Patent Publication Number: US-2010115468-A1

Title: System and method for hierarchical electronic file navigation from a processing device front panel

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject application is directed generally to file navigation via a graphical user interface. The application is particularly applicable to file navigation for efficient file selection and folder selection in connection with document processing devices. 
     Document processing devices include copies, printers, facsimile machines, scanners and electronic mail clients. More recently, two or more of these functions are included in a single device, referred to as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) or multifunction device (MFD). 
     Modern document processing devices frequently employ a graphical user interface wherein device status or device controls appear as indicia, such as icons, on the display. A user suitably selects a function via interaction with the display with a mouse, trackball, touchscreen, or other suitable input. More powerful document processing devices may include data storage areas or alternatively provide a gateway to data storage on a remote system, such as a workstation or file server. 
     Many data storage systems employ hierarchical data storage, such as file folders which are often nested within one another, and may also include electronic documents such as data files, image files, or the like. It is often difficult to navigate through such electronic files in the environment of a document processing device user interface. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, there is provided a system and method for hierarchical electronic file navigation. A plurality of electronic files are stored in an associated data storage. User identification data is received and indicia are generated corresponding to a default listing of a subset of electronic files on an associated display in accordance with received user identification data, each of which electronic file is comprised of one of an electronic document and a document folder, and wherein each indicia corresponding to an electronic document includes a thumbnail image thereof and wherein each indicia corresponding to a document folder includes a folder icon. Selection data is received from an associated user corresponding to a selected electronic folder listed on the display and indicia are generated on the display corresponding to an updated listing of electronic files corresponding to contents of the selected document folder. Shortcut selection data is received from the user corresponding to at least one selected electronic file and the at least one selected electronic file is added to the default listing in accordance with received shortcut selection data. 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject application is described with reference to certain figures, including: 
         FIG. 1  is an overall diagram of a hierarchical electronic file navigation system according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating device hardware for use in the hierarchical electronic file navigation system according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 3  is a functional diagram illustrating the device for use in the hierarchical electronic file navigation system according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating controller hardware for use in the hierarchical electronic file navigation system according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 5  is a functional diagram illustrating the controller for use in the hierarchical electronic file navigation system according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a server for use in the hierarchical electronic file navigation system according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating the hierarchical electronic file navigation system according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 8  is a functional diagram illustrating the hierarchical electronic file navigation system according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a hierarchical electronic file navigation method according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a hierarchical electronic file navigation method according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 11  is an example screen illustrating a user interface for use in the system and method for hierarchical electronic file navigation according to one embodiment of the subject application; and 
         FIG. 12  is an example screen illustrating a user interface for use in the system and method for hierarchical electronic file navigation according to one embodiment of the subject application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The subject application is directed to a system and method for file navigation via a graphical user interface. In particular, the subject application is directed to a system and method for efficient file selection and folder selection in connection with document processing devices. More particularly, the subject application is directed to a system and method for hierarchical electronic file navigation. 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 file navigations, including, for example and without limitation, communications, general computing, data processing, document processing, financial transactions, vending of products or services, or the like. The preferred embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 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 to  FIG. 1 , shown is an overall diagram of a type system  100  for hierarchical electronic file navigation in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  is capable of implementation using a distributed computing environment, illustrated as a computer network  102 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the computer network  102  is 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 network  102  includes, 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 any suitable combination thereof. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the computer network  102  is 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 network  102  is shown in  FIG. 1 , the subject application is equally capable of use in a stand-alone system, as will be known in the art. 
     The system  100  also includes a document processing device  104 , which is depicted in  FIG. 1  as a multifunction peripheral device, 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 device  104  is suitably adapted to provide remote document processing services to external or network devices. Preferably, the document processing device  104  includes hardware, software, and any suitable combination thereof, configured to interact with an associated user, a networked device, or the like. 
     According to one embodiment of the subject application, the document processing device  104  is 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 device  104  further includes an associated user interface  106 , such as a touchscreen, LCD display, touch-panel, alpha-numeric keypad, or the like, via which an associated user is able to interact directly with the document processing device  104 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the user interface  106  is advantageously used to communicate information to the associated user and receive selections from the associated user. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the user interface  106  comprises 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, the user interface  106  comprises 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 controller  108 , as explained in greater detail below. Preferably, the document processing device  104  is communicatively coupled to the computer network  102  via a communications link  112 . 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. The functioning of the document processing device  104  will be better understood in conjunction with the block diagrams illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , explained in greater detail below. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the document processing device  104  incorporates a backend component, designated as the controller  108 , suitably adapted to facilitate the operations of the document processing device  104 , as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the controller  108  is embodied as hardware, software, or any suitable combination thereof, configured to control the operations of the associated document processing device  104 , facilitate the display of images via the user interface  106 , direct the manipulation of electronic image data, and the like. For purposes of explanation, the controller  108  is used to refer to any myriad of components associated with the document processing device  104 , 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 controller  108  is capable of being performed by any general purpose computing system, known in the art, and thus the controller  108  is representative of such general computing devices and is intended as such when used hereinafter. Furthermore, the use of the controller  108  hereinafter is for the example embodiment only, and other embodiments, which will be apparent to one skilled in the art, are capable of employing the hierarchical electronic file navigation system and method. The functioning of the controller  108  will better be understood in conjunction with the block diagrams illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , explained in greater detail below. 
     Communicatively coupled to the document processing device  104  is a data storage device  110 . In accordance with the one embodiment of the subject application, the data storage device  110  is any mass storage device 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 one embodiment, the data storage device  110  is suitably adapted to store scanned image data, modified image data, redacted data, user information, cellular telephone data, pre-set payment data, document data, image data, electronic database data, or the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being a separate component of the system  100 , the data storage device  110  is capable of being implemented as an internal storage component of the document processing device  104 , a component of the controller  108 , 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 device  110  is capable of storing document processing instructions, usage data, user interface data, job control data, controller status data, component execution data, images, advertisements, user information, location information, output templates, mapping data, multimedia data files, fonts, and the like. 
       FIG. 1  also illustrates a kiosk  114  communicatively coupled to the document processing device  104 , and in effect, the computer network  102 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the kiosk  114  is capable of being implemented as a separate component of the document processing device  104 , or as an integral component thereof. Use of the kiosk  114  in  FIG. 1  is for example purposes only, and the skilled artisan will appreciate that the subject application is capable of implementation without the use of the kiosk  114 . In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the kiosk  114  includes an associated display  116 , and a user input device  118 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art the kiosk  114  is capable of implementing a combination user input device/display, such as a touchscreen interface. According to one embodiment of the subject application, the kiosk  114  is suitably adapted to display prompts to an associated user, receive document processing instructions from the associated user, receive payment data, receive selection data from the associated user, and the like. Preferably, the kiosk  114  includes 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 system  100  of  FIG. 1  also includes a portable storage device reader  120 , coupled to the kiosk  114 , which is 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 system  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  further depicts a backend component, shown as the server  122 , in data communication with the computer network  102  via a communications link  126 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the server  122  is shown in  FIG. 1  as a component of the system  100  for example purposes only, and the subject application is capable of implementation without the use of a separate backend server component. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the server  122  comprises hardware, software, and combinations thereof suitably adapted to provide one or more services, web-based applications, storage options, and the like, to networked devices. In accordance with one example embodiment of the subject application, the server  122  includes various components, implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof, for managing retention of secured documents, text data, performing searches, comparisons, maintaining database entries, account information, receiving payment data, retrieval of documents, and the like, which are accessed via the computer network  102 . The communications link  126  is any suitable data communications means known in the art including, but not limited to wireless communications comprising, for example and without limitation Bluetooth, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), a proprietary communications network, infrared, the public switched telephone network, optical, or any suitable wireless data transmission system, or wired communications known in the art. It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the components described with respect to the server  122  are capable of implementation on any suitable computing device coupled to the computer network  102 , e.g. the controller  108 , or the like. 
     Communicatively coupled to the server  122  is the data storage device  124 . According to the foregoing example embodiment, the data storage device  124  is 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 device  124  is suitably adapted to store database entries, software updates, secured electronic documents, text data, data strings, account information, policy information, and the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being a separate component of the system  100 , the data storage device  124  is capable of being implemented as an internal storage component of the server  122 , or the like, such as, for example and without limitation, an internal hard disk drive, or the like. In accordance with one particular embodiment of the subject application, the data storage device  124  stores lightweight directory access protocol data, such as user account information, in a plurality of searchable entries, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The functioning of the server  122  will be better understood in conjunction with the block diagram illustrated in  FIG. 6 , explained in greater detail below. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is a representative architecture of a suitable device  200 , shown in  FIG. 1  as the document processing device  104 , on which operations of the subject system are completed. Included is a processor  202 , suitably comprised of a central processor unit. However, it will be appreciated that the processor  202  may 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 memory  204  which 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 device  200 . 
     Also included in the device  200  is random access memory  206 , 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 processor  202 . 
     A storage interface  208  suitably provides a mechanism for volatile, bulk or long term storage of data associated with the device  200 . The storage interface  208  suitably uses bulk storage, such as any suitable addressable or serial storage, such as a disk, optical, tape drive and the like as shown as  216 , as well as any suitable storage medium as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     A network interface subsystem  210  suitably routes input and output from an associated network allowing the device  200  to communicate to other devices. The network interface subsystem  210  suitably interfaces with one or more connections with external devices to the device  200 . By way of example, illustrated is at least one network interface card  214  for data communication with fixed or wired networks, such as Ethernet, token ring, and the like, and a wireless interface  218 , 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 card  214  is interconnected for data interchange via a physical network  220 , suitably comprised of a local area network, wide area network, or a combination thereof. 
     Data communication between the processor  202 , read only memory  204 , random access memory  206 , storage interface  208  and the network subsystem  210  is suitably accomplished via a bus data transfer mechanism, such as illustrated by the bus  212 . 
     Suitable executable instructions on the device  200  facilitate 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 interface  222  to a user input/output panel  224  as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Also in data communication with the bus  212  are interfaces to one or more document processing engines. In the illustrated embodiment, printer interface  226 , copier interface  228 , scanner interface  230 , and facsimile interface  232  facilitate communication with printer engine  234 , copier engine  236 , scanner engine  238 , and facsimile engine  240 , respectively. It is to be appreciated that the device  200  suitably 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 to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is a suitable document processing device, depicted in  FIG. 1  as the document processing device  104 , for use in connection with the disclosed system.  FIG. 3  illustrates suitable functionality of the hardware of  FIG. 2  in connection with software and operating system functionality as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The document processing device  300  suitably includes an engine  302  which facilitates one or more document processing operations. 
     The document processing engine  302  suitably includes a print engine  304 , facsimile engine  306 , scanner engine  308  and console panel  310 . The print engine  304  allows for output of physical documents representative of an electronic document communicated to the processing device  300 . The facsimile engine  306  suitably communicates to or from external facsimile devices via a device, such as a fax modem. 
     The scanner engine  308  suitably functions to receive hard copy documents and in turn image data corresponding thereto. A suitable user interface, such as the console panel  310 , suitably allows for input of instructions and display of information to an associated user. It will be appreciated that the scanner engine  308  is 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 of  FIG. 3 , the document processing engine also comprises an interface  316  with a network via driver  326 , 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 engine  302  is suitably in data communication with one or more device drivers  314 , which device drivers allow for data interchange from the document processing engine  302  to one or more physical devices to accomplish the actual document processing operations. Such document processing operations include one or more of printing via driver  318 , facsimile communication via driver  320 , scanning via driver  322  and a user interface functions via driver  324 . It will be appreciated that these various devices are integrated with one or more corresponding engines associated with the document processing engine  302 . 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 to  FIG. 4 , illustrated is a representative architecture of a suitable backend component, i.e., the controller  400 , shown in  FIG. 1  as the controller  108 , on which operations of the subject system  100  are completed. The skilled artisan will understand that the controller  400  is representative of any general computing device, known in the art, capable of facilitating the methodologies described herein. Included is a processor  402 , suitably comprised of a central processor unit. However, it will be appreciated that processor  402  may 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 memory  404  which 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 controller  400 . 
     Also included in the controller  400  is random access memory  406 , 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 processor  402 . 
     A storage interface  408  suitably provides a mechanism for non-volatile, bulk or long term storage of data associated with the controller  400 . The storage interface  408  suitably uses bulk storage, such as any suitable addressable or serial storage, such as a disk, optical, tape drive and the like as shown as  416 , as well as any suitable storage medium as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     A network interface subsystem  410  suitably routes input and output from an associated network allowing the controller  400  to communicate to other devices. The network interface subsystem  410  suitably interfaces with one or more connections with external devices to the device  400 . By way of example, illustrated is at least one network interface card  414  for data communication with fixed or wired networks, such as Ethernet, token ring, and the like, and a wireless interface  418 , 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  414  is interconnected for data interchange via a physical network  420 , suitably comprised of a local area network, wide area network, or a combination thereof. 
     Data communication between the processor  402 , read only memory  404 , random access memory  406 , storage interface  408  and the network interface subsystem  410  is suitably accomplished via a bus data transfer mechanism, such as illustrated by bus  412 . 
     Also in data communication with the bus  412  is a document processor interface  422 . The document processor interface  422  suitably provides connection with hardware  432  to perform one or more document processing operations. Such operations include copying accomplished via copy hardware  424 , scanning accomplished via scan hardware  426 , printing accomplished via print hardware  428 , and facsimile communication accomplished via facsimile hardware  430 . It is to be appreciated that the controller  400  suitably 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 system  100  is accomplished on a suitable document processing device, such as the document processing device  104 , which includes the controller  400  of  FIG. 4 , (shown in  FIG. 1  as the controller  108 ) as an intelligent subsystem associated with a document processing device. In the illustration of  FIG. 5 , controller function  500  in the preferred embodiment includes a document processing engine  502 . Suitable controller functionality is that incorporated into the Toshiba e-Studio system in the preferred embodiment.  FIG. 5  illustrates suitable functionality of the hardware of  FIG. 4  in connection with software and operating system functionality as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the engine  502  allows 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 engine  502  is suitably interfaced to a user interface panel  510 , which panel allows for a user or administrator to access functionality controlled by the engine  502 . Access is suitably enabled via an interface local to the controller, or remotely via a remote thin or thick client. 
     The engine  502  is in data communication with the print function  504 , facsimile function  506 , and scan function  508 . 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 queue  512  is suitably in data communication with the print function  504 , facsimile function  506 , and scan function  508 . 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 function  308  for subsequent handling via the job queue  512 . 
     The job queue  512  is also in data communication with network services  514 . In a preferred embodiment, job control, status data, or electronic document data is exchanged between the job queue  512  and the network services  514 . Thus, suitable interface is provided for network based access to the controller function  500  via client side network services  520 , 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 services  514  also advantageously supplies data interchange with client side services  520  for communication via FTP, electronic mail, TELNET, or the like. Thus, the controller function  500  facilitates output or receipt of electronic document and user information via various network access mechanisms. 
     The job queue  512  is also advantageously placed in data communication with an image processor  516 . The image processor  516  is 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 print  504 , facsimile  506  or scan  508 . 
     Finally, the job queue  512  is in data communication with a parser  518 , which parser suitably functions to receive print job language files from an external device, such as client device services  522 . The client device services  522  suitably include printing, facsimile transmission, or other suitable input of an electronic document for which handling by the controller function  500  is advantageous. The parser  518  functions to interpret a received electronic document file and relay it to the job queue  512  for handling in connection with the afore-described functionality and components. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , illustrated is a representative architecture of a suitable server  600  (depicted in  FIG. 1  as the server  122 ), on which operations of the subject system are completed. Included is a processor  602 , suitably comprised of a central processor unit. However, it will be appreciated that processor  602  may 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 memory  604  which 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 server  600 . 
     Also included in the server  600  is random access memory  606 , 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 processor  602 . 
     A storage interface  608  suitably provides a mechanism for volatile, bulk or long term storage of data associated with the server  600 . The storage interface  608  suitably uses bulk storage, such as any suitable addressable or serial storage, such as a disk, optical, tape drive and the like as shown as  616 , as well as any suitable storage medium as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     A network interface subsystem  610  suitably routes input and output from an associated network allowing the server  600  to communicate to other devices. The network interface subsystem  610  suitably interfaces with one or more connections with external devices to the server  600 . By way of example, illustrated is at least one network interface card  614  for data communication with fixed or wired networks, such as Ethernet, token ring, and the like, and a wireless interface  618 , 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  614  is interconnected for data interchange via a physical network  620 , suitably comprised of a local area network, wide area network, or a combination thereof. 
     Data communication between the processor  602 , read only memory  604 , random access memory  606 , storage interface  608  and the network subsystem  610  is suitably accomplished via a bus data transfer mechanism, such as illustrated by bus  612 . 
     Suitable executable instructions on the server  600  facilitate 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 interface  622  as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , illustrated is a block diagram of a system  700  for hierarchical electronic file navigation in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. The system  700  includes a display  702  and a data storage  704  storing a plurality of electronic files  706 . The system  700  also includes a user identification data input  708  configured to receive user identification data from an associated user. The data storage  704  and the user identification data input  708  are in data communication with a display generator  710 , which is configured to display indicia  712  on the display  702 . 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the displayed indicia  712  corresponds to a default listing of a subset of electronic files, e.g. the files  706  of the data storage  704 , on the display  702  in accordance with identification data received via the input  708 . Each of the electronic files  706  is either an electronic document or a document folder. Preferably, each indicia  712  corresponding to an electronic document includes a thumbnail image of the document, and each indicia  712  corresponding to a document folder includes a folder icon. 
     The system  700  further includes a folder selection data input  714  that is configured to receive from an associated user, selection data corresponding to a selected electronic folder listed on the display  702 . The display generator  710  receives such selection data from the input  714  so as to generate indicia  712  on the display  702  corresponding to an updated listing of electronic files corresponding to contents of the selected document folder. The system  700  also includes a shortcut selection data input  716 , which is configured to receive shortcut selection data from the user. Preferably, the shortcut selection data corresponds to at least one electronic file that has been selected by the associated user. Thereafter, an updater  718 , in communication with the shortcut input  716  and the display  702 , adds the at least one selected electronic file to the default listing on the display  702  in accordance with received shortcut selection data. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a functional diagram illustrating the system  800  for hierarchical electronic file navigation in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. File storage  802  first occurs of a plurality of electronic files in an associated data storage. Next, identification data receipt  804  occurs of identification data corresponding to an associated user. Indicia generation  806  is then performed corresponding to a default listing of a subset of electronic files on an associated display based upon data received via  804 . In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, each of the electronic files consists of either an electronic document or a document folder. Preferably, each indicia resulting from the indicia generation  806  that corresponds to an electronic document includes a thumbnail image of the document. Similarly, each indicia resulting from the indicia generation  806  that corresponds to a document folder includes a folder icon. 
     Folder selection data receipt  808  then occurs from selection data from an associated user. According to one embodiment of the subject application, the selection data corresponds to a selected electronic folder that is listed on the associated display. Updated indicia generation  810  is then performed of updated indicia on the display corresponding to the updated listing of electronic files representing the contents of the selected document folder. Shortcut selection data receipt  812  then occurs from the associated user, which data corresponds to at least one selected electronic file. Thereafter, selected file addition  814  is then performed corresponding to the addition of the at least one selected electronic file to the default listing according to the data received via the shortcut selection data at  812 . 
     The skilled artisan will appreciate that the subject system  100  and components described above with respect to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8  will be better understood in conjunction with the methodologies described hereinafter with respect to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , as well as the example illustrations depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Turning now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a flowchart  900  illustrating a hierarchical electronic file navigation method in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. 
     Beginning at step  902 , a plurality of electronic files are stored in an associated data storage, e.g. the data storage device  110 , the data storage device  124  associated with the server  122 , or the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such files include, for example and without limitation, documents, photographs, images, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, and the like. 
     At step  904 , the controller  108  or other suitable component associated with the document processing device  104  receives user identification data. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such receipt is capable of being accomplished via the user interface  106 , the kiosk  114 , or the like. Suitable user identification data includes, for example and without limitation, biometric data, username, password, smart card, or the like. At step  906 , indicia of default listings of a subset of electronic files are generated on the display (user interface  106  or display  116 ) in accordance with the received user identification data. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, each of the electronic files is comprised of either an electronic document or a document folder. In such an embodiment, each indicia corresponding to an electronic document includes a thumbnail image of the document and each indicia corresponding to a document folder includes a folder icon. 
     Selection data is then received at step  908  corresponding to an electronic folder listed on the display  106  or  116  that is selected by the associated user. The controller  108  or other suitable component associated with the document processing device  104  then directs the generation, at step  910 , of indicia on the display  106  or  116  corresponding to an updated listing of electronic files representing the contents of the selected document folder. At step  912 , shortcut selection data is received from the associated user via the user interface  106 , the kiosk  114 , or the like. According to one embodiment of the subject application, the shortcut selection data corresponds to at least one selected electronic file from among those displayed via the user interface  106  or display  116 . At step  914 , the at least one selected electronic file is added to the default listing in accordance with received shortcut selection data. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a flowchart  1000  illustrating a hierarchical electronic file navigation method in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. The methodology of  FIG. 10  begins at step  1002 , whereupon the controller  108  or other suitable component associated with the document processing device  104  receives user identification data from an associated user via the user interface  106 , the kiosk  114 , or the like. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that such identification data is capable of including, for example and without limitation, a username, password, biometric data, smart card, or the like. Stored electronic files associated with the received user identification data are then retrieved from an associated data storage at step  1004 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the controller  108  or other suitable component associated with the document processing device  104  is capable of retrieving such stored files from the data storage device  110  associated with the device  104 , from a network storage, such as the data storage  124  associated with the server  122 , or the like. 
     At step  1006 , indicia of a default listing of a subset of files retrieved in association with the user identification data are generated on the user interface  106 , the display  116 , or other suitable component associated with the document processing device  104 . At step  1008 , selection data is received from the associated user corresponding to an electronic folder listed on the display. Following selection data receipt at step  1008 , flow progresses to step  1010 , whereupon the controller  108  or other suitable component associated with the document processing device  104  generates a linear display of indicia on the display  106  or  116  corresponding to a sequence of files selected by the user. At step  1012 , indicia are generated on the display  106  or  116  of contents associated with the selected folder. That is, the files and/or subfolders stored in the selected folder are displayed via the user interface  106  or display  116 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that steps  1010  and  1012  are depicted separately in  FIG. 10  for example purposes only, and the skilled artisan will appreciate that the subject application is capable of simultaneously generating the linear display and contents on the user interface  106  or display  116 . Turning now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown an example user interface  1100  that illustrates the linear display  1102  of indicia (folders  1104 ) in accordance with the methodology of  FIG. 10 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the user interface  1100  includes the display  1106  of contents, depicted as nested folders  1108  and a document  1110 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 10 , at step  1014 , selection data is received from the associated user via the user interface  106  or kiosk  116  corresponding to a selected one of the indicia on the display  1100 . A determination is then made at step  1016  whether the user has selected a nested folder  1108  or an electronic file, e.g. document  1110 . Upon a determination at step  1016  that the user has selected a nested folder  1108 , flow proceeds to step  1018 , whereupon the linear display  1102  is hierarchically ordered in accordance with the nested document folders  1108 . At step  1020 , indicia are generated on the display  106  or  116  corresponding to an updated listing of files corresponding to contents of selected indicia on the linear display  1102 . Following generation of the indicia on the display  106  or  116 , flow returns to step  1012 , whereupon the contents of the selected folder are suitable generated on the display  106  or  116 , as set forth above. 
     Upon a determination at step  1016  that a nested folder has not been selected, flow proceeds to step  1022 , whereupon a determination is made whether an instruction to hide a folder has been received from the associated user.  FIG. 11  illustrates a suitable icon  1112  the selection of which would indicate an instruction to hide a selected folder  1108 . When a hide instruction has been received, flow proceeds to step  1024 , whereupon the indicia associated with the selected folder is removed from the interface  1100  of the display  106  or  116  in accordance with the received hide instruction. Operations then return to step  1006 , for further operations in accordance with the file and folder data retrieved in accordance with the user identification data. When a folder hide instruction has not been received, flow progresses from step  1022  to step  1026 . At step  1026 , a determination is made whether an instruction has been received from the associated user to add a shortcut associated with the selected file.  FIG. 11  illustrates a suitable icon  1114  on the interface  1100  the selection of which indicates a desire to generate a shortcut of the selected folder on the default listing of files associated with the user identification data. At step  1028 , the selected file or folder is added to the default listings and flow returns to step  1006 , as explained in greater detail above.  FIG. 12  illustrates an example user interface  1200  displaying electronic folders  1202  and shortcuts  1204  for user selection in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the user interface  1200  is capable of being displayed on the user interface  106  or the kiosk  114  associated with the document processing device  104 . User selection of one of the displayed folders  1202  is capable of being accomplished via touch screen interaction of the user interface  106  or display  116 , user input device  118 , or the like. 
     Upon a determination at step  1026  that no shortcut selection has been made, flow proceeds to step  1030 . At step  1030 , the controller  108  or other suitable component associated with the document processing device  104  generates indicia via the user interface  106  or display  116  corresponding to at least one document processing operation associated with the selected file. That is, when no document, image, photograph, or other file has been selected, the user is presented with a scanning operation icon is displayed at step  1030  the selection of which prompts the scanning of an image to the current folder, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In contrast, when a file  1110  has been selected, operations associated therewith, e.g. facsimile, print, electronic mail, or the like, are displayed to the user at step  1030 . A determination is then made at step  1032  whether an operation associated with the selected file has been received from the associated user. Upon a determination that no operation has been selected, operations return to step  1012 , whereupon indicia is displayed to the user indicating the contents of a selected folder. Upon a determination at step  1032  that an operation has been selected, flow proceeds to step  1034 . At step  1034 , operation is commenced by the document processing device  104  on the selected file in accordance with the selected operation. 
     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.