WO2001035577A2

WO2001035577A2 - Network-based remote control interface

Info

Publication number: WO2001035577A2
Application number: PCT/IL2000/000741
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uzi Lumbroso
Original assignee: Gilmor Technologies Inc.
Priority date: 1999-11-12
Filing date: 2000-11-12
Publication date: 2001-05-17
Also published as: WO2001035577A3; AU1174601A; WO2001035577A8

Abstract

An electronic module for interfacing with an electric or electronic apparatus. The electronic module comprises data ports connecting the electronic module to a control module in the apparatus that permits the electronic module to receive status data signals from the control module and transmit status data signals to the control module. The electronic module also comprises a transceiver permitting the electronic module to be connected to a communication network and to transmit and receive data to and from a server utility over the network. Transmission of data allows a remote user connecting to the server utility to monitor the operational status of the apparatus and to control the apparatus.

Description

NETWORK-BASED REMOTE CONTROL INTERFACE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems for operating an electric or electronic apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many electric and electronic apparatuses, such as photocopiers, permit maintenance personnel to control the apparatus and to diagnose problems at the site of the apparatus via integrated user interface panels. One common variety of user interface panel comprises an array including a transparent touch sensitive screen which is overlaid onto an LCD panel and a variety of input hard keys, i.e. keys often dedicated to a particular task, such as numeric input, and the like. The user interface panels are usually used to access the maintenance controls as well as perform the everyday functions of the apparatus. There are four main types of touch sensitive screens which could be used in such an array including: resistance, capacitance, ultrasound and infrared. The first two of these are particularly widely employed in photocopy machines.

The user interface panels are connected to the control circuitry of the apparatus. Thus, activation of the touch sensitive screen by the touch of a user, usually causes the underlying LCD to register a visual signal that the apparatus has been activated, and to generate a signal that is transmitted to a processors located in the apparatus. The processor interprets the signal, and then reacts by transmitting commands to various parts of the apparatus, usually in conjunction with sending a display message to the LCD. There exist various possibilities as to how the microprocessors interpret the signal sent by the touch sensitive screen. One way that the signal is interpreted is based on the actual physical location on the touch sensitive screen that was pressed to actuate the signal. The same location signal may also be interpreted and acted upon differently based on current conditions of the apparatus. For example, processor programming will interpret different combinations of signals from different parts of the apparatus to result in different instructions being issued by the processors in response to user actuation of a particular location on the touch sensitive screen.

By keying or otherwise entering in a special maintenance access code on the touch sensitive screen or via the input hard keys, a maintenance technician is able to perform various diagnostic routines on the apparatus, including checking the levels of various consumable materials. However, accessing the apparatus's systems in person for diagnosis requires the technician to physically input the necessary data into the user interface panel directly.

Access to the onboard processor from a remote location requires that the hardware used be able to interface directly with the processors. In the past, this has required a hardwired connection between the apparatus's processor and the remote location. Such a connection requires intimate knowledge of the programming and design of the particular apparatus's microprocessor. While the each manufacturer has the necessary information relating to his own apparatuses, manufacturers do not share the information easily. Thus this particular solution is not available for the millions of apparatuses currently in the field. Nor is it available for office apparatus leasing companies to implement in apparatuses that are already in service in the field.

U.S. Patent No.5, 822,221 to Groenteman discloses a device for monitoring an office machine. An interface unit couples a main logic board and a front panel display circuit of the machine. The interface unit intercepts data exchanged between the main logic board and the from panel display circuit. The interface unit provides the intercepted data to a microcontroller unit for processing. The microcontroller processes the intercepted data and provides a wireless message to a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit transmits the wireless message to a supervisory transceiver base unit to allow for remote monitoring and control of the machine. A further disadvantage of the existing technology is the fact that a hard-wired connection must be established between each apparatus in the field and the remote central monitoring station. This requires that a permanent phone line connection be devoted for the purpose. While there are situations where a permanent phone line connection is the most convenient, inexpensive or practical, it is advantageous to offer an alternative connection type to the customer which may overcome shortcomings of a permanent phone connection in many situations. Such an alternative may offer the advantages of reduced expense, increased flexibility in terms of apparatus location and others. Even in those situations where the processor of a apparatus is designed by the manufacturer to have access to a network, a lease operator who purchases apparatuses of many different makes and models would have great difficulty in dealing with the varying computer software that each manufacturer programs into his apparatus. The Internet is well known as a global communications network of computers that are arranged in client-server relationships. Files are transferred between the clients and servers which make up the Internet in various formats, such as, FTP (File Tranfer Protocol), and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). The World Wide Web is that segment of the Internet which uses primarily files written using HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) transferred by HTTP. These files are best viewed on a computer display using a graphical user interface commonly known as a browser. Due to the omnipresence and ease of access to the Internet, it is desirable to construct systems that take advantage of these properties to permit easier access to computer systems and computer-controlled apparatuses. However, the actual linking of computer-controlled apparatuses to the Internet is not such a simple matter, in part due to the great variety of apparatuses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, in accordance with the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a universal system for adapting existing apparatuses having on-board microprocessors, for control and/or diagnosis from a remote location.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a universal system for adapting existing office apparatuses, having user interface panels and on-board microprocessors, to permit their control and/or diagnosis from a remote location.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a universal system for adapting existing apparatuses, having on-board microprocessors, for control and/or diagnosis from a remote location via the Internet. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a universal system for adapting existing office apparatuses, having user interface panels and on-board microprocessors, to permit their control and/or diagnosis from a remote location via the Internet.

It is indeed a further object of the present invention to provide a universal system for adapting existing office apparatuses, having user interface panels and on-board microprocessors, to permit auditing of the apparatus's consumables from a remote location via the Internet.

It is additionally a further object of the present invention to provide a universal system for adapting existing office apparatuses, having user interface panels and on-board microprocessors, to permit their control and/or diagnosis from a remote location over a communications network.

Moreover, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a universal system for adapting existing apparatuses, having on-board microprocessors, for control and/or diagnosis from a remote location via the Internet by either a permanent telephone connection or a wireless/cellular telecommunication connection.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a system for permitting a vendor to create and control the display of advertising on the LCD of adapted equipment via the Internet. And yet a further object of the present invention is to permit an operator of the inventive system to provide a one-click interface for ordering merchandise via the Internet which is advertised on the LCD of the adapted equipment.

The above advantages and others not enumerated herein are realized by the implementation of the inventive system described further in detail hereinbelow. The invention may summarily be described as disclosing a hardware and software-based system wherein a microprocessor-controlled apparatus, such as a photocopier, is modified by the addition of certain inventive hardware. Installation of the system's hardware and programming in the apparatus and in a related remote computer site, such as a client computer configured to communicate with the apparatuses over a communication network such s the Internet, permits remote monitoring and control of the apparatus via the network in a hard-wired or wireless manner via cellular telecommunication technology. The system also permits the apparatus to initiate service calls by automatically notifying a designated service center of any error condition which requires attention. Generally speaking, the system comprises a hardware card, that taps into signals sent between the apparatus's microprocessor and the touch sensitive screen and LCD control panel. In input mode, the card monitors signals sent by the apparatus's microprocessor into the LCD control panel. The card converts signal into a format suitable for transmission over a communications network such as the Internet. For example, in the case that the communications network is the Internet, the card converts row bitmap signals into graphic Internet transmissible files, for example JPEG, TIF, PCX, BMP or other similar graphic formats that are transmissible by TCP/IP protocol. The card can also have incorporated therein cellular transmission components which enable the card to initiate cellular phone transmissions under certain conditions and then transfer the files via the Internet to a Web-accessible server established for this purpose. The cellular components of the card also have a standby mode during which the card remains on standby awaiting activation when a remote user, for example, from the maintenance center initiates a connection with the apparatus via the Web site using a remote PC equipped with a known Web browser. In output mode, the card is engaged upon activation by an incoming signal sent by a user via the network, and can be instructed to send signals to the apparatus's microprocessor in a manner which mimics the signals normally sent from the touch sensitive screen or input hard keys.

Over the network, a remote user is provided with a graphical representation of the user interface panel with which the particular apparatus is equipped. When the remote user initiates contact with the apparatus via activation of the card, there is received from the card, a transmission which permits, for example, the software to recreate the appearance of the actual LCD control panel in its current state on the operator's computer screen. By using the computer's pointing device or keyboard, the remote operator can activate the various areas of the graphical representation of the user interface panel. This graphical activation generates the transmission of a command back to the card. The card then responds to the command by delivering an electrical signal to the apparatus's microprocessor in a format that imitates the transmission that would ensue from physical in-person activation of the touch sensitive screen or input hard keys. Feedback from these activities and the results thereof are transmitted back to the remote operator over the network as refreshed views of the LCD control panel. This process will continue as long as a connection is maintained between the operator and the apparatuses. The data or commands which can be sent to or from the apparatus, are all those data or commands which would normally be accessible to a technician if he activated the apparatus's user interface panel in person. Thus many aspects of apparatus maintenance, auditing and trouble-shooting can be accomplished via the Internet. In the case where apparatuses are leased and paid for according to usage, a lessor of several hundred apparatuses without the invention would have to either send a technician to read the apparatus's counters or call someone at the customer's location and ask them to read the counters, a time consuming, resource wasting process. Using the present invention, a Web operator can audit usage of hundreds of apparatuses by simply activating a simple macro command with instructions to dial up each apparatus and download and record each apparatus's counter readings. Additionally, the same method could be used for monitoring toner or developer levels so that purchase orders can be automatic generated to replenish consumables which are in low supply. Of course, together with the counter readings, the identity of each apparatus would also now be part of the database for managing these resources and thus simplify all aspects of managing these apparatuses.

Thus in its first aspect, the invention provides, a system for retrieving systems information and operation information to a remote location from an office machine, said office machine having output means for outputting information to a user and having control means for controlling said machine and for sending status data to said output means, said system comprising:

(a) said office machine having installed therein communication means for transmitting information from said office machine onto the Internet, said communications means including means for receiving signals sent from said control means to said output means, said communication means further having means for converting said signals into an Internet-transmittable form and transmitting said converted signals to the Internet; and

(b) an Internet server being programmed for receiving said converted signals.

In its second aspect, the invention provides a system for sending operational commands to an office machine from a remote location, said office machine having input means for inputting commands from a user and having control means for controlling said machine and for receiving command signals from said input means, said system comprising:

(a) an Internet server programmed for sending Internet-transmittable communications out onto the Internet; and

(b) said office machine having installed therein communication means for receiving Internet-transmittable communications sent from said Internet server to said office machine over the Internet, said communication means further having means for generating a response to said received Internet-transmittable communications, whereby said response comprises sending commands to said control means in a format which mimics input commands sent from said input means. In its third aspect, the invention provides a card for interfacing an office machine with the Internet, said card comprising means for establishing two-way telephone communications, said office machine having input means for inputting commands from a user and having control means for controlling said machine and for receiving command signals from said input means, said card comprising: communication means for receiving Internet-transmittable communications sent from an Internet server to said office machine over the Internet, said card further having means for generating a response to said received

Internet-transmittable communications, whereby said response comprises sending commands to said control means in a format which mimics input commands sent from said input means.

In its fourth aspect, the invention provides a card for interfacing an office machine with the Internet, said card comprising means for establishing two-way telephone communications, said office machine having output display means for displaying status information to a user and having control means for controlling said machine and for sending output display information to said output display means, said card comprising:

(a) conversion means for receiving and converting said output display information into Internet-transmittable files; and

(b) communications means for communicating with the Internet and for transmitting said Internet-transmittable files to a remote Web site.

In its fifth aspect, the invention provides, an electronic module for interfacing with an electric or electronic apparatus, the apparatus having a control module; the electronic module comprising:

(a) one or more data ports connecting the electronic module to the control module permitting the electronic module to receive from said module status data signals and to transmit control signals to said module;

(b) transceiver permitting the electronic module to be connected to a communication network and to transmit and receive data to and from a server utility through said communication network, transmission of data permitting a remote user connecting to the server utility to monitor the operational status of the apparatus and to cause the server utility to transmit control signals to the electronic module, whereby the electronic module will transmit operational control signals to the control module. In its sixth aspect, the invention provides a system for interfacing with electrical or electronic apparatuses, each of the apparatuses having a control module, the system comprising:

(a) for each apparatus, one or more electronic modules for interfacing with the control module, the electronic module comprising a one or more data ports connecting the electronic module to the control module permitting the electronic module to receive from said module status data signals and to transmit control signals to said module and a transceiver permitting to link the electronic module to a communication network; (b) a server utility linked to a computer network and being linked to said communication network to allow receipt of data signals transmitted by the electronic module and transmission of data signals to the electronic module; the server utility permitting users to link thereto through the computer network, whereby each user can monitor and control operation of one or more of said apparatuses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a system incorporating a device according to one embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 2 shows a photocopier fitted with a device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While the invention will now be described with reference to remote monitoring and operation of a photocopier machine, this is by way of example only, it being self evident that the invention may be applied to monitoring and control of any electric or electronic apparatus, such as any home appliance, office machine, air conditioner, heater, garage door, water irrigation controller, medical equipment such as an intravenous infusion pump or dialysis machine, and the like. Furthermore, the invention will now be described with reference to communicating over the Internet, it being self evident that the invention may be applied by communicating over any communications network such as an intranet, a public switched telephone, network a cellular network, and the like.

Referring first to Fig. 1, there is shown one exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein a system is constructed comprising copier machines 10 connected to the Internet indicated by the cloud 8. An Internet Web server or Web site 12 is also connected to the Internet 8. The server 12 functions as an operating, maintenance and information center for individuals and companies that operate and/or maintain the copier machines 10, either for internal use or for external/outside clients. The system is practically unlimited in terms of the sheer number and location of machines that can be handled thereby. An operator 20 at a location remote from the Web server has a computer terminal 18 that is connected to the Internet 8. The Computer terminal 18 includes a computer monitor and computer input devices such as a computer mouse or a keyboard. The computer 18 is also equipped with means for creating a TCP/IP socket with an Internet Service Provider, as well as having any of the Web browsers which utilize HTML for "surfing" the Internet. These components enable the remote operation of the photocopier machines 10 by the operator 20.

As shown in Fig.2, the machine 10 has input means 16, and output means 17. A communication module 14 located in the machine 10 taps into signals transferred between the input meanslό and a controller 20 and between the controller 20 and the output means 17 located in the machine via the signal lines 24 and 15, respectively. Information between the machine 10 and the Web server 12 is transferred via the module 14. Any data that can normally be displayed on the output means 17 is thus available for the system via the module 14. For example, data from the counter of copies 22 or any other indicators kept by the copier machine (toner, developer, jams, etc) can be collected automatically by the module 14 and communicated to the computer 18.

The module 14 includes a central processing unit 28 to receive and process the data, and a memory 30 for storing data. A transceiver 26, also part of the module 14, such as a modem, is used to create a connection with the Internet 8. The information that is transferred from the photocopier machine 10 to the

Web server 12 includes the condition of the photocopier machine 10 in real time. If the output means 17 includes an, a picture of the LCD control screen can eb sent to the server 12. The information transferred from the Web server 12 to the machine 10 can include the instructions of the operator 20 Analysis of the machine's condition by the software of the Website 12 enables detection of an error or any other event in the machine 10 by the operator 20, and enables the machine 10 to respond automatically by such means as an automatic phone call and/or an e-mail message to the computer screen 18 of the operator 20. The module 14 is installed in the machine or in a box attached to the machine and may have several basic functions such as:

1. To collect data from the copier machine 10 by monitoring or otherwise tapping into the signals 15 and 24.

2. To process the data by the central processing unit 28, store the data in the memory 30 and translate it to an Internet transmittable format. 3. To contact the Internet Web site 12 using the transceiver 26 and transfer the data to the site and permit generation at the Web server site 12 of an on-screen picture as appears on the output means 17 which is transmittable from the site 12 to the Web-browser-equipped computer 18 connected to the Internet.

4. To accomplish the communication with cellular telecommunication technology via cellular modem, telephone (regular modem) or other link depending on the module configuration.

5. To receive data from the Web server 12 regarding an operation desired by the remote operator 20 of the photocopier machine 10.

6. To translate the operator's 20 command to a copier machine command.

7. To transmit the operator's 20 instruction to the photocopier machine controller20 by tapping into signals line 24 from the input means 16 to the controller 20 so as to mimic the input of the input means 16.

The Internet server computer or Web site 12 collects all data concerning the photocopier machines and controls the copier machines. As mentioned hereinabove, access to and interface with the Web site 12 is done through standard browsers such as Explorer or Netscape. The Web site 12 is connected to the module 14 by two-way communications using TCP/IP protocols through the Internet. Through the module 14, the site 12 communicates and controls the remote photocopier machines 10. The site 12 can continuously monitor the machines 10, waiting for messages coming from the remote photocopier machine 10. Upon reception of a message, the site 12 generates and displays an alert message relating to the specific machine 10 on the machine's output means 17, and generates and displays a graphic representation of the output means 17 on the computer screen 18 as it appears on the actual machine.

A comparison analysis of the type of picture output from the photocopier may be performed and various programs may be executed in accordance with the picture received. For example: when a picture indicating a malfunction is received, it is recognized by comparison with a database of possible graphic images which could be displayed by the output means 17. The database has previously been setup or, additionally, it can be programmed to learn or add new displays never before seen and optionally can ask the remote user for a definition of the new display. Upon recognition of a malfunction condition, the Web server

12 generates an email to the operator 20, or a phone call is initiated to the operator 20 including an indication to be displayed on the computer monitor display 18 of the designated remote user 20 when that person is logged onto the Internet.

The server 12 can also send command strings to the copier machine through the module 14 when a button located on the screen 18 of the remote user 20 is clicked using a pointer device, such as a computer mouse of the remote computer 18. This button simulates the effect of the same button located on the input means 16. The command strings are translated by the module 14 into a command to generate and transmit the same command that would have been performed had the button been physically pushed by a person standing next to the machine.

The server 12 can also send data relating to advertising or promotional material to the module 14 that is displayed on the output means 17. The output means 17 is first disconnected from the controller 20 by opening analog switch 35. An individual next to the machine 10 can order services or merchandise offered by the promotional material or advertising appearing on the output means 17 by pushing a key on t he input means 16. The Web server site 12 comprises determined data screens, setup screens and other screens for setting up various recognition functions that might be machine-specific, or have to do with identifying how to respond to various fault or condition messages received from the module 14 in the photocopiers 10. The data collected from the machine 10 is sent to other back and front office programs such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) for further processing for example, to generate invoices or plan inventory replenishment.

The step of comparing an output graphic received from the output means

17 and converted by the module 14 may also be done by the module 14. In this case, the module 14 is programmed with some or all of the known possible graphic displays of the of the output means 17 which the particular type of photocopier machine 10 may be expected to generate. If a particular comparison results in a none-match, then the module 14 can either generate an alarm message to the Web server 12 or it can save the image for later updating. Moreover, in both embodiments, i.e. comparison by the module 14 or comparison by the Web server 12 upon upload of the information, the level of discrimination which is required to generate a match between the actual display and model image can be set by the user. Thus, for example, a comparison which concludes that there is 97% identity between a stored image and the actual image displayed by the photocopier can be programmed as being an acceptable match of the two images. Alternatively, that number of 97% may be set lower or higher. The setting of discrimination levels can allow for faster comparisons to be performed.

Instead of being controlled by an operator 20 via the input means 16 such as an LCD display in combination with a touch sensitive screen and numeric keypad, the machine 10 may have some combination LED light arrays, dedicated touch keys and a numeric keypad. In such a case, in the retrofit scenario where a the module 14 of the invention is tied into the system, the module 14 could be enhanced to process the output from the LEDs, touch keys, numeric keypad, etc. to create a picture format file, such as a raw bitmap (.bmp) or JPEG, which is then sent over the Internet to the Web server 12. In the situation where the manufacturer has constructed a machine with integrated means for communicating with the Internet, it still remains necessary to adapt the machine so that a single Web server can graphically reproduce the control and display panels of a variety of machines. Otherwise, a company utilizing many makes of machines would have to utilize something different for each manufacturer's machine. The present invention contemplates adding to the manufacturer's design, a processor which receives, in parallel to, or in place of, thereof, input to the manufacturer's module 14 from the control and display panel and converts that input into a graphic file which is then sent to the Web server. Instructions which a user sends to the Web server 12 can be routed to the controller via the module 14, and then fed into the input means 16r as though the instruction signals originated from the input means 16.

It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein are to be read as non-limiting examples of the present invention. It is appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art can make many variations and modifications to the embodiments described hereinabove without departing from the true scope of the invention, as these may be determined solely from the claims hereinbelow.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for retrieving systems information and operation information to a remote location from an office machine, said office machine having output means for outputting information to a user and having control means for controlling said machine and for sending status data to said output means, said system comprising:

(a) said office machine having installed therein communication

means for transmitting information from said office machine onto the

Internet, said communications means including means for receiving signals

sent from said control means to said output means, said communication

means further having means for converting said signals into an

Internet-transmittable form and transmitting said converted signals to the

Internet; and

(b) An Internet server being programmed for receiving said

converted signals.

2. A system for sending operational commands to an office machine from a remote location, said office machine having input means for inputting commands from a user and having control means for controlling said machine and for receiving command signals from said input means, said system comprising:

(a) an Internet server programmed for sending

Internet-transmittable communications out onto the Internet; and

(b) said office machine having installed therein communication

means for receiving Internet-transmittable communications sent

from said Internet server to said office machine over the Internet,

said communication means further having means for generating a

response to said received Internet-transmittable communications, whereby said response comprises sending commands to said control

means in a format which mimics input commands sent from said

input means.

3. A card for interfacing an office machine with the Internet, said card 5 comprising means for establishing two-way telephone communications, said office machine having input means for inputting commands from a user and having control means for controlling said machine and for receiving command signals from said input means, said card comprising: b) communication means for receiving

o Internet-transmittable communications sent from an Internet

server to said office machine over the Internet, said card further

having means for generating a response to said received

Internet-transmittable communications, whereby said response

comprises sending commands to said control means in a format

which mimics input commands sent from said input means.

4. A card for interfacing an office machine with the Internet, said card comprising means for establishing two-way telephone communications, said office machine having output display means for displaying status information to a user and having control means for controlling said machine and for sending output display information to said output display means, said card comprising:

(a) conversion means for receiving and converting said output

display information into Internet-transmittable files; and

(b) communications means for communicating with the Internet

and for transmitting said Internet-transmittable files to a remote

Web site.

5. An electronic module for interfacing with an electric or electronic apparatus, the apparatus having a control module; the electronic module comprising:

(i) one or more data ports connecting the electronic module to the control module permitting the electronic module to receive from said control module status data signals and to transmit control signals to said control module;

(ii) a transceiver permitting the electronic module to be connected to a communication network and to transmit and receive data to and from a server utility through said communication network, transmission of data permitting a remote user connecting to the server utility to monitor the operational status of the apparatus and to cause the server utility to transmit control signals to the electronic module, whereby the electronic module will transmit operational control signals to the control module.

6. The electronic module according to Claim 5 wherein the communication network is a computer network.

7. The electronic module according to Claim 6 wherein the computer network is a local access network, an intranet, or the Internet.

8. The electronic module according to Claim 5 wherein the communication network is a telephone network

9. The electronic module according to Claim 8 wherein the telephone network is a public switched telephone network.

10. The electronic module according to Claim 5 wherein the communication network is a wireless communication network.

11. The electronic module according to Claim 10 wherein the communication network involves satellite communication.

12. The electronic module according to Claim 10 wherein the communication network is a cellular telephone network.

13. The electronic module according to Claim 5 wherein monitoring the operational status of the apparatus includes viewing on a screen module status data.

14. The electronic module according to Claim 13 wherein the screen displays a virtual image of a user interface on the apparatus.

15. The electronic module according to Claim 14 wherein the virtual image comprises one or more virtual buttons, each button representing a user input means on the user interface, each user input means generating a response of the apparatus when activated, and causing the server utility to transmit control signals to the electronic module includes clicking a virtual button on the image so as generate the response generated by user input means represented by the virtual button.

16. The electronic module according to Claim 5 wherein the apparatus is selected from the group consisting of photocopiers, office machines, home appliances, air conditioners, and motorized garage doors.

17. A system for interfacing with electrical or electronic apparatuses, each of the apparatuses having a control module, the system comprising:

(i) for each apparatus, one or more electronic modules for interfacing with the control module, the electronic module comprising a one or more data ports connecting the electronic module to the control module permitting the electronic module to receive from said module status data signals and to transmit control signals to said module and a transceiver permitting to link the electronic module to a communication network; and (ϋ) a server utility linked to a computer network and being linked to said communication network to allow receipt of data signals transmitted by the electronic module and transmission of data signals to the electronic module; the server utility permitting users to link thereto through the computer network, whereby each user can monitor and control operation of one or more of said apparatuses.

18. The system according to Claim 17 wherein the communication network is a computer network.

19. The system according to Claim 18 wherein the computer network is a local access network, an intranet, or the Internet.

20. The system according to Claim 17 wherein the communication network is a telephone network

21. The system according to Claim 20 wherein the telephone network is a public switched telephone network.

22. The system according to Claim 17 wherein the communication network is a wireless communication network.

23. The system according to Claim 22 wherein the communication network involves satellite communication.

24. The system according to Claim 22 wherein the communication network is a l o cellular telephone network..

25. The system according to Claim 17 wherein monitoring the operational status of the apparatus includes viewing on a screen module status data.

26. The system according to Claim 25 wherein the screen displays a virtual image of a user interface on the apparatus.

15 27. The system according to Claim 28 wherein the virtual image comprises one or more virtual buttons, each button representing a user input means on the user interface, each user input means generating a response of the apparatus when activated, and causing the server utility to transmit control signals to the system includes clicking a virtual button on the image so as generate the response 0 generated by user input means represented by the virtual button.

28. The system according to Claim 17 wherein the apparatus is selected from the group consisting of photocopiers, office machines, home appliances, air conditioners, and motorized garage doors, irrigation controllers, medical equipment, intravenous infusion pumps, and dialysis machines.