Abstract: In a production, fax or printing system, collection stations are sometimes obscure to the user. This invention provides a sensor connected to a light source that illuminates this collection station when a product or copy is present so that the presence of the product or copies to be collected is apparent to a user.

Abstract: A image forming apparatus for providing an enlarged user work space. The image forming apparatus includes a printing module with a housing, a scanning module positioned above the printing module, a modular work surface positioned above the printing module, and a document handler positioned above the modular work surface. The modular work surface includes at least a unitary central work surface. The central work surface includes a top surface having a width dimension extending in a horizontal sheet feed direction, the width dimension of the top surface of the central work surface being larder than a width dimension of the housing of the printing module.

Abstract: A chassis houses a marking engine, a scanner, and various input and output ports allowing devices to connect to the hub for data transfer, sharing, and collaboration. The preferred configuration includes two towers with a display and a work surface supported therebeteween. The display can have another display on its rear face, and both can have cameras and microphones mounted thereon, as well as speakers. The scanner is preferably embedded in the work surface. The towers house various components of the hub. A base can be included that supports both towers and any users using the hub. Preferably, the base includes pressure sensors to let the hub know when users are present.

Abstract: A hub allowing collaboration and communication, including delayed and secure printing, faxing, telephone service, internet and e-mail access, and data transfer between personal electronic devices and the hub and/or other personal electronic devices and/or remote devices. Embodiments operate on a fee-for-service basis and can include a payment acceptance module. Embodiments include a large main display on which advertisements and information can be displayed during periods of non-use. Additional displays can be included with associated input devices to allow multiple users to use the hub simultaneously. Embodiments can include networking ports, wired and/or wireless, with which users can connect devices to the hub for data transfer, sharing, and collaboration.