Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for performing one or more printer device management functions in a network, in which affinities between printers are determined from job tracking data to indicate associations between printer devices and user devices, and the affinity data is used to perform one or more printer management functions such as determining printer connections for new or roaming user devices, print job redirection, and identification of underutilized printer device assets.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for identifying potential printer failures in a networked printing enterprise, in which job tracking data is gathered for print jobs in the network, affinity data is derived from the job tracking data indicating associations between printer devices and user devices, and potential printer failures are identified based on changes in the affinity data.

Abstract: A system and method for print document release via mobile device by receiving one or more text messages from the mobile device, wherein the one more text messages includes a mobile print command and a document identification number, parsing the one or more text messages, and releasing a document to a printer, wherein the document is associated with the document identification number.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically creating and recommending a set of optimal rules based on a desired print criterion. A print governance application can be configured with respect to a rendering server to analyze one or more rendering jobs submitted within a specified time period by considering each rendering job attributes in order to collect a rendering data. A desired print criterion can be entered by an administrator in order to manage the rendering job behavior. The collected rendering data can be analyzed to dynamically create the set of optimal rules by a rules engine in order to achieve a desired level of reduction with respect to each user based on the desired print criterion. The rules can be accepted by default and/or presented to the user for acceptance with an equated level of reduction.

Abstract: A system and method for print document release via mobile device by receiving one or more text messages from the mobile device, wherein the one more text messages includes a mobile print command and a document identification number, parsing the one or more text messages, and releasing a document to a printer, wherein the document is associated with the document identification number.

Abstract: An augmented reality system and method for diagnosing and fixing a fault in a device. A mobile communication device can be operatively connected with a networked rendering device by reading a two-dimensional bar code associated with the rendering device. An image with respect to the rendering device can be captured by an image-capturing unit associated with the mobile communication device. The image can be augmented with additional information and a target area can be highlighted in order to indicate a fault component. An action to be taken with respect to the target area can be displayed on the mobile communication device. Such an approach permits an end user to address the device issue with increased quality of information and accuracy.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically creating and recommending a set of optimal rules based on a desired print criterion. A print governance application can be configured with respect to a rendering server to analyze one or more rendering jobs submitted within a specified time period by considering each rendering job attributes in order to collect a rendering data. A desired print criterion can be entered by an administrator in order to manage the rendering job behavior. The collected rendering data can be analyzed to dynamically create the set of optimal rules by a rules engine in order to achieve a desired level of reduction with respect to each user based on the desired print criterion. The rules can be accepted by default and/or presented to the user for acceptance with an equated level of reduction. Such an approach provides the best fit rule to automatically reduce print output costs and lower paper wastage.

Abstract: A method stores serial numbers within memories of customer replaceable units that are used within printing devices. When one or more of the customer replaceable units are replaced, the method causes the printing devices to output to a computer the serial numbers of the customer replaceable units that are replaced. The method then analyzes the serial numbers using the computer to determine which specific customer replaceable unit was used within a specific printing device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing and updating shipping information with respect to a supply order. A supply order with respect to a shipping package can be placed into a helpdesk unit via a client device. A tracking number with respect to the supply order can be entered into the client device in order to retrieve the current status of the supply order. The helpdesk unit can contact a shipping company via an application programming interface and provide an end customer with latest information regarding the current status of the supply order directly on a client device local user interface. Such information can be updated on a regular basis via an Internet connection back to the shipper's application programming interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining accurate low supply levels in consumables used in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include determining an average volume used per day of the consumable, determining an average delivery time for the consumable, determining an average installation time for the consumable, determining a low level threshold of the consumable based on average volume used per day of a consumable, average delivery time for the consumable, and average installation time for the consumable, determining if the fill level of the consumable is less than the determined low level threshold, wherein if it is determined that the fill level of the consumable is less than the determined low level threshold, ordering a replacement consumable.

Abstract: A system and method for rendering a form based on an identification number. A client device including an extensible interface platform (EIP) application can be configured in association with a centralized server via a network. A form category can be selected and the identification number with respect to a form can be entered on a user interface associated with the client device. The form that matches the identification number can be collected from a database associated with the centralized server. The information required for retrieving instruction to populate the form can be entered in the user interface and the form can be rendered based on a user preference. Such an approach reduces the cost of rendering and shipping a large number of forms to a number of locations.

Abstract: An augmented reality system and method for diagnosing and fixing a fault in a device. A mobile communication device can be operatively connected with a networked rendering device by reading a two-dimensional bar code associated with the rendering device. An image with respect to the rendering device can be captured by an image-capturing unit associated with the mobile communication device. The image can be augmented with additional information and a target area can be highlighted in order to indicate a fault component. An action to be taken with respect to the target area can be displayed on the mobile communication device. Such an approach permits an end user to address the device issue with increased quality of information and accuracy.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for grouping a plurality of multifunction devices (MFDs), the system including a storage station for storing information gathered from the plurality of MFDs by selectively polling the plurality of MFDs; wherein the information is selectively processed based on static performance data and dynamic performance data relating to the plurality of MFDs.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating a helpdesk ticket when a remote rendering device possesses a series of customer resolvable events within a time period. The helpdesk ticket can be moved into an active state when an alert associated with the customer resolvable events is triggered and the ticket can be moved into a passive state when the alert is no longer triggered for the predefined time period. The helpdesk ticket can be retained in the active state if the fault condition detected for a defined number of times without being out of that state for the predefined time period. A device management module sends a notification indicative on each change of the state associated with the rendering device to a helpdesk unit. The device management module can also reset the time period between alerts if the problem occurs infrequently and the ticket can be automatically closed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for prioritizing service or maintenance of networked printers based on affinities between printers and users determined from job tracking data so that printers shared by large numbers of users or high volume printers used by only one or a few users can be serviced or maintained before other printers to provide overall printer support while mitigating user disruption due to unavailable printers.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating a helpdesk ticket when a remote rendering device possesses a series of customer resolvable events within a time period. The helpdesk ticket can be moved into an active state when an alert associated with the customer resolvable events is triggered and the ticket can be moved into a passive state when the alert is no longer triggered for the predefined time period. The helpdesk ticket can be retained in the active state if the fault condition detected for a defined number of times without being out of that state for the predefined time period. A device management module sends a notification indicative on each change of the state associated with the rendering device to a helpdesk unit. The device management module can also reset the time period between alerts if the problem occurs infrequently and the ticket can be automatically closed.

Abstract: A method stores serial numbers within memories of customer replaceable units that are used within printing devices. When one or more of the customer replaceable units are replaced, the method causes the printing devices to output to a computer the serial numbers of the customer replaceable units that are replaced. The method then analyzes the serial numbers using the computer to determine which specific customer replaceable unit was used within a specific printing device.

Abstract: A method and system suitable for grouping a plurality of multifunction devices (MFDs), the system including a storage station for storing information gathered from the plurality of MFDs by selectively polling the plurality of MFDs; wherein the information is selectively processed based on static performance data and dynamic performance data relating to the plurality of MFDs.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for prioritizing service or maintenance of networked printers based on affinities between printers and users determined from job tracking data so that printers shared by large numbers of users or high volume printers used by only one or a few users can be serviced or maintained before other printers to provide overall printer support while mitigating user disruption due to unavailable printers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for identifying potential printer failures in a networked printing enterprise, in which job tracking data is gathered for print jobs in the network, affinity data is derived from the job tracking data indicating associations between printer devices and user devices, and potential printer failures are identified based on changes in the affinity data.