Abstract: The invention relates to multifunction peripherals (MFPs). More particularly, the invention relates to an embedded load balancer in a multifunction peripheral. An MFP with an embedded load balancer may determine that another suitable device is more capable of handling a job request, and, subsequently, may transfer the job request to the other device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag-and-drop workflow editor associated with a multifunction peripheral (MFP). In one embodiment, a drag-and-drop workflow allows a user to define multiple source, transformation, and destination processes in a graphical, drag-and-drop workflow editor. In some embodiments, the source processes may be dynamic processes that are executed at different times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag-and-drop workflow editor associated with a multifunction peripheral (MFP). In one embodiment, a drag-and-drop workflow allows a user to define multiple source, transformation, and destination processes in a graphical, drag-and-drop workflow editor. In some embodiments, the source processes may be dynamic processes that are executed at different times.

Abstract: An MFP that is configured to receive instruction sets for processing documents, such as workflows, from a portable memory device. The MFP may be part of a larger network computer system and may also be able to receive workflows for processing documents from other components of the system in addition to the portable memory device. The portable memory device may comprise a memory stick, or any other portable electronic device that has memory functionality. The system may also be able to filter files on the portable memory device so that the MFP only receives workflow files related to processing documents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag-and-drop workflow editor associated with a multifunction peripheral (MFP). In one embodiment, a drag-and-drop workflow allows a user to define multiple source, transformation, and destination processes in a graphical, drag-and-drop workflow editor. In some embodiments, the source processes may be dynamic processes that are executed at different times.

Abstract: A method of providing voice help at a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving, at an MFP device, a help request for a task, associated with the use of the MFP device, from a user and providing, at the MFP device, the user with voice help associated with the task. In one embodiment, the task is associated with a topic that the user selects. In another embodiment, the task is associated with correction of an error detected by the MFP device. One embodiment of the invention would provide the user with more “voice” detailed information than with the current technology. Furthermore, a user can easily access and activate complex features of the MFP device via voice help which have not been possible in conventional printing devices.

Abstract: A system and method, for communicating data between a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device and a plurality of networked printing entities, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises selecting, at an MFP device, a plurality of networked printing entities, wherein information associated with printing, being compatible with the MFP device, is stored on the MFP device, and wherein the print associated information includes at least a location data of each of the selected printing entities. The method also comprises i) receiving, at the MFP device, a single print request for a document to be printed in the selected printing entities, and ii) sending the single print request to the selected printing entities based on the location data and the print associated information such that a copy of the same document is printed in all selected printing entities.

Abstract: An MFP that is configured to receive instruction sets for processing documents, such as workflows, from a portable memory device. The MFP may be part of a larger network computer system and may also be able to receive workflows for processing documents from other components of the system in addition to the portable memory device. The portable memory device may comprise a memory stick, or any other portable electronic device that has memory functionality. The system may also be able to filter files on the portable memory device so that the MFP only receives workflow files related to processing documents.

Abstract: The invention relates to multifunction peripherals (MFPs). More particularly, the invention relates to an embedded load balancer in a multifunction peripheral. An MFP with an embedded load balancer may determine that another suitable device is more capable of handling a job request, and, subsequently, may transfer the job request to the other device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag-and-drop workflow editor associated with a multifunction peripheral (MFP). In one embodiment, a drag-and-drop workflow allows a user to define multiple source, transformation, and destination processes in a graphical, drag-and-drop workflow editor. In some embodiments, the source processes may be dynamic processes that are executed at different times.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically configuring network devices having hardcopy output capability is disclosed. The method includes sending a broadcast message from a device newly added to a network seeking configuration parameters from other devices having similar device capabilities. The other devices send configuration parameter values to the newly added device. The newly added device receives the configuration parameters and sets its own parameters according to the those received from the other devices.

Abstract: A method of providing voice help at a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving, at an MFP device, a help request for a task, associated with the use of the MFP device, from a user and providing, at the MFP device, the user with voice help associated with the task. In one embodiment, the task is associated with a topic that the user selects. In another embodiment, the task is associated with correction of an error detected by the MFP device. One embodiment of the invention would provide the user with more “voice” detailed information than with the current technology. Furthermore, a user can easily access and activate complex features of the MFP device via voice help which have not been possible in conventional printing devices.

Abstract: A multi-function peripheral device at which a user can prepare a facsimile cover sheet and a method for providing a facsimile cover sheet using a multi-function peripheral device are disclosed. The multi-function peripheral device includes a data storage storing a facsimile cover sheet template; a user interface configured to receive facsimile transmittal information from a user; a cover sheet generator configured to generate a facsimile cover sheet using the facsimile transmittal information and the facsimile cover sheet template; and a transmitter configured to transmit the facsimile cover sheet. The method includes the steps of receiving facsimile transmittal information from a user via a user interface of a multi-function peripheral device; generating a facsimile cover sheet using the facsimile transmittal information and a facsimile cover sheet template pre-stored in the multi-function peripheral device; and transmitting the facsimile cover sheet.

Abstract: A system and method for saving and retrieving scan settings at a device with scan capability for each of a plurality of users are disclosed. In one aspect, the method of saving scan settings comprises receiving a plurality of sets of scan settings from a plurality of users, each set associated with a particular user, and saving each set of received scan settings at the device. In another aspect, the method of retrieving previously saved scan settings comprises retrieving and displaying a list of identifiers each associated with a set of settings saved in association with each user and retrieving a set of settings associated with the identifier selected by the user from the list.

Abstract: A network system for sending a scan and/or print job to multiple network destinations based on a single request. In one example, ajob distribution server module receives a scan or print job request from a computer system or a peripheral device, such as a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device. The request may include image data to be sent to multiple network destinations, such as, for example, printers, fax machines, computers, email addresses and the like. The server module formats and sends the data to each of the network destinations, which may process the job at substantially the same time. In certain embodiments, the server module provides the user with a graphical interface for selecting network destinations to be associated with a particular virtual port or virtual printer. Furthermore, embodiments of the system allow for sending of scan jobs directly from the peripheral device.

Abstract: A system and method for restricting access to a shared MFP is disclosed. The system includes an administration module, an authentication module and a shared MFP connected to the authentication module. The administration module creates and updates user profiles, which include user identification information and user privilege information. The shared MFP receives a request from a user for an operation, which is transmitted to the authentication device. Then, the authentication device determines whether the user is authorized to use the shared MFP using the user identification information of the at least one user profile. If the user is authorized, the authentication device determines whether the requested operation is permitted to the user using the user privilege information of the at least one user profile. If the requested operation is permitted, the authentication device instructs the shared MFP to process the requested operation.

Abstract: A system and method for providing selective access to the functions of a multi-function peripheral device are disclosed. The system includes a portable memory device storing user data; a reader configured to read the user data from the portable memory device; an authenticating device in data communication with the reader, the authenticating device configured to receive the user data from the reader and to authenticate a user based on the user data, thereby creating authenticating information; and a multi-function printer (MFP) in data communication with the authenticating device via a network. The multi-function printer is configured to receive the authenticating information from the authenticating device and to provide selective access to operations according to the authenticating information.

Abstract: A system and method, for communicating data between a multi-function peripheral (MFP) device and a plurality of networked printing entities, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises selecting, at an MFP device, a plurality of networked printing entities, wherein information associated with printing, being compatible with the MFP device, is stored on the MFP device, and wherein the print associated information includes at least a location data of each of the selected printing entities. The method also comprises i) receiving, at the MFP device, a single print request for a document to be printed in the selected printing entities, and ii) sending the single print request to the selected printing entities based on the location data and the print associated information such that a copy of the same document is printed in all selected printing entities.

Abstract: A system and method, for excluding certain email recipients from receiving an attachment sent from a multi-function peripheral (MFP), are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing, at an MFP device, the list of a plurality of email recipients, wherein the list includes i) a first list of the email recipients which will receive an attachment and ii) a second list of the email recipients which will not receive the attachment. The method also comprises i) receiving, at the MFP device, a document which will be sent as the attachment and ii) creating first and second emails, associated with the first and second lists, respectively. The method further comprises i) sending the first email, which includes the attachment, to the recipients of the first list, and ii) sending the second email, which does not include the document, to the recipients of the second list, wherein the second email includes a message that the attachment has been sent to the email recipients of the first list.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing documents on a networked system. The method includes creating at least one print job associated with a code, sending the at least one job to a print queue and separately conveying the user identification code to a printing device. This method could be accomplished either with a tag system or by direct data entry at the site of a printing device. The device then obtains and prints the at least one job associated with the user identification code from the print queue.