according to claim 5, wherein the goods and/or service providers available for inclusion in the recommendation(s) are registered users who have previously provided details regarding one or more of their expertise, qualifications, experience, and the goods and/or services offered.
7. A data communications network according to claim 6, wherein selection of the provider(s) for inclusion in the recommendation(s) is further based on the provider(s) having one or more of the relevant expertise, qualifications, experience, and goods and/or services to assist in addressing the problem or requirement detected in respect of the particular networked device(s).
8. A data communications network according to claim 7, wherein the one or more recommendations further include the contact details of the selected provider(s), including a phone number and address thereof.
9. A data communications network according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the notification transmitted to the data communications device of the user includes a link selectable by the user to enable the user to access an interface to connect with a goods and/or service provider and to communicate and receive repair and/or maintenance instructions from the goods and/or service provider via a video link.
10. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more networked data communications device(s) include one or more Internet of Things (loT) devices, wherein each loT device relates to one or more of:
HVAC, refrigeration, home automation devices including home appliances and vehicles, industrial loT, or healthcare devices.
11. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the problem is a fault detected in the one or more networked data communications device(s).
12. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the requirement is a scheduled service for the one or more networked device(s) data communications.
13. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein either the one or more processors of the data communications network or the central hub causes the notification regarding the problem or requirement to be generated and transmitted in substantially real-time to the data communications device(s) of the user.
14. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein detecting a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked data communications devices is facilitated by one or more artificial intelligence techniques used to identify the problem or requirement based at least on the wireless data communications received from each networked data communications device.
15. A data communications network according to claim 14, wherein detecting the problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair using the one or more artificial intelligence techniques is further based on a previously generated forecast regarding the problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair.
16. A data communications network according to claim 15, wherein the forecast is generated by implementing one or more machine learning models to predict problems or requirements for maintenance and/or repair associated with the one or more networked data communications devices according to one or more of: sensor data; historical trends; long-term operational data; device performance metrics; device patterns; and/or environmental factors.
17. A data communications network according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein detecting a problem or requirement for maintenance and/or repair using the one or more artificial intelligence techniques is further based on voice commands received by the one or more networked data communications devices.
18. A data communications network according to claim 17, wherein the voice commands are processed using natural language processing (NLP) to interpret the voice commands and to identify the extent to which the commands are indicative of a problem or requirement for repair and/or maintenance associated with the one or more networked data communications devices, wherein only those commands determined as indicative of a problem or requirement are utilized.
19. A computer-implemented system for identifying issues in relation to one or more networked devices associated with a user, the system including: one or more processors operable to: integrate one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) associated with one or more data communications device with the data communications network where the connected data communications devices are associated with users to enable data communications with components of the network including one or more connected data communications devices associated with a user and a central hub operable to receive wireless data communications from each of the one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user; receive details relating to one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, wherein each networked data communications device is linked to the central hub which is further operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means, the wireless data communications to the data communications device(s) of the user; detect, based on processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub from the one or more data communications networked devices, a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked data communications devices; and cause, according to detection of a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a networked data communications device of the one or more networked devices, a notification regarding the problem or requirement to be generated and transmitted in substantially real-time to the data communications device(s) of the user.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer instruction code stored therein, that when executed on one or more processors of a data communications network, causes the network to perform the steps of: integrating, by the one or more processors, one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) associated with one or more data communications devices with data communications network to enable data communications with components of the network including one or more connected data communications device(s) associated with a user and a central hub operable to receive wireless data communications from each of one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user; receiving, by the one or more processors, details relating to one or more networked data communications devices associated with the user, wherein each networked data communications device is linked to the central hub which us further operable to transmit, using a wireless transfer means, the wireless data communications to the data communications device of the user; detecting, by the one or more processors, based on processing the wireless data communications received by the central hub from the one or more networked data communications devices, a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with any of the one or more networked data communications devices; and causing, by the one or more processors, according to detection of a problem or a requirement for maintenance and/or repair associated with a networked data communications device of the one or more networked devices, a notification regarding the problem or requirement to be generated and transmitted in substantially real-time to the data communications device of the user.
PCT/AU2025/050048 2024-01-25 2025-01-24 Data communications network and method for identifying and remediating issues with networked devices Pending WO2025156013A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2024900175A AU2024900175A0 (en) 2024-01-25 System and method for identifying and remediating issues with networked devices
AU2024900175 2024-01-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025156013A1 true WO2025156013A1 (en) 2025-07-31

Family

ID=96544090

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2025/050048 Pending WO2025156013A1 (en) 2024-01-25 2025-01-24 Data communications network and method for identifying and remediating issues with networked devices

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2025156013A1 (en)

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180285234A1 (en) * 2017-03-31 2018-10-04 Commvault Systems, Inc. Management of internet of things devices
WO2019067630A1 (en) * 2017-09-27 2019-04-04 Johnson Controls Technology Company Web services platform with smart entities,timeseries, and nested stream generation
US20190129404A1 (en) * 2016-05-09 2019-05-02 Strong Force Iot Portfolio 2016, Llc Systems and methods for data collection and signal evaluation to determine sensor status
US20200065777A1 (en) * 2018-08-21 2020-02-27 Carrier Corporation Equipment service analytics and service auction marketplace
US10767879B1 (en) * 2014-02-13 2020-09-08 Gregg W Burnett Controlling and monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ) devices
US20200364583A1 (en) * 2019-05-14 2020-11-19 Robert D. Pedersen Iot sensor network artificial intelligence warning, control and monitoring systems and methods
US20200379454A1 (en) * 2019-05-31 2020-12-03 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Machine learning based predictive maintenance of equipment
US11017321B1 (en) * 2020-11-23 2021-05-25 Accenture Global Solutions Limited Machine learning systems for automated event analysis and categorization, equipment status and maintenance action recommendation
KR20230077057A (en) * 2021-11-25 2023-06-01 (주)아이겐코리아 Fault and parts remaining life prediction system for iot home appliances with big data

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10767879B1 (en) * 2014-02-13 2020-09-08 Gregg W Burnett Controlling and monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ) devices
US20190129404A1 (en) * 2016-05-09 2019-05-02 Strong Force Iot Portfolio 2016, Llc Systems and methods for data collection and signal evaluation to determine sensor status
US20180285234A1 (en) * 2017-03-31 2018-10-04 Commvault Systems, Inc. Management of internet of things devices
WO2019067630A1 (en) * 2017-09-27 2019-04-04 Johnson Controls Technology Company Web services platform with smart entities,timeseries, and nested stream generation
US20200065777A1 (en) * 2018-08-21 2020-02-27 Carrier Corporation Equipment service analytics and service auction marketplace
US20200364583A1 (en) * 2019-05-14 2020-11-19 Robert D. Pedersen Iot sensor network artificial intelligence warning, control and monitoring systems and methods
US20200379454A1 (en) * 2019-05-31 2020-12-03 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Machine learning based predictive maintenance of equipment
US11017321B1 (en) * 2020-11-23 2021-05-25 Accenture Global Solutions Limited Machine learning systems for automated event analysis and categorization, equipment status and maintenance action recommendation
KR20230077057A (en) * 2021-11-25 2023-06-01 (주)아이겐코리아 Fault and parts remaining life prediction system for iot home appliances with big data

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
CIVERCHIA, F. ET AL.: "Industrial Internet of Things monitoring solution for advanced predictive maintenance applications", JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION INTEGRATION, vol. 7, 2017, pages 4 - 12, XP055720687, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://doi.org/10,1016/151.2017.02603> DOI: 10.1016/j.jii.2017.02.003 *

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
Wang et al. Digital twin design for real-time monitoring–a case study of die cutting machine
US11748422B2 (en) Digital content security and communications system using artificial intelligence (AI) based machine learning and predictive analysis
US10528021B2 (en) Automated creation of industrial dashboards and widgets
US20200104723A1 (en) Industrial automation compute engine syndication
US20170004508A1 (en) Systems and methods for efficiently handling appliance warranty service events
WO2019237118A1 (en) Business-aware intelligent incident and change management
US20200103877A1 (en) Industrial automation recommendation engine
US20220163950A1 (en) Industrial automation personalization engine
US11093882B2 (en) System and method for a cognitive it change request evaluator
JP2018112829A (en) Cloud service control device, cloud service control system, cloud service control method, cloud service control program and recording medium
US11601347B2 (en) Identification of incident required resolution time
US20250238022A1 (en) Industrial automation project acceleration
US20180082342A1 (en) Predicting automobile future value and operational costs from automobile and driver information for service and ownership decision optimization
US20220083031A1 (en) Lifecycle data files for industrial automation project optimization
US10847012B2 (en) System and method for personalized alarm notifications in an industrial automation environment
US20190012677A1 (en) Service contract renewal learning system
CN112904807B (en) Industrial analysis system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
WO2025156013A1 (en) Data communications network and method for identifying and remediating issues with networked devices
US20250139590A1 (en) Generative artificial intelligence (ai) for home maintenance alerts and repair automation
Wulan Order scheduling optimization in manufacturing enterprises based on MDP and dynamic programming
Yang Remote diagnosis and detection technology for electrical control of intelligent manufacturing CNC machine tools
WO2024174000A1 (en) Data communications network and method for assisting users with apparatus service/maintenance
Khire et al. A novel human machine interface for advanced building controls and diagnostics
US20240330879A1 (en) Location-based proactive alert transmission for automated teller machines
US12395568B2 (en) Systems and methods to determine the loss of ability to notify customer through mobile app and prompt re-download

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 25744362

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)