Patent Publication Number: US-2006017966-A1

Title: System and method for multiple users to access one or more data services

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/589,471 filed Jul. 20, 2004, entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTIPLE USERS TO ACCESS ONE OR MORE DATA SERVICES”, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      This invention is directed to a system and method for accessing data services by mobile users. More particularly, this invention is directed to a user interface which allows users in a non-office environment to access and use data services from multiple multifunction peripheral devices, such as scanning, printing, and distribution of documents and data. In addition, this invention is directed to a user interface which allows multiple users to access and use data services from one or more multifunctional peripheral devices.  
      Typically, users routinely work with documents or other data while away from their office environment. These users need to generate image data, by printing or scanning a document, and then to need to distribute or perform other functions on such image data. Multifunctional peripheral devices, such as printers and scanning devices, routinely perform such operations. The user accesses the data services via a user interface. The user interface is associated with or connected to the multifunctional peripheral device, such as a kiosk remote panel system. Currently there is one user interface or kiosk associated with each multifunctional peripheral device and that user interface or kiosk only functions in connection with that one multifunctional peripheral device. If there are multiple multifunctional peripheral devices at a location, multiple user interfaces or kiosks are needed for each device. The user interface or kiosk may be relatively expensive, such that the cost is to purchase the user interface or kiosk becomes a burden to the system return on investment  
      There is a need for a system and method for accessing data services by mobile users wherein more than one multifunctional peripheral device is able to be accessed by an associated user interface or kiosk. There is also a need for a system and method for accessing data services by mobile user wherein one than user is able to access one or more multifunctional peripheral devices from a user interface or kiosk.  
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
      In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system and method for accessing data services by mobile users.  
      Further, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a user interface which allows users in non-office environments to access and use data services provided by multiple multifunction peripheral devices, such as scanning, printing, and distribution of documents and data.  
      Further, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a user interface which allows a user to access or operate data services from multiple multifunctional peripheral devices.  
      Further, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a user interface which allows multiple users to access or operate data services for one or more multifunctional peripheral devices.  
      In the present invention, a mobile user is provided access to a multifunctional peripheral device in a non-office environment, such an airport lounge or hotel business center. The user is provided information about the various services available, such as scanning, printing, distribution, optical character recognition, and the available payment options. The user then selects the appropriate payment option. The user then provides selected information about the service the user wants to be performed. The user is then presented with the total cost of the service. Upon the user accepting the charges, the service is performed. The details of the transaction are archived and the user is billed for the service. The user also has the ability to access additional multifunctional peripheral devices for services from the same user interface. If the user desires to perform additional services on an additional device, the user repeats the same process for the additional services. In addition, multiple users have the ability to access the multifunctional peripheral devices for services from the same interface.  
      In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system for remotely accessing a plurality of document processing operations. The system includes communications means adapted to communicate, to an associated remote user interface, data representing multiple available document processing operations. The system also includes receiving means adapted to receive, via the remote user interface, selection data representing at least one of the document processing operations to be performed on at least one selected electronic document. The system further includes calculation means adapted to calculate the cost for performing the document processing according to the received selection data. The communication means further includes receiving means adapted to receive, via the remote user interface, order data confirming the acceptance of the cost for performing document processing. The system also employs commencement means adapted to commence the document processing according to the selection data.  
      Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for remotely accessing a plurality of document processing operations. The method begins by communicating data representing a plurality of available document processing operations to an associated user interface. Via the remote user interface, selection data is received representing at least one of the document processing operations to be performed on at least one selected electronic document. Cost data is then calculated representing the cost associated with performing the document processing according to the received selection data. Via the remote user interface, order data is received confirming acceptance of the cost data for performing the document processing according to the selection data. The document processing then commences in accordance with the selection data.  
      Still other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the best modes suited for to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a system for accessing fee-based data services by mobile users in accordance with the present invention; and  
       FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating a method for accessing fee-based services by mobile users in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating a method for accessing fee-based services by mobile users in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating a method for accessing fee-based services by mobile users in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is a screen template illustrating a user interface in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a screen template illustrating a user interface in accordance with the present invention; and  
       FIG. 7  is a screen template illustrating a user interface in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing fee-based data services to mobile users. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a system and method for remotely accessing a plurality of document processing operations.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a block diagram of a system  100  is shown in  FIG. 1 . In the present invention, a mobile user is provided access to one or more multifunctional peripheral devices, shown in  FIG. 1  as the multifunctional peripheral devices  102  and  104 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the multifunctional peripheral devices  102  and  104  are suitably located in a non-office environment, such as an airport lounge, retail location, or business center. Other non-office environment locations include, but are not limited to, university campuses, conference centers, libraries, and hotels. The user accesses the multifunctional peripheral devices  102  and  104  directly or via a computer or kiosk  106  using a suitable communications links  110  and  112 , respectively. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the multifunctional peripheral devices are any suitable multifunctional peripheral device known in the art, such as a copier, printer, scanner, facsimile and the like, or any combination thereof. Suitable commercially available multifunctional peripheral devices include, but are not limited to, the Toshiba e-Studio Series Controller. It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that while the present description employs two multifunctional peripheral devices  102  and  104 , the present invention is not limited thereto. For example and without limitation, the present invention is equally capable of using a single multifunctional peripheral device or more than two multifunctional peripheral devices, without departing from the scope of the subject invention.  
      A user interface is presented on the device or computer allowing the user to access the devices and associated services. In the preferred embodiment, the user interface is a touch screen display, capable of both displaying data to a user, as well as receiving user input. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any suitable user interface known in the art, including, but not limited to an alphanumeric keypad, an LCD, and the like, are equally capable of being employed by the present invention. In another embodiment, the user accesses the multifunctional peripheral device via a wireless device and connect using at least one of Bluetooth® standard, 802.11 g (WiFi) and other 802.11 compliant devices. In another embodiment, the user interface allows multiple users to access the one or more multifunctional peripheral devices from the single user interface. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the communications links  110 ,  112  are any means for communication between electronic devices, including for example and without limitation, an Ethernet based network, infrared connection, Wi-Fi connection or other 802.11(x)-based wireless connection, telephone connection, cellular connection, Bluetooth® standard-based connection and the like or any combination of communication means thereof.  
      The multifunctional peripheral devices  102 ,  104  are communicatively coupled to an associated central server  108  via a suitable communications link, such as the Internet. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the multifunctional peripheral devices  102 ,  104  suitably employ the kiosk  106  to facilitate data communication with the central server  108 , however the present invention is equally adaptable to using direct communication between the devices  102  and  104 , without using the kiosk  106 , such that the associated user interface of device  102  is suitably capable of controlling document processing operations of the second multifunctional peripheral device  104 , and communicate with the central server  108 . Preferably, the central server  108  and the kiosk  106  suitably communicate via the communications link  114 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the communications link  114  is any means for communication between electronic devices, including for example and without limitation, a telephone connection, a cellular connection, an infrared connection, a Wi-Fi connection or other 802.11(x)-based wireless connection, an Ethernet based network, a Bluetooth® standard-based connection and the like or any combination of communication means thereof.  
      The user is then provided with information about the services available to be performed. The information is provided in any suitable manner known in the art. The information is suitably provided by way of a user interface associated with the multifunctional peripheral device or documentation provided related thereto. In the preferred embodiment, the kiosk  106  suitably displays, via any means known in the art, the services to the user using an associated user interface device. The services provided to the user are those typically provided by multifunctional peripheral devices and associated software. In one embodiment, the system allows the user to generate or receive image data using the multifunctional peripheral device and then stores or archives such image data in an associated repository.  
      In another embodiment, the system allows the user to generate or receive image data using the multifunctional peripheral device, perform optical character recognition on the image data, and then transmit the image data to at least one selected destination. In a further embodiment, the system allows the user to generate or receive image data and then distribute the image data to at least one selected destination. In yet another embodiment, the system allows the user to generate or receive image data and then to output the image data according to the parameters selected by the user.  
      In a preferred embodiment, the user is then provided with information about the available payment options for paying for the desired services. The user then selects the desired payment option from the options provided. After selecting the desired payment option, the user is prompted to provide selected information about the desired service to be performed. Once the user has accepted the services by any suitable means known in the art, the services are performed. The user is then billed for the services performed depending on the payment option selected by any suitable means known in the art.  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  employs the kiosk  106  to facilitate selection of one or both of the multifunctional peripheral devices  102 ,  104  by one or more users. In operation, the present invention enables one or more users to select document processing operations using the kiosk  106 , via a split-screen user interface, which is further described below. The users are able to select the same device, both devices, or devices remotely located from the kiosk  106 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention enables a single user to select multiple multifunctional peripheral devices  102 ,  104  to process a single document processing operation, or multiple document processing operations.  
      In addition, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the present invention allows multiple users to select and make use of the same or multiple multifunctional peripheral devices  102 ,  104  to contemporaneously process selected document processing operations. For example, and without limitation, a first user is able to select the multifunctional peripheral device  102  to output a print job. During the output of the print job, the user is able to select, via the kiosk  106 , the second multifunctional peripheral device  104  to transmit a facsimile of a document. Alternatively, a second user, accessing the second multifunctional peripheral device  104  via a split-screen user interface associated with the kiosk  106 , suitably scans a document to storage on the central server  108 . Those skilled in the art will better appreciate the foregoing system in connection with the additional figures, discussed below.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a flowchart  200  illustrating a method for accessing data services in accordance with the present invention. Beginning at step  202 , the user access the multifunctional peripheral system via the user interface associated with the multifunctional peripheral devices  102 ,  104 , the kiosk  106 , or via any suitable means as described above. The user interface shows the available multifunctional peripheral devices as shown at  204 . At  206 , the user selects the multifunctional peripheral device to perform the services based on the job requirements. For example, the user is able to select more than one multifunctional peripheral device to process a large print job, wherein the available selected devices share the processing of the large print job. The present invention also enables the user to select one device to process a large print job, while employing a second device to perform several other smaller document processing operations. At  208 , the user selects the parameters or properties for the job. Once the desired parameters have been selected, flow proceeds to step  210 , wherein the selected multifunctional peripheral device performs the desired document processing operation. In one embodiment, the system further charges the user for the costs associated with the selected document processing operations, as set forth below in  FIG. 4 .  
      At  212 , a determination is made whether the user desires to perform additional services on the selected multifunctional peripheral device or other multifunctional peripheral devices. If the user does not desire additional services, the process terminates. If the user desires additional services, the process returns to  204  wherein the user selects the desired device and services. While shown at the end of the processing of the first job, it is understood by one of skill in the art, that the user is able to select additional services at any time during the processing of the first job. The foregoing method will better be understood in connection with the template screen of  FIG. 5 , illustrating one embodiment of a user interface for selecting a multifunctional peripheral device in accordance with the present invention.  
      Turning now to  FIG. 5  there is shown a screen template  500  illustrating a graphical user interface for the accessing of a multifunctional peripheral device by a mobile user in accordance with the present invention. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the template  500  depicted in  FIG. 5  is for example purposes only and the present invention is not limited to the format disclosed thereon. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the template  500  suitably comprises a graphical user interface, suitably displayed on the kiosk  106 , or alternatively on the associated displays of the one or more multifunctional peripheral devices  102  and  104 . The template screen  500  includes a display of the available multifunctional peripheral devices, shown as the selection box  502 . The selection box  502  includes a listing of those document processing devices available to the user on the system  100 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the user advantageously employs any methods known in the art to select one or more devices, including, without limitation, depressing the control key while selecting more than one item in the list.  
      Selected document processing devices are suitably displayed in the selected devices box  504 . As show n in  FIG. 5 , each of the selected devices are assigned a device number. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the assignment of a device number is suitably displayed herein for example purposes only and the present invention is not so limited to the template  500  of  FIG. 5 . Upon the selection of a device, the user is prompted to select a desired document processing operation, using the graphical icons illustrated in  FIG. 5 . For example, upon the user selection of device  1 , as shown in box  504 , a pull-down menu of available document processing operations is suitably displayed in the device  1  box  506 . The user is capable of selecting the one or more desired document processing operations from this listing. In the event that the user has selected more than one device, a second box  508 , corresponding to device  2 , shown in box  504 , is advantageously displayed, enabling the user to select the one or more desired document processing operations to be performed by the second document processing device. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the template  500  suitably displays two devices, in accordance with the example system  100  of  FIG. 1 . It will be understood by the skilled artisan that the present invention is equally capable of implementing a single device or more than two devices, with the template  500  reflecting the number of devices selected.  
      Once the user has selected the desired devices and the desired document processing operations, the user selects the next icon  510  to proceed with the document processing operations selected. When the user desires to clear the template  500  of the selected information, the user selects the clear icon  512 , wherein the screen returns to an unselected state and the user is able to begin the selection process again. When the user desires to end the session, or exit the system, the user selects the cancel icon  514 , wherein the process terminates and the system is ready for the next user.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a flowchart for allowing multiple users to access data services according to the present invention. A user access the multifunctional peripheral system via the user interface via any suitable means as described above as shown at  302 . The user interface shows the available multifunctional peripheral devices as shown at  304 . At  306 , the user selects the multifunctional peripheral device to perform the services based on the job requirements. At  308 , the user selects the parameters or properties for the job. Once the desired parameters have been input, the selected multifunctional peripheral device performs the document processing operation at step  310 . In one embodiment, the user is charged for the costs associated with the selected document processing operations, as set forth below in  FIG. 4 .  
      At  312 , a determination is made whether a second user desires to perform additional services on the selected multifunctional peripheral device or other multifunctional peripheral devices. If no second user desires to access the services, the process terminates. If a second user does desire to access the services, the process returns to  304  wherein the second user selects the desired device and services. While shown at the end of the processing of the first job, it is understood by one of skill in the art, that the second user is able to access the services at any time during the processing of the first job. As previously mentioned, the present invention is capable of enabling simultaneous access to the multifunctional peripheral devices  102  and  104  to a single or multiple users.  FIG. 6  illustrates a screen template  600  showing one embodiment wherein two users are able to simultaneously access the system in accordance with the present invention.  
      As shown in  FIG. 6 , the template suitably includes two windows, or panes  602  and  604 , corresponding to two users. The left-pane  602  corresponds to the first user, while the right-pane  604  corresponds to the second user. In accordance with the present invention, the users are able to access the same multifunctional peripheral devices, or alternatively, to select different devices, for document processing operations. In the preferred embodiment, the touch-screen associated with the kiosk  106  advantageously is divided into the panes  602  and  604 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate the cost savings and benefits to using the same touch-screen for multiple users. It will be understood, however, that the present invention is equally capable of using more than one touch-screen or kiosk to facilitate multiple users and the present invention is not limited solely to the shared screen of  FIG. 6 .  
      As previously set forth above with respect to  FIG. 5 , each pane  602 ,  604  of  FIG. 6  provides the users with the ability to select one or more document processing devices from the selection boxes  606  and  618 , respectively. The first user suitably uses the left-pane  602  to select one of the available multifunction peripherals from the list shown in box  606 . The first user&#39;s selection is advantageously displayed in the selected device box  608 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the selected device is assigned a device number. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the assignment of a device number is suitably displayed herein for example purposes only. Upon the selection of a device, the first user is prompted to select a desired document processing operation, using the graphical icons illustrated in  FIG. 6 . For example, upon the user selection of device  1 , as shown in box  608 , a pull-down menu of available document processing operations is suitably displayed in the device  1  box  610 . The first user is capable of selecting the one or more desired document processing operations from this listing. It will be understood by the skilled artisan that the present invention is equally capable of implementing a single device or more than two devices, with the template  600  reflecting the number of devices selected.  
      Once the first user has selected the desired devices and the desired document processing operations, the user selects the next icon  612  to proceed with the document processing operations selected. When the first user desires to clear the selected information, the first user selects the clear icon  614 , wherein the screen returns to an unselected state and the first user is able to begin the selection process again. When the first user desires to end the session, or exit the system, the first user selects the cancel icon  616 , wherein the process terminates and the system is ready for the next user.  
      Contemporaneously with the first user, the second user is able to select one of the available multifunction peripherals from the list shown in box  618 . The second user&#39;s selection is then displayed in the selected device box  620 . As previously discussed, the selected device is assigned a device number. Following device selection, the second user selects a desired document processing operation, using the icons shown in  FIG. 6 . Thus, for example, after the second user&#39;s selection of device  3 , as shown in box  620 , a pull-down menu of available document processing operations is suitably displayed in the device  3  box  622 . The second user then selects one or more desired document processing operations from this listing. It will be understood by the skilled artisan that the present invention is capable of implementing a single device or more than two devices, with the template  600  reflecting the number of devices selected.  
      Once the second user has selected the desired device and the desired document processing operations, the second user selects the next icon  624  to proceed with the document processing operations selected. When the second user desires to clear the selected information, the second user selects the clear icon  626 , wherein the screen returns to an unselected state and the second user is able to begin the selection process again. When the second user desires to end the session, or exit the system, the second user selects the cancel icon  628 , wherein the process terminates and the system is ready for the next user.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a flow chart  400  illustrating the cost recovery operation performed in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 4  shows a flowchart for providing fee-based data services to users in a non-office environment according to the present invention. Following access of the multifunctional peripheral system, as explained above with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the user is presented with a description of the document processing services capable of being performed by the selected multifunctional peripheral devices and the available payment options. Beginning at step  402 , the system calculates the appropriate charges via any suitable means and presents the charges to the user via any suitable means for user approval. At  404 , the user accepts the transaction via any suitable means. At  406 , the user is prompted to specify a payment option via any suitable means and to provide the necessary information for the associated payment option.  
      At  408 , the user selects the desired payment option via any suitable means and provides the information required to effectuate such payment via any suitable means. At step  410 , the system verifies the payment information received from the user. Upon verification of the payment information, a receipt for the transaction is generated at step  412  by the multifunctional peripheral device. The details of the transaction are posted in an associated database via any suitable means for later retrieval as shown at  414 .  
      Turning now to  FIG. 7  there is shown a screen template  700  illustrating a graphical user interface for the acceptance of costs associated with the performance of document processing operations by a selected multifunctional peripheral device in accordance with the present invention. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the template  700  depicted in  FIG. 7  is for example purposes only and the present invention is not limited to the format disclosed thereon. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the template  700  suitably displays the selected document processing operations at box  702 . For ease of explanation, only a single document processing operation is shown in  FIG. 7 , however, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is equally capable of displaying more than one document processing operation in the box  702  corresponding to document processing operations selected by the user.  
      The template  700  further includes a display box  704  illustrating the costs associated with the performance of the document processing operation. For example and without limitation, the box  704  depicts a per-page cost for each page printed by the selected document processing device. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the charges assessed in accordance with the present invention are capable of being implemented as flat-fee, pre-paid debiting, reduced cost, and the like, in addition to the per-page basis illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the skilled artisan will understand that the selection of finishing options, now shown, will further affect the costs associated with the performance of the document processing operation.  
      The user is prompted to select a payment option from the option box  706 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the user is suitably required to input a credit card number, when using the credit card payment option, a valid customer/client account number, when using the account payment option, a valid pre-paid authorization card/code, when using the pre-paid payment option, and the like. When using any payment method other than the cash option, the user is suitably prompted to input, if required, contact information corresponding to the payment method selected in box  708 . The total costs associated with the document processing operations are then displayed at  710 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the total costs are capable of adjustment based upon coupon usage, quantity discounts, customer preferences, and the like. The user then accepts the costs associated with the selected document processing operations by selecting the accept icon  712 , or cancels the selected document processing operations by selecting the cancel icon  714 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that following acceptance of the costs by the user, the selected document processing operations are performed by the selected multifunctional peripheral device(s) in accordance with the methods discussed above.  
      The invention extends to computer programs in the form of source code, object code, code intermediate sources and object code (such as in a partially compiled form), or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the invention. Computer programs are suitably standalone applications, software components, scripts or plug-ins to other applications. Computer programs embedding the invention are advantageously embodied on a carrier, being any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program: for example, a storage medium such as ROM or RAM, optical recording media such as CD-ROM or magnetic recording media such as floppy discs. The carrier is any transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal conveyed by electrical or optical cable, or by radio or other means. Computer programs are suitably downloaded across the Internet from a server. Computer programs are also capable of being embedded in an integrated circuit. Any and all such embodiments containing code that will cause a computer to perform substantially the invention principles as described, will fall within the scope of the invention.  
      The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention 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 invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to use the invention 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 invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.