Abstract: A method is provided for terminating a process based on a user request and enabling process shutdown where possible. The method includes the step of sending a process termination request through an operating system. A further step is receiving the process termination request in a shutdown interface that is operable in the operating system. Another step is issuing a shutdown request from the shutdown interface to allow the process to initiate a shutdown of functions, which are able to respond to the shutdown request. Yet another step is issuing a subsequent termination message from the shutdown interface to terminate the process after any functions to be shutdown have not responded to the shutdown request.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrical device user interface customization. Systems and methods that facilitate such customization are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for facilitating customization comprises receiving a device interface selection, and facilitating implementation of the selection such that a customized electrical device user interface is presented to a user when accessing the interface via a browser.

Abstract: A printer which provides detailed information on usage of consumables such as paper, ink, toner, etc., aiding in planning print tasks and ordering supplies. The printer also provides information on printer setting usage and print costs.

Abstract: A process task management system is provided to be used within an operating system environment. The system comprises an executing processes module containing a list of processes currently executing in the operating system environment. A status attribute is included for each process in the list, which represents an execution state of the process and is viewable by a user. A process state checking module is configured to check the execution state of each process when the process is busy, and to set the status attribute for each process to inform the user whether the execution state of the process is busy and performing processing activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a browser-controlled copying system and method. In one arrangement, the system is configured for and the method comprises receiving a copy request from a user browser, uploading content to the user browser, receiving selections made with the user browser, and generating at least one hardcopy of the document in accordance with the user selections. The present disclosure further relates to a copying device. In one arrangement, the copying device comprises a processing device, copying hardware, and memory comprising a copy control module and an embedded server, the copy control module logic for generating at least one control screen that can be uploaded to a user browser so that operation of the copying device can be controlled with the control screen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a browser-controlled faxing system and method. In one arrangement, the system and method involve receiving a fax request from a user browser, uploading content to the user browser, receiving a fax job from the user browser, and transmitting a facsimile to a recipient device. In one arrangement, the system and method can be implemented with a faxing device that comprises a processing device, faxing hardware, a networking device, and memory comprising a fax control module and an embedded server, the fax control module including logic for generating at least one control screen that can be uploaded to a user browser and at least one application that can also be uploaded to the user browser, the at least one application further being configured to perform a designated task on a computing device on which the user browser runs.

Abstract: The system and methods described herein relate to automatically installing a correct software version onto a computer from a software distribution medium that stores multiple installable versions of the same software product (i.e., a multi-version software distribution medium). A double INF file architecture on the multi-version software distribution medium relieves a user of the burden of directing an installation program (e.g., a hardware/software installation Wizard) to a specific location within the medium to complete the installation of the correct software version. The user need only direct the installation program to the distribution medium. The double INF file architecture ensures an automatic installation of the correct software version without the need for understanding how to navigate the medium.

Abstract: Establishing network connectivity at user log-in for a computer system is disclosed. A computer is disclosed that includes one or more network components, such as modems and network adapters. Each network component enables the computer to communicate with one or more different networks, such as corporate networks, the Internet, and so on. An operating system of the computer has an initial boot sequence in which network connectivity is established only after a user logged in. The user specifies the desired networks to communicate with during log-in. A method specifying a boot sequence for a computer in which network connectivity is established at user log-in, and a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon for execution by a processor to perform such a method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The system and methods described herein relate to creating and driving the front menu panel of a dedicated purpose device with technologies used to implement web pages. The use of HTML or other markup language documents to create menu pages for display on a touch sensitive menu screen makes the menu screen easily reconfigurable to accommodate functional upgrades to the dedicated purpose device. Script code executed behind selected menu items alters internal device settings and changes text displayed on the menu pages or refreshes the touch screen entirely with a new menu page. Altering the menu page text and corresponding internal device settings reduces the need for a large number of menu keys on the front panel by permitting a fewer number of menu keys to serve multiple purposes. Implementing front menu panels in this manner reduces costs and difficulties typically associated with maintaining and upgrading dedicated purpose devices as well as simplifies the use of such devices.