Method and system for message delivery using a secure device and simple output without the use of a personal computer

• US 20060098650A1
• Filed: 09/28/2005
• Published: 05/11/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SynKloud Technologies, LLC (SY Ventures)
• Original Assignee: Sonata Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Beninato, Joseph M., Mazner, Martin, Carson, Heidi Kay, Chavez, David A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,832,316 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/389
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1206 resulting in increased flexibility in input data format or job format or job type
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1222 Increasing security of the print job
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1238 Secure printing, e.g. user identification, user rights for device usage, unallowed content, blanking portions or fields of a page, releasing held jobs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1247 by conversion to printer ready format
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1288 in client-server-printer device configuration
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1296 Printer job scheduling or printer resource handling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/066 Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/212 using filtering or selective blocking
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/166 at the transport layer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/02 based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 User profiles

Abstract

Communication systems and methods for enhancing communications between users featuring a central service which formats messages into a printer-friendly format. The format of the delivered message is based on preference settings established by the recipient or an authorized agent of the recipient. The messages are delivered to a device, such as a printer. Messages can be sent to the service in any format and can include text, photographs, URLs, and/or a variety of file types. The messages are then parsed by the service and formatted for delivery to the device.

Claims

1. A method of delivering a message comprising:

receiving a message at a central service, the central service comprising a database storing a set of user settings;

parsing the message to separate component parts;

configuring the message according the user'"'"'s settings;

formatting the message in a printer-friendly format;

transmitting the formatted message to a recipient over a network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving comprises receiving the message via email.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving comprises receiving the message via SMS.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving comprises receiving the message via MMS.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving comprises receiving the message via facsimile.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving comprises receiving the message from a web-based interface.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving comprises receiving the message via an instant messaging system.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein-receiving comprises receiving the message via RSS.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises an email.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises a webpage referenced by a URL.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises one or more photographs.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises text and one or more photographs.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises a newsletter.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the newsletter is generated by the service.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises a calendar.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises an alert.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the message comprises a reminder.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the message is generated by the service.

19. A system for delivering messages comprising:

a recipient device configured to operate according the recipient'"'"'s settings;

a central service configured to format messages received from a sender pursuant to the recipient'"'"'s settings and into a printer-friendly format, the central service comprising a web-based interface for entering the recipient'"'"'s settings, a database for storing the recipient'"'"'s settings, and a server for communicating with the recipient device;

a sender interface operably connected to the central service, the sender interface being configured to allow the sender to transmit a message to the central service; and

a network operably connecting the recipient device to the central service when the recipient device connects to the network.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the recipient device is a printer.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the recipient device is an ink-jet printer.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the recipient device is a dye-sublimation printer.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the recipient device is a set-top box.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the recipient device is a personal computer.

25. The system of claim 19, wherein the recipient device further comprises a scanner wherein the scanner is configured to enable the recipient to transmit a response via the central service.

26. The system of claim 19, wherein the central service is configured to stimulate use of the system by transmitting periodic reminders to the sender.

27. A method of delivering a message comprising:

receiving a message at a central service, the central service comprising a database storing a set of user settings;

parsing the message to separate component parts;

configuring the message according the user'"'"'s settings;

formatting the message in a format based on a preselected user device;

transmitting the formatted message to a recipient over a network.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the user device is a display.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the user device is a personal computer.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the user device is a set-top box.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the user device is a printer.

32. A method of supplying consumable products to a printer comprising:

transmitting supply status information from the device to a central service, wherein the device is connected to the central service via a network;

generating a response when the supply status information indicates a low supply level, wherein the response is based on a set of user preferences.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the response comprises transmitting an alert to the device.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the response comprises transmitting an alert to a third party.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the response is transmitted to a third party by email.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the response is transmitted to a third party by automated phone call.

37. The method of claim 32, wherein the user preferences comprise reordering information.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the reordering information includes instructions for the central service to automatically order additional consumable products.

39. The method of claim 32, wherein the supply comprises ink.

40. The method of claim 32, wherein the supply comprises paper.