Abstract: A compute cycle brokering apparatus and method includes a network and a plurality of machines connected to the network wherein some machines are idle and some machines are busy. A process power broker is connected to the network for locating available process power on idle machines and directing pending jobs from busy machines to the idle machines for processing. Further, a job director is provided for directing job output either back to the busy machine for output or to the first available idle machine on the network for output once processing is completed.

Abstract: An enhanced graphical icon system depicting the proper document/paper placement and orientation on the glass or in the auto document feeder for a mopier/copier control panel. The enhanced graphical icon system includes a visual feedback control panel display and an orientation indicator. An original document is accurately described through utilization of original settings button by the automatic detection or manual selection of the appropriate document size, number of sides, page type and page orientation that correspond to the original document. Once the document size is determined, orientation indicator displays to a user the proper location for placing the document, either on the glass or in the ADF, so as to make an accurate copy.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing image data in connection with peripheral units such as laser printers are described. In one embodiment, an image pipeline is queried to determine at least one constraint which affects the image data provided to the image pipeline from a source of image data. If appropriate, the constraint(s) is imposed on the image data to provide constrained image data. After the constraint is imposed on the image data, the constrained image data is provided from the source to the image pipeline for processing into a page-arranged output. In another embodiment, image data which is provided by a source is stored in a first buffer. A handle is assigned to the image data. The handle is passed through at least a portion of the image pipeline. After such passing, at least a portion of the image data which was stored in the first buffer is copied directly into at least one strip buffer, with such copying being the first copying of the image data after the storing thereof in the first buffer.

Abstract: The present invention includes an image forming system and method of operating an image forming system. According to one aspect, the present invention provides an image forming system including an accessory device including a processor configured to control at least one operation of the accessory device; an image forming device coupled with the accessory device and including a storage device; and wherein the storage device of the image forming device is configured to store operational data useable by the accessory device, and the image forming device is configured to output the operational data and the accessory device is configured to receive the operational data, and the processor is configured to control the at least one operation of the accessory device responsive to the operational data.

Abstract: The present invention includes a printer system and a method of reproducing an image. One aspect of the present invention provides a printing system including a scanner including an image reception device configured to flatbed scan a print job including a plurality of pages and output image data corresponding to the pages; a print engine controller coupled with the scanner and configured to receive the print job including the image data corresponding to the pages; and a print engine coupled with the print engine controller and configured to print a plurality of collated copies of the print job.

Abstract: The present invention includes a printer system and a method of reproducing an image. One aspect of the present invention provides a printing system including a scanner including an image reception device configured to flatbed scan a print job including a plurality of pages and output image data corresponding to the pages; a print engine controller coupled with the scanner and configured to receive the print job including the image data corresponding to the pages; and a print engine coupled with the print engine controller and configured to print a plurality of collated copies of the print job.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing user instructions or help information to a user of a computer controlled multi-function office device that enables the user to access a help module with an icon-based help mode configured to allow the user to select an icon and get an identification of the function, which the icon performs without performing the function. In accordance with the invention the identification of the function includes a link to instructions that explain the steps to use the function associated with the selected icon.

Abstract: A compute cycle brokering apparatus and method includes a network and a plurality of machines connected to the network wherein some machines are idle and some machines are busy. A process power broker is connected to the network for locating available process power on idle machines and directing pending jobs from busy machines to the idle machines for processing. Further, a job director is provided for directing job output either back to the busy machine for output or to the first available idle machine on the network for output once processing is completed.

Abstract: A contention management apparatus and method includes a network and more than one MFP connected to the network. A contention controller is connected to the network and through the network to the more than one MFP. The contention controller is configured to direct output from an MFP in contention to an idle MFP. In a preferred embodiment, contention controller includes a database of networked MFPs and a user priority list of MFPs for use when contention occurs.

Abstract: A multiple-function copier including an image forming device, an accessory device, a user interface, and a communications mechanism. A method of operating the same is also provided. The image forming device is configured to receive print jobs from a network environment. The accessory device is operatively coupled with the image forming device and configured to receive copy jobs from a walk-up user. The image forming device and the accessory device are selectively operative in a print mode and a copy mode. The user interface is associated with one of the image forming device or the accessory device and is accessible by a walk-up user. The user interface is operative to detect submission of a copy job to the accessory device by a walk-up user.

Abstract: An independent description selector (10) includes, in a mopier/copier for making a copy of an original, an independent original selector device (16) for selection of parameters (18) describing the original (14). An independent copy selector device (20) is provided for the selection of parameters (22) describing the copy (12). In a preferred embodiment, an input device (88) is connected to the original selector (16) and to the copy selector (20) for adding (90). In a further embodiment, an audio/visual device (76) is connected to the mopier/copier so that parameters (18 and 22) are audibly (78) and visually (80) described as selected.

Abstract: A multiple-function copier includes a printer, a scanner, a user interface, and a communications mechanism. The printer is configured to receive print jobs from a network environment. The scanner is operatively coupled with the printer and configured to receive copy jobs from a walk-up user. The printer and the scanner are selectively operative in a print mode and a copy mode. The user interface is associated with one of the printer and the scanner and is accessible by a walk-up user. The user interface is operative to detect submission of a copy job to the scanner by a walk-up user. The communications mechanism is signal coupled with the printer and the scanner, and is operative to automatically configure the printer and the scanner for operation in the copy mode in response to a walk-up user interacting with the user interface. A method is also provided.