Abstract: During the operation of an electronic system, such as a document processing system, machine and job data of the electronic system are collected by a diagnostic system for automated diagnosis or prognosis. Optionally, machine data and population based data are acquired from a database or server. According to one embodiment, the data is analyzed to determine an initial diagnosis of the electronic system. Based on the initial diagnosis, a determination is made whether a remote transmission is needed. If so, the data is sent via a distributed network to a remote diagnostic system for analysis. At least part of the collected machine data may be a signature waveform of a part of the electronic system. In such a case, at least the analysis by the remote diagnostic system includes signature analysis of the waveform. Based on the analysis of the data by the remote diagnostic system, a communication is sent.

Abstract: An intelligent assembly system for a manufacturing process using one or more sensors that provide information for controlling, monitoring and/or evaluating the process. One or more sensors may be mounted on a module assembly and/or on a powered tool device. The one or more sensors may sense a vibratory signature and/or electrical current during the process and supply information, such as a data signal, to a software program or other processor for processing. For example, using a database of stored data regarding vibratory signatures and/or electrical currents for one or more power tool devices used in the manufacturing process, the information may be compared and analyzed to determine if it is within a specified range. Results of such analysis may be transmitted to an operator and/or graphically displayed. The results and/or display may instruct the operator to continue with the manufacturing process or inspect the process step just completed for possible error.

Abstract: An intelligent assembly system for a manufacturing process using one or more sensors that provide information for controlling, monitoring and/or evaluating the process. One or more sensors may be mounted on a module assembly and/or on a powered tool device. The one or more sensors may sense a vibratory signature and/or electrical current during the process and supply information, such as a data signal, to a software program or other processor for processing. For example, using a database of stored data regarding vibratory signatures and/or electrical currents for one or more power tool devices used in the manufacturing process, the information may be compared and analyzed to determine if it is within a specified range. Results of such analysis may be transmitted to an operator and/or graphically displayed. The results and/or display may instruct the operator to continue with the manufacturing process or inspect the process step just completed for possible error.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing whether a solenoid in an image forming system is functioning properly is disclosed. An actuating current is sent to a particular solenoid while a current waveform and elapsed time such as pull-in time value are noted for instances when the solenoid is in a first position and a second position. The first position can be one in which a solenoid plunger is extended and the second position can be one in which the solenoid plunger is retracted, or vice versa. Based at least partially on the measured actuating current values prior to the beginning and after the ending of solenoid movement, and measured time values, a determination can be made as to whether the solenoid is functioning properly by comparing these values to predetermined values for a properly functioning solenoid.