Methods and systems for providing access to remote, descriptor-related data at an imaging device

• US 8,120,798 B2
• Filed: 09/30/2005
• Issued: 02/21/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America Incorporated (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Reddy, Amarender Reddy Kethi, Yamamura, Shinichi
• Primary Examiner(s): Haskins, Twyler
• Assistant Examiner(s): RODRIGUEZ, LENNIN R
• Application Number:
  US11/240,084
• Publication Number:
  US 20060080129A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,335 Days
• Field of Search: 358 111- 118, 705/1, 705/26, 709/218, 399/10
• US Class Current: 358/1.15
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/502 relating to the structure of the control menu, e.g. pop-up menus, help screens
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/5075 Remote control machines, e.g. by a host
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2215/00109 Remote control of apparatus, e.g. by a host
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/41 where a single sign-on provides access to a plurality of computers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/84 output devices, e.g. displays or monitors
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00352 Input means H04N1/00411 takes precedence; input arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32561 using a programmed control device, e.g. a microprocessor
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0039 Connection via a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0049 By wire, cable or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0075 by a user operated remote control device, e.g. receiving instructions from a user via a computer terminal or mobile telephone handset
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0094 Multifunctional device, i.e. a device capable of all of reading, reproducing, copying, facsimile transception, file transception
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3221 of a job number or identification, e.g. communication number

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for providing access to remote, descriptor-related data at an imaging device user interface.

Claims

1. A method for compiling an imaging-device-related product or service provider order with an imaging device, said method comprising:

a) receiving input data at an imaging device (IDev), said input data comprising a device descriptor, wherein said device descriptor identifies an imaging device error related to at least one of an imaging device process, a physical part of an imaging device or consumable media consumed in an imaging device process;

b) sending said device descriptor to a remote computing device (RCD);

c) accessing a provider resource, with said RCD, said resource comprising provider data correlated with device descriptors, wherein said provider resource correlates at least one of said imaging device process, said physical part of an imaging device and said consumable media consumed in an imaging device process identified in said device descriptor with a provider;

d) identifying, with said provider resource, provider data for at least one provider correlated with said device descriptor, wherein said at least one provider provides at least one of an imaging device process repair service, an imaging device replacement part or consumable media consumed by said imaging device, wherein said provider data consists of provider geographical location data, provider pricing data, provider availability data and provider performance data based on past performance of said at least one provider;

e) when said provider data identifies more than one provider;

i) comparing said provider data, based on predetermined rules, and

ii) automatically selecting a preferred provider based on said provider performance data based on past performance of said at least one provider and said provider geographical location;

f) automatically compiling an order for said preferred provider;

g) sending said order to said preferred provider; and

h) sending an order notice to a device manager.

2. A method as described in claim 1 wherein said selecting a preferred provider is also based on price.

3. A method as described in claim 1 wherein said selecting a preferred provider is also based on provider location.

4. A method as described in claim 1 wherein said selecting a preferred provider is also based on provider quality.

5. A method as described in claim 1 wherein said input data is received from a user via a user interface on said imaging device in response to the display of menu content provided from said RCD.

6. A method as described in claim 1 wherein said input data is received from an automated process running on said imaging device.