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.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a computer to gather input from respondents to electronic surveys and to evaluate preferences related to digital two dimensional and three dimensional images. The method includes providing a drawing tool for enabling survey respondent(s) to designate areas of interest on digital two dimensional and three dimensional images within an electronic survey. A graphical user interface enables the survey respondent(s) to utilize the drawing tool to create data files, which may include designated area data, attributes, and survey respondent opinions for designated area(s) of interest within an image. The data files are saved in a machine-readable file for analysis.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a computer to analyze image evaluation data from electronic survey respondents to evaluate preferences related to two dimensional and three dimensional images. Data files, which include designated area data, image attributes, and survey respondent opinions for one or more images in an electronic survey, are received. A graphical user interface permits an operator to reformat the designated area data and set analysis parameters. Cluster analysis is performed on the data files to reduce the dimensionality of the designated area data and to classify areas of the survey images that generate positive and negative responses. The analysis produces coordinate data to map cluster classifications and for construction of a heat map. In association with descriptive statistical analysis, cluster score evaluation is performed to identify the clusters of interest. Respondent comments and results from the statistical analysis are linked to clusters of interest.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a computer to transform and present data gathered from respondents to electronic surveys and to evaluate preferences related to digital two dimensional and three dimensional images. The method includes receiving computational results for an electronic survey in the form of data files, which include one or more cluster scores for clusters identified in an image presented in the electronic survey. The computational results are transformed for presentation on a graphical user interface. The method provides a summary of the computational results for all images viewed in the survey and detailed survey results for selected images from the survey. The method further provides formatting options for presentation of the computational results, with the formatting options including mode selection, cluster selection, and data display adjustment. The final formatted computational results are presented on the graphical user interface for review by an operator.

Abstract: Systems and methods enforce an expiration date for an electronic document and represent the expiration visually. The author may specify an expiration date for an electronic document. The expiration date may be either a date stamp or an integer representing a period of time from the creation date. The access to the document may be unavailable to a user after the expiration date. The visual representation of the document may age after a milestone date is reached. Random pixels may be added to the visual representation until the document expires. An algorithm may apply visual metaphor bitmaps to the document's visual representation. The bitmaps may be templates. The document may be mapped to the applied bitmaps. The document may be rendered illegible after the expiration date is reached.

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 larger than a width dimension of the housing of the printing module.