Patent Publication Number: US-2009222732-A1

Title: System and method for server-directed document input via a document processor interface

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/032,498, titled A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THIN-CLIENT WEB-BASED DOCUMENT PROCESSING, filed on Feb. 29, 2008, the entirety of which is incorporated herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject application is directed generally to web-based processing of electronic documents. More particularly, the subject application is directed to accessing document processing services at a document processing device via a thin-client interface. In particular, the subject application is directed to a system and method for providing thin-client web-based document processing services. 
     Document processing devices are in widespread use today and include copiers, printers, scanners, facsimile machines, plotters, electronic mail gateways, and the like. More recently, two or more of such machine functions have been combined into a single device, referred to as a multifunction peripheral or MFP. 
     Such document processing devices typically include a variety of capabilities, each of which may require dedicated software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In such circumstances, each of the devices would then require a single copy of any such software be incorporated prior to roll-out of the device. Many enterprises will distribute document processing devices throughout an office, within a building, among multiple buildings, or among multiple locations. In such circumstances, each device is expected to incorporate a variety of processing capabilities, such as optical character recognition, image correction, and the like. The expense of incorporating copies of each software application in such document processing devices increases, particularly when multiple devices are deployed 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, there is provided a system and method for server-directed document input via a document processor interface. A thin client interface is first generated operable on a graphical display associated with a document processing device via a web server. Preferably, the document processing device has a processor and memory in network data communication with the web server. The document processing device is controlled via a local controller equipped with a processor and memory using software instructions. User input is then received via the graphical display representative of user instructions relative to commencement of a document scanning operation. Data corresponding to the received user instructions is then communicated to the web server via a network interface. The web server receives the data corresponding to the received user instructions and generates device control instructions corresponding to the received user instructions. The device control instructions are then communicated to the document processing device via the network interface. The local controller associated with the document processing device receives the device control instructions. Operation of a scanner integrated with the document processing device is then commenced in accordance with the received device control instructions. Scanning is then performed by the scanner of an electronic document corresponding to a tangible document positioned relative to the scanner in accordance with received device control instructions. Thereafter, the electronic document is communicated from the document processing device to the web server via the network interface. 
     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 system for server-directed document input via a document processor interface according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating device hardware for use in the system for server-directed document input via a document processor interface according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 3  is a functional diagram illustrating the device for use in the system for server-directed document input via a document processor interface according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating controller hardware for use in the system for server-directed document input via a document processor interface according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 5  is a functional diagram illustrating the controller for use in the system for server-directed document input via a document processor interface according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 6  is a functional diagram illustrating a server for use in the system for server-directed document input via a document processor interface according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating the system for server-directed document input via a document processor interface according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 8  is a functional diagram illustrating the system for server-directed document input via a document processor interface according to one embodiment of the subject application; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method for server-directed document input via a document processor interface according to one embodiment of the subject application; and 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating a method for server-directed document input via a document processor interface 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 web-based operations of an associated document processing device. In particular, the subject application is directed to a system and method for providing web-based document processing services to an associated user via a thin-client interface in data communication with a backend server. More particularly, the subject application is directed to a system and method for providing thin-client web-based document processing services. 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 web-based services, including, for example and without limitation, communications, general computing, data processing, document processing, 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 , there is shown an overall diagram of a system  100  for providing server-directed document input via a document processor interface 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 the 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 first document processing device  104  and a second document processing device  122 , which are depicted in  FIG. 1  as multifunction peripheral devices, suitably adapted to perform a variety of document processing operations. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such document processing operations include, for example and without limitation, facsimile, scanning, copying, printing, electronic mail, document management, document storage, or the like. Suitable commercially available document processing devices include, for example and without limitation, the Toshiba e-Studio Series Controller. In accordance with one aspect of the subject application, the document processing devices  104  and  122  are suitably adapted to provide remote document processing services to external or network devices. Preferably, the document processing devices  104  and  122  include hardware, software, and any suitable combination thereof, configured to interact with an associated user, a networked device, or the like. The functioning of the document processing devices  104  and  122  will better be understood in conjunction with the block diagrams illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , explained in greater detail below. 
     According to one embodiment of the subject application, the document processing devices  104  and  122  are 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 devices  104  and  122  further include associated user interfaces  106  and  124 , such as touch-screens, LCD displays, touch-panels, alpha-numeric keypads, or the like, via which an associated user is able to interact directly with the respective document processing device  104  or  122 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the user interfaces  106  and  124  are advantageously used to communicate information to the associated user and receive selections from the associated user. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the user interfaces  106  and  124  comprise various components, suitably adapted to present data to the associated user, as are known in the art. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, each of the user interfaces  106  and  124  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 controllers  108  and  126 , as explained in greater detail below. Preferably, the document processing devices  104  and  122  are communicatively coupled to the computer network  102  via corresponding communications links  112  and  130 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, suitable communications links include, for example and without limitation, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), Bluetooth, the public switched telephone network, a proprietary communications network, infrared, optical, or any other suitable wired or wireless data transmission communications known in the art. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, each of the document processing devices  104  and  122  further incorporates a backend component, designated as the controllers  108  and  126 , suitably adapted to facilitate the operations of the corresponding document processing device  104  and  122 , as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the controllers  108  and  126  are embodied as hardware, software, or any suitable combination thereof, configured to control the operations of the associated document processing device  104  or  122 , facilitate the display of images via the user interface  106  or  124 , direct the manipulation of electronic image data, and the like. For purposes of explanation, the controllers  108  and  126  are used to refer to any myriad of components associated with the document processing devices  104  and  122 , 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 controllers  108  and  126  are capable of being performed by any general purpose computing system, known in the art, and thus the controllers  108  and  126  are representative of such general computing devices and are intended as such when used hereinafter. Furthermore, the use of the controllers  108  and  126  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 system and method for server-directed document input via a document processor interface of the subject application. The functioning of the controllers  108  and  126  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 devices  104  and  122  are corresponding data storage devices  110  and  128 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the data storage devices  110  and  128  are any mass storage devices known in the art including, for example and without limitation, magnetic storage drives, a hard disk drive, optical storage devices, flash memory devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the data storage devices  110  and  128  are suitably adapted to store document data, image data, electronic database data, or the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being separate components of the system  100 , the data storage devices  110  and  128  are capable of being implemented as an internal storage component of the associated document processing device  104  or  122 , a component of the controllers  108  or  126 , 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 devices  110  and  128  are capable of storing images, advertisements, user information, location information, output templates, mapping data, multimedia data files, fonts, and the like. 
     Illustrated in  FIG. 1  are a first kiosk  114 , communicatively coupled to the first document processing device  104 , and in effect, the computer network  102 , and a second kiosk  132 , communicatively coupled to the second document processing device  122 , and in effect, the computer network  102 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the kiosks  114  and  132  are capable of being implemented as separate component of the respective document processing devices  104  and  122 , or as integral components thereof. Use of the kiosks  114  and  132  in  FIG. 1  are for example purposes only, and the skilled artisan will appreciate that the subject application is capable of implementation without the use of kiosks  114  and  132 . In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the kiosks  114  and  132  include respective displays  116  and  134  and user input devices  118  and  136 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art the kiosks  114  and  132  are capable of implementing a combination user input device/display, such as a touch screen interface. According to one embodiment of the subject application, the kiosks  114  and  132  are suitably adapted to display prompts to an associated user, receive instructions from the associated user, receive payment data, receive selection data from the associated user, and the like. Preferably, the kiosks  114  and  132  include 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 portable storage device readers  120  and  138 , coupled to the kiosks  114  and  132  and 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 document processing devices  104  and  122  depicted in  FIG. 1  further include thin-client interfaces, e.g. embedded web-browsers  140  and  142 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embedded web-browsers  140  and  142  are capable of being implemented as components of the user interfaces  106  and  124 , the kiosks  114  and  132 , or the like. Preferably, the embedded web-browsers  140  and  142  are suitably adapted to communicate user input with a backend component, such as the server  144 , display data to the user, and the like. As the skilled artisan will appreciate, suitable web-browsers include, for example and without limitation, MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER, MOZILLA FIREFOX, APPLE SAFARI, or any other web-browser known in the art. 
     The system  100  of  FIG. 1  also includes a backend component, illustrated as the server  144  and associated data storage device  146 , communicatively coupled to the computer network  102  via a communications link  148 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the server  144  comprises hardware, software, and combinations thereof suitably adapted to provide one or more services, web-base applications, document processing device command and control, storage options, and the like, to networked devices. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the server  144  includes various components, implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof, for managing the retention of electronic data, performing searches, storing advertisements, storing account information, storing billing information, retrieval of documents, facilitating communications between a thin-client and a third-party server, controlling a document processing device, and the like, which are accessed via the computer network  102 . The communications link  148  is any suitable data communications means known in the art including, but not limited to wireless communications, for example and without limitation, Bluetooth, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), a proprietary communications network, infrared, optical, the public switched telephone network, or any suitable wireless data transmission system, or wired communications known in the art. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the components described with respect to the server  144  hereinafter are capable of implementation on any computing device coupled to the computer network  102  and functioning as a backend server. The skilled artisan will appreciate that suitable backend server configurations include, for example and without limitation, an OPENPLATFORM connectors server, or other such server, as are known in the art. 
     Communicatively coupled to the server  144  is the data storage device  146 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the subject application, the data storage device  146  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 the preferred embodiment, the data storage device  146  is suitably adapted to store software updates, update lists, electronic database data, document data, image data, location data, advertisement data, account data, user data, and the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being a separate component of the system  100 , the data storage device  146  is capable of being implemented as internal storage component of the server  144 , or the like, such as, for example and without limitation, an internal hard disk drive, or the like. The functioning of the server  144  will be better understood in conjunction with the illustration of  FIG. 6 , described in greater detail below. 
     The system  100  of  FIG. 1  further includes a plurality of third-party or affiliated services providing servers, e.g. MICROSOFT EXCHANGE server  150 , MICROSOFT SHAREPOINT server  154 , application server  158 , and the like. The servers  150 ,  154 , and  158  comprise hardware, software, and combinations thereof suitably adapted to provide one or more services, web-base applications, document processing device command and control, storage options, and the like, to networked devices, such as the document processing devices  104  and  122 . The servers  150 ,  154 , and  158  are communicatively coupled to the computer network  102  via corresponding communications links  152 ,  156 , and  160 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that suitable communications links include, for example and without limitation, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), Bluetooth, the public switched telephone network, a proprietary communications network, infrared, optical, or any other suitable wired or wireless data transmission communications known in the art. The application server  158  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as a device representing one or more servers coupled to the network  102  so as to provide applications to a user associated with one of the document processing devices  104  or  122 , e.g. optical character recognition, document management, or the like. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is a representative architecture of a suitable device  200  (shown in  FIG. 1  as the document processing devices  104  and  122 ) 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 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 ,  5  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 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 controllers  108  and  126 , 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 the 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 devices  104  and  122 , which includes the controller  400  of  FIG. 4 , (shown in  FIG. 1  as the controllers  108  and  126 , respectively) 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 . A 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  508  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  (shown in  FIG. 1  as the servers  143 ,  150 ,  154 , and  158 ) 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. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , illustrated is a block diagram of system  700  for server-directed document input via a document processor interface in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the system  700  includes a document processing device  702  having an associated graphical display  704 , with a thin client application  706  operable on the graphical display  704 . The system  700  also includes a web server  708 , having a processor  710  and memory  712 , in network data communication with the thin client application  706  via a network interface  714 . The document processing device  702  also includes a local controller  716 , which includes a processor  718  and memory  720 . According to one embodiment of the subject application, the controller  716  is configured engage functional operation of the document processing device  702  via software instruction. The document processing device  702  also incorporates an integrated scanner  722  under operational control of the controller  716 . 
     The system  700  further includes a user input  724  associated with the graphical display  704  and the thin client application  706  and operable to receive user instructions relative to commencement of a document scanning operation. The document processing device  702  further includes an output  726  operable to communicate data corresponding to received user instructions to the web server  708  via the network interface  714 . According to one embodiment of the subject application, the web server  708  includes instructions operable to receive the data corresponding to the received user instructions and is operable to generate device control instructions corresponding to the received user instructions. The web server  708  further includes an output  728  operable to communicate the device control instructions to the document processing device  702  via the network interface  714 . Preferably, the local controller  716  is configured to receive the device control instructions and to commence operation of the scanner  722  in accordance with such device control instructions. The scanner  722  of the document processing device  702  is operable to generate an electronic document corresponding to a tangible document positioned relative to the scanner  722  based upon the received device control instructions. In addition, the network interface  714  is preferably configured to communicate the electronic document to the server  708 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , illustrated is a functional diagram of a system  800  for server-directed document input via a document processor interface in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. As shown in  FIG. 8 , thin client interface generation  802  is first performed on a graphical display associated with a document processing device via a web server. Preferably, the document processing device includes an associated processor and memory, and is in data communication with an associated network. Via a local controller equipped with a processor and associated memory, document processing device control  804  occurs based upon software instructions corresponding thereto. User input receipt  806 , via the graphical display, then occurs of user instructions relative to the commencement of a document processing device scanning operation. Data communication  808  is then performed of the received user instructions to the web server via a network interface. 
     Next, user instruction data receipt  810  occurs at the web server of data corresponding to the user instructions. Device control instruction generation  812  is then performed generating control instructions corresponding to the received user instructions. Control instruction communication  814  then occurs of the generated device control instructions to the document processing device via the network interface. Device control instruction receipt  816  then occurs via the receipt of the instructions by the local controller. Scanner operation commencement  818  is then performed corresponding to the commencement of operations of the scanner integrated with the document processing device based upon those received device control instructions. A tangible document scan  820  is then performed by the scanner of a tangible document positioned relative to the scanner so as to generate an electronic document corresponding thereto. Preferably, the scanner is operated at  820  in accordance with the received device control instructions. Thereafter, electronic data communication  822  of the electronic document to the web server via the network interface is performed. 
     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 . Turning now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a flowchart  900  illustrating a method for server-directed document input via a document processor interface in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. Beginning at step  902 , a thin client interface is generated operable on a graphical display associated with a document processing device via a web server. Preferably, the document processing device has a processor and memory in network data communication with the web server. At step  904 , the document processing device is controlled via a local controller equipped with a processor and memory using software instructions. 
     Operations then proceed to step  906 , whereupon user input is received via the graphical display. Preferably, the user input is representative of user instructions relative to commencement of a document scanning operation. At step  908 , data corresponding to received user instructions is communicated to the web server via a network interface. The web server then receives the data corresponding to the received user instructions at step  910 . At step  912 , device control instructions are generated corresponding to the received user instructions. The device control instructions are then communicated to the document processing device via the network interface at step  914 . The local controller associated with the document processing device then receives the device control instructions at step  916 . 
     At step  918 , operation of a scanner integrated with the document processing device is commenced in accordance with the received device control instructions. Scanning is then performed by the scanner at step  920  of an electronic document corresponding to a tangible document positioned relative to the scanner in accordance with received device control instructions. Thereafter, at step  922 , the electronic document is communicated from the document processing device to the web server via the network interface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a flowchart  1000  illustrating a method for server-directed document input via a document processor interface in accordance with one embodiment of the subject application. For example purposes only, reference is made hereinafter to the method of  FIG. 10  implemented via the first document processing device  104 . The skilled artisan will appreciate that either such device  104  or  122  is capable of being implemented in accordance with the subject application. The methodology of  FIG. 10  begins at step  1002 , whereupon a thin client interface, e.g. the embedded web browser  140 , is generated on a graphical display  106 ,  116  associated with the document processing device  104  via a suitable web server, depicted in  FIG. 1  as any of the servers  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the reference to a web server with respect to  FIG. 10  refers to any of the servers  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , as each are suitably capable of interaction with the document processing device  104  in accordance with the methodology of  FIG. 10 . The skilled artisan will further appreciate that the document processing device  104  includes a processor, memory, and network interface in data communication with the computer network  102 . Suitable examples of such components of the structure of the document processing device  104  are detailed more fully above with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     Control of the document processing device  104  is then undertaken at step  1004  by the local controller  108 , which includes a processor and memory (as depicted above in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Preferably, the controller  108  facilitates operations of the document processing device  104  via software instructions, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. At step  1006 , user input is received via the graphical display  106  or  116 , which input represents user instructions relative to the commencement of a document scanning operation to be performed by the document processing device  104 . The user instruction data is then communicated to the web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  via the network interface associated with the document processing device  104  at step  1008 . 
     At step  1010 , document formatting data is communicated from the thin client interface  140  to the web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  via the network interface over the computer network  102 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such formatting includes, for example and without limitation, color selection, resolution, file format, file name, and the like. The web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  then receives the user instruction data and the formatting data at step  1012 . The web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  then generates, at step  1014 , device control instructions based upon the received user instruction data and the received formatting data. The generated device control instructions, generated from the user instruction and formatting data, are then communicated from the web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  to the document processing device  104  over the computer network  102  via the network interface at step  1016 . 
     At step  1018 , the controller  108  receives the device control instructions from the web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158 . The controller  108  or other suitable component associated with the document processing device  104  then facilitates the commencement of operations of a scanner (illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) integrated with the document processing device  104  based upon the received device control instruction at step  1020 . At step  1022 , a tangible document is scanned by the document processing device  104  so as to generate an electronic document corresponding thereto in accordance with the received device control instructions. Image data representative of the scanned electronic document is then generated by the controller  108  or other suitable component associated with the document processing device  104  at step  1024 . At step  1026 , the image data is communicated to the thin client interface  140  for display to the user via the user interface  106 , display  116 , or the like. 
     The electronic document is then communicated from the document processing device  104  to the web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  at step  1028 . At step  1030 , routing instruction data is received from the associated user via the thin client interface  140 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such routing instructions includes, for example and without limitation, electronic mailing instructions, data storage instructions, facsimile instructions, or the like. The received routing instruction data is then communicated to the web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  at step  1032 . The web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  then determines, at step  1034 , whether the routing instructions correspond to an electronic mail operation. That is, whether the user has selected to transmit the scanned electronic document as an attachment to an electronic mail message or as a facsimile transmission. 
     Upon a determination at step  1034  that the routing instructions do not indicate mail or facsimile routing, operations proceed to step  1036 . At step  1036 , the web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  routes the electronic document to a designated storage location in accordance with the received routing instructions. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such storage is capable of including, for example and without limitation, a server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158 , a network storage facility, a local storage device  110 , or the like. When it is determined at step  1034  that electronic mail or facsimile routing is indicated by the received routing instructions, flow proceeds to step  1038 . At step  1038 , address book data is communicated from the web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  to the thin client interface  140  associated with the document processing device  104  for user selection of an associated address/facsimile number. Routing address data is then received at the web server  144 ,  150 ,  154 , or  158  at step  1040  from the thin client interface  140  corresponding to the address or facsimile number selected by the user from the address book data. Thereafter, at step  1042 , an email message or facsimile message is output based upon the routing address data received from the user. 
     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.