Electrophotography – Machine operation – Operator interface
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-27
2001-05-15
Beatty, Robert (Department: 2852)
Electrophotography
Machine operation
Operator interface
C399S083000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06233414
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention is directed to methods and systems for providing feature and status information for image forming devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Image forming devices have long offered users a single status indication that represents the device's ability to operate. Conventionally, as long as an image forming device could produce a single page, the image forming device would display the same ready status indication as a fully functional image forming device. As a result, operators using a partially disabled image forming device might not receive notice about the image forming device's problems. Thus, the operators would continue to send output requests to that image forming device and the requested output jobs might not be timely completed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Methods and systems that provide operators with more accurate and relevant status information for various image forming devices that is easily interpreted are desirable. As different operators often have different requirements for an image forming device, it becomes convenient for each operator to define exactly what information a ready indication should define. By customizing the ready indication, operators can receive exactly the status information they require using a single indicator.
As an alternative to using a single status indicator, it becomes convenient for operators to view a detailed representation of an image forming device's features along with an availability and use of each feature. By viewing such a detailed representation, an operator can monitor the availability and use of the image forming device's features, in effect, tracking both the status of the image forming device and progress of an output job.
This invention provides methods and systems that allow operators to define the criteria that provides a “ready” indication for an image forming device.
In various exemplary embodiments, systems and methods according to this invention include a user interface and one or more image forming devices having one or more output features. An operator determines a number of required features for an output job, the systems and methods then monitor a selected image forming device to determine if the selected image forming device has all of the required features and if all the required features are available. If the selected image forming device has all the required features and if the required features are all available, a “ready” status is provided to the user; otherwise a “not ready” status is provided to the user.
In a second exemplary embodiment of the methods and systems of this invention, operators are able to track an output job by receiving updated detailed information about an image forming device's features, the availability and the use of the features. The systems and methods include a user interface and one or more image forming devices having one or more output features. The systems and methods monitor a selected image forming device as that image forming device processes an output job, displays the selected image forming device's features, the availability and use of the features and updates the display to reflect changes in the availability and use of the features as the output job progresses.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5061958 (1991-10-01), Bunker et al.
patent: 5614993 (1997-03-01), Smith et al.
patent: 5872569 (1999-02-01), Salgado et al.
patent: 5880727 (1999-03-01), Barrett et al.
patent: 6058277 (2000-05-01), Streefkerk et al.
Beatty Robert
Oliff & Berridge PLC.
Xerox Corporation
LandOfFree
Methods and systems for providing capability and status... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Methods and systems for providing capability and status..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Methods and systems for providing capability and status... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2545362