Systems and methods for communicating documents via an autonomous multiple-function peripheral device

• US 8,116,303 B2
• Filed: 08/22/2010
• Issued: 02/14/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Xpedite Systems LLC (Open Text Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Xpedite Systems LLC (Open Text Corporation)
• Inventors: Toscano, Francis, Kamens, Samuel Nathan, Braun, Joachim
• Primary Examiner(s): Abelson, Ronald
• Application Number:
  US12/860,899
• Publication Number:
  US 20100315683A1
• Time in Patent Office: 541 Days
• Field of Search: 370/356, 370/354, 370/355, 358/1.15, 358/403
• US Class Current: 370/356
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/066 Format adaptation, e.g. format conversion or compression
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/08 Annexed information, e.g. attachments
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/48 Message addressing, e.g. address format or anonymous messages, aliases
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00212 Attaching image data to computer messages, e.g. to e-mails
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00214 details of transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00217 only involving computer data transmission protocols, e.g. SMTP, WAP or HTTP communication protocol aspects and techniques in packet data networks H04L69/00; network-specific arrangements or communication protocols supporting networked applications H04L67/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/0022 involving facsimile protocols or a combination of facsimile protocols and computer data transmission protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00281 with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal details of transmission H04N1/00095; establishing a communication with one of a facsimile machine or another apparatus sharing a single line H04N1/32704; interfacing cordless telephone terminals with an accessory to increase the functionality of user interface H04M1/72409
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00312 with a digital transmission apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, SMS or ISDN device transmitting or receiving via a computer, e.g. using e-mail, a computer network or the internet H04N1/00214; transmission of digital information H04L
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0094 Multifunctional device, i.e. a device capable of all of reading, reproducing, copying, facsimile transception, file transception

Abstract

A multiple-function peripheral device includes a packet-switched network interface and an autonomous application programming interface. The application programming interface requests image information from a remote server via the packet-switched network interface in a first mode of operation. The application programming interface sends image information to a remote device via the packet-switched network interface in a second mode of operation.

Claims

1. A multiple-function peripheral device, comprising:

a packet-switched network interface communicatively coupled to a remote server via a data network; and

an autonomous application programming interface configured to request electronic message information stored on a remote server from the remote server via the packet-switched network interface in a first mode of operation according to a timing specified by a configuration process of the multiple-function peripheral device, the electronic message information being associated with an identifier that uniquely identifies the multiple-function peripheral device as a destination of the electronic message.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein

the electronic message information comprises one of a tagged image file format (TIFF) file, a portable document format (PDF) file, and instructions in a printer command language, and

the autonomous application programming interface is associated with the identifier that uniquely identifies the multiple-function peripheral device.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the identifier comprises a media access control address.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising print logic configured to generate a printed representation of image information received from the remote server.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the autonomous application programming interface is further configured to send electronic message information to a remote device via the packet-switched network interface in a second mode of operation.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the autonomous application programming interface is further configured to receive the electronic message information from the remote server using commands in hypertext transfer protocol via a secure sockets layer.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the autonomous application programming interface is further configured to communicate a source identifier associated with the multiple-function peripheral.

8. The device of claim 5, wherein the autonomous application programming interface is further configured to communicate user information.

9. A multiple-function peripheral device, comprising:

a packet-switched network interface communicatively coupled to a remote server via a data network; and

an autonomous application programming interface configured to request electronic message information stored on a remote server from the remote server via the packet-switched network interface in a first mode of operation, the electronic message information being associated with an identifier that uniquely identifies the multiple-function peripheral device as a destination of the electronic message,

wherein the identifier comprises a combination of a media access control address and an Internet protocol address.

10. A method for processing documents, comprising:

associating a first destination identifier with a multiple-function peripheral device coupled to a data network;

receiving a facsimile format message intended for the multiple-function peripheral device as defined by the first destination identifier;

storing the facsimile format message to a memory; and

upon receipt of a request from the multiple-function peripheral device at a timing specified according to a configuration process of the multiple-function peripheral device, communicating the facsimile format message to the multiple-function peripheral device via commands in hypertext transfer protocol.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the communicating includes generating extensible markup language commands.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the communicating includes transferring commands via a secure sockets layer.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the communicating includes transferring a stream of information compatible with a printer command language.

11. A method for processing documents, comprising:

associating a first destination identifier with a multiple-function peripheral device coupled to a data network;

receiving a facsimile format message intended for the multiple-function peripheral device as defined by the first destination identifier;

storing the facsimile format message to a memory; and

upon receipt of a request from the multiple-function peripheral device, communicating the facsimile format message to the multiple-function peripheral device via commands in hypertext transfer protocol;

identifying a second destination identifier associated with an information recording feature; and

forwarding the facsimile format message intended for the multiple-function device to the second destination.

15. A method for processing documents, comprising:

registering a user of a multiple-function peripheral device, the registering including collecting information related to a network location and type of the multiple-function peripheral device and storing the information to a memory;

associating the user with a first identifier that uniquely identifies the multiple-function peripheral device on a data network;

accepting image information via commands in hypertext transfer protocol from the multiple-function peripheral device;

converting the image information into a facsimile format message; and

communicating the facsimile format message.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the registering a user includes receiving a username and a password.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the associating the user includes recording a media access control address.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the accepting image information includes accepting the image information using a secure sockets layer.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

identifying a second destination identifier associated with an information recording feature; and

forwarding the facsimile format message to the second destination.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

preparing a custom cover page including one or more of the second destination identifier, a provider name, a date, a time, a number of pages in the facsimile format message, and a subject message comprising the name of the user; and

concatenating the facsimile format message to the custom cover page.