Extensible user interface
First Claim
1. A user interface system, comprising:
- a register configured to collect resource information from one or more resources coupled to a communications network;
an options module configured to provide resource options based on the collected resource information;
a user profiler configured to construct profiles for clients coupled to the network; and
a user interface builder configured to construct user interfaces based on the user profiles and the resource options, wherein the user interface builder may be configured to construct a unique user interface for each of the clients coupled to the network.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An extensible, network-based user interface allows remotely located resources to serve multiple clients. The user interface can be upgraded as improvements in resource capabilities are made, and as new products become available. The user interface includes a controller and other processing units and databases that collect, collate and process product and user information to dynamically construct client-specific user interfaces. The user interfaces may be used to select and control print options for networked printers. The network may be a local area network or the Internet. The user interface may maintain statistical information that is useable to predict technology trends, identify user preferences, and plan for maintenance and upgrade operations.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A user interface system, comprising:
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a register configured to collect resource information from one or more resources coupled to a communications network;
an options module configured to provide resource options based on the collected resource information;
a user profiler configured to construct profiles for clients coupled to the network; and
a user interface builder configured to construct user interfaces based on the user profiles and the resource options, wherein the user interface builder may be configured to construct a unique user interface for each of the clients coupled to the network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for controlling usage of resources in a computer network, comprising:
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receiving a job request from a client in the network;
selecting a customized user interface, wherein the user interface is based on preferences of the client; and
returning all or part of an application program to the client, the application program used for controlling a resource, the application program based on the user preferences and capabilities of the resources in the network, wherein the customized user interface provides user access to the application program. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20)
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17. A method for controlling printing functions in a distributed computer network, the network comprising a plurality of clients and one or more print devices, comprising:
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receiving a print request from a client;
determining if the client is a new client;
sending a user interface to the client, wherein if the client is a new client, the user interface is a default user interface, and wherein if the client is not a new client, the user interface is a customized user interface;
receiving changes to the user interface; and
returning the changed user interface to the client.
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21. A computer-readable program storage device, tangibly embodying a program of instruction executable by a computer to perform method steps in a computer network for providing an extensible use interface, the method steps, comprising:
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receiving a job request from a client in the network;
selecting a customized user interface, wherein the user interface is based on preferences of the client; and
returning all or part of an application program to the client, the application program used for controlling a resource, the application program based on the user preferences and capabilities of the resources in the network, wherein the customized user interface provides user access to the application program. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. A user interface system, comprising:
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means for collecting resource information from one or more resources coupled to a communications network;
means for providing resource options based on the collected resource information;
means for constructing profiles for clients coupled to the network; and
means for constructing user interfaces based on the user profiles and the resource options, wherein the means for constructing the user interfaces construct a unique user interface for each of the clients coupled to the communications network.
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Specification