Abstract: An implementation of a technology, described herein, for selling and purchasing of services via a real-time electronic auction. At least one implementation of the invention, described herein, is an on-line auction (such as an Internet auction), where services are the subject of such auction. In at least one implementation, the auctioned services are “proximity-independent.” With such services, they need not be performed in a region proximal to the party requesting the service. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.

Abstract: An implementation of a technology, described herein, for providing a common rating scale for services to facilitate the buying and selling of services via an on-line auction. At least one implementation of the invention, described herein, is an on-line auction (such as an Internet auction), where services are the subject of such auction. More specifically, the services have a highly variable valuation (e.g., a “time-sensitive” value). In the implementation, described herein, a common rating scale is provided so that the value (and, in particular, the time-sensitive nature of the value) of such services may be specified. Thus, this gives a common unit of measurement for perceived valuation of a service. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.

Abstract: A stapler for driving a staple into a sheet stack. The stapler includes a first cartridge configured to receive a first staple defined by a first leg length, and a second cartridge configured to receive a second staple defined by a second leg length. The stapler includes a stapling head configured to drive the staples into the sheet stack, and a cartridge positioning actuator configured to selectively position either the first or the second cartridge over a predetermined position on the sheet stack. The stapler can have a single stationary stapling head, and the cartridges can be moved in position over the stapling head. Alternately, each cartridge can have its own associated stapling head. The stapler can include a sensor to determine the thickness of the sheet stack. A controller can receive a thickness signal from the sensor and determine which of the cartridges to position over the sheet stack.

Abstract: A system and method for printing multiple print jobs with a single command. The system typically includes a processor linked via a communications link to a plurality of printers. The processor includes a user interface that is configured to accommodate user selection of plural print jobs. The processor is further configured to communicate the plural print jobs to plural printers upon a single command. Moreover, the plural print jobs may be stored in the form of a print distribution list for subsequent use.

Abstract: A method of electronic document sending comprises importing an electronic address of an electronic document receiver from a mobile computing device into an electronic document sender and sending an electronic document from the electronic document sender to the electronic address. An electronic document sender comprises a communication module configured for electronically sending an electronic document to an electronic address of an electronic document receiver and configured for importing the electronic address of the electronic document receiver from a mobile computing device.

Abstract: A calendar screensaver is displayed on a computer device's monitor. The process accesses the original schedule from the computer memory. The schedule, and any accompanying message, is displayed on the monitor as a screensaver while the computer device is inactive mode. If someone tries to access the calendar screensaver in order to schedule time with the workstation's owner, they have access only to the schedule and not to other computer device functions. The updated schedule can then be transmitted to the workstation's owner.

Abstract: A method to promote the use of consumables in an imaging device. The method includes detecting consumption of a consumable. When the consumption of a predefined quantity of the consumable has been detected, a user of the imaging device is rewarded. The reward can be retrieved from an Internet site, or retrieved from a local memory device. The method can also include basing the reward on the value of the consumable product consumed, as well as on the origin of the consumable product. The step of detecting the consumption of the consumable can include calculating an estimated consumption of the consumable, including the consumption of an image forming substance such as ink or toner. The step of detecting the consumption of the consumable can also include counting the consumption of the consumable, such as sheets of media.

Abstract: This invention relates to automatically checking labels for consumables, such as marking agent cartridges. Such structures of this type, generally, allow a customer to determine if the installed marking agent cartridge is a counterfeit cartridge by automatically verifying the authenticity of the cartridge against the producer's/supplier's database. The marking agent could be, but is not limited to, toner, ink or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for communicating information between two individuals engaged in a conversation via a telecommunication network. A first signal is received from a first individual in voice format. A second signal is received from a second individual in voice format. The first and second signals are automatically converted from voice format into text format. The first and second signals are also visually displayed as text to allow the first individual to listen to, as well as to substantially simultaneously read, the words spoken by both individuals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for printing print jobs from a print queue with a printer. The method includes providing a readable memory device defining the print queue, and storing a first print job in the print queue. A second print job is also stored in the print queue. A determination is made whether or not the first print job can be printed by the printer. If the first print job can be printed, the first print job is transmitted to the printer for printing. However, when the first print job cannot be printed, then a determination is made whether or not the second print job can be printed by the printer. When the second print job can be printed by the printer and the first print job cannot be printed by the printer, then the second print job is transmitted from the print queue to the printer for printing.

Abstract: Image forming devices and consumable marketing methods are provided. An image forming device according to one aspect includes: an image engine configured to use a consumable to form a plurality of hard images; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine and configured to control the formation of the hard images, the processing circuitry being further configured to monitor a state of the consumable of the image forming device, to access price information regarding the consumable of the image forming device, and to communicate a message including the price information responsive to the monitoring.

Abstract: A method for configuring devices on a computer network. Configuration involves initiating a configuration session on a primary device causing the primary device to collect configuration session on a primary device causing the primary device to collect configuration logic for the primary device and one or more secondary devices. The primary device then generates a user interface having user accessible controls for selecting and returning configuration settings for the primary and secondary devices. Each selected configuration setting is then returned and applied to the primary or secondary device for which it is selected.

Abstract: A method and system for providing web-based demo pages for printers is disclosed. The method includes accessing a remote computer having a list of printer demo pages, displaying the list of printer demo pages on a display device, and selecting one or more printer demo pages from the displayed list of printer demo pages. The method also includes receiving a download of one or more files associated with the one or more selected printer demo pages, and printing the one or more received files on a printer. The system includes a printer suitable for use with web-based printer demo pages. The printer includes a web server web page, a control panel, and a module. The web server web page is operable to execute on the printer and operable to provide access to a remote computer. The control panel is coupled to the printer and operable for selecting at least one printer demo page made accessible through the remote computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing support services to users of programmable devices are provided. One of many possible methods for providing support services for a plurality of programmable devices associated with a plurality of users involves the steps of: receiving user-specific data associated with one of the programmable devices and the corresponding user; storing the user-specific data associated with the programmable device and the corresponding user; receiving notification that a replacement programmable device for the programmable device is needed by the user; and configuring the replacement programmable device based on the user-specific data associated with the programmable device and the corresponding user.

Abstract: An improved scanning device, such as a Multi-Function Peripheral (“MFP”), and corresponding host system allow a user to scan images for inclusion in a document having pre-defined fields or areas for accepting such scanned images. An electronic form template or parameters for the template are stored in the memory of the MFP or downloaded to the MFP by a host computer. When scanned images are to be inserted into the template, the MFP can access the template or its parameters from memory and ascertain the size and shape of the pre-defined field into which the scanned image must fit. The MFP can then automatically scan the image at an appropriate resolution, size and shape to fit the form template for which it is intended.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating the locating of lost or stolen articles. The method includes providing an article registry comprising one or more registered article identification information and associated owner preference information. The method also includes providing a lost article registry comprising one or more lost article identification information. The method further includes receiving a first article identification; and responsive to finding the first article identification in the lost article registry, transmitting the associated owner preference information. The system includes a security server which includes an article registry comprising one or more registered article identification information and associated owner preference information. The security server also includes a lost article registry comprising one or more lost article identification information.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for scanning a bounded scan area within a scanable surface of a scanning device are provided. The present invention includes a plurality of members constructed and arranged to define a scan area on a scanable surface of the scanner, a link for communicating with the control interface of the scanner, and a switch for generating a signal to the control interface to initiate and complete a scan of the bounded scan area defined by the plurality of members.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating the locating of lost or stolen articles. The method includes providing an article registry comprising one or more registered article identification information and associated owner preference information. The method also includes providing a lost article registry comprising one or more lost article identification information. The method further includes receiving a first article identification; and responsive to finding the first article identification in the lost article registry, transmitting the associated owner preference information. The system includes a security server which includes an article registry comprising one or more registered article identification information and associated owner preference information. The security server also includes a lost article registry comprising one or more lost article identification information.

Abstract: Bio signatures (e.g., fingerprints, retinal patterns and voice patterns) are associated with a secured print job being sent from a host computer to a printer. The printer has a biometric identification device connected thereto or integrated therein. The printer will not print the secured print job until a bio signature matching the bio signature in the print job is input using the biometric identification device at the printer. In this way, the print job is only output when its owner or a designated recipient is at the printer and ready to secure the hardcopy.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for filling out forms. The system includes a processor circuit in a server having a processor and a memory. The system also includes a form profile database stored in the memory, the form profile database including a form profile associated with a user, the form profile having a number of data fields. Logic is stored in the memory and executable by the processor to define a form that includes a subset of the number of data fields. Also, logic is stored in the memory and executable by the processor to transmit the form to a client in response to a request from the client. The system may also include logic to verify the identity of a user that requests the form. The system provides several benefits, including that fact that a client can automatically download their personal information for a specific entity without having to fill the same information out in one or more forms.