Abstract: A method of providing web content for a printing device includes attaching a memory module storing the web content to a printing device consumable.

Abstract: A method of providing email messages for a printing device includes attaching a memory module storing the email messages to a printing device consumable.

Abstract: A method and system for notifying a network administrator of any attempted or actual remote firmware upgrades, or software updates, occurring on a network device, particularly a printing device, wherein a network administrator may be informed of the remote firmware update by e-mail.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining the authorization of a user to manipulate a token relative to a display device using identification information.

Abstract: A method and system for organizing printed documents associated with an e-mail message wherein each of the printed documents may be separated by a printer header page reflecting some or all of the signature information included with the e-mail message from which the printed documents originate.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for installing translators. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to identifying devices that are to receive the translator, and facilitating transmission of the translator from a first imaging device that possesses the translator, wherein transmission of the translator from the first imaging device facilitates receipt of the translator by the devices identified to receive the translator.

Abstract: A method and system for managing and manipulating documents sent via e-mail wherein dedicated e-mail addresses associated with daemons, or other programming code, are used to direct the functions carried out on the documents, such as printing, storing, or posting to an Internet file, portions of an e-mail message or attachments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for validating electronic signatures contained in a printable document prior to allowing the document to be printed. The systems and methods may be incorporated into a printing device or a computer. Documents without electronic signatures are printed normally. If the document contains one or more electronic signatures, then the electronic signature(s) must be validated before the document is allowed to print. Validation is accomplished by comparing a public key contained in the electronic signature to a public key stored in an electronic signature database. If the electronic signature is validated, then the document may print.

Abstract: A method for enabling a portable electronic device, such as a personal data assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, or notebook computer, to identify remote, external devices with which communication by at least one wireless transmission protocol over which the portable electronic device is capable of communicating may be established. The method includes selecting a type of wireless transmission protocol to be used, receiving signals from devices that are remote from the portable electronic device, and, based upon such signals identifying the remote, external devices that can communicate by the at least one wireless transmission protocol. A list of these devices may then be generated. One of the devices may be automatically selected or selected by the user of the portable electronic device from such a list.

Abstract: A consumable resource access control unit includes a consumable resource and an authorization interface coupled to the consumable resource. The interface is configured to limit use of the resource.

Abstract: Image forming devices and methods of assisting with maintenance of image forming device consumables are described. According to one aspect, an image forming device includes: an image engine configured to utilize a consumable to form hard images; an interface adapted to communicate with a network comprising a plurality of network devices external of the image forming device; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine and configured to forward a search request to the interface for communication to the network, to receive information regarding the consumable from the plurality of network devices via the interface responsive to the search request, to generate a message including information received from at least one of the network devices, and to control communication of the message.

Abstract: Image forming devices, imaging methods, and methods of modifying a configuration of an image forming device are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating an online database of printer error messages. In one embodiment, a printer contains an error detecting device and an embedded Web server in communication with a global computer network. If printer errors are detected, error messages are generated. Each error message is conveyed through the embedded web server to an online database. The online database contains error information conveyed by a large number of printers, which can be monitored and analyzed. Methods of the present invention include providing a printer incorporating an embedded web server linked to a network, and a error detector. The error detector monitors print jobs sent to the printer, generating an error message when an error is detected. Error messages are conveyed by the embedded web server through the network to an online error message database and may be written to an internal printer error log.

Abstract: In a computer system, print jobs are printed on a selected printer utilizing the printer properties in effect for that printer at the time that the print job was spooled for printing. Typically, the printer prints utilizing default printer properties. However, users may temporarily override these default values by specifying temporary printer properties from within applications. A printer properties notification is provided to a user when temporary printer properties are in effect when printing is initiated. Selection buttons provided during this notification allow the user to then indicate how to proceed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining the authorization of a user to manipulate a token relative to a display device using identification information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting data across a firewall are described. A representative method includes: receiving a request to transmit data to a destination; searching for a firewall associated with the destination, the firewall being configured to prohibit communication to the destination via a primary communication protocol and allow communication to the destination via a secondary communication protocol. If the firewall is detected, automatically configuring the data for communication with the secondary communication protocol; and transmitting the data to the destination by utilizing the secondary communication protocol. Other devices and programs are disclosed.

Abstract: Predetermined indicia are detected in a digital image that is formed by optical scanning. Alternatively, or in addition, a digital image can have a predefined insertion field. Input and/or an optically scanned image is substituted in the digital image for the predetermined indicia and/or for the predefined insertion field. The digital image having the substitution is rendered.

Abstract: A digital image is composed at a digital transmitter device from a hardcopy source. The digital image includes an optically scanned image. Indicia is detected on the hardcopy image. A substitute is made for the indicia in the composed digital image. A modified rendering of the digital image is output.

Abstract: A system and a method pertain to packaging a document file together with a translator to form a job package, opening the job package, identifying the translator, and installing the translator in memory of an imaging device.

Abstract: One method embodiment of providing an identification key to a printing device or printing device consumable includes storing the identification key in a memory module affixed to a printing device consumable.