Abstract: A method and system including a plurality of multifunctional devices being operatively associated with at least one controller and each having a preset amount of preloaded consumables at a time of initial use; and a software application for enabling at least one user to access the plurality of multifunctional devices, the software application being configured to receive information from a prepaid card, the information including a financial value relating to usage of some of the preset amount of preloaded consumables in the plurality of multifunctional devices; wherein the financial value of the prepaid card is applied by the at least one user across the plurality of multifunctional devices in any desired uniform or non-uniform financial proportions in accordance with usage determinations; and wherein the at least one user is enabled to pay for access to the plurality of multifunctional devices in time staggered installments without pre-established contractual obligations.

Abstract: A processing system and a method are provided for tracking progress through a curriculum having a plurality of topics by analyzing at least one digital assessment. Each digital assessment was administered to an assessment-taker and has at least one problem that assesses the assessment-taker's understanding of at least one of the topics. The system includes at least one tangible processor and a memory with instructions to be executed by the at least one tangible processor for processing the at least one digital assessment and determining which topics of the curriculum have been taught based on which topics are associated with the respective problems included in the at least one processed digital assessment. Furthermore, the instructions may be executed by the at least one tangible processor for accessing and comparing the results of determinations for a first and second groups of assessment-takers of which topics of the curriculum have been taught.

Abstract: A system and related method for selectively controlling use of functionality in one or more multifunction devices includes a communications interface in operative communication with a printer and/or a display apparatus. The communications interfaces electronically communicates data with the printer and/or the display apparatus. The data includes a data structure configured to present an advertisement. The data may be print data or image data. The communications interface is operatively associated with an advertisement-credit component which can generate a credit value corresponding to the advertisement. The advertisement-credit component can subsidize multi-function device costs based upon a presented advertisement, e.g., the cost of printing, scanning, faxing, and related consumables including inks, toners and/or papers. The advertisement credit component authorizes use of a predetermined amount of a function with the credit value that corresponds to the advertisement.

Abstract: A method and system including a plurality of multifunctional devices being operatively associated with at least one controller and each having a preset amount of preloaded consumables at a time of initial use; and a software application for enabling at least one user to access the plurality of multifunctional devices, the software application being configured to receive information from a prepaid card, the information including a financial value relating to usage of some of the preset amount of preloaded consumables in the plurality of multifunctional devices; wherein the financial value of the prepaid card is applied by the at least one user across the plurality of multifunctional devices in any desired uniform or non-uniform financial proportions in accordance with usage determinations; and wherein the at least one user is enabled to pay for access to the plurality of multifunctional devices in time staggered installments without pre-established contractual obligations.

Abstract: An assessment authoring system implemented by an operative set of processor executable instructions configured for execution by at least one processor includes a user interface and an assessment generation component. The user interface communicates user input and the assessment generation component receives the user input from the user interface. The assessment generation component generates an assessment data structure for printing on a multifunction device. The printed assessment includes a marking region adapted to receive a human marking. The system may utilize a model or rubric that can be used to score the human marks when are processed by image processing.

Abstract: A printer that prints encrypted information in a document can be the key authority for that document. A document containing encrypted information and a source reference can be printed by a printer associated with a key module. The key module contains the key for decrypting the information. A scanner scanning the document obtains the source reference and the encrypted information. The scanner can use the source reference to send a key request to the printer and the printer can respond with the appropriate key. A decryption module associated with the scanner can use the key to decrypt the information. The decrypted information can be incorporated into a second document that can be electronically stored or printed.

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: Documents can be created to include metadata associated with rights management information that applies to the entire document and/or to one or more applicable sub-portions of the document. When a user places such a document to be scanned on a multi-function device (MFD) in a rights management environment, the MFD recognizes metadata associated with user rights management regarding the document and/or applicable sub-portions. The MFD automatically commences a rights management scheme to authenticate the user to a rights management system, query such system for information and permissions related to the document and/or applicable sub-portions, including deciphering the metadata read from the document, and determine if the user-requested function, such as scanning or copying, is permitted to be undertaken on this document and/or applicable sub-portions by this user on this device at this time. The system automatically executes or aborts the user-requested function based on the imposed rights management scheme.

Abstract: A method for performing optical character recognition (OCR) on an image of a document including text includes embedding a physical manifestation of digital information associated with the text on the document. When the document is scanned with a scanning device, the digital information and a digital text file are produced. The digital text file is proofed using the digital information.

Abstract: A system for printing comprises a rotatable charge-retentive member; imaging means for creating an electrostatic latent image on the imaging surface; and development means for applying a development material to the electrostatic latent image on the imaging surface. The developed image has a raised portion, suitable for transferring a liquid-ink image related to the developed image to a receiving surface. The system can be fitted into a flexographic printing apparatus.

Abstract: An overlay for use with a display screen, comprising at least one first tactilely readable area, wherein the display screen includes a first feature thereon, wherein the tactilely readable area includes information in a tactilely readable format, and wherein the information identifies a first feature displayed on the screen.

Abstract: An overlay for use with a video screen having a display thereon, comprising at least one first tactilely readable area corresponding to a feature of a first graphical display on the screen.

Abstract: An overlay for use with a video screen having a display thereon, comprising at least one first tactilely readable area corresponding to a feature of a first graphical display on the screen.