Specific Printing Patents (Class 705/408)
  • Patent number: 11010706
    Abstract: Systems and methods which facilitate return shipment of items, such as to provide for the return of goods from a purchaser to a merchant, are shown. Embodiments provide shipping management functionality for managing return requests, processing of return requests, authorizing returns, tracking of the processing of a return request, and/or tracking of return shipments. A shipping management system of embodiments operates to make shipping functionality and/or information utilized with respect to return shipments, which may not otherwise be readily available to the return shipper, conveniently accessible for use by the return shipper. Embodiments provide for some or all return shipping fees to be borne by the merchant rather than the return shipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Auctane, LLC
    Inventors: Byron J. Wier, John Roland Clem
  • Patent number: 10832203
    Abstract: A control device includes an output controller that controls output of contents of a task for collecting multiple predetermined articles and output of a missing one of the articles based on a result of a comparison between first identification information, which is article identification information about each of the multiple articles, and second identification information, which is the article identification information read from any one of the multiple articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masanori Wada
  • Patent number: 10417623
    Abstract: A system and method for retrieving a plurality of indicia are described. The method includes receiving, by a computer system associated with a postage provider a request from a user, the request including a number of the plurality of indicia, and a monetary value of each of the plurality of indicia; and authenticating the request. The method further includes verifying whether sufficient funds exist in an account of the user for the number and monetary value of the plurality of requested indicia. If the request is found authentic and the computer system determines that sufficient funds exist in the account of the user for the number and monetary value of the requested indicia, extracting the plurality of indicia. The method further includes assembling in a return message the plurality of indicia as at least one binary data message; and transmitting the message to a computer associated with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: PSI SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Harry T. Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 10417669
    Abstract: A method for displaying messages that are placed on packages being shipped to consumers in the form of labels that are targeted to specific consumers based on publicly available data or shopping behavior data. The method includes receiving information regarding one or more packages to be delivered to one or more recipients. The method also includes retrieving promotion data regarding one or more promotions targeted to the one or more recipients. One or more personalized promotion labels are generated from the promotion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Zadspace
    Inventor: James Chen-Hwa Ho
  • Patent number: 10356472
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for smoothly and efficiently upgrading set top boxes, e.g., personal video recorders, which have customer selected content stored thereon are described. The described methods allow content stored on a set top box to be uploaded to a network storage device, e.g., automatically at a predetermined time prior to a scheduled upgrade, or in some cases, via manual control of the set top box to be upgraded. After stored content is uploaded to the network storage device, the set top box is replaced with a new set top box. The new set top box can be preloaded with the previously uploaded content or a content download can be triggered, e.g., by activating a hidden application and by supplying information identifying the set top box being replaced as part of the upgrade process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprise LLC
    Inventors: Hugh Josephs, Stephen Johnson
  • Patent number: 10013443
    Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to methods and systems for comparing data stored in disparate parallel systems using hash sums. A database having a parallel system architecture may comprise a plurality of nodes each storing a plurality of records. A central node may initiate parallel calculation of a set of node hash sums for each individual node. Calculating a node hash sum for an individual node may comprise calculating, by the individual node, a set of hash values for each individual record of the plurality of records stored by the individual node and combining each hash value of the set of hash values to generate the node hash sum for the individual node. The central processor may combine each node hash sum to generate a database hash sum. The central processor may store the generated database hash sum and/or utilize it in comparisons with database hash sums for other databases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Dirk Anderson, Haresh Kurani
  • Patent number: 9799148
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates to online postage systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for establishing the colors of a customized stamp purchased through an online postage system. In one embodiment, a method is employed for customizing the colors of a customized stamp having a panel and an image. The method includes the steps of enabling a user to select a region of the image, retrieving a color value corresponding to the region of the image, and applying the retrieved color value to a visual feature of the panel, such as the background and text of the panel. The method also maintains a minimum amount of contrast in brightness and color between the background and the text of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PSI SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Harry T. Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 9747576
    Abstract: Machines, systems and methods for delivering mail items are provided. The method comprises scanning route information, for delivery of a mail item, using a mobile communication device; generating a first unique identifier from data comprising the route information, wherein the first unique identifier identifies the mail item; recognizing a second unique identifier associated with the mobile communication device used for scanning the route information, wherein the second unique identifier identifies a user account to which delivery charges associated with delivering the mail item are applied; associating the first unique identifier and the second unique identifier so that having access to the first unique identifier as stored in a database provides access to the second unique identifier; and mailing the mail item without prepaid postage affixed to the mail item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Farshad Jason Far-hadian
  • Patent number: 9691116
    Abstract: Systems and methods using intelligent barcodes for processing mail, packages, or other items in transport are provided. Systems and methods allowing end-to-end visibility of a mail stream by uniquely identifying and tracking mail pieces are also provided. Systems and methods include the use of standardized intelligent barcodes on mail pieces, a seamless process for mail acceptance, continuous mail piece tracking, and feedback on mail quality in real time. In one embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to provide enhanced acceptance, sorting, tracking, address correction, forwarding, and delivery services. In another embodiment, systems and methods using intelligent barcodes allow a mailing service to identify a mail piece as undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) and determine a final disposition for the mail piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Clayton Bonnell, Jeffrey L. Freeman, Michael Lyons, Stephen M. Dearing, Margaret L. Choiniere, Daryl S. Hamilton, Himesh Patel, Carla Fern Sherry, David James Payne
  • Patent number: 9569907
    Abstract: Methods and systems for verifying authenticity of a physical object and/or for verifying possession of the object by an individual are described. In one embodiment, the object is registered with a remote processing system. Data representing at least one characteristic of the object is obtained and stored in the remote system and the identity of the individual or entity possessing the object is authenticated. After authenticating the individual, an identifier is collocated (or an existing mechanism is activated or modified to replicate the identifier) with the object, where the identifier uniquely identifies the object and the individual possessing the object. The object and the identity of the individual possessing the object can be authenticated at a future time by sensing the collocated identifier and sending the sensed identifier to the remote system. The remote system can send instructions to an entity wishing to authenticate the object and its association with the individual possessing the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: 1997 Irrevocable Trust for Gregory P. Benson
    Inventor: Greg Benson
  • Patent number: 9432182
    Abstract: Techniques for sharing data between users in a manner that maintains anonymity of the users. Tokens are generated and provided to users for sharing data. A token comprises information encoding an identifier and an encryption key. A user may use a token to upload data that is to be shared. The data to be shared is encrypted using the encryption key associated with the token and the encrypted data is stored such that it can be accessed using the identifier associated with the token. A user may then use a token to access the shared data. The identifier associated with the token being used to access the shared data is used to access the data and the encryption key associated with the token is used to decrypt the data. Data is shared anonymously without revealing the identity of the users using the tokens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: John W. Barrus, Tomohiko Sasaki, Jamey Graham, Sharon Kojima
  • Patent number: 9019549
    Abstract: Job tickets with banner descriptions and document descriptions are automatically generated by a print shop's DMS. The banner descriptions and the document descriptions are composed of PDL instructions. Document descriptions can be managed and altered without necessarily affecting the job ticket. The banner page PDL instructions are specially designated so that banner pages cannot be managed without also managing the job ticket. Preserving the banner page within a job ticket prevents unwanted side effects from disturbing the print shop's work flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Javier A. Morales, Jonathan David Levine, Michael J Evan
  • Patent number: 8994987
    Abstract: A method and system for tracking and calculating achievement-based compensation for a print service provider. The method includes determining one or more print services associated with a print job to be completed, receiving information indicating at least one of the one or more print services has been completed by a worker, updating a job ticket associated with the job to be completed to indicate that at least one of the one or more print services has been completed, and determining a compensation level for the worker based upon a rate of compensation associated with the one or more completed print services. The system includes various computer system for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Charles T. Graf, Patrick E. Miner
  • Patent number: 8977385
    Abstract: Processing and tracking of individual mail items processed through a document processing system such as a sorter or inserter utilize a mail item identifier that is unique with respect to each individual mail item. A mail item may have a postal authority approved code representing or containing its associated unique identifier. If not, an identifier is generated and a corresponding postal authority approved code is applied to the mail item. Processing entails associating the unique mail item identifier for each respective mail item with collected metadata for the respective mail item and storing the identifier and associated the metadata. In a sorter example, each mail item is sorted into a postal sort group, and the processing entails identifying the sort group to which each item is sorted and storing the identified sort in association with the unique mail item identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Bowers, Steven Seburn, Steven Ksiazek, Gary Van Ermen, Walter S. Conard
  • Patent number: 8937749
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and an image processing apparatus implementing the method for color pixel counting in documents by integrating color detection and counting. The method determines if pixels are neutral (e.g., gray) or non-neutral (i.e., color). Windows are used to analyze the pixels. For each window, a number of pixels with at least one color plane ON are counted, as well as a number of ON pixels in each color plane. The windows are determined to be neutral or color. A billable count of color pixels is determined based on the neutrality of the windows. Based on the billable count of color pixels, a bill for outputting the document is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Xing Li
  • Patent number: 8910860
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for transmitting information over a wide area network, such as the Internet, in response to receiving at least a portion of mail data. In one embodiment of the present invention, information is stored in a memory. Mail data is then affixed to a mail object. The mail object is then manually delivered to a recipient. The mail data is then provided to a reception device. The reception device then uses the mail data to retrieve the information from a mail device in communication with the memory. In a preferred embodiment, the mail data includes data corresponding to the recipient of the mail object, and the information includes data on a content of the mail object (e.g., data that is included inside an envelope portion of the mail object).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Todd E Fitzsimmons
  • Patent number: 8880215
    Abstract: An automated letter movement system comprising: postal item processing lines adapted to receive incoming postal items; SSM devices configured to receive at input postal items from at least one postal item processing line and adapted to group the postal items forming shingled groups of partially overlapping postal items; a transportation system adapted to move the shingled groups generated by the SSM devices along a feed direction; postal item output processing lines adapted to carry out the sorting of the postal items fed into it; singulator models receiving the shingled groups arriving from said transportation system, each singulator module being configured to only singularize the postal items belonging to a specific group and to send the singularized postal items to a postal item output processing line configured to implement a sorting program for the postal items subjected to singularization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Seleg Elsag S.p.A.
    Inventors: Guido Teodoro De Leo, Cristiano Frazone, Enrico Rosa
  • Publication number: 20140297566
    Abstract: A mail processing method for franking mail items, which franking machine is connected to a first server that is itself connected to a second server in communication with a sorting machine, the franking method including scanning the destination addresses borne on the mail items as the mail items are inserted, storing the digital images of the addresses scanned in this way, in association with respective unique identification numbers, and periodically transferring the digital images as indexed in this way to a first server. The first or second server extracts determined data from the digital images, which data, associated with the unique identification numbers, is suitable for enabling the sorting machine to be controlled automatically on receiving the franked mail items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Neopost Technologies
    Inventors: Dennis Thomas GILHAM, Ruben RICO
  • Patent number: 8818915
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for customizing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, customizing a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item such as exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable identifier 6 and a machine-readable set of information 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.
    Inventors: J. P. Leon, John Roland Clem, Richard Stables, John Michael Boswell, Kyle Huebner, Daniel David Farino, Kenneth Thomas McBride
  • Patent number: 8818911
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods for operating a mailing machine. A permit mail imprint is generated in the mailing machine on the basis of input signals entered into the mailing machine via a user interface of the mailing machine. At least some of the input signals may represent alphanumeric characters. For example, the permit number may be entered via a keypad or keyboard in the form of numeric characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Kaye, Joan T. Doutney, Rodney Hallgren, Beth A. Kroczaleski, Mark D. Lee, Jacky Y. Igval
  • Publication number: 20140236867
    Abstract: In a method for generating franking imprint data for a mail item to be shipped, a set of shipping options for the mail item, from among available shipping options stored in a first memory, is selected at a data processing device, and product vector data are generated from the selected set. A franking imprint authorization request, including the product vector data, is transmitted from the data processing device to a secure device, at which it is verified whether the transmitted product vector data are compatible with the available shipping options, also stored at the secure device. If so, franking imprint authorization data are returned from the secure device to the data processing device and the franking imprint data are generated in response thereto. If compatibility is not verified, request rejection data are returned from the secure device to the data processing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Clemens Heinrich, Dirk Rosenau, Kai Nicolai
  • Patent number: 8805745
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for printing computer-based value-bearing items such as, for example, an exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Huebner, John Michael Boswell, Kenneth Thomas McBride, John Roland Clem, J.P. Leon
  • Patent number: 8793197
    Abstract: The present subject matter generally relates to techniques and equipment to apply move update address information to mailpieces based on move update requirements. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a pre-print move update process that updates addresses for moves without affecting stored address data while meeting postal authority standards for move update and pre-sort mailpiece groupings. The move update process is applied to the address data before print and preserves the initial stored address data. The move update address information and initial address information are both printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Wojdyla
  • Patent number: 8768851
    Abstract: Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Appelman
  • Patent number: 8760695
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives print control information input by a user, a unit that stores, in a memory, the print control information received by the receiving unit, and a print controller that causes a printing unit to print an image representing an image to be printed on a sheet to be imaged on the basis of the print control information stored in the memory when a predetermined operation is performed. The print control information includes first information indicating whether the sheet to be imaged is an envelope and second information indicating the size of the sheet to be imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazumi Yamato
  • Patent number: 8736897
    Abstract: Printing methods and systems that provide both a secure value label printing mode of operation and a non-secure mode of operation that allows generic printing of non-value items without compromising the security feature of the secure printing mode are described. If the printing system determines the image is a non-secure image such as an address label or other non-value graphic, the printing system utilizes the non-secure mode and disables the use certain printhead elements. In such a system, the enforced print disabled white bands are enforced in non-secure mode such as by actually disabling the print drive mechanism that allows a row to be printed or by populating certain regions of the print buffer with zero values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Pierce, Steven J. Pauly, Steven M. Kaye
  • Patent number: 8724140
    Abstract: One or more print streams destined for one or more print stream processing modules are optimized prior to printing, based on relevant document attributes. Optimization may balance operation time of a first processing module with that of a second processing module, by appropriate assigning of documents to the print streams. Optimization may separate input print file document pages into sort groups and/or order sort group documents from largest to smallest. Optimization may allocate documents to optimize the inserter throughput without damaging the integrity of the sort groups. With 2-up or 3-up printing or the like, allocation of sort groups between the multiple outputs to be created after printed paper is split may ensure that parallel paper document outputs are as nearly the same length as possible, to minimize paper wastage. Separation of pages of the same document among different streams/modules can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Bell and Howell, LLC
    Inventors: Victor Tolomei, Michael J. McIntee, Uwe Meister
  • Patent number: 8700473
    Abstract: A method of dispensing registration that includes entering identifying information in an input module on a registration dispensing system. The identifying information is associated obtaining a registration. At least item is displayed on a display module associated with the registration dispensing system for which the registration may be obtained using the registration dispensing system. Registration payment information for the registration is received into the input module. The identifying information and the registration payment information are communicated with a database maintained by or on behalf of an entity issuing the registration. Registration information is received from the database. The registration information is formatted. The formatted registration information is printed on a registration document. The registration document is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Lindemann
  • Publication number: 20140067725
    Abstract: A system and method for high-speed processing of mail pieces is disclosed. The high-speed system includes client server that forms and prints a shipping label comprising reduced Information-Based Indicia (RIBI) on each piece of mail. The client server provides funds to the system server and reports the RIBI usage to the system server. The system server issues tokens to the client server that allow the client server to the print a shipping label including RIBI indicia for a certain value of postage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Stamps.com Inc.
    Inventors: J P Leon, Keith Bussell
  • Patent number: 8654387
    Abstract: A print system is capable of processing a print order of image data through a network. The print system includes an information device operable to store image data, and an order reception server connected to the information device through the network. The information device sends print information specifying print content including image data to be printed to the order reception server with which a communication is established prior to a formal placing of a print order. The order reception server, when completing a reception of the print information, recognizes that the print order is completed, provides an order number for identifying the print order, and sends the order number to the information device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takehito Yamaguchi, Akihiro Tamura, Masayuki Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 8626623
    Abstract: A disclosed image processing apparatus includes an adjusting unit configured to convert input image data into image formation data, an arithmetic unit configured to calculate an image formation ink cost based on the converted image formation data, and a determining unit configured to compare the calculated image formation ink cost with a black-and-white image formation ink cost, wherein the calculated image formation ink cost is fixed based on a determination result of the first determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Ito, Masanori Hirano, Yoshiaki Hoshino, Yasunobu Takagi
  • Patent number: 8548921
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intuitively-based (WYSIWYG) user interface for generic value bearing item label custom specification of each label on a multi-part label set. According to the present invention, an interactive display such as is depicted in FIG. 13 would be provided on a display monitor of a plurality of independently interactive panels, wherein each panel corresponds to a particular label on a multi-part label set. As depicted in FIG. 13, the exemplary WYSIWYG generic custom VBI label specification interface of the present invention displays an interactive label display (1110) in which each separate label panel (e.g., 1120-11 through 1120-45) displays an independent postage rate class input field (e.g., 1125-11 with a postage rate class menu button, e.g., 1123-11). Once the user has selected the “Custom” option (1150), the user can set the price for each label by clicking on the individual rate input field (e.g., 1121-11) of the particular label panel (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Stamps.com Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence N. Raju, Yvonne K. Hansen, Craig L. Ogg
  • Patent number: 8521658
    Abstract: Providing an information system in an item delivery system comprises reading a tracking indicia (410) on a unit load, updating a database (415) with first data from the tracking indicia, and updating the database with information that the unit load has been terminated. In addition, receiving (425) second data to be included in a label, and printing the label may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Brent A. Raney, Daryl S. Hamilton, Anthony M. Ferlaino, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8520236
    Abstract: A printing control apparatus includes a verification unit configured to verify a charging destination of a job generated at a client terminal apparatus. The printing control apparatus includes a control unit configured to suspend execution of the job if no value is set to the charging destination of the job or that an invalid value is set to the charging destination of the job. The printing control apparatus also includes a generation unit configured to generate an input screen for entering a value of the charging destination of the job if no value is set to the charging destination of the job or that an invalid value is set to the charging destination of the job. The printing control apparatus also includes a notification unit configured to notify information about the input screen generated by the generation unit to the client terminal apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akiko Hirahara
  • Patent number: 8514439
    Abstract: An image processing server in charge of a first image processing operation determines a reference value for a reference item; generates first reference information; calculates its charge; generates first charge information indicating its calculated amount of charge; and transmits the first reference information and the first charge information to the next location, separately from image data obtained by the first image processing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichi Komaba, Eiichi Yoshida, Takuya Okada, Toshimi Shinchi, Masao Hosono
  • Patent number: 8477345
    Abstract: There is provided a method and system for producing a label that can be applied onto a mailpiece. An exemplary method comprises providing a data service via a network node, the data service being performed in a provider server of a service provider. The exemplary method also comprises performing a one-time printing of the label via a control program, such that an intelligent document is transmitted from the provider server via a network to a user client, the one-time printing being done if a network connection exists between the user client and the provider server, and if, on the basis of a query to the provider server, it has been ascertained that that label had not been printed before. The exemplary method additionally comprises transmitting a message from the user client to the provider server when the label is printed for the first time. The exemplary method further comprises logging the printing in the provider server in response to the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventors: Henning Endruscheit, Volker Klös, Thomas Ogilvie, Boris Mayer
  • Patent number: 8437012
    Abstract: When a maintenance agreement has been made based on a contract printing rate and the contract number of printed sheets, an image forming apparatus can determine before an image is actually formed, whether or not terms and conditions will be exceeded. When a user instructs to copy, after all images of original documents are scanned, it can be determined whether or not the number of remaining printable sheets exceeds a certain number, e.g., 100. When the number of remaining printable sheets is not more than 100, after calculating an average per/page printing rate of the scanned image data, the converted number of sheets, which is converted using the contract printing rate, is calculated from the average printing rate, the contract printing rate, and the number of printed sheets for one copy job, and a screen used in inquiring whether or not to print is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 8437022
    Abstract: The invention discloses an order system for printed matter, where printed matter is defined in an article-based database in the order system and an order for the production of the printed matter is using an interface in the order system, and a method for calculating production of printed matter, where first an interface in such an order system is used to give an order for production and where, when the order has been given, parameters for the printed matter are taken as a basis for using a calculation module in a Management Information System controlling networked graphical production to calculate the production and in order to trigger the automated calculation when an order has been given using an article-based order system, it is proposed that production-specific parameters for the printed matter be able to be defined in the order system's database and that, when the order has been given, the order system provide the parameters for calculating production of the printed matter via an interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Gesellschaft M.B.H.
    Inventor: Thomas Reichhart
  • Patent number: 8429083
    Abstract: Electronic messages may be processed using a stamp authority by receiving an electronic message, identifying a stamp associated the message, determining if the stamp is valid, and, if the stamp is determined to be valid, distinguishing the message from messages with which a valid stamp is not identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Appelman
  • Patent number: 8405848
    Abstract: A print system includes a digital camera serving as an information device for storing image data, order reception servers adapted for accepting a print order from a digital camera and connected to the digital camera over a network, and a registration center server for managing the information in an order reception server which can accept a print order from the digital camera. When the digital camera sets up communication with the order reception server, the digital camera inquires the URL of the order reception server of the registration center server over the network. The registration center server sends the URL of the order reception server which can accept a print order from the digital camera to the digital camera. The digital camera sets up communication with the order reception server of the URL acquired from the registration center server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takehito Yamaguchi, Akihiro Tamura, Masayuki Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 8395786
    Abstract: When a maintenance agreement has been made based on a contract printing rate and the contract number of printed sheets, an image forming apparatus can determine before an image is actually formed, whether or not terms and conditions will be exceeded. When a user instructs to copy, after all images of original documents are scanned, it can be determined whether or not the number of remaining printable sheets exceeds a certain number, e.g., 100. When the number of remaining printable sheets is not more than 100, after calculating an average per/page printing rate of the scanned image data, the converted number of sheets, which is converted using the contract printing rate, is calculated from the average printing rate, the contract printing rate, and the number of printed sheets for one copy job, and a screen used in inquiring whether or not to print is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Murata Machinery, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 8379893
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for customizing a hearing aid casing. A user accesses a software program that allows him or her to select a type of a hearing aid. The software program further allows the user to select a motif to be displayed on at least a portion of the hearing aid casing. The software program may automatically size the selected motif based on the type of the hearing aid selected, and the selected motif may be printed on a film. The film then is coupled to the hearing aid casing to display the motif on one or more surfaces of the hearing aid casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Harald Klemenz, Daniel Reisse, Markus Wild
  • Patent number: 8345313
    Abstract: There is described an image forming apparatus, which make it possible to appropriately print each of a valid print object and an invalid print object. The apparatus includes: a printing section to conduct a printing operation based on the print data, so as to create the print product; and a control section to determine whether the digital signature is valid or invalid so as to control the printing operation, based on the determined result. When the plurality of print objects includes both a valid print object for which the digital signature is determined as valid and an invalid print object for which the digital signature is determined as invalid, the control section controls the printing operation, so as to enable the valid print object to be printed, based on the print data, while disable the invalid print object to be printed, based on the print data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tanaka, Yoko Fujiwara, Masahiro Ozawa, Jun Kuroki, Hiroshi Nogawa, Fumihito Akiyama, Yasufumi Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8344872
    Abstract: A sensor is paired with an emitter, such as in a postage metering machine, and the sensor is calibrated for ambient light conditions. Ambient light is measured with a sensor while the emitter is unpowered. If the measured ambient light is less than a current trip level (voltage level at the sensor), then a current level of light is measured with the sensor while the emitter is powered. If the measured current level of light exceeds the current trip level, then the signal output from the sensor indicates that an object such as an envelope awaiting postage to be printed thereon is present at the sensor. The current trip level may be determined by measuring light at the sensor when the emitter is on and adding some voltage margin to it, but if the sensor is blocked during this calibration a default threshold is used as the current trip level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Minckler
  • Patent number: 8341094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a franking machine, comprising a print head of an ink-jet printing mechanism for printing flat postal items such as letters or postcards, which can be introduced into said mechanism or which pass through the same. Said franking machine consists of a guiding part which is located around the print head and projects in relation to the nozzle opening plane of said print head, and with which a conveying device is associated, said conveying device transporting the postal items between itself and conveying rollers lying opposite and rotating about axes that are located crosswise to the conveying direction. Said conveying device has two drive-connected driving rollers which together with the guiding part, form a path of travel. The driving rollers are located in front of and behind the print head in relation to the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Frama AG
    Inventor: Werner Haug
  • Patent number: 8341093
    Abstract: A method of performing non-secure franking by means of a communications terminal comprising means for communicating with a franking service provider's server, a non-secure memory for recording identification numbers and associated postage amounts received in the franking service provider's server. The communications terminal can further comprise print command means for instructing a standard printer to print one of the identification numbers corresponding to the desired postage amount and extracted from the non-secure memory on a mail item to be sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventor: Fabien Chatte
  • Patent number: 8296202
    Abstract: A task management system includes: an attribute information acquiring unit acquiring attribute information indicating an attribute of a document corresponding to document data; a billing destination information generator extracting attribute information specifying a billing destination of a cost caused as a price of performance of a task using the document data from the attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquiring unit and generating billing destination information indicating the billing destination on the basis of the extracted attribute information; a process content information storage storing process content information indicating a content of a process performed on the document data by a task terminal used by a task performer; a task content specifier specifying the content of the task performed on the document data by the task performer on the basis of the process content information stored in the process content information storage; a cost correlation storage storing a correlat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Matsuda, Junji Ajioka, Minori Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8289541
    Abstract: Methods of processing incoming documents. The methods may comprise receiving a plurality of documents in electronic form and classifying each of the plurality of documents into at least one of a plurality of document classifications. The methods may also comprise extracting metadata from the plurality of documents. In addition, the methods may comprise executing a first workflow for processing documents classified in a first document classification selected from the plurality of document classifications and executing a second workflow for processing documents classified in a second document classification selected from the plurality of document classifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Morgan Stanley
    Inventors: Ken Garg, Fred Pulzello, Mark Chambers, Debra Logan-Rabb
  • Patent number: 8271399
    Abstract: A method of optimizing mail sorting on a envelope sorting machine by eliminating the necessity to pass some of the documents through the machine twice is provided in which a postal code table is created having an order for each of a plurality of postal code ranges. An unsorted document print stream is received and a document parameter table created to store boundaries of each of a plurality of documents and a location of a postal code in each document. An index table is constructed incorporating information from the postal code table indicating the location and order of each document in the unsorted document print stream. The index table is reordered according to the order of each document and a sorted document print stream is generated, whereby the documents are arranged in order of their respective priorities. The documents are then printed from the sorted document print stream, separated into groups in accordance with their respective priorities and sorted in order of each group's respective order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Brian P. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20120232970
    Abstract: A postage printing apparatus includes a user interface for accepting user input of postage criteria. The apparatus also includes a processor to process the user input to generate a postage request. A postage server communication module communicates the postage request to a remote postage server. The remote postage server returns data corresponding to postage indicia. The apparatus includes a printer for accepting instructions to print the postage indicia. The apparatus is in direct communication with the remote postage server without a separate computer performing any postage printing processing functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Salim G. Kara