Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080246986 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED OPERATION OF NETWORKED PRINTING SYSTEM - Methods and systems are presented for performing one or more printer device management functions in a network, in which affinities between printers are determined from job tracking data to indicate associations between printer devices and user devices, and the affinity data is used to perform one or more printer management functions such as determining printer connections for new or roaming user devices, print job redirection, and identification of underutilized printer device assets. | 10-09-2008 |
20080246987 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SOFT FAILURE DETECTION FOR NETWORKED PRINTERS - Methods and systems are presented for identifying potential printer failures in a networked printing enterprise, in which job tracking data is gathered for print jobs in the network, affinity data is derived from the job tracking data indicating associations between printer devices and user devices, and potential printer failures are identified based on changes in the affinity data. | 10-09-2008 |
20080247767 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRIORITIZED SERVICING OR MAINTENANCE OF NETWORKED PRINTERS - Methods and systems are presented for prioritizing service or maintenance of networked printers based on affinities between printers and users determined from job tracking data so that printers shared by large numbers of users or high volume printers used by only one or a few users can be serviced or maintained before other printers to provide overall printer support while mitigating user disruption due to unavailable printers. | 10-09-2008 |
20100191877 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR POLLING MULTIFUNCTION DEVICES BASED ON PERFORMANCE CRITERIA - A method and system suitable for grouping a plurality of multifunction devices (MFDs), the system including a storage station for storing information gathered from the plurality of MFDs by selectively polling the plurality of MFDs; wherein the information is selectively processed based on static performance data and dynamic performance data relating to the plurality of MFDs. | 07-29-2010 |
20100309506 | CONSUMABLE SERIAL NUMBER TRACKING IN A MANAGED SERVICES HOSTED ENVIRONMENT - A method stores serial numbers within memories of customer replaceable units that are used within printing devices. When one or more of the customer replaceable units are replaced, the method causes the printing devices to output to a computer the serial numbers of the customer replaceable units that are replaced. The method then analyzes the serial numbers using the computer to determine which specific customer replaceable unit was used within a specific printing device. | 12-09-2010 |
20110078514 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MAINTENANCE OF NETWORK RENDERING DEVICES - A method and system for automatically generating a helpdesk ticket when a remote rendering device possesses a series of customer resolvable events within a time period. The helpdesk ticket can be moved into an active state when an alert associated with the customer resolvable events is triggered and the ticket can be moved into a passive state when the alert is no longer triggered for the predefined time period. The helpdesk ticket can be retained in the active state if the fault condition detected for a defined number of times without being out of that state for the predefined time period. A device management module sends a notification indicative on each change of the state associated with the rendering device to a helpdesk unit. The device management module can also reset the time period between alerts if the problem occurs infrequently and the ticket can be automatically closed. | 03-31-2011 |
20120026530 | AUGMENTED REALITY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEVICE MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE - An augmented reality system and method for diagnosing and fixing a fault in a device. A mobile communication device can be operatively connected with a networked rendering device by reading a two-dimensional bar code associated with the rendering device. An image with respect to the rendering device can be captured by an image-capturing unit associated with the mobile communication device. The image can be augmented with additional information and a target area can be highlighted in order to indicate a fault component. An action to be taken with respect to the target area can be displayed on the mobile communication device. Such an approach permits an end user to address the device issue with increased quality of information and accuracy. | 02-02-2012 |
20120036422 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RENDERING FORMS BASED ON AN IDENTIFICATION NUMBER - A system and method for rendering a form based on an identification number. A client device including an extensible interface platform (EIP) application can be configured in association with a centralized server via a network. A form category can be selected and the identification number with respect to a form can be entered on a user interface associated with the client device. The form that matches the identification number can be collected from a database associated with the centralized server. The information required for retrieving instruction to populate the form can be entered in the user interface and the form can be rendered based on a user preference. Such an approach reduces the cost of rendering and shipping a large number of forms to a number of locations. | 02-09-2012 |
20120046988 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING ACCURATE LOW SUPPLY LEVELS IN CONSUMABLES USED IN AN IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICE - A method and apparatus for determining accurate low supply levels in consumables used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include determining an average volume used per day of the consumable, determining an average delivery time for the consumable, determining an average installation time for the consumable, determining a low level threshold of the consumable based on average volume used per day of a consumable, average delivery time for the consumable, and average installation time for the consumable, determining if the fill level of the consumable is less than the determined low level threshold, wherein if it is determined that the fill level of the consumable is less than the determined low level threshold, ordering a replacement consumable. | 02-23-2012 |
20130033723 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY RECOMMENDING RULES BASED ON DESIRED PRINT CRITERIA - A method and system for automatically creating and recommending a set of optimal rules based on a desired print criterion. A print governance application can be configured with respect to a rendering server to analyze one or more rendering jobs submitted within a specified time period by considering each rendering job attributes in order to collect a rendering data. A desired print criterion can be entered by an administrator in order to manage the rendering job behavior. The collected rendering data can be analyzed to dynamically create the set of optimal rules by a rules engine in order to achieve a desired level of reduction with respect to each user based on the desired print criterion. The rules can be accepted by default and/or presented to the user for acceptance with an equated level of reduction. Such an approach provides the best fit rule to automatically reduce print output costs and lower paper wastage. | 02-07-2013 |
20130321856 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRINT DOCUMENT RELEASE VIA MOBILE DEVICE - A system and method for print document release via mobile device by receiving one or more text messages from the mobile device, wherein the one more text messages includes a mobile print command and a document identification number, parsing the one or more text messages, and releasing a document to a printer, wherein the document is associated with the document identification number. | 12-05-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120236357 | AUTOMATED PRINT JOB MODIFICATION FOR REDUCED TOTAL AND COLOR PAGE COUNTS - Systems and methods for reducing total and/or color page counts are provided. The systems include a memory, including a print queue, and one or more processors. The processors are programmed to receive a print job. The print job includes a document formatted according to a page description language (PDL). The processors are further programmed to apply one or more formatting fixes to the document and transfer the print job to the print queue. The formatting fixes include at least one of image fitting, text fitting and table fitting. | 09-20-2012 |
20120254050 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO VALIDATE CONSUMABLES INSTALLED IN A PRINTING SYSTEM - The disclosure relates to a computerized method and system for tracking consumer replaceable units (CRU) used in products such as printing systems. In the method the CRUM ID and destination of the consumable is retrieved on shipment from a supplier. When the consumer replaceable unit is installed in a device such as printing system, the device reports the installation back to a management application. The management application then proceeds to authorize the consumable for the reporting printing system, offer to transfer ownership, or when the printing system is not a managed device then offers a customer the option of being billed for the consumable. The management application has the option of disabling printing with customer replaceable unit when reassignment or intent to purchase is not available. When the consumable is returned the management application can ascertain if the customer replaceable unit was used by its assigned printing device. | 10-04-2012 |
20120254661 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UPDATING DEVICE MANAGEMENT APPLICATION METER READ LOGIC - The disclosure relates to a computerized method and system for automatically updating a device management application with meter retrieval logic that is customized to the device mix in a managed environment. The management application would interrogate the environment and make intelligent decisions on what meter logic to implement. The management application would self adapt and retrieve the correct meter logic as the environment changes. This adaptation is not tied to product names or other identification methods, rather using rules associated with queries and responses the meter read logic is altered to the device mix. The method would first try submitting small test jobs and seeing if the known meter read logics produced the correct meter increment. If this does not confirm, the system then interprets the query of the private portion of the MIB or the web server to determine where the correct increment is located. | 10-04-2012 |
20120257239 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED DETERMINATION OF EXPIRATION OF AN IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICE THAT IS CURRENTLY IN USE BY A CUSTOMER - A method and apparatus for automated determination of expiration of an image production device that is currently in use by a customer is disclosed. The method may include retrieving values related to a currently used image production device, determining an existing life value based on the retrieved values, retrieving values related to a replacement image production device, determining a replacement value based on the retrieved values comparing the determined existing life value to the determined replacement value, determining whether the currently used image production device should be replaced based on the comparison, and sending a notification that the currently used image production device should be replaced if it is determined that the currently used image production device should be replaced. | 10-11-2012 |
20120300225 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SCALING PRINT JOBS IN AN IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICE - A method for automatically scaling print jobs in an image production device network may include receiving a request to print a print job using a particular media sheet size a particular image production device, determining a size of media in one or more media trays in the particular image production device, determining if the size of the media in the requested print job matches the determined media size in one of the one or more media trays, wherein if it is determined that the size of the media in the requested print job does not match the determined media size in one of the one or more media trays, determining the media size in the one or more media trays closest to the print job media sheet size, scaling the requested print job to the determined closest media size, and printing the requested print job on the determined closest media sheet size from one of the one or more media trays. | 11-29-2012 |
20130030770 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING PLACEMENT OF DEVICES BASED ON A BUILDING LAYOUT - A method and apparatus for determining placement of one or more devices using a building layout is disclosed. The method may include generating a map layer based on the building layout. A zone definition that includes identification of available zones and access characteristics of each of the available zones is received. A density definition that includes identification of available density levels and usage characteristics of each of the density levels is received. The placement of the one or more devices in the available zones is enabled based on associating the zone definition and the density definition with the map layer. | 01-31-2013 |
20130063734 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USER-SELECTABLE FONT SUBSTITUTION TO FACILITATE PRINTING - According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided systems and methods that involve providing user-selectable fonts to a printing device so that the printing device can facilitate printing of a print task. In this regard, a representative embodiment of a method and system for printing includes enabling a print file corresponding to a print task to be evaluated, and, if it is determined that a printing device to which the print task is directed is unable to process the print task without performing a font substitution, enabling acquiring of the fonts from a specific user. By using the uploaded fonts, the printing device is able to process the print task without performing a font substitution. | 03-14-2013 |
20130145358 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISTRIBUTING FIRMWARE UPDATES IN AN IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICE NETWORK - A method for automatically distributing firmware updates in an image production device network is disclosed. The method may include receiving a firmware update from a firmware distribution source through a communication interface, automatically installing the firmware update, automatically distributing the firmware update to one or more other image production devices in the image production device network through the communication interface. The firmware update may then be automatically installed by the one or more other image production devices in the image production device network. | 06-06-2013 |
20130215451 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY DETECTING PAGE DESCRIPTION LANGUAGES SUPPORTED BY IMAGE PRODUCTION DEVICES - A method for automatically detecting page description languages supported by image production devices in an image production device network may include receiving a print job for printing, determining which page description languages are supported by each image production device in the image production device network, determining if the print job's page description language is supported by one or more image production devices in the image production device network. If the print job's page description language is supported, the print job is printed at one of the one or more image production devices using the print jobs page description language. If the print job's page description language is not supported, the print job is converted to a page description language supported by one of the one or more image production devices, and printed at the one of the one or more image production devices using the supported page description language. | 08-22-2013 |
20130238612 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING REFINED SEARCH RESULTS FOR A QUERY BASED ON ONE OR MORE USER INTERACTIONS - An approach is provided for determining refined search results for a query. The approach involves processing one or more interactions of a user with one or more content items to cause, at least in part, an accumulation of the one or more interactions of the user. The approach also involves processing the accumulation of the one or more interactions to determine one or more interaction patterns. The approach additionally involves determining one or more user preferences based, at least in part, on the one or more interaction patterns. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, a scope of one or more search results for a query to be based, at least in part, on the one or more user preferences. | 09-12-2013 |
20140012545 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EMPLOYING AUTOMATED DATA ANALYSIS TO DEFINE ZONES FOR DEVICE PLACEMENT IN AN OPERATING EVIRONMENT - A system and method are provided to a placement and optimization process for a plurality of common use devices in an operating environment according to actual users' employment of the common use devices, and actual needs for placement of certain common use devices in the operating environment. The disclosed system and method add a level of automation that may be used to collect use data for the common use devices according to a specified scheme in order to produce a more robust, flexible and updatable scheme for confirming an initial optimal layout for the common use devices and for providing a basis for updating that initial optimal layout over time to account for unforeseen errors in the initial assessment or changes in workflow as mandated by changes in the operating environment and user preferences. | 01-09-2014 |
20140022587 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING A LOCATION OF AN IMAGE FORMING DEVICE USING MOBILE DEVICE LOCALIZATION - A system and method detect and localize image forming devices in an office environment by causing a mobile wireless device to send location information of the mobile wireless device to a central server system, which may be cloud-based and to which an image forming device is networked, upon executing an information retrieval request for establishing communication with the image forming device or when initiating an image forming operation, such as a print job, in the image forming device using the mobile wireless device. Mobile wireless device location information may be used as an aid in automatically plotting and/or updating a site location indication of each image forming device on a site map or in a central database. Location information may be employed to provide a user with a series of selectable options regarding a plurality of image forming devices in a vicinity of the mobile wireless device for use. | 01-23-2014 |
20140239056 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING VIRTUAL CUSTOMER REPLACEABLE UNIT MONITORS FOR SOLID INK CUSTOMER REPLACEABLE UNITS IN MANAGED PRINT SERVICE ENVIRONMENTS - A system and method are provided for implementing virtual customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) for solid ink customer replaceable units (CRUs) that are used in image forming devices, particularly in managed print service environments. Molded products, including solid ink elements, are marked to aid in generally effecting identification and/or authenticity verification, and/or in specifically effecting compatibility matching in an image forming device in which the solid ink CRUs are used. One or more ultraviolet (UV) ink based two dimensional 2D barcodes are provided on a solid ink CRU for identification of the solid ink CRU by a reading mechanism in an image forming device. The use of a UV ink that is not easily visually discernible provides a level of protection against easily detecting, and attempting to copy the identifying information. The image forming process would essentially consume the virtual CRUM on the solid ink CRU in image processing. | 08-28-2014 |
20140240736 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING USER-INTERACTIVE DELAYED PRINTING IN IMAGE FORMING DEVICES - A system and method are provided for implementing more efficient printing in image forming devices by providing a user-interactive scheme for delaying printing of individual user-requested print operations when an individual image forming device to which a specific user-requested printing operation is directed is determined to be in a power saving mode. The disclosed system and method may determine whether a requested image forming device is in a power saving mode at the time that a user requests an image forming operation and automatically present to the user a formatted user interface page on a display at the user workstation. The formatted user interface may provide the user with an option to direct the image forming device to delay (hold) executing the requested image forming operation until some additional condition is met. | 08-28-2014 |
20140270812 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EMPLOYING A CUSTOMER REPLACEABLE UNIT (CRU) TO ALTER AN INSTALLATION TYPE FOR THE CRU IN AN IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - A system and method are provided for employing a customer replaceable unit (CRU) to modify its own installation type when installed in an image forming device, including an image forming device operated under a managed service contract. A database centric CRU inventory control architecture is provided for managing image forming device information through interactive communication with CRU monitoring modules (CRUMs) associated with CRUs installed in many and widely deployed image forming devices. The disclosed systems and methods make use of the CRUMs embedded in CRUs offered by a manufacturer or supplier along with a device management application offered by the manufacturer for on-site use by a customer to implement an inventory tracking and control system that reduces inventory overhead. | 09-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110010913 | Articulating Work Platform Support System, Work Platform System, and Methods of Use Thereof - The invention includes a work platform and support system that includes a hub and joist configuration, wherein the hubs and joists are capable of articulation, or pivoting. One method of installation allows for sections of new work platform system to be extended from an existing suspended work platform system. The system is also capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied to it. | 01-20-2011 |
20110214945 | Articulating Work Platform Support System, Work Platform System, and Methods of Use Thereof - The invention includes a work platform and support system that includes a hub and joist configuration, wherein the hubs and joists are capable of articulation, or pivoting. One method of installation allows for sections of new work platform system to be extended from an existing suspended work platform system. The system is also capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied to it. | 09-08-2011 |
20130199024 | Suspension Connector System Configured for Use with Suspended Scaffolding, and Related Methods - A suspension connector system configured for use with suspended scaffold systems and related methods of installation, assembly and use are disclosed herein. In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, methods of using a suspension connector system, for example, in relation to a structure, is disclosed. Suspension connector systems, as disclosed herein, can be affixed or otherwise connected to a structure so as to permit hanging of a suspended scaffold system, which can include work platform assemblies and access systems. Further in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of suspension connector systems can be connected to a structure, for example, in a predetermined pattern or an array, to support, or be combined with, a suspended scaffold system of the kinds disclosed. | 08-08-2013 |
20140202087 | WORK PLATFORM SYSTEM CONFIGURED FOR USE STRUCTURE WITH INTERNAL CAVITY, AND RELATED METHODS OF ASSEMBLY AND USE - Work platform systems and related methods of assembly and use are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a method of installing a work platform system into an internal cavity of a structure includes supporting a first platform portion at a first location, and adding a plurality of additional platform portions to the first platform portion, where successive ones of the additional platform portions are respectively positioned at respective locations that are successively farther outward away from the first platform portion. The method further includes coupling the additional platform portions to one or more other locations, and detaching the additional platform portions from one another. The method additionally includes lowering or raising one or more of the first and additional platform portions to one or more additional levels below or above the first level, where the work platform system includes the first and additional platform portions. | 07-24-2014 |
20140345229 | Work Platform System Including Suspended Paneled Portion and Method of Implementing Same - A work platform system for implementation in relation to a structure, as well as subsystems and components thereof and methods of implementation and use relating thereto, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the work platform system includes a first pair of flexible elements and a second pair of flexible elements, where a respective first end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a first support component and a respective second end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a second support component. The work platform system can further include a plurality of panel structures supported upon the flexible elements, a suspension component, and a clamp structure coupled to at least one of the first pair of flexible elements and the second pair of flexible elements. The work platform system can include one or more support extension. | 11-27-2014 |
20140345972 | WORK PLATFORM SYSTEM INCLUDING SUSPENDED PANELED PORTION AND METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING SAME - A work platform system for implementation in relation to a structure, as well as subsystems and components thereof and methods of implementation and use relating thereto, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the work platform system includes a first pair of flexible elements and a second pair of flexible elements, where a respective first end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a first support component and a respective second end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a second support component. The work platform system can further include a plurality of panel structures supported upon the flexible elements, a suspension component, and a suspender structure coupled to at least one of the first pair of flexible elements and the second pair of flexible elements. The work platform system can include one or more support extension. | 11-27-2014 |
20140345976 | Work Platform System Including Suspended Paneled Portion and Method of Implementing Same - A work platform system for implementation in relation to a structure, as well as subsystems and components thereof and methods of implementation and use relating thereto, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the work platform system includes a first pair of flexible elements and a second pair of flexible elements, where a respective first end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a first support component and a respective second end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a second support component. The work platform system can further include a plurality of panel structures supported upon the flexible elements, a suspension component, and a clamp structure coupled to at least one of the first pair of flexible elements and the second pair of flexible elements. The work platform system can include one or more support extension. | 11-27-2014 |
20150041252 | ACCESS STRUCTURE INTEGRATION ASSEMBLY AND INTEGRATED ACCESS SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - The invention includes an access structure integration assembly and an integrated system using the assembly. An access structure integrated assembly includes at least one channeled structure and at least one joist socket slidingly engaged with the channeled structure. The channeled structure is configured to secure to a base structure, such as a suspended work platform system, and the joist socket is configured to secure to a second structure, such as a supported work platform system. An integrated system includes a base structure, a second structure and at least two integration assemblies, each assembly including a channeled structure secured to the base structure and a joist socket secured to the second structure and slidingly engaged with the channeled structure. | 02-12-2015 |