Abstract: A system and method for determining an optimal use of printing devices and printing device options in a network computer system or enterprise environment based upon typically usage characteristics of the printing devices and the options available to the printing devices.

Abstract: A device-specific filtering method includes receiving a packet from a network, evaluating the packet to determine whether or not it or a file thereof has one or more undesirable characteristics and/or desirable characteristics, and controlling further transmittal and/or processing of one or more files of the packet based upon such evaluation. The device-specific filtering method may be effected by a destination device, such as a printer, for the transmitted packet or by a computer associated with a destination device. Programs, apparatus, and systems that effect the filtering method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A moisture-reducing paper tray including a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the environment of the paper tray and consequently the paper supply itself. As a result, the desiccant may become saturated as moisture is adsorbed. In one embodiment of the invention, the desiccant may be changed for a fresh desiccant. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the moisture-reducing paper tray may also include a drying mechanism which includes a heating element, a blower and a humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is positioned to sense a humidity level in the paper tray. When a pre-selected humidity level in the paper tray is equaled or exceeded, the heating element and blower are energized and warm air passes into the paper tray drying the desiccant.

Abstract: An imaging media cartridge for use in an imaging apparatus includes a first imaging media reservoir chamber and a second imaging media reservoir chamber. A removable barrier is disposed between the first imaging media reservoir chamber and the second imaging media reservoir chamber. By removing the removable barrier, a reserve of imaging media can be provided from the second imaging media reservoir chamber to the first imaging media reservoir chamber. In one embodiment the imaging media cartridge is a toner cartridge. In another embodiment the imaging media cartridge is a liquid ink cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suggesting upgrades in response to printer errors. 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 external computer. The external computer may receive error information conveyed by a large number of printers, which can optionally be monitored and analyzed. Information on a selection of printer upgrades is maintained in a memory of the external computer. The external computer compares each error message received to this selection, if an upgrade corresponding to an error message is available, the system conveys a message detailing the availability of the upgrade.

Abstract: A remote network based job accounting system and method. The inventive system includes a memory for providing an accounting database; a controller for processing information stored by and retrieved from the database; a network for coupling the machine to the controller; and an interface coupled to the network for providing user input and output. In a specific implementation, the machine is a copy machine equipped with a mechanism for transmitting information to the database via the controller relating to usage of the machine in connection with a predetermined job. In the illustrative embodiment, an authentication database is operationally coupled to the controller. In the best mode, the network is implemented via the Internet. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The inventive system may be implemented in an Intranet environment. In the illustrative embodiment, the user interface is housed within the copy machine. However, the user interface may be implemented separate from the copy machine, i.e.

Abstract: A method for wirelessly connecting a workstation, such as a computer, to a local area network includes selecting a LAN with which the workstation is to communicate. A wireless LAN access device that communicates with a processor of the workstation receives signals broadcast by wireless LAN ports. The signals are evaluated to identify those signals which originated from wireless LAN ports of the selected LAN. A connection protocol is then selected, based on a signal from one of the wireless LAN ports of the selected LAN, to establish a connection and, thus, communication between the wireless LAN access device of the workstation and that wireless LAN port. If such communication is established, one or more security identifiers may be provided from the workstation to the selected LAN. A connection program, which is embodied as instructions on one or more storage media, may be used to effect the method.

Abstract: Methods and systems of error archiving for multiple devices have been detailed. The method includes when an error occurs at a first device of the plurality of devices, compiling error information about the error into a first error file and transmitting the first error file to a second device of the plurality of devices. When an error occurs at the second device, compiling error information about the error into a second error file. The method further includes compiling the first and second error files into a master error file. In addition, a system is described, the system includes at least two imaging devices in communication with each other. One of the at least two imaging devices is a master device. The master device is adapted to collect and store information from the at least two imaging devices and to detect class errors based on the collected error information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for secure printing. In one arrangement, the system and method pertain to receiving a document to be printed, determining that the document cannot be printed in its present form, transmitting the document to a computing device, and receiving a print ready version of the document from the computing device. In another arrangement, the system and method pertain to receiving a protected document from a printing device, unprotecting the document, and transmitting the unprotected document back to the printing device so that the printing device can generate a hard copy of the document.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing print jobs or other data stored in an e-mail enabled printing device wherein a user may distribute the print jobs or data using the e-mail enabled printer or by accessing an e-mail enabled printer with a browser capable network component.

Abstract: A method of error archiving for an imaging device is provided. The method includes monitoring system operations for the imaging device, and when an error is detected, compiling information about the error into an error file for one or more of storage, transmission, retrieval, and disposal. In addition, an imaging device including error archiving is provided. The imaging device includes a processor adapted to compile error information when an error is detected, a storage device coupled to the processor and adapted to store the error information for one or more of transmission, retrieval, and disposal of the error information based on user criteria, and a print engine coupled to the processor and adapted to produce tangible output images.

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: An improved class of imaging devices with an ability to communicate, accept commands, change configuration parameters, and upgrade firmware/software via an embedded webserver are described. The improved imaging devices with an embedded webserver, allow the imaging devices to be managed, configured, and upgraded from a web browser via hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). This presents a simple interface and protocol that has the added benefit of being available in most network environments and having browsers on many host platforms. Additionally, the improved imaging devices are adapted to find and/or upgrade other imaging devices on the network.

Abstract: An improved class of imaging devices with an ability to store a list of other imaging devices of an imaging device system are described. Such storage allows for ease of management facility utilization of the listed imaging devices and update of the management facility. Additionally, synchronization of managed imaging devices across multiple management facilities is allowed. Such storage can also allow for automated discovery and updating of status and features of the listed imaging devices that are part of a managed imaging device system.

Abstract: A method of job retention for an imaging device is provided. The method includes receiving an archive file containing one or more print jobs, performing one or more operations based on the archive file type received, and translating each print job of the received archive file into a print-ready format. The method further includes performing one or more user defined operations. In addition, an imaging device is provided that includes a processor adapted to receive and recognize archive files from one or more sources and perform operations based on the archive file type. Each archive file comprises one or more print jobs. A storage device is coupled to the processor and adapted to store archive files and print jobs. The processor is coupled to one of an integral translator or an external translator that is adapted to translate each print job of the archive files into a print-ready format.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that allow for the configuration and upgrade of single or multiple imaging devices on a network, utilizing the configuration from a pre-configured imaging device. This allows the administrator to quickly and easily upgrade multiple imaging devices on a network with software, firmware, supplemental information, specific configuration parameters, or a baseline global configuration by simply configuring a single device and upgrading the other devices from it. This allows for a new device to be easily added to an existing network by simply mirroring the configuration of a similar imaging device already on the network. This further allows for new imaging devices to be quickly added to the network by mirroring the configuration of an existing imaging device on the network.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that allow for the acquisition of customized imaging device menus from source imaging devices and configuration of versions of the customized imaging menus across one or more imaging devices or classes of imaging devices in a networked imaging device system. The customized imaging device menus can be configured for one or more classes of users, administrators, location, or specialized purposes. This allows an administrator to quickly and easily customize the interface of one or more imaging devices on a network to fit users needs, device purpose, and/or business expectations.

Abstract: An improved class of imaging devices with an ability to communicate via electronic mail (Email) is described. The improved imaging devices present a simple single protocol and interface that has the added benefit of being available in most network environments. Email protocol is also generally routed over firewalls, routers, bridges, and virtual private networks and does not require constant upgrades of management programs or drivers to maintain. Additionally, “master” imaging devices may be configured to manage other slave imaging devices on the network providing a single interface to imaging device management. These master devices can also provide Email to protocol translation for devices that are not Email compatible.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing geographically-referenced imaging device usage information can provide a user with detailed information regarding utilization, status and statistics across an imaging device system. This facilitates optimization of the performance of the imaging devices.

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.