System and method for document processing device operation monitoring

The subject application is directed to a system and method for document processing device operation monitoring. Operational data is first communicated between document processing devices on one of a plurality of networks, each network having an assigned audit server from among a plurality of audit servers. Operational data is received into each audit server from each document processing device in its associated network. The audit servers output operational data from each document processing device in a thin client language via attachment to an e-mail. A data server receives the e-mail from each audit server and parses the operational data from each received e-mail. The parsed data is then stored in a database associated with the data server. The data server then generates a device report in accordance with a query to the database.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject application is directed generally to document processing device fleet management. More particularly, the subject application is directed to generating reports of document processing device operations via a thin-client interface. In particular, the subject application is directed to a system and method for document processing device operation monitoring.

Document processing devices are in widespread use today and include copiers, printers, scanners, facsimile machines, plotters, electronic mail gateways, and the like. More recently, two or more of such machine functions have been combined into a single device, referred to as a multifunction peripheral or MFP. Many enterprises will distribute document processing devices throughout an office, within a building, among multiple buildings, or among multiple locations. In such circumstances, monitoring or auditing of each device is required so as to ascertain usage data, resource consumption, user preference data, and other such operational information. This information is typically collated into one or more reports so that the enterprise is able to determine costs of ownership, device utilization, user usage, and the like. The acquisition and collation of such information is a time-consuming process, requiring significant amounts of effort on the part of the enterprise. Furthermore, real-time acquisition and report generation of such information is not automatically available to the enterprise as such information must first be collected, in some instances manually, by dedicated technicians or personnel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, there is provided a system and method for document processing device operation monitoring. Operational data is first communicated between document processing devices on one of a plurality of networks with an assigned audit server from among a plurality of audit servers. Operational data is then received into each of the audit servers from each document processing device in its associated network. Each audit server then outputs operational data from each associated document processing devices in a thin client language via attachment to an associated e-mail. A data server then receives the e-mail from each audit server and parses the operational data from each e-mail received from the audit server. The parsed data is then stored in a database associated with the data server. The data server then generates a device report in accordance with a query to the database.

Still other advantages, aspects and features of the subject application will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of the subject application, simply by way of illustration of one of the best modes best suited to carry out the subject application. As it will be realized, the subject application is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the subject application. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The subject application is directed to a system and method for document processing device fleet management. In particular, the subject application is directed to a system and method for generating reports of document processing device operations via a thin-client interface. More particularly, the subject application is directed to a system and method for document processing device operation monitoring. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art that the system and method described herein are suitably adapted to a plurality of varying electronic fields employing remote auditing, including, for example and without limitation, communications, general computing, data processing, document processing, or the like. The preferred embodiment, as depicted inFIG. 1, illustrates a document processing field for example purposes only and is not a limitation of the subject application solely to such a field.

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is shown an overall diagram of an example system100for document processing device operation monitoring in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the system100depicted inFIG. 1is representative of one of a plurality of such systems, networks, or the like, capable of implementation in accordance with the systems and methods of the subject application. Thus, the skilled artisan will appreciate that while a single data network is depicted inFIG. 1, a plurality of such systems is equally capable of implementation in accordance with the subject application.

As shown inFIG. 1, the system100is capable of implementation using a distributed computing environment, illustrated as a computer network102. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the computer network102is any distributed communications system known in the art capable of enabling the exchange of data between two or more electronic devices. The skilled artisan will further appreciate that the computer network102includes, for example and without limitation, a virtual local area network, a wide area network, a personal area network, a local area network, the Internet, an intranet, or the any suitable combination thereof. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the computer network102is comprised of physical layers and transport layers, as illustrated by the myriad of conventional data transport mechanisms, such as, for example and without limitation, Token-Ring, 802.11(x), Ethernet, or other wireless or wire-based data communication mechanisms. The skilled artisan will appreciate that while a computer network102is shown inFIG. 1, the subject application is equally capable of use in a stand-alone system, as will be known in the art.

The system100also includes a first document processing device104and a second document processing device122, which are depicted inFIG. 1as multifunction peripheral devices, suitably adapted to perform a variety of document processing operations. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such document processing operations include, for example and without limitation, facsimile, scanning, copying, printing, electronic mail, document management, document storage, or the like. Suitable commercially available document processing devices include, for example and without limitation, the Toshiba e-Studio Series Controller. In accordance with one aspect of the subject application, the document processing devices104and122are suitably adapted to provide remote document processing services to external or network devices. Preferably, the document processing devices104and122include hardware, software, and any suitable combination thereof, configured to interact with an associated user, a networked device, or the like. The functioning of the document processing devices104and122will better be understood in conjunction with the block diagrams illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, explained in greater detail below.

According to one embodiment of the subject application, the document processing devices104and122are suitably equipped to receive a plurality of portable storage media, including, without limitation, Firewire drive, USB drive, SD, MMC, XD, Compact Flash, Memory Stick, and the like. In the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the document processing devices104and122further include associated user interfaces106and124, such as touch-screens, LCD displays, touch-panels, alpha-numeric keypads, or the like, via which an associated user is able to interact directly with the respective document processing device104or122. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the user interfaces106and124are advantageously used to communicate information to the associated user and receive selections from the associated user. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the user interfaces106and124comprise various components, suitably adapted to present data to the associated user, as are known in the art. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, each of the user interfaces106and124comprises a display, suitably adapted to display one or more graphical elements, text data, images, or the like, to an associated user, receive input from the associated user, and communicate the same to a backend component, such as the controllers108and126, as explained in greater detail below. Preferably, the document processing devices104and122are communicatively coupled to the computer network102via corresponding communications links112and130. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, suitable communications links include, for example and without limitation, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), Bluetooth, the public switched telephone network, a proprietary communications network, infrared, optical, or any other suitable wired or wireless data transmission communications known in the art.

In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, each of the document processing devices104and122further incorporates a backend component, designated as the controllers108and126, suitably adapted to facilitate the operations of the corresponding document processing device104and122, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the controllers108and126are embodied as hardware, software, or any suitable combination thereof, configured to control the operations of the associated document processing device104or122, facilitate the display of images via the user interface106or124, direct the manipulation of electronic image data, and the like. For purposes of explanation, the controllers108and126are used to refer to any myriad of components associated with the document processing devices104and122, including hardware, software, or combinations thereof, functioning to perform, cause to be performed, control, or otherwise direct the methodologies described hereinafter. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the methodologies described with respect to the controllers108and126are capable of being performed by any general purpose computing system, known in the art, and thus the controllers108and126are representative of such general computing devices and are intended as such when used hereinafter. Furthermore, the use of the controllers108and126hereinafter is for the example embodiment only, and other embodiments, which will be apparent to one skilled in the art, are capable of employing the system and method for document processing device operation monitoring of the subject application. The functioning of the controllers108and126will better be understood in conjunction with the block diagrams illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, explained in greater detail below.

Communicatively coupled to the document processing devices104and122are corresponding data storage devices110and128. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the data storage devices110and128are any mass storage devices known in the art including, for example and without limitation, magnetic storage drives, a hard disk drive, optical storage devices, flash memory devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the data storage devices110and128are suitably adapted to store document data, image data, electronic database data, or the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while illustrated inFIG. 1as being separate components of the system100, the data storage devices110and128are capable of being implemented as an internal storage component of the associated document processing device104or122, a component of the controllers108or126, or the like, such as, for example and without limitation, an internal hard disk drive, or the like. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the data storage devices110and128are capable of storing images, advertisements, user information, location information, output templates, mapping data, multimedia data files, fonts, and the like.

Illustrated inFIG. 1are a first kiosk114, communicatively coupled to the first document processing device104, and in effect, the computer network102, and a second kiosk132, communicatively coupled to the second document processing device122, and in effect, the computer network102. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the kiosks114and132are capable of being implemented as separate component of the respective document processing devices104and122, or as integral components thereof. Use of the kiosks114and132inFIG. 1are for example purposes only, and the skilled artisan will appreciate that the subject application is capable of implementation without the use of kiosks114and132. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the kiosks114and132include respective displays116and134and user input devices118and136. As will be understood by those skilled in the art the kiosks114and132are capable of implementing a combination user input device/display, such as a touch screen interface. According to one embodiment of the subject application, the kiosks114and132are suitably adapted to display prompts to an associated user, receive instructions from the associated user, receive payment data, receive selection data from the associated user, and the like. Preferably, the kiosks114and132include a magnetic card reader, conventional bar code reader, or the like, suitably adapted to receive and read payment data from a credit card, coupon, debit card, or the like.

The system100ofFIG. 1also includes portable storage device readers120and138, coupled to the kiosks114and132and suitably adapted to receive and access a myriad of different portable storage devices. Examples of such portable storage devices include, for example and without limitation, flash-based memory such as SD, xD, Memory Stick, compact flash, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, USB flash drives, or other magnetic or optical storage devices, as will be known in the art.

The system100ofFIG. 1also includes an auditing component, illustrated as the audit server142and associated data storage device144, communicatively coupled to the computer network102via a communications link146. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the audit server142comprises hardware, software, and combinations thereof suitably adapted to provide one or more services, web-base applications, monitor document processing device operations, facilitate device information gathering, providing storage options, and the like, to networked devices. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the audit server142includes various components, implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof, for collecting document processing device information and generating an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) file corresponding thereto. In addition, the audit server142is suitably adapted to generate an electronic mail message wherein the message includes an XML attachment, as well as communicating the same to a pre-selected electronic mail address, such as a POP-3 mailbox, e.g. an address supported by a suitable electronic mail server. The communications link146is any suitable data communications means known in the art including, but not limited to wireless communications, for example and without limitation, Bluetooth, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), a proprietary communications network, infrared, optical, the public switched telephone network, or any suitable wireless data transmission system, or wired communications known in the art. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the components described with respect to the audit server142hereinafter are capable of implementation on any computing device coupled to the computer network102and functioning as an audit server. The skilled artisan will appreciate that suitable backend server configurations include, for example and without limitation, an FMAUDIT server, or other such server, as are known in the art.

Communicatively coupled to the audit server142is the data storage device144. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the data storage device144is any mass storage device, or plurality of such devices, known in the art including, for example and without limitation, magnetic storage drives, a hard disk drive, optical storage devices, flash memory devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the data storage device144is suitably adapted to store software updates, update lists, electronic database data, document data, image data, location data, advertisement data, account data, user data, and the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while illustrated inFIG. 1as being a separate component of the system100, the data storage device144is capable of being implemented as internal storage component of the audit server142, or the like, such as, for example and without limitation, an internal hard disk drive, or the like. The functioning of the audit server142will be better understood in conjunction with the illustration ofFIG. 6, described in greater detail below.

The system100ofFIG. 1further includes an electronic mail server, i.e. the MICROSOFT EXCHANGE server148(exchange server148), and a website host, e.g. the MICROSOFT SHAREPOINT server152(SharePoint server152). The servers148and152comprise hardware, software, and combinations thereof suitably adapted to provide one or more services, web-base applications, document processing device command and control, storage options, and the like, to networked devices, such as the document processing devices104and122, and the user device158. The servers148and152are communicatively coupled to the computer network102via corresponding communications links150and156. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that suitable communications links include, for example and without limitation, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), Bluetooth, the public switched telephone network, a proprietary communications network, infrared, optical, or any other suitable wired or wireless data transmission communications known in the art.

Preferably, the exchange server148is suitably adapted to provide electronic mail services to a plurality of associated users, devices, and the like. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the exchange server148is capable of forwarding electronic mail messages received from the audit server142to the SharePoint server152. The functioning of the exchange server148will be better understood in conjunction with the illustration ofFIG. 6, described in greater detail below.

According to one embodiment of the subject application, the SharePoint server152is representative of a MICROSOFT OFFICE SHAREPOINT SERVER, which corresponds to a web-based collaboration and document management platform from the MICROSOFT CORPORATION. The skilled artisan will appreciate that such an embodiment of the SharePoint server152is capable of hosting websites enabling access to shared workspaces and documents to a plurality of users.

Communicatively coupled to the SharePoint server152is the data storage device154. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the data storage device154is any mass storage device, or plurality of such devices, known in the art including, for example and without limitation, magnetic storage drives, a hard disk drive, optical storage devices, flash memory devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In such an embodiment, the data storage device154is suitably adapted to store software updates, update lists, electronic database data, document data, image data, location data, advertisement data, account data, user data, and the like. According to a preferred embodiment of the subject application, the data storage device154is representative of a MICROSOFT SQL Server database, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the storage device154stores XML data corresponding to device information, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, the skilled artisan will appreciate that while illustrated inFIG. 1as being a separate component of the system100, the data storage device154is capable of being implemented as internal storage component of the SharePoint server152, or the like, such as, for example and without limitation, an internal hard disk drive, or the like. The functioning of the SharePoint server152will be better understood in conjunction with the illustration ofFIG. 6, described in greater detail below.

The system100ofFIG. 1further includes a user device158suitably coupled to the computer network102via the communications link162. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the user device158is shown inFIG. 1as a computer workstation for illustration purposes only. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the user device158is representative of any personal computing device known in the art, including, for example and without limitation, a laptop computer, a personal computer, a personal data assistant, a web-enabled cellular telephone, a smart phone, a proprietary network device, or other web-enabled electronic device. The communications link162is any suitable channel of data communications known in the art including, but not limited to wireless communications, for example and without limitation, Bluetooth, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), a proprietary communications network, infrared, optical, the public switched telephone network, or any suitable wireless data transmission system, or wired communications known in the art. The functioning of the user device158will be better understood in conjunction with the diagram ofFIG. 7, discussed in greater detail below.

The user device156depicted inFIG. 1further includes a thin-client interface160, such as a suitable web-based interface, e.g. a web-browser. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the thin-client interface160is capable of being implemented as hardware, software or a suitable combination thereof of the user device158. Preferably, the thin-client interface160is suitably adapted to communicate with the exchange server148, the audit server142, the SharePoint server152, and the like, so as to display associated information retrieved therefrom. As the skilled artisan will appreciate, suitable web-browsers include, for example and without limitation, MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER, MOZILLA FIREFOX, APPLE SAFARI, or any other web-browser known in the art.

In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the system100further includes a dashboard, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, corresponding to the graphical user interface displayed to a user via the thin-client interface160of the user device158. Preferably, such a dashboard facilitates the generation of reports corresponding to data stored in the SQL database154and the like. Thus, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the incorporated figures and Appendices 1 and 2, the dashboard facilitates user retrieval and interaction with the SharePoint server152and associated SQL server database154.

Turning now toFIG. 2, illustrated is a representative architecture of a suitable device200(shown inFIG. 1as the document processing devices104and122) on which operations of the subject system are completed. Included is a processor202, suitably comprised of a central processor unit. However, it will be appreciated that the processor202may advantageously be composed of multiple processors working in concert with one another as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also included is a non-volatile or read only memory204which is advantageously used for static or fixed data or instructions, such as BIOS functions, system functions, system configuration data, and other routines or data used for operation of the device200.

Also included in the device200is random access memory206, suitably formed of dynamic random access memory, static random access memory, or any other suitable, addressable memory system. Random access memory provides a storage area for data instructions associated with applications and data handling accomplished by the processor202.

A storage interface208suitably provides a mechanism for volatile, bulk or long term storage of data associated with the device200. The storage interface208suitably uses bulk storage, such as any suitable addressable or serial storage, such as a disk, optical, tape drive and the like as shown as216, as well as any suitable storage medium as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

A network interface subsystem210suitably routes input and output from an associated network allowing the device200to communicate to other devices. The network interface subsystem210suitably interfaces with one or more connections with external devices to the device200. By way of example, illustrated is at least one network interface card214for data communication with fixed or wired networks, such as Ethernet, token ring, and the like, and a wireless interface218, suitably adapted for wireless communication via means such as WiFi, WiMax, wireless modem, cellular network, or any suitable wireless communication system. It is to be appreciated however, that the network interface subsystem suitably utilizes any physical or non-physical data transfer layer or protocol layer as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the illustration, the network interface card214is interconnected for data interchange via a physical network220, suitably comprised of a local area network, wide area network, or a combination thereof.

Data communication between the processor202, read only memory204, random access memory206, storage interface208and the network subsystem210is suitably accomplished via a bus data transfer mechanism, such as illustrated by bus212.

Suitable executable instructions on the device200facilitate communication with a plurality of external devices, such as workstations, document processing devices, other servers, or the like. While, in operation, a typical device operates autonomously, it is to be appreciated that direct control by a local user is sometimes desirable, and is suitably accomplished via an optional input/output interface222to a user input/output panel224as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Also in data communication with the bus212are interfaces to one or more document processing engines. In the illustrated embodiment, printer interface226, copier interface228, scanner interface230, and facsimile interface232facilitate communication with printer engine234, copier engine236, scanner engine238, and facsimile engine240, respectively. It is to be appreciated that the device200suitably accomplishes one or more document processing functions. Systems accomplishing more than one document processing operation are commonly referred to as multifunction peripherals or multifunction devices.

Turning now toFIG. 3, illustrated is a suitable document processing device for use in connection with the disclosed system.FIG. 3illustrates suitable functionality of the hardware ofFIG. 2in connection with software and operating system functionality as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The document processing device300suitably includes an engine302which facilitates one or more document processing operations.

The document processing engine302suitably includes a print engine304, facsimile engine306, scanner engine308and console panel310. The print engine304allows for output of physical documents representative of an electronic document communicated to the processing device300. The facsimile engine306suitably communicates to or from external facsimile devices via a device, such as a fax modem.

The scanner engine308suitably functions to receive hard copy documents and in turn image data corresponding thereto. A suitable user interface, such as the console panel310, suitably allows for input of instructions and display of information to an associated user. It will be appreciated that the scanner engine308is suitably used in connection with input of tangible documents into electronic form in bitmapped, vector, or page description language format, and is also suitably configured for optical character recognition. Tangible document scanning also suitably functions to facilitate facsimile output thereof.

In the illustration ofFIG. 3, the document processing engine also comprises an interface316with a network via driver326, suitably comprised of a network interface card. It will be appreciated that a network thoroughly accomplishes that interchange via any suitable physical and non-physical layer, such as wired, wireless, or optical data communication.

The document processing engine302is suitably in data communication with one or more device drivers314, which device drivers allow for data interchange from the document processing engine302to one or more physical devices to accomplish the actual document processing operations. Such document processing operations include one or more of printing via driver318, facsimile communication via driver320, scanning via driver322and a user interface functions via driver324. It will be appreciated that these various devices are integrated with one or more corresponding engines associated with the document processing engine302. It is to be appreciated that any set or subset of document processing operations are contemplated herein. Document processors which include a plurality of available document processing options are referred to as multi-function peripherals.

Turning now toFIG. 4, illustrated is a representative architecture of a suitable backend component, i.e., the controller400, shown inFIG. 1as the controllers108and126, on which operations of the subject system100are completed. The skilled artisan will understand that the controller400is representative of any general computing device, known in the art, capable of facilitating the methodologies described herein. Included is a processor402, suitably comprised of a central processor unit. However, it will be appreciated that processor402may advantageously be composed of multiple processors working in concert with one another as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also included is a non-volatile or read only memory404which is advantageously used for static or fixed data or instructions, such as BIOS functions, system functions, system configuration data, and other routines or data used for operation of the controller400.

Also included in the controller400is random access memory406, suitably formed of dynamic random access memory, static random access memory, or any other suitable, addressable and writable memory system. Random access memory provides a storage area for data instructions associated with applications and data handling accomplished by processor402.

A storage interface408suitably provides a mechanism for non-volatile, bulk or long term storage of data associated with the controller400. The storage interface408suitably uses bulk storage, such as any suitable addressable or serial storage, such as a disk, optical, tape drive and the like as shown as416, as well as any suitable storage medium as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

A network interface subsystem410suitably routes input and output from an associated network allowing the controller400to communicate to other devices. The network interface subsystem410suitably interfaces with one or more connections with external devices to the device400. By way of example, illustrated is at least one network interface card414for data communication with fixed or wired networks, such as Ethernet, token ring, and the like, and a wireless interface418, suitably adapted for wireless communication via means such as WiFi, WiMax, wireless modem, cellular network, or any suitable wireless communication system. It is to be appreciated however, that the network interface subsystem suitably utilizes any physical or non-physical data transfer layer or protocol layer as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the illustration, the network interface414is interconnected for data interchange via a physical network420, suitably comprised of a local area network, wide area network, or a combination thereof.

Data communication between the processor402, read only memory404, random access memory406, storage interface408and the network interface subsystem410is suitably accomplished via a bus data transfer mechanism, such as illustrated by the bus412.

Also in data communication with the bus412is a document processor interface422. The document processor interface422suitably provides connection with hardware432to perform one or more document processing operations. Such operations include copying accomplished via copy hardware424, scanning accomplished via scan hardware426, printing accomplished via print hardware428, and facsimile communication accomplished via facsimile hardware430. It is to be appreciated that the controller400suitably operates any or all of the aforementioned document processing operations. Systems accomplishing more than one document processing operation are commonly referred to as multifunction peripherals or multifunction devices.

Functionality of the subject system100is accomplished on a suitable document processing device, such as the document processing devices104and122, which includes the controller400ofFIG. 4, (shown inFIG. 1as the controllers108and126, respectively) as an intelligent subsystem associated with a document processing device. In the illustration ofFIG. 5, controller function500in the preferred embodiment includes a document processing engine502. A suitable controller functionality is that incorporated into the Toshiba e-Studio system in the preferred embodiment.FIG. 5illustrates suitable functionality of the hardware ofFIG. 4in connection with software and operating system functionality as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

In the preferred embodiment, the engine502allows for printing operations, copy operations, facsimile operations and scanning operations. This functionality is frequently associated with multi-function peripherals, which have become a document processing peripheral of choice in the industry. It will be appreciated, however, that the subject controller does not have to have all such capabilities. Controllers are also advantageously employed in dedicated or more limited purposes document processing devices that perform one or more of the document processing operations listed above.

The engine502is suitably interfaced to a user interface panel510, which panel allows for a user or administrator to access functionality controlled by the engine502. Access is suitably enabled via an interface local to the controller, or remotely via a remote thin or thick client.

The engine502is in data communication with the print function504, facsimile function506, and scan function508. These functions facilitate the actual operation of printing, facsimile transmission and reception, and document scanning for use in securing document images for copying or generating electronic versions.

A job queue512is suitably in data communication with the print function504, facsimile function506, and scan function508. It will be appreciated that various image forms, such as bit map, page description language or vector format, and the like, are suitably relayed from the scan function508for subsequent handling via the job queue512.

The job queue512is also in data communication with network services514. In a preferred embodiment, job control, status data, or electronic document data is exchanged between the job queue512and the network services514. Thus, suitable interface is provided for network based access to the controller function500via client side network services520, which is any suitable thin or thick client. In the preferred embodiment, the web services access is suitably accomplished via a hypertext transfer protocol, file transfer protocol, uniform data diagram protocol, or any other suitable exchange mechanism. The network services514also advantageously supplies data interchange with client side services520for communication via FTP, electronic mail, TELNET, or the like. Thus, the controller function500facilitates output or receipt of electronic document and user information via various network access mechanisms.

The job queue512is also advantageously placed in data communication with an image processor516. The image processor516is suitably a raster image process, page description language interpreter or any suitable mechanism for interchange of an electronic document to a format better suited for interchange with device functions such as print504, facsimile506or scan508.

Finally, the job queue512is in data communication with a parser518, which parser suitably functions to receive print job language files from an external device, such as client device services522. The client device services522suitably include printing, facsimile transmission, or other suitable input of an electronic document for which handling by the controller function500is advantageous. The parser518functions to interpret a received electronic document file and relay it to the job queue512for handling in connection with the afore-described functionality and components.

Turning now toFIG. 6, illustrated is a representative architecture of a suitable server600(shown inFIG. 1as the servers142,148, and152) on which operations of the subject system are completed. Included is a processor602, suitably comprised of a central processor unit. However, it will be appreciated that processor602may advantageously be composed of multiple processors working in concert with one another as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also included is a non-volatile or read only memory604which is advantageously used for static or fixed data or instructions, such as BIOS functions, system functions, system configuration, and other routines or data used for operation of the server600.

Also included in the server600is random access memory606, suitably formed of dynamic random access memory, static random access memory, or any other suitable, addressable memory system. Random access memory provides a storage area for data instructions associated with applications and data handling accomplished by the processor602.

A storage interface608suitably provides a mechanism for volatile, bulk or long term storage of data associated with the server600. The storage interface608suitably uses bulk storage, such as any suitable addressable or serial storage, such as a disk, optical, tape drive and the like as shown as616, as well as any suitable storage medium as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

A network interface subsystem610suitably routes input and output from an associated network allowing the server600to communicate to other devices. The network interface subsystem610suitably interfaces with one or more connections with external devices to the server600. By way of example, illustrated is at least one network interface card614for data communication with fixed or wired networks, such as Ethernet, token ring, and the like, and a wireless interface618, suitably adapted for wireless communication via means such as WiFi, WiMax, wireless modem, cellular network, or any suitable wireless communication system. It is to be appreciated however, that the network interface subsystem suitably utilizes any physical or non-physical data transfer layer or protocol layer as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the illustration, the network interface614is interconnected for data interchange via a physical network620, suitably comprised of a local area network, wide area network, or a combination thereof.

Data communication between the processor602, read only memory604, random access memory606, storage interface608, and the network subsystem610is suitably accomplished via a bus data transfer mechanism, such as illustrated by bus612.

Suitable executable instructions on the server600facilitate communication with a plurality of external devices, such as workstations, document processing devices, other servers, or the like. While, in operation, a typical server operates autonomously, it is to be appreciated that direct control by a local user is sometimes desirable, and is suitably accomplished via an optional input/output interface622as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Turning now toFIG. 7, illustrated is a hardware diagram of a suitable workstation700, shown inFIG. 1as the user device158, for use in connection with the subject system. A suitable workstation includes a processor unit702which is advantageously placed in data communication with read only memory704, suitably non-volatile read only memory, volatile read only memory or a combination thereof, random access memory706, display interface708, storage interface710, and network interface712. In a preferred embodiment, interface to the foregoing modules is suitably accomplished via a bus714.

The read only memory704suitably includes firmware, such as static data or fixed instructions, such as BIOS, system functions, configuration data, and other routines used for operation of the workstation700via CPU702.

The random access memory706provides a storage area for data and instructions associated with applications and data handling accomplished by the processor702.

The display interface708receives data or instructions from other components on the bus714, which data is specific to generating a display to facilitate a user interface. The display interface708suitably provides output to a display terminal728, suitably a video display device such as a monitor, LCD, plasma, or any other suitable visual output device as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The storage interface710suitably provides a mechanism for non-volatile, bulk or long term storage of data or instructions in the workstation7700. The storage interface710suitably uses a storage mechanism, such as storage718, suitably comprised of a disk, tape, CD, DVD, or other relatively higher capacity addressable or serial storage medium.

The network interface712suitably communicates to at least one other network interface, shown as network interface720, such as a network interface card, and wireless network interface730, such as a WiFi wireless network card. It will be appreciated that by one of ordinary skill in the art that a suitable network interface is comprised of both physical and protocol layers and is suitably any wired system, such as Ethernet, token ring, or any other wide area or local area network communication system, or wireless system, such as WiFi, WiMax, or any other suitable wireless network system, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the illustration, the network interface720is interconnected for data interchange via a physical network732, suitably comprised of a local area network, wide area network, or a combination thereof.

An input/output interface716in data communication with the bus714is suitably connected with an input device722, such as a keyboard or the like. The input/output interface716also suitably provides data output to a peripheral interface724, such as a USB, universal serial bus output, SCSI, Firewire (IEEE 1394) output, or any other interface as may be appropriate for a selected application. Finally, the input/output interface716is suitably in data communication with a pointing device interface726for connection with devices, such as a mouse, light pen, touch screen, or the like.

Referring now toFIG. 8, illustrated is a block diagram of system800for document processing device operation monitoring in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. As shown inFIG. 8, the system800includes a plurality of data networks802,804, and806, each data network802-806including a respective plurality of document processing devices808,810,812,814,816,818,820,822, and824. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, each document processing device808-824of the system800includes a processor826,828,830,832,834,836,840, and842, and associated data storage844,846,848,850,852,854,856,858, and860, respectively. In such an embodiment, each data storage844-860includes operational data corresponding to operational characteristics of the respective document processing device808-824.

The system800further includes a plurality of audit servers862,864, and866in data communication with each of the document processing devices808-812,814-818, and820-824based upon the associated data network802,804or806. Preferably, each audit server862-866is operable to receive operational data from each document processing device808-812,814-818, or820-824in its associated network802,804, or806. The system800also incorporates an output868,870, and872associated with each audit server862-866configured to communicate operational data from each associated document processing device808-812,814-818, and820-824in a thin client language via attachment to an associated electronic mail message (e-mail).

In addition, the system800employs a data server874operable to receive e-mail from each audit server862-866. Associated with the data server874is a data parser876configured to parse operational data from each e-mail received from the audit servers862-866. The data server874further includes an associated database878operable to store operational data parsed from e-mail received from each audit server862-866. The system800further includes a report generator880operable to selectively generate device reports in accordance with a query to the database878.

Turning now toFIG. 9, illustrated is a functional diagram of a system900for document processing device operation monitoring in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. As shown inFIG. 9, operation data communication902first occurs between document processing devices on one of a plurality of networks with an assigned one of a plurality of an audit servers. Operational data receipt904is then performed by each of the audit servers of the operational data from each document processing device in its associated network.

Next, thin client language attachment output906is performed by each audit server of operational from each associated document processing device via attachment to an associated e-mail. Audit server e-mail receipt908then occurs by a data server of the e-mails from each audit server. E-mail parse of operational data910is then performed via the data server of the operational data contained in the attachment from each e-mail received from the audit servers. Parsed data storage912is then performed of the parsed data in a database associated with the data server. Thereafter, device report generation914occurs in accordance with a query to the database.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that the subject system100and components described above with respect toFIG. 1,FIG. 2,FIG. 3,FIG. 4,FIG. 5,FIG. 6,FIG. 7,FIG. 8, andFIG. 9will be better understood in conjunction with the methodologies described hereinafter with respect toFIG. 10andFIG. 11. Turning now toFIG. 10, there is shown a flowchart1000illustrating a method for document processing device operation monitoring in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. Beginning at step1002, operation data is communicated between the document processing devices of each network with an audit server assigned to the respective network. At step1004, each of the audit servers receives the operational data from each document processing device on the associated network.

Each audit server then outputs, at step1006, operational data from each associated document processing device in a thin client language via attachment to an associated electronic mail message (e-mail). At step1008, an e-mail from each audit server is received into a data server. Via the data server, the operational data is parsed from each e-mail received from the audit servers at step1010. The parsed data is then stored, at step1012, in a database associated with the data server. Thereafter, at step1014, a device report is generated in accordance with a query to the database.

Referring now toFIG. 11, there is shown a flowchart1100illustrating a method for document processing device operation monitoring in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. For example purposes only, reference is made hereinafter to the method ofFIG. 11implemented via the first document processing device104. The skilled artisan will appreciate that either such device104or122is capable of being implemented in accordance with the subject application. The methodology ofFIG. 11begins at step1102, whereupon operational data is communicated between the document processing devices104and122and the audit server142. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while reference is made toFIG. 11in view of a single data network102, multiple such networks, with associated devices, are also capable of employing the methodology ofFIG. 11. The skilled artisan will further appreciate that suitable operational data includes, for example and without limitation, usage data corresponding to device usage, consumable data corresponding to consumables used during device operation, function data corresponding to available document processing functions, device identifier data corresponding to device model, and the like.

At step1104, the operational data is received from each communicating document processing device104and122by the audit server142and stored in the associated data storage144. A determination is then made by the audit server142at step1106whether it is time to report the received operational data to the data server, e.g. the server152. That is, whether or not a predetermined condition, event, or the like, has occurred indicating a report is to be communicated to the data server152, e.g. a predetermined period of time, a number of devices104and122have reported, an amount of data on the data storage144has been achieved, or other suitable triggering events. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the servers142,148, and152are all illustrated inFIG. 1as separate devices communicatively coupled to the computer network102, such server functionality is capable of being performed by any single device, or a plurality of server devices distributed across the network102. Upon a determination at step1106that a report to the data server152is not due, flow returns to step1102, whereupon operational data is continued to be communicated from the document processing devices104and122to the audit server142.

When it is determined at step1106that a report is due to the data server152, flow progresses to step1108. At step1108, the audit server142generates an electronic mail (e-mail) message addressed to the data server152having an attachment in a thin client language corresponding to the operational data received from the document processing devices104and122. According to one embodiment of the subject application, the thin client language is an extensible markup language. At step1110, the audit server142outputs the e-mail with attachment to the data server152. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such output is capable of comprising communicating the message to the mail server148via the computer network102, as is known in the art. According to one embodiment of the subject application, the e-mail is capable of being communicated directly to the data server152from the audit server142thereby bypassing the mail server148.

At step1112, the data server152receives the e-mail with attachment output by the audit server142. The data server152then parses the operational data from the e-mail message at step1114. At step1116, the parsed operational data is stored in the database154associatively with device identifier data corresponding to the document processing device104or122from which such operational data corresponds. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the database154is comprised of a structured query language database, such as an SQL Database from MICROSOFT CORPORATION, or other suitable structured database as is known in the art.

A determination is then made at step1118by the data server152whether a database query has been received, e.g. a query from an administrator or user associated with the user device158. According to one embodiment of the subject application, a user via the thin client interface160operable on the user device158communicates a query for database information to the data server152via the network102. When no query has been received, flow returns to step1112, whereupon the data server152continues to receive e-mail messages from the audit server142. Following receipt of a query at step118, operations proceed to step1120, whereupon the data server152generates a device report in accordance with the received database query. The data server152then communicates, via any suitable means known in the art, the device report to the query origin, i.e. the user device158. Thereafter, at step1124, the user device158or other suitable query origin device generates a graphical representation of a subset of characteristics represented by the operational data stored in the database. For example, the user device158generates a graphical representation of the operational data of a document processing device104or122via the thin client interface160.

As previously set forth above, additional data networks (depicted inFIG. 8) are also capable of following steps1102-1116so as to report operational data to the data server152. Thus, the user device158is capable of querying the database154for operational data pertaining to document processing devices808-824communicated by the audit servers862-866to the data server874.

The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the subject application has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the subject application to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the subject application and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to use the subject application in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the subject application as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.