Abstract:
A system and method for document processing includes a controller configured for digital control of multifunction peripheral operations. The controller detects a portable data device and receives configuration data through a near field communication interface. The controller selectively enables of document processing operations of the MFP as specified by received configuration data. The controller generates an active display on a touch screen control panel in accordance with the received configuration data and receives user selection data via the active display on the touch screen control panel. The controller commences a document processing operation in accordance with received user selection data.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This application relates generally to personalized user interfaces for document processing devices. The application relates more specifically to automatically generating personalized user interfaces for users who approach a multifunction peripheral by use of short range wireless communication options, such as near field communication. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Document processing devices include printers, copiers, scanners and e-mail gateways. More recently, devices employing two or more of these functions are found in office environments. These devices are referred to as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs). As used herein, MFPs are understood to comprise printers, alone or in combination with other of the afore-noted functions. It is further understood that any suitable document processing device can be used. 
         [0003]    Given the expense in obtaining and maintain MFPs, devices are frequently shared or monitored by users or technicians via a data network. MFPs, while moveable, are generally maintained in a fixed location. Until more recent times, users, which may include individuals or groups such as employees, technicians or administrators of networked MFPs, were also generally in relatively fixed locations. A user would typically communicate documents or other information from his or her office or workstation to a designated MFP. An administrator or technician would also monitor MFPs from a workstation. 
         [0004]    Users may send document processing jobs, such as a print request, to one or more networked devices. In a typical shared device setting, one or more workstations are connected via a network. When a user wants to print a document, an electronic copy of that document is sent to a document processing device via the network. The user may select a particular device when several are available. The user then walks to the selected device and picks up their job or waits for the printed document to be output. If multiple users send their requests to the same device, the jobs are queued and outputted sequentially. 
         [0005]    User devices have become increasingly mobile. Often times users interact with MFPs via portable notebook computers, or via handheld devices such as tablet computers, smartphones, or the like. While many portable devices may still be used at a workplace, a user may do so from various workplace locations. A user may select a particular MFP for processing their job in certain situations. In others, a user&#39;s job may be routed to an MFP assigned to that user, one that is the closest to the user&#39;s location or workstation, one with capabilities needed for the user&#39;s job or one that is fully functional for desired document processing. 
         [0006]    Often times workplaces have multiple MFPs which may comprise different models or may even come from different manufacturers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In accordance with an example embodiment of the subject application, a system and method for document processing includes a controller configured for digital control of multifunction peripheral operations. The controller detects a portable data device and receives configuration data through a near field communication interface. The controller selectively enables of document processing operations of the MFP as specified by received configuration data. The controller generates an active display on a touch screen control panel in accordance with the received configuration data and receives user selection data via an active, touchscreen display. The controller commences a document processing operation in accordance with received user selection data. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  an example embodiment of a document processing environment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an example embodiment of a document rendering system; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is an example embodiment of a digital device system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is an example embodiment of a document processing system; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram of an example embodiment of a document processing system; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a control diagram of an example embodiment of a document processing system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart of an example embodiment of multifunction user interface customization; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  illustrates example embodiments of customized user interfaces. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such. 
         [0018]    When users of MFP devices approach a particular device for their document processing job, in certain instances the job may have already been completed from a remote request previously given by the user. For example, a user may have sent or directed a document for printing, and it would be waiting for them in a print output bin upon their arrival. In other instances, a job may be commenced by the user at the MFP device. In other instances, a job request may have sent by the user to the MFP, but additional selections at the MFP device are required. In still another instance, a user may wish to defer printing until their arrival at a device, such as when printing documents with sensitive information. 
         [0019]    MFPs are continuingly becoming more sophisticated with ever increasing functionality. With such evolution, an MFP user interface can possess a myriad of function options. Modern day MFPs seek to simplify operation by generating intuitive graphical and text images on a display, such as an associated touch screen. Even with a well-designed user interface, device operation via the touchscreen can be confusing. This is particularly so when a user is confronted with different interfaces from different MFP models or different MFP manufacturers. 
         [0020]    In reality, notwithstanding a large array of document processing options available on MFPs, users will often use only a small portion of available functions or a subset of functions particular to a user&#39;s typical needs. As described in detail below, the subject system and method provides for display of a user&#39;s personalized user interface. The subject system further provides for seamlessly integrating each user&#39;s personalized interface to an MFP user interface when the user approaches a device for use. 
         [0021]    In accordance with the subject application,  FIG. 1  illustrates an example embodiment of a document processing environment  100 . Network  104  is any suitable wired, wireless or hybrid data communication system. Network  104  is suitably comprised of one or more local area networks, one or more wide area networks such as the Internet, or any suitable combination thereof. Example user devices that are in data communication with network  104  include workstation  108 , smartphone  112  and tablet computer  116 . It is to be appreciated that any suitable digital data device is suitably connected via network  104 . In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , workstation  108  is in a wired data path to network  104  while smartphone  112  may be in communication via a cellular link and tablet  116  in communication wirelessly, such as via WiFi, Bluetooth, near field communication, or the like. Networked data devices suitably communicate electronic documents for processing, such as via MFP  120  or MFP  124 . Devices may also relay one or more electronic documents from networked storage such as fileserver  128 . 
         [0022]    MFP  120  includes a user interface  132  that includes a user input and display output comprised of a touchscreen  136  in the example embodiment. It will be appreciated that any suitable man-machine interface is suitably implemented as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, MFP  124  includes user interface  140  including touchscreen  144 . 
         [0023]    Modern MFPs include intelligent controllers including one or more processors and associated memory or data storage, such as random access memory, read only memory, hard discs, optical storage, or any other suitable data storage mechanism. Controllers interface with sensors, motor controls, toner controls, rollers, drums, and other device components. Controllers are also used to generate a user interface on an associated MFP display. As noted above, controllers are typically programmed to provide for user device control, and may include a standard user interface. In the example of  FIG. 1 , a standard or other default user interface is suitably customized for one or more users, and data defining this custom interface may be associated with a data device, such as portable data devices including smartphone  112  or tablet  116 . 
         [0024]    In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , portable data devices are associated with an associated user&#39;s personalized or assigned user interface. The user&#39;s interface configuration is defined or encoded in any suitable data format, such as in extensible markup language (XML) which may be understood by both humans and digital devices. Each configuration file suitably includes identification data which functions to identify a particularly user relative to their own configuration data. MFPs  120 ,  124  are proximity sensitive relative to portable data devices, such as smartphone  112  or tablet  116  such that a data communication path between them is established when the devices are close together. A data path is suitably established between the devices via a wireless link, such as with optical or radio frequency (RF) linking Optical may include infrared links, laser links or the like. RF linking may include near field communication (NFC) links, WiFi links, BLUETOOTH links, or the like, as with a wired data connection, including tethering a user device directly to an MFP  120 ,  124 . Direct data link alternatives between an MFP  120 ,  124  and a user device, such as NFC, BLUETOOTH or tethering, may be advantageous insofar as relative proximity between the devices is more readily established which may be desirable when more than one user is directing document processing operations to the same MFP  120 ,  124 . By way of example, while metadata associated with a user, such as a location of a WiFi access point currently in use, may assist in determining proximity, as would geo-location data, there is a greater opportunity for error relative to which user is more proximate to the MFP  120 ,  124  without the addition of hardware or software adjuncts to further refine proximity, such as IP address, router hops, global positioning data, triangulation, or the like. 
         [0025]    In one example embodiment, proximity may be sensed by a NFC link between the user device and an MFP  120 ,  124 . In the example embodiment of  FIG. 1 , tablet  116  is moved to a location  116 ′, physically proximate to MFP  124 . In the example, the user suitably touches their device to an area, such as touchscreen  144  where from NFC is established between the devices. Further details of communication between user devices and MFPs  120 ,  124  will be described below. 
         [0026]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is an example of a document rendering system  200  suitably comprised within an MFP, such as with MFPs  120  and  124  of  FIG. 1 . Included in controller  201  are one or more processors, such as that illustrated by processor  202 . Each processor is suitably associated with non-volatile memory, such as ROM  204 , and random access memory (RAM)  206 , via a data bus  212 . 
         [0027]    Processor  202  is also in data communication with a storage interface  208  for reading or writing to a storage  216 , suitably comprised of a hard disk, optical disk, solid-state disk, cloud-based storage, or any other suitable data storage as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0028]    Processor  202  is also in data communication with a network interface  210  which provides an interface to a network interface controller (NIC)  214 , which in turn provides a data path to any suitable wired or physical network connection  218 , or to a wireless data connection via wireless network interface  220 . Example wireless connections include cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. Example wired interfaces include Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Lightning, telephone line, or the like. NIC  214  and wireless network interface  218  suitably provide for connection to an associated network (not shown). 
         [0029]    Processor  202  can also be in data communication with any suitable user input/output (I/O) interface which provides data communication with user peripherals, such as displays, keyboards, mice, track balls, touch screens, or the like. Also in data communication with data bus  212  is a document processor interface  222  suitable for data communication with MFP functional units  250 . In the illustrated example, these units include copy hardware  240 , scan hardware  242 , print hardware  244  and fax hardware  246  which together comprise MFP functional units  250 . It will be understood that functional units are suitably comprised of intelligent units, including any suitable hardware or software platform. 
         [0030]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is an example embodiment of a digital device system  300  suitably comprising personal or portable data devices, such as user devices  108 ,  112  or  116 , as well as associated network storage such as fileserver  128 . Included are one or more processors, such as that illustrated by processor  304 . Each processor is suitably associated with non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM)  310  and random access memory (RAM)  312 , via a data bus  314 . 
         [0031]    Processor  304  is also in data communication with a storage interface  316  for reading or writing to a data storage system  318 , suitably comprised of a hard disk, optical disk, solid-state disk, or any other suitable data storage as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0032]    Processor  304  is also in data communication with a network interface controller (NIC)  330 , which provides a data path to any suitable wired or physical network connection via physical network interface  334 , or to any suitable wireless data connection via wireless network interface  338 . Example wireless connections include cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. Example wired interfaces include Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), telephone line, or the like. 
         [0033]    Processor  304  is also in data communication with a user input/output (I/O) interface  340  which provides data communication with user peripherals, such as touch screen display  344 , Bluetooth interface  350 , or near-field communication interface  360 , as well as keyboards, mice, track balls, touch screens, or the like. It will be understood that functional units are suitably comprised of intelligent units, including any suitable hardware or software platform. 
         [0034]    Turning next to  FIG. 4 , illustrated is an example embodiment of document processing system  400  that includes a user workstation  404  from which a user  408  commences a document processing operation with MFP  412 . User  408  approaches MFP  412  with their portable data device  414  wherein proximity is determined via a NFC exchange between the two devices. XML code specifying the user&#39;s interface, such as XMLUI File  418 , is relayed to MFP  412 . This is suitably accomplished via a network connection to workstation  404  where configuration data is stored. Alternatively, XML configuration data is suitably communicated between the user device  414  and the MFP  412  via NFC link  422 , either by causing the XML configuration data to be relayed from workstation  404  or by directly sending the XML configuration data from storage in user device  414 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates a flow diagram  500  of an example embodiment for transmitting configuration data from a workstation, such as a personal computer  504 . Configuration data, such as a file encoded in XML for a user specific interface is relayed via an NFC enabled mobile device  508 , and to an NFC communication interface  512  of an MFP. The configuration data is suitably verified relative to preset schema data, and if acceptable relayed to generate on-board MFP display  516 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates a control diagram  600  of an example embodiment. A user&#39;s workstation  604  includes an XML creation tool  608  with which a user suitably customizes their MFP user interface. This is suitably accomplished for one MFP, a family of MFPs or different MFPs from different sources. Constraints in creation are suitably provided by a template which sets forth options that are available to the user for implementation, which options may be constrained by administrative policy or other overriding constraint. Translation of the configuration file is suitably accomplished to one or more of such devices with an appropriate application program interface or overlay, by way of example. File uploader  612  for workstation  604  communicates the configuration data via an NFC-enabled file transfer  616  of mobile device  620 . The configuration data is received by MFP  628  and verified via XML schema verification  624 . If verified, user interface  632  is customized accordingly. If not, a default user interface is suitably implemented and an appropriate message indicated to the user relative to the failure. 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart  700  of an example embodiment of MFP user interface customization. A user creates their custom interface at block  704 , and the configuration data transferred to their mobile device at block  708 . The mobile device is brought proximate to a destination MFP for NFC exchange at block  712 . Next, user authorization and configuration data compliance are checked at block  716 . If acceptable at decision block  720 , then the configuration data is bound to MFP functionality at block  724 , and a personalized user interface for the user&#39;s session is enabled at block  728 . If unacceptable at decision block  720 , then the personalized interface is rejected at block  732 . The user may be so notified, such as with a display error message. A default user interface may be provided if the user is determined to have access rights to the device through their identification information. 
         [0038]    It will be appreciated that MFP functionality through the personalized user interface may suitably be accomplished by providing the interface directly on the user device display, such as an integrated touch screen display. By way of further example, a user may place their portable device over an MFP area and an NFC link is made. The user selections from their device&#39;s interface are suitably relayed to control the MFP. The MFP display may also be made to mirror or complement the MFP display, so as to provide for handheld control or to provide additional control options via simultaneous use of both touchscreens. 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is an example embodiment of user interfaces  800  which include a first customized active touchscreen  810  and a second customized active touchscreen  814 . The example touchscreens  810 ,  814  are suitably created by the controller in accordance with received and verified XML configuration data. Touchscreen  810  includes selectable areas for print  818 , fax  822 , scan  826 , staple  830  and collate  834 . A preview area  838  provides a view of an associated document as it will appear after printing. It will be appreciated that functionality of touchscreen  810  is an example of basic functionality as might be desired for unsophisticated users. Also, a greeting  842  is suitably directed to the user associated with the touchscreen  810  and identified by identification data communicated by the NFC interface. 
         [0040]    Touchscreen  814  is an example of an interface for a more sophisticated or more security conscious user. It too includes selectable areas for print  850 , fax  854  scan  858  and preview  862 , and also includes a selectable area for color/black-and-white  864  and more or fewer copies  866 , a number of which is displayed at  870 . In this example, the greeting  844  designates a different user as identified with information provided from the user device to the MFP such as via the NFC interface. However, this user&#39;s interface includes information relating to document security measures. A password entry field  878  facilitates another level of security before accessing documents. This may address risks in situations when a user&#39;s handheld device is in possession of someone other than its associated user. Also, selectable area allows for placement of the user&#39;s watermark  874  on printouts, for example, to indicate authenticity of the same. 
         [0041]    While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the spirit and scope of the inventions.