Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include an optical button, that can include an input portion that is printed on a substrate, the input portion being configured to change an optical characteristic of light passing therethrough when in contact with an external object, and a detector that is optically coupled with the input portion to detect a change in the optical characteristic of light passing through the input portion.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for remotely controlling a camera connected to a multi-function device are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a third party server to instruct the camera to take a photograph, sends a call to the camera to take the photograph, wherein the call is sent to the camera over a universal serial bus (USB) connection between the multi-function device and the camera, receives the photograph and transmits the photograph to the third party server.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for optimizing a web service by adaptively using compression are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request for a data file, determines whether the data file should be compressed based upon a previous request for the data file, compresses the data file if it is determined that the data file should be compressed, and sends the data file in a compressed format.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for remotely controlling a camera connected to a multi-function device are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a third party server to instruct the camera to take a photograph, sends a call to the camera to take the photograph, wherein the call is sent to the camera over a universal serial bus (USB) connection between the multi-function device and the camera, receives the photograph and transmits the photograph to the third party server.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include an optical button, that can include an input portion that is printed on a substrate, the input portion being configured to change an optical characteristic of light passing therethrough when in contact with an external object, and a detector that is optically coupled with the input portion to detect a change in the optical characteristic of light passing through the input portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a user with an option, on a graphic user interface of a printing device, for scanning a self-illuminated display of a portable device (such as a cell phone, PDA, camera, etc.). In response to the user selecting the option for scanning a self-illuminated display of their portable device, the illumination source of the printing device is deactivated and the responsiveness of the light sensor of the printing device is increased. The process of increasing of the responsiveness of the light sensor changes the responsiveness to an increased level above a base level that is used when the illumination source is active. Then, while the illumination source is deactivated and while the responsiveness of the light sensor is at the increased level, the light sensor is used to scan the self-illuminated display of the portable device to acquire an image displayed on the self-illuminated display of the portable device.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for optimizing a web service by adaptively using compression are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request for a data file, determines whether the data file should be compressed based upon a previous request for the data file, compresses the data file if it is determined that the data file should be compressed, and sends the data file in a compressed format.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a printing device is operating properly may include determining, by a computing device, whether a protocol is supported by a printing device. Using the supported protocol, implementation information may be transmitted to the printing device. Response information may be received from the printing device. A result based on the response information may be reported. The result may be indicative of the operation of the protocol on the printing device.

Abstract: A system for utilizing tab attributes includes a communications component, a user interface component, a ticket generation component, and a job submissions component. The communications component operatively communicates at least one print document. The user interface component operatively communicates user data including tab data. The ticket generation component generates a ticket including at least one tab attribute. The ticket generation component communicates with the communications component and the user interface. The ticket generation component receives the user data from the user interface component and the ticket generation component receives the at least one print document from the communications component. The ticket is associated with the at least one print document. The ticket includes at least one tab attribute generated as a function of the received tab data. The job submission component submits a job to a printer and the job includes the ticket and the at least one print document.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a user with an option, on a graphic user interface of a printing device, for scanning a self-illuminated display of a portable device (such as a cell phone, PDA, camera, etc.). In response to the user selecting the option for scanning a self-illuminated display of their portable device, the illumination source of the printing device is deactivated and the responsiveness of the light sensor of the printing device is increased. The process of increasing of the responsiveness of the light sensor changes the responsiveness to an increased level above a base level that is used when the illumination source is active. Then, while the illumination source is deactivated and while the responsiveness of the light sensor is at the increased level, the light sensor is used to scan the self-illuminated display of the portable device to acquire an image displayed on the self-illuminated display of the portable device.

Abstract: A method for open-text searching of information sources owned by a library is provided. The method uses existing full-text search engines and databases of open-text scans of text documents to provide searches which are limited to the actual set of information sources owned by or within a physical library. This set of information sources may be defined by a listing of ISBN or document identification numbers at an access rights database. Users may access this system from computer terminals within the library, or offsite using a unique library patron identification card. Constraints may be placed on the searches which limit the number of users searching a specific book at one time or the level of search access permitted.

Abstract: A system for utilizing tab attributes includes a communications component, a user interface component, a ticket generation component, and a job submissions component. The communications component operatively communicates at least one print document. The user interface component operatively communicates user data including tab data. The ticket generation component generates a ticket including at least one tab attribute. The ticket generation component communicates with the communications component and the user interface. The ticket generation component receives the user data from the user interface component and the ticket generation component receives the at least one print document from the communications component. The ticket is associated with the at least one print document. The ticket includes at least one tab attribute generated as a function of the received tab data. The job submission component submits a job to a printer and the job includes the ticket and the at least one print document.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a printing device is operating properly may include determining, by a computing device, whether a protocol is supported by a printing device. Using the supported protocol, implementation information may be transmitted to the printing device. Response information may be received from the printing device. A result based on the response information may be reported. The result may be indicative of the operation of the protocol on the printing device.