Abstract: A system and method is provided for rendering print jobs emanating from a manufacturer specific printer driver on a printer from a different manufacturer. Non-compatible Printer Job Language (PJL) codes are detected and a lookup table is consulted to determine one or more compatible codes that accomplish the functionality of an incompatible code. These compatible codes injected into the print job PJL as substitute code, allowing the job to be rendered correctly.

Abstract: A system and method for distributed storage and release of print jobs with a networked fleet of multifunction peripherals (MFSs) employs the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) for document storage with document metadata and document transactions stored on a blockchain housed on nodes formed by the multifunction peripherals. A user sends a print job to the network via a print driver on their local device. The print job is stored in the IPFS by the print driver, and the metadata and document transactions are hashed and stored to the blockchain which is managed by MFP consensus. The print job may be accessed via its content at any MFP for release and printing. Access and printing information is also added to the blockchain.

Abstract: A system and method for providing alternative authentication modes in multifunction peripherals includes supplying mobile device management and application authentication to multifunction peripherals without such capabilities. A pluggable authorization module is installed on an incompatible multifunction peripheral by providing a user login on a devices idle screen with an login URL. A user's login credentials are verified by an authentication server that returns an associated username and access permissions once verified. This information is used by the pluggable authorization module to generate a temporary multi-function device services user supplied with the retrieved access permissions. The user can then use the multifunction device services via the temporary user. The temporary user is deleted once the user logs out.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating direct network print jobs includes registering users for direct printing with a cloud print server. Registration information is stored as a mapping record includes a user name, their computer name and an email address associated with their cloud storage account. When a user sends a print job directly to an MFP at its network address, the MFP checks with the cloud server to determine if the user is registered in accordance with their associated mapping record. If so, a permissions list for that user is checked to determine whether the user has print permission. The user's direct print is then released and their document is printed.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking multifunction peripheral device user satisfaction captures user images and audio during device operation. User characteristics such as gestures, posture, spoke words or facial expressions are used in conjunction with device status information to determine whether the user is satisfied with the device. If not, remedial action is initiated, such as launching a virtual assistant on the multifunction peripheral touchscreen or summoning of a human assistant.

Abstract: A system and method for printing with improved content builds an analytics dataset of big data built from content retrieved from an array of networked servers. When a user scans or prints their document, a print file or a scan file is analyzed for content and applied to the analytics dataset. Characteristics of the user are determined, and suggestions for modification, including additions, corrections, deletions or substitutions are rendered to the user upon printing. Additions may be automatically rewritten or rephrased to avoid direct use of content of others.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking multifunction peripheral device user satisfaction captures user images and audio during device operation. User characteristics such as gestures, posture, spoke words or facial expressions are used in conjunction with device status information to determine whether the user is satisfied with the device. If not, remedial action is initiated, such as launching a virtual assistant on the multifunction peripheral touchscreen or summoning of a human assistant.

Abstract: A system and method for managing print services between multifunction peripherals and a print server includes a connector server. The connector server subscribes to event notifications from each multifunction peripheral through two or more network adapters. Events are relayed from the connector server to the print server, irrespective as to which network adapter receives them. The connector server also relays web content between the multifunction peripheral and the print server.

Abstract: A system and method for managing print services between multifunction peripherals and a print server includes a connector server. The connector server subscribes to event notifications from each multifunction peripheral through two or more network adapters. Events are relayed from the connector server to the print server, irrespective as to which network adapter receives them. The connector server also relays web content between the multifunction peripheral and the print server.

Abstract: A system and method for blockchain-based document processing includes a processor, network interface, print engine, scan engine, and a memory storing a blockchain ledger. The blockchain ledger includes time stamped blocks, each block including currency data associated with a digital currency value. The processor generates a block corresponding to a received instruction, a preexisting currency value associated with the received instruction and contract data corresponding to a smart contract associated with the received instruction. The processor updates the blockchain ledger with a generated block and shares an updated blockchain ledger with other networked data devices via the network interface. The processor also receives verification of the updated blockchain ledger from the other networked data devices. The processor executes the smart contract upon receipt of verification.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining safe social distancing during device operation comprises a multifunction peripheral configured to scan or print a tangible document. A camera captures electronic images of two or more people proximate to the multifunction peripheral. A processor determines a relative distance between the people in accordance with captured electronic images and generates an alarm when a determined relative distance is less than a predetermined alarm threshold distance. The processor disables operation of the multifunction peripheral when the determined relative distance is less than the predetermined alarm threshold distance.

Abstract: A system and method for secure, peer-based validation, distribution and installation of software includes two or more networked multifunction peripheral devices, each of which stores a common blockchain ledger. A blockchain transaction block is created and distributed among the devices. The block includes software comprising a single package that includes software for device installation or configuration, along with a smart contract. When the devices validate the block by consensus, it is added to the blockchain and each device executes the smart contract and installs or configures itself in accordance with the software when the smart contract determines that the software is appropriate for the device.

Abstract: A system and method for selective group printing at discounted pricing facilitates a user to select one or more public electronic documents for printing. The user creates a print group for their job and publishes an electronic list of print group jobs, including job properties, print timing and print location. Users who wish to have the same documents printed can elect to join the group to allow for discounted pricing. When it is time to print jobs associated with the group, group members are notified and can proceed to the designated printer to release their jobs.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a unified address book includes a processor, a network interface and a memory storing an address book. The address book is comprised of an electronic address records in a preset or preexisting data record format. Each electronic address record of the address is scanned to generate address records to form a unified address book where records are stored in a unified address format. Generated address records are communicated to an associated data device via the network interface. Additional address records are received from the network interface and the unified address book is supplemented with additional received address records.

Abstract: A system and method for consumer food management commences with a consumer identifying themselves to a point-of-sale terminal during checkout for a food purchase. Product information is captured by the point-of-sale terminal by a scanner, digital camera or digital scale. Product life information, when present on a product, is read via optical character recognition. Additional product information is used from barcodes, product lookup codes, product appearance and product packaging. Product information is used, along with current date information, to determine product life dates. These dates are sent to consumer's smartphones or computers as reminders or calendar events which are triggered based on determined product life dates. External links provide suggestions for recipes using food that is at or approaching a determined product life date.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a unified address book includes a processor, a network interface and a memory storing an address book. The address book is comprised of an electronic address records in a preset or preexisting data record format. Each electronic address record of the address is scanned to generate address records to form a unified address book where records are stored in a unified address format. Generated address records are communicated to an associated data device via the network interface. Additional address records are received from the network interface and the unified address book is supplemented with additional received address records.

Abstract: A system and method for blockchain-based document processing includes a processor, network interface, print engine, scan engine, and a memory storing a blockchain ledger. The blockchain ledger includes time stamped blocks, each block including currency data associated with a digital currency value. The processor generates a block corresponding to a received instruction, a preexisting currency value associated with the received instruction and contract data corresponding to a smart contract associated with the received instruction. The processor updates the blockchain ledger with a generated block and shares an updated blockchain ledger with other networked data devices via the network interface. The processor also receives verification of the updated blockchain ledger from the other networked data devices. The processor executes the smart contract upon receipt of verification.

Abstract: A system and method for blockchain document access and distribution control includes a processor, associated memory and a network interface for data communication with a server system. An interface receives a query for access to an electronic document associated with a blockchain ledger, which query is routed to the server system via the network interface. The processor receives the identified electronic document from a storage location when access permission is granted and a corresponding update of the blockchain ledger is made.

Abstract: A system and method for secure, peer-based validation, distribution and installation of software includes two or more networked multifunction peripheral devices, each of which stores a common blockchain ledger. A blockchain transaction block is created and distributed among the devices. The block includes software comprising a single package that includes software for device installation or configuration, along with a smart contract. When the devices validate the block by consensus, it is added to the blockchain and each device executes the smart contract and installs or configures itself in accordance with the software when the smart contract determines that the software is appropriate for the device.

Abstract: A system and method for document processing includes a three-dimensional touch interface, a processor and associated memory. The processor generates thumbnail image data from received electronic document data and document format data corresponding to the electronic document data and the thumbnail image data. The memory stores associatively the electronic document data, the thumbnail image data and the document format data. The touch interface displays a thumbnail image from the thumbnail image data and generates user input data in accordance with application of one of a plurality of detectable pressure levels to the thumbnail image. The processor commences a document processing operation in accordance with the user input data and the document format data.