Abstract: An automatic supply ordering system for electronically ordering a consumable component or replaceable part in a marking machine. The system provides electronic identification of a condition of a replaceable component and automatically electronically sends an offer to purchase a replacement part upon identification of a threshold condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding human operators through a sequence of maintenance and repair tasks such as the removal of paper jams in complex reprographic equipment. The invention comprises the placement of human interpretable indicators in locations corresponding to various operations to be performed by an operator and then activating such indicators in sequence when sensors and a control algorithm confirm that operations preceding the operation in the sequence are completed.

Abstract: A method of providing support to a user of a computer peripheral includes sensing a peripheral indicia at a computer and registering the peripheral and downloading from a server additional information about the peripheral based on the peripheral indicia. The peripheral indicia includes any of a model number, a part number, a serial number, a date of manufacturer and a configuration indicia. Registering the peripheral is performed by launching a communications browser to connect to the server. The method also senses a peripheral condition at the computer where the peripheral condition includes either an error code or a code indicative of a consumable reaching a predetermined threshold or both. This method accesses the server at an address defined by the peripheral condition, and the server provides the browser with additional information about the peripheral condition.

Abstract: A method for shopping for one or more consumables for a device includes requesting with the device the identity of at least one supplier for the at least one consumable for the device, identifying the supplier for the consumable based on the request, and displaying with the device the identified supplier. A system for shopping for one or more consumables for a device includes a requesting system, an identification system, and a display system. The requesting system with the device requests the identity of at least one supplier for the consumable for the device. The identification system identifies the supplier for the consumable based on the request. The display system with the device displays the identified supplier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding human operators through a sequence of maintenance and repair tasks such as the removal of paper jams in complex reprographic equipment. The invention comprises the placement of human interpretable indicators in locations corresponding to various operations to be performed by an operator and then activating such indicators in sequence when sensors and a control algorithm confirm that operations preceding the operation in the sequence are completed.

Abstract: A method of providing support to a user of a computer peripheral includes sensing a peripheral indicia at a computer and registering the peripheral and downloading from a server additional information about the peripheral based on the peripheral indicia. The peripheral indicia includes any of a model number, a part number, a serial number, a date of manufacturer and a configuration indicia. Registering the peripheral is performed by launching a communications browser to connect to the server. The method also senses a peripheral condition at the computer where the peripheral condition includes either an error code or a code indicative of a consumable reaching a predetermined threshold or both. This method accesses the server at an address defined by the peripheral condition, and the server provides the browser with additional information about the peripheral condition.

Abstract: A scanner is connected to a host computer. A scanner control routine is installed onto the host computer and used to generate and forward control signals to the scanner or multi-function device. Using the scanner control system, manager or routine, one or more scanned image destinations are defined and one or more scanning parameters are defined that are particularly appropriate for each such scanned image destination. Each scanned image destination is associated with one of a number of pre-named scanner destinations that can be selected using the scanner. These pre-named destinations usually have generic or otherwise meaningless names that are not associated with any particular destination or location. The user uses the control panel of the scanner or multi-function device to select one of the pre-named destinations. The scanner or multi-function device forwards this selected destination to the host computer.

Abstract: A reprographic system is provided and includes a digital multi-function reprographic machine for reproducing copies of original images and a programmed personal computer (PC) subsystem. The programmed personal computer (PC) subsystem is connected to the multi-function reprographic machine for processing and controlling original images to be reproduced by the multi-function reprographic machine, and includes a work station monitor having a user screen, a machine-client dialog box, and a drop-down reduction/enlargement (R/E) window. The drop-down reduction/enlargement (R/E) window includes a drop-down arrow, a value display area, selectable preset major R/E values, and increasing-value and decreasing-value fine tuning devices for efficiently and quickly varying a selected selectable preset major R/E value for controlling an original image processed by the PC subsystem and being reproduced by the multi-function reprographic machine.

Abstract: A method for a sender to automatically distribute information to a receiver on a network using devices (such as printers and facsimile machines) and communication channels (such as electronic mail) defined in a receiver profile. The receiver profile establishes the properties and mode for receipt of information for receivers on the network and the profile is published in a network repository for all network users or is accessible by selected groups or individuals on the network. Receivers have additional control over network senders by defining an information filter which further controls sender channel access (to a receiver) by defining some channels as having priority of access such as direct or delayed access, as well as selectively permitting senders to override the receiver profile. Consequently, receiver profiles provide a variable receiver definable link to senders using multiple forms of media as well as multiple hardware platforms and network configurations.

Abstract: A user interface to automatically distribute information to a receiver on a network using devices (such as printers and facsimile machines) and communication channels (such as electronic mail) defined in a receiver profile. The receiver profile establishes the properties and mode for receipt of information for receivers on the network and the profile is published in a network repository for all network users or is accessible by selected groups or individuals on the network. Receivers have additional control over network senders by defining an information filter which further controls sender channel access (to a receiver) by defining some channels as having priority of access such as direct or delayed access, as well as selectively permitting senders to override the receiver profile. Consequently, receiver profiles provide a variable receiver definable link to senders using multiple forms of media as well as multiple hardware platforms and network configurations.

Abstract: A method for a sender to automatically distribute information to a receiver on a network using devices (such as printers and facsimile machines) and communication channels (such as electronic mail) defined in a receiver profile. The receiver profile establishes the properties and mode for receipt of information for receivers on the network and the profile is published in a network repository for all network users or is accessible by selected groups or individuals on the network. Receivers have additional control over network senders by defining an information filter which further controls sender channel access (to a receiver) by defining some channels as having priority of access such as direct or delayed access, as well as selectively permitting senders to override the receiver profile. Consequently, receiver profiles provide a variable receiver definable link to senders using multiple forms of media as well as multiple hardware platforms and network configurations.