Abstract: A recommender system and method including receiving a request identifying at least one current student for which a recommendation is sought and accessing stored student data including attributes associated with respective students of the current students and a plurality of predecessor students. For the predecessor students the attributes include educational resources. The method includes clustering one of predecessor students and the current students into clusters based on sameness of first selected attributes of their respective associated attributes. The method includes generating a mapping between respective students of the other of the predecessor and current students and one of the clusters based on sameness of second selected attributes associated with the students being mapped. The method then includes recommending for each of the current students the educational resource associated with the predecessor student or cluster of predecessor students that the current student is mapped with.

Abstract: A method for scheduling print jobs for a plurality of printers (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50) includes, for each of a plurality of print jobs, determining a number of pages of a first print modality (such as black only printing) and of a second print modality (such as color printing) for the print job. A file header is determined, based on the number of pages of the first and second print modalities in the print job. The file header is associated with the print job and the print job transmitted, along with the file header, to a print job scheduler (10). The scheduler schedules a sequence for printing the plurality of print jobs by the plurality of printers, based on minimizing, for at least one of the plurality of printers, a number of periods of time during the sequence of printing where the at least one printer is in a non-operational mode; and/or maximizing continuous run time for at least one of the printers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing addressable fusing and/or heating of a substrate undergoing xerographic processing are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuser having an array of addressable heating elements in radiative communication with a substrate through a fuser roll or fuser belt. The array of addressable heating elements is operated to selectively heat portions of the substrate to achieve a desired effect on the substrate, such as changing its surface finish, or fusing unfused toner to the substrate. In the case of toner fusing, the array is operated such that substantially only an area covered by the unfused toner is heated. This eliminates the need for blanket fusing, and generally provides for greater flexibility in xerographically processing substrates. Apparatus and methods for performing two-sided selective fusing and/or heating are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically helping a teacher/educator evaluate assessments administered to students for determining student's attributes. The teacher/educator reviews stored assessment forms at a digital user interface (DUI) at a multifunction device (MFD) and selects the desired forms and creates an Assessment Batch which includes a List of Students to be given the forms for marking. The system automatically codes each form with personalized student information and prints the individualized assessment forms. The system may include an assessment repository for storing assessment definitions, rubrics, and administered assessments (e.g., results sheets), an may additionally or alternatively include an assessment analyzer for interpreting scanned imaged of administered assessments.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically helping a teacher/educator evaluate assessments administered to students for determining student's attributes. The teacher/educator reviews stored assessment forms at a digital user interface (DUI) at a multifunction device (MFD) and selects the desired forms and creates an Assessment Batch which includes a List of Students to be given the forms for marking. The system automatically codes each form with personalized student information and prints the individualized assessment forms. The teacher/educator administers the assessment and assessment forms are manually marked, collected and scanned at the MFD, entered into storage and the marked images automatically analyzed and the assessments automatically evaluated from stored rubrics and the teacher/educator is automatically notified by email that the evaluation has been performed.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically helping a teacher/educator evaluate assessments administered to students for determining student's attributes. The teacher/educator reviews stored assessment forms at a digital user interface (DUI) at a multifunction device (MFD) and selects the desired forms and creates an Assessment Batch which includes a List of Students to be given the forms for marking. The system automatically codes each form with personalized student information and prints the individualized assessment forms. The system may include an assessment repository for storing assessment definitions, rubrics, and administered assessments (e.g., results sheets), an may additionally or alternatively include an assessment analyzer for interpreting scanned imaged of administered assessments.

Abstract: A printing system (10) includes at least one marking device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D). Each of the marking devices is configured for applying images to print media. A primary fusing device (24A, 24B, 24C, 24D) is associated with each of the marking devices for applying a primary fusing treatment to the applied images to form printed media. A portion of the printed media may be only partially fused in the primary fusing treatment. A secondary fusing device (26) receives the printed media from the at least one marking device. The secondary fusing device and/or primary fusing device is addressable. A control system (90) may be operably coupled with the secondary fusing device. The control system evaluates whether the printed media is only partially fused and instructs the secondary fusing device to apply a further fusing treatment to the printed media evaluated as being only partially fused.

Abstract: A printing system capable of concurrently processing a plurality of job streams and including one or more marking engines and multiple print media destinations is controlled by a controller that includes a jobs scheduler for determining a schedule for processing queued print jobs using the plurality of concurrent job streams. The job scheduler determines the schedule using a method including: determining a utility function dependent at least upon user preference weighting values, a system model of capabilities of the parallel printing system, and the schedule of the queued print jobs; and optimizing the utility function respective to the schedule of queued print jobs.

Abstract: A method of digital printing in which, upon sensing a defect area in a page image in the marking process or on the printed media, the page image is reconfigured to rotate, translate, change print jobs, or reduce the number of pages printed concurrently to avoid the defect area and continue the printing process without interruption utilizing the available non-defect area.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating personalized text for teaching a student to learn to read. Based upon inputs of the students reading ability/level, either from a self assessment or teacher input and input of personal data, the system automatically searches selected libraries and chooses appropriate text and modifies the text for vocabulary and topics of character identification of personal interest to the student. An optional function of previewing by one of the student's teacher, parent or advocate is included. The system generates a local repository of generated text associated with a particular student.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an intervention-by-choice printhead maintenance method in an ink jet printing system. Profile representations of scheduled print jobs are compiled which are representative of ink jet performance demand therefor. An ink jet failure is detected and related to the profile representations. A likely impact of ink jet failure is assessed relative to job specific print quality requirements for the scheduled print jobs. Print jobs are rescheduled for enhancing system performance efficiency by re-queuing selected jobs that can be executed with a detected ink jet failure while satisfying a job specific print quality requirement before a system repair intervention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printhead inspection and recovery in an ink jet printing system includes a modular printhead assembly disposed within the printing system for on-line printing operation. An off-line printhead inspection and recovery unit including a printhead dock for receiving the printhead assembly is locally disposed for ready diagnostic inspection of printhead operation and includes a user interface for reporting diagnostic results. A modular printhead assembly is disposed within the off-line printhead inspection and recovery unit for identifying the head failure to an operator. The inspection and recovery unit may execute a printhead purge and maintenance cycle to repair the failing on-line printing assembly. The inspection and recovery unit maintains a spare head assembly in a heated print-ready state for minimal downtime in production operation upon the replacement of the failing printhead with the spare head from the inspection and recovery unit.

Abstract: Sheet print media are printed/marked with both transient and permanent marking which may be juxtaposed or the transient marking overprinted to change the meaning or message of text on the appearance of an image over time. Applications include advertising and labels for articles of commerce. The method applies to plain paper or coated print media for subsequent ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A system for handling objects includes a first image marking engine operative to mark objects, and a second image marking engine operative to mark objects. In addition, the system includes a first object delivery path operative to transport objects presented by the first image marking engine to a first destination. A second object delivery path is operative to transport objects presented by the second image marking engine to a second destination. The first and second destinations may be a single destination, separate destinations, or interchangeable destinations. At least one object is identifiable to isolate at least one aspect of a delivered object. The at least one object includes an associated object itinerary representing at least one object route through the system.

Abstract: A system for personalized packaging of prescription medication includes a processing device having a CPU and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive input data related to at least one type of medication to be packaged, wherein the user interface communicates the input data to the CPU for processing. A dispensing system is in communication with the processing device, wherein the dispensing system is configured to be pre-supplied with the at least one type of medication and to dispense the at least one type of medication based on the input data communicated from the CPU to the dispensing system. Also included in the system is a printing system in communication with the processing device. A printing system is configured to generate a print of instructional data based on the input data communicated from the CPU to the printing system, wherein the print of instructional data includes data correspondingly related to the at least one type of medication dispensed by the dispensing system.

Abstract: A system for personalized packaging of prescription medication includes a processing device having a CPU and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive input data related to at least one type of medication to be packaged, wherein the user interface communicates the input data to the CPU for processing. A dispensing system is in communication with the processing device, wherein the dispensing system is configured to be pre-supplied with the at least one type of medication and to dispense the at least one type of medication based on the input data communicated from the CPU to the dispensing system. Also included in the system is a printing system in communication with the processing device. A printing system is configured to generate a print of instructional data based on the input data communicated from the CPU to the printing system, wherein the print of instructional data includes data correspondingly related to the at least one type of medication dispensed by the dispensing system.

Abstract: A substantially straight beam in an unbuckled state is compressed to cause the beam to buckle using an adjustable compressor. The adjustable compressor applies force to one or both ends of the beam and limits compression on the beam to allow the beam to move between a first buckled state and a second buckled state. The first buckled state and the second buckled state comprise substantially equal magnitude and opposite direction buckling movements from the unbuckled state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing addressable fusing and/or heating of a substrate undergoing xerographic processing are disclosed. The apparatus includes a fuser having an array of addressable heating elements in radiative communication with a substrate through a fuser roll or fuser belt. The array of addressable heating elements is operated to selectively heat portions of the substrate to achieve a desired effect on the substrate, such as changing its surface finish, or fusing unfused toner to the substrate. In the case of toner fusing, the array is operated such that substantially only an area covered by the unfused toner is heated. This eliminates the need for blanket fusing, and generally provides for greater flexibility in xerographically processing substrates. Apparatus and methods for performing two-sided selective fusing and/or heating are also disclosed.

Abstract: A marking system includes at least one image applying component for applying a marking material to a substrate in forming an image on the substrate. The marking material includes a radiation sensitive material. An addressable irradiation device receives the marked substrate from the image applying component. The irradiation device provides an array of addressable irradiation elements which irradiate the marked substrate. At least some of the irradiation elements are selectively actuable. The irradiation device emits radiation within a range of wavelengths to which the radiation sensitive material is sensitive.

Abstract: A printing system includes first and second marking engines in series which each include an image applying component for applying an image to print media and a fixing device for at least partially fixing the applied image. One or both marking engines are operable in first and second modes of operation. In the first mode, the fixing device at least partially fixes the image applied by the respective image applying component. In the second mode, the fixing device is used to further fix an image on the print media which has been applied by the image applying component of the other marking engine without an intermediate application of an image to the print media by the second image applying component. A processing component controls the marking engine to operate in a selected one of the first and second modes of operation.