Abstract: A device identification method includes a first device receiving a multimedia identifier from a second device. The first device presents the multimedia identifier, and then identifies the second according to a user response to the presentation of the multimedia identifier.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to hard copy imaging systems, print server systems, and print server connectivity methods. In one aspect, a hard copy imaging system includes a first communications network configured to operate in a first communication link format, a second communications network configured to operate in a second communication link format, a plurality of hard imaging devices communicatively coupled to the first communications network, and an external device communicatively coupled to the second communications network, the external device is configured to forward a print request to at least one of the plurality of hard imaging devices for processing. A print server is communicatively coupled to a plurality of hard imaging devices via the first communications network, and to the external device via the second communications network.

Abstract: A method for obtaining location data for use by a peripheral device such as a printer or copier that may be moved from time to time has steps of querying portable second devices such as PDA's, personal computers, and the like that may be near to the peripheral and that may have RTLS capabilities for location data. Preferably, a step of detecting a trigger event such as a time-out or an interrupt causes the peripheral to either initiate a search for a second device or to initiate a location data query with a second device already in communication with the peripheral. The location data obtained from the second device is preferably assigned a distance factor value corresponding to how close the second device is to the peripheral. The peripheral location data will regularly be updated with more reliable location data as it is obtained. Further, the location data may be broadcast to a network connected to the peripheral device so that all users of the network can easily locate the peripheral device.

Abstract: A method for obtaining location data for use by a peripheral device such as a printer or copier that may be moved from time to time has steps of querying portable second devices such as PDA's, personal computers, and the like that may be near to the peripheral and that may have RTLS capabilities for location data. Preferably, a step of detecting a trigger event such as a time-out or an interrupt causes the peripheral to either initiate a search for a second device or to initiate a location data query with a second device already in communication with the peripheral. The location data obtained from the second device is preferably assigned a distance factor value corresponding to how close the second device is to the peripheral. The peripheral location data will regularly be updated with more reliable location data as it is obtained. Further, the location data may be broadcast to a network connected to the peripheral device so that all users of the network can easily locate the peripheral device.