An interactive multimedia system for remote diagnostics of, maintenance
of, and assistance pertaining to a multifunction peripheral preferably
includes a multifunction peripheral, a remote service endpoint, and a
network system over which the multifunction peripheral communicates with
the remote service endpoint. An audio/visual capture device and a display
are preferably communicatively associated with the multifunction
peripheral communication entity. The remote service endpoint provides
assistance based on the audio/video data over the display in such
exemplary forms as text, images, multimedia presentation, audio
presentations, video presentations, or live interactive communications.
The present invention is also directed to a method performed by a
multifunction peripheral that provides interactive multimedia for remote
diagnostics of, maintenance of, and assistance regarding a multifunction
peripheral.