U.S. patent application number 12/986025 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-07 for system and method for routing electronic documents for processing via transient e-mail addressing.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba. Invention is credited to Truc Nguyen, William Su, Peter Tran, Jianxin Wang.
Application Number | 20110164279 12/986025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39640882 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110164279 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Jianxin ; et
al. |
July 7, 2011 |
System and Method for Routing Electronic Documents for Processing
Via Transient E-Mail Addressing
Abstract
The subject application is directed to routing electronic
documents for processing using a transient email address. A
document processing gateway automatically generates a transient
email address in response to a non-electronic mail request to do
so. A mail server routes a document processing request directed to
the transient email address to a document processing device. Upon
completion of the routing process or other similar event, the
transient email address is deleted.
Inventors: |
Wang; Jianxin; (Trabuco
Canyon, CA) ; Nguyen; Truc; (San Diego, CA) ;
Su; William; (Riverside, CA) ; Tran; Peter;
(Garden Grove, CA) |
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
Minato-ku
JP
Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
Shinagawa-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
39640882 |
Appl. No.: |
12/986025 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11625638 |
Jan 22, 2007 |
7889374 |
|
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12986025 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/1292 20130101;
H04N 1/00244 20130101; H04N 1/32776 20130101; H04N 1/32771
20130101; G06F 3/1231 20130101; H04N 2201/0094 20130101; H04N
2201/0039 20130101; G06F 3/1204 20130101; G06F 3/1236 20130101;
H04N 1/32786 20130101; H04N 1/00347 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/1.15 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12 |
Claims
1. A system for routing electronic documents for processing using a
transient email address comprising: a document processing gateway
to automatically generate a transient email address in response to
a non-electronic mail request to generate the transient email
address and, upon occurrence of an predetermined event, to delete
the transient email address; and a mail server in data
communication with the document processing gateway, the mail server
to route a document processing request directed to the transient
email address to a document processing device.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the predetermined event is
selected from the group consisting of an expiration of a
predetermined time period and commencement of a selected number of
document processing operations.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a data storage device
from which an electronic document specified in the document
processing request is retrieved for routing to the document
processing device.
4. The system of claim 1 further including a data device, selected
from the group consisting of a portable data device and a personal
computer, connected by a communication link to the document
processing gateway, for providing the transient email address to
the user.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a document processing
device to receive the document processing request from the mail
server, the document processing device including a user interface
for accepting input of a release command from a user, the document
processing device fulfilling the document processing request in
response to the release command.
6. The system of claim 5, the document processing device comprising
at least one of a printer, a facsimile device, and a data storage
device.
7. A method for routing electronic documents for processing using a
transient email address comprising: generating a transient email
address in response to a non-electronic mail request to generate
the transient email address; routing a document processing request
directed to the transient email address to a document processing
device; and deleting the transient address upon occurrence of a
predetermined event.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the predetermined event is
selected from the group consisting of an expiration of a
predetermined time period and commencement of a selected number of
document processing operations.
9. The method of claim 7 further comprising retrieving an
electronic document specified in the document processing request
from a data storage device for routing to the document processing
device.
10. The method of claim 7 further comprising communicating the
transient email address to the user using a communication link.
11. The method for routing electronic documents for processing
using a transient email address of claim 7 further comprising:
accepting input of a release command from a user associated with
the at least one electronic document via a user interface
associated with the document processing device; and fulfilling the
document processing request in response to the release command.
12. The method of claim 7 wherein the associated document
processing device is at least one of a printer, a facsimile device,
and a data storage device.
13. Machine readable storage medium storing instructions which,
when executed, cause a computing device to perform actions
comprising: generating a transient email address in response to a
non-electronic mail request to generate the transient email
address; routing a document processing request directed to the
transient email address to a document processing device; and
deleting the transient address upon occurrence of a predetermined
event.
14. The machine readable storage of claim 13 wherein the
predetermined event is selected from the group consisting of an
expiration of a predetermined time period and commencement of a
selected number of document processing operations.
15. The machine readable storage of claim 13 wherein the
instructions will further cause the computing device to perform
actions comprising retrieving the electronic document from a data
storage device for routing to the document processing device.
16. The machine readable storage of claim 13 wherein the
instructions will further cause the computing device to perform
actions comprising communicating the transient email address to the
user using a communication link.
17. The machine readable storage of claim 13 wherein the
instructions with further cause the computing device to perform
actions comprising: accepting input of a release command from a
user associated with the at least one electronic document via a
user interface associated with the document processing device; and
fulfilling the document processing request in response to the
release command.
18. The machine readable storage of claim 13 wherein the associated
document processing device is at least one of a printer, a
facsimile device, and a data storage.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION
[0001] This patent is a continuation of application Ser. No.
11/625,638, filed Jan. 22, 2007, entitled "System And Method For
Providing Mobile Document Processing Services."
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent
document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become
trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has
no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade
dress rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The subject application is directed to a system and method
for providing mobile document processing services. In particular,
the subject application is directed to a system and method for
providing mobile document processing services that are accessed by
a user via an electronic mail request to the service.
[0004] A professional or other mobile user is routinely required to
work with documents or other data while away from an office
environment. Such a user needs to generate image data, by printing,
faxing, storing or scanning a document, and then needs to
distribute or perform other functions on such image data. A user
may access such document processing services by submitting an
electronic mail request to a document processing service or
provider. The electronic mail server dedicated to receiving
document processing requests for the document processing service
will typically receive numerous unsolicited or disruptive
electronic mail messages, known as Spam. Spam is generally used to
promote a product or service or broadcast some political or social
commentary. The efficiency with which the electronic mail server is
able to process the document processing requests may be
significantly compromised by the receipt of large volumes of such
unsolicited electronic mail. Difficulties in remote processing of
documents by fee based services are compounded when junk electronic
mail is taken into account. Unsolicited electronic mail messages
may be routed to a document processing device for printing,
facsimile transmission or storage, resulting in unwanted charges
for processing of useless, personal or otherwise undesirable
electronic mail messages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application, there is provided a system and method for providing
mobile document processing services.
[0006] Further, in accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application, there is provided a system and method for providing
mobile document processing services that are accessed by a user via
an electronic mail request to the service.
[0007] Further, in accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application, there is provided a system and method that allows a
user to mobile document processing wherein a document processing
request is transmitted to a transient electronic mail address and
then routing the request to a document processing device
corresponding to the transient address
[0008] Still further, in accordance with one embodiment of the
subject application, there is provided a system for a mobile
document processing system. The system comprises means adapted for
receiving a transient address request for generation of a transient
address from an associated user and means adapted for generating
transient address data for routing of electronic documents in
accordance with a received request. The system further comprises
means adapted for receiving a document processing request for
processing of at least one electronic document and means adapted
for routing the at least one electronic document to an associated
document processing device corresponding to the transient address.
The system also comprises means adapted for commencing a document
processing operation by the associated document processing device
in accordance with a received document processing request and means
adapted for deleting the transient address upon occurrence of a
selected event.
[0009] In another embodiment of the subject application, the
selected event is suitably an expiration of a selected time period.
In another embodiment, the selected event is commencement of a
selected number of document processing operations.
[0010] In yet another embodiment of the subject application, the
transient address data is an electronic mail address associated
with the user. Preferably, the transient address includes data
representative of an electronic mail server associated with user
and identification data associated with the user
[0011] In another embodiment of the subject application, the
associated document processing device is at least one device chosen
from a set comprising a printer, a facsimile device, and a data
storage.
[0012] Still further, in accordance with the one embodiment of the
subject application, there is provided a method for mobile document
processing in accordance with the system as set forth above.
[0013] 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.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The subject application is described with reference to
certain figures, including:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an overall diagram of the mobile document
processing system according to one embodiment of the subject
application;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating controller hardware
for use in the mobile document processing system according to one
embodiment of the subject application;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a functional diagram illustrating the controller
for use in the mobile document processing system according to one
embodiment of the subject application;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a server for use in
the mobile document processing system according to one embodiment
of the subject application;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a mobile document
processing method according to one embodiment of the subject
application; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a mobile document
processing method from a client side perspective according to one
embodiment of the subject application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The subject application is directed to a system and method
for providing mobile document processing services. In particular,
the subject application is directed to a system and method for
providing mobile document processing services that are accessed by
a user via an electronic mail request to the service. More
particularly, the subject application is directed to a system and
method for mobile document processing wherein a document processing
request is transmitted to a transient electronic mail address and
then routing the request to a document processing device
corresponding to the transient address. 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 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
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an overall diagram
of the system 100 for mobile document processing services 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.
[0023] The system 100 also includes a document processing device
104, 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
[0024] 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 touch-screen, 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 a controller
108, as explained in greater detail below. Preferably, the document
processing device 104 is communicatively coupled to the computer
network 102 via a suitable 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.
[0025] In accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application, the document processing device 104 further
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, facilitate
electronic mail communications, 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 are capable of being performed by any general
purpose computing system, known in the art, and thus the controller
108 is representative of such a general computing device 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 mobile document processing system
and method according to one embodiment of the subject application.
The functioning of the controller 108 will better be understood in
conjunction with the block diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3,
explained in greater detail below.
[0026] Communicatively coupled to the document processing device
104 is a data storage device 110. In accordance with the preferred
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 the preferred embodiment, the data storage
device 110 is 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
a separate component of the system 100, the data storage device 110
is capable of being implemented as 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
includes, for example and without limitation, electronic mail data,
electronic documents, document processing requests, and the
like.
[0027] Additionally, the system 100 of FIG. 1 includes a portable
data device 114, suitably adapted for sending and receiving
electronic mail communications, browsing, personal data assistance
operations, and the like. As will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art, suitable portable data devices include, for example and
without limitation, personal data assistants, proprietary network
personal communications devices, smart phones, web-enabled cellular
telephones, or the like. Preferably, the portable data device 114
is communicatively coupled to the computer network 102 via a
communications link 116. It will be understood by those skilled in
the art that a suitable communications link includes any wired or
wireless data communications mediums known in the art including,
for example and without limitation, Bluetooth, WiMax, Wi-Fi,
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), a proprietary communications
network, the public switched telephone network, optical, infrared,
or any other suitable data transmission communications known in the
art. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject application,
a user 126 is capable of requesting a transient address for
accessing document processing services via the portable data device
114. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
user 126 is capable of requesting the transient address via a web
portal accessed via the computer network 102 through a suitable
browser on the portable data device 114, or via telephonic
operations through the portable data device 114.
[0028] The system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 further depicts a user
device 118, in data communication with the computer network 102 via
a communications link 120. It will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that the user device 118 is shown in FIG. 1 as a
personal computer for illustration purposes only. As will be
understood by those skilled in the art, the user device 118 is
representative of any personal computing device known in the art,
including, for example and without limitation, a computer
workstation, a laptop computer, a personal data assistant, a
web-enabled cellular telephone, a smart phone, a proprietary
network device, or other web-enabled electronic device. The
communications link 120 is any suitable channel of data
communications known in the art including, but not limited to
wireless communications, for example and without limitation,
Bluetooth, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), a
proprietary communications network, infrared, optical, the public
switched telephone network, or any suitable wireless data
transmission system, or wired communications known in the art.
Preferably, the user device 118 is suitably adapted to generate and
transmit electronic documents, document processing instructions,
document processing requests, electronic mail communications, user
interface modifications, upgrades, updates, personalization data,
or the like, to the document processing device 104, or any other
similar device coupled to the computer network 102.
[0029] The system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 further includes an
electronic mail service component, shown as an electronic mail
server 122, communicatively coupled to the computer network 102 and
adapted to provide electronic mail services to users associated
with the mobile document processing system. The electronic mail
server 122 is capable of implementation as any hardware, software,
or suitable combination thereof, able to perform the functions
described hereinafter. Preferably, the electronic mail server 122
is communicatively coupled to the computer network 102 via a
suitable communications link 124. As will be understood by those
skilled in the art, the communications link 124 includes, for
example and without limitation, infrared, optical, 802.11a,
802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x), Bluetooth, WiMax, the public switched
telephone network, a proprietary communications network, or any
other suitable wired or wireless data transmission communications
known in the art. The functioning of the electronic mail server 122
is more fully explained in detail below with respect to FIG. 4. In
accordance with one embodiment of the subject application, the
electronic mail server 122 is suitably adapted to provide transient
electronic mail addresses to requesting users 126, via the public
switched telephone network, to requesting devices 114 and 118 via
the computer network 102, and the like. Preferably, the electronic
mail server 122 is further capable of functioning as a mail server
as are known in the art.
[0030] The system 100 further illustrates a network storage server
128 coupled to a data storage device 130. Preferably, the network
storage server 128 is representative of any network storage device
known in the art capable of storing document data, image data,
video data, sound data, multimedia data, or other suitable
electronic data, as will be known in the art. In accordance with
one embodiment of the subject application, the data storage device
130 includes a plurality of electronic data, including image data,
document data, or the like. The network storage server 128 is
communicatively coupled to the computer network 102 via a suitable
communications link 132. As will be understood by those skilled in
the art, the communications link 132 includes, for example and
without limitation a proprietary communications network, infrared,
optical, Bluetooth, WiMax, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11(x),
the public switched telephone network, or any suitable wireless
data transmission system, or wired communications known in the
art.
[0031] Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a representative
architecture of a suitable backend component, i.e., the controller
200, 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 108 is representative of any general
computing device, known in the art, capable of facilitating the
methodologies described herein. Included is a processor 202,
suitably comprised of a central processor unit. However, it will be
appreciated that 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 controller 200.
[0032] Also included in the controller 200 is random access memory
206, 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 202.
[0033] A storage interface 208 suitably provides a mechanism for
non-volatile, bulk or long term storage of data associated with the
controller 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.
[0034] A network interface subsystem 210 suitably routes input and
output from an associated network allowing the controller 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 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.
[0035] Data communication between the processor 202, read only
memory 204, random access memory 206, storage interface 208 and the
network interface subsystem 210 is suitably accomplished via a bus
data transfer mechanism, such as illustrated by bus 212.
[0036] Also in data communication with bus the 212 is a document
processor interface 222. The document processor interface 222
suitably provides connection with hardware 232 to perform one or
more document processing operations. Such operations include
copying accomplished via copy hardware 224, scanning accomplished
via scan hardware 226, printing accomplished via print hardware
228, and facsimile communication accomplished via facsimile
hardware 230. It is to be appreciated that a controller 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.
[0037] 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 200 of FIG. 2,
(shown in FIG. 1 as the controller 108) as an intelligent subsystem
associated with the document processing device 104. In the
illustration of FIG. 3, controller function 300 in the preferred
embodiment, includes a document processing engine 302. A suitable
controller functionality is that incorporated into the Toshiba
e-Studio system in the preferred embodiment. 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.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment, the engine 302 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 are subset of the document processing operations
listed above.
[0039] The engine 302 is suitably interfaced to a user interface
panel 310, which panel allows for a user or administrator to access
functionality controlled by the engine 302. Access is suitably
enabled via an interface local to the controller, or remotely via a
remote thin or thick client.
[0040] The engine 302 is in data communication with the print
function 304, facsimile function 306, and scan function 308. 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.
[0041] A job queue 312 is suitably in data communication with the
print function 304, facsimile function 306, and scan function 308.
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 312.
[0042] The job queue 312 is also in data communication with network
services 314. In a preferred embodiment, job control, status data,
or electronic document data is exchanged between the job queue 312
and the network services 314. Thus, suitable interface is provided
for network based access to the controller function 300 via client
side network services 320, 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 314 also
advantageously supplies data interchange with client side services
320 for communication via FTP, electronic mail, TELNET, or the
like. Thus, the controller function 300 facilitates output or
receipt of electronic document and user information via various
network access mechanisms.
[0043] The job queue 312 is also advantageously placed in data
communication with an image processor 316. The image processor 316
is suitably a raster image processor, 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 304, facsimile 306 or scan 308.
[0044] Finally, the job queue 312 is in data communication with a
parser 318, which parser suitably functions to receive print job
language files from an external device, such as client device
services 322. The client device services 322 suitably include
printing, facsimile transmission, or other suitable input of an
electronic document for which handling by the controller function
300 is advantageous. The Parser 318 functions to interpret a
received electronic document file and relay it to the job queue 312
for handling in connection with the afore-described functionality
and components.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a representative
architecture of a suitable server 400 on which operations of the
subject system are completed. Included is a processor 402, suitably
comprised of a central processor unit. However, it will be
appreciated that the 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, and other
routines or data used for operation of the server 400.
[0046] Also included in the server 400 is random access memory 406,
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 402.
[0047] A storage interface 408 suitably provides a mechanism for
volatile, bulk or long term storage of data associated with the
server 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.
[0048] A network interface subsystem 410 suitably routes input and
output from an associated network allowing the server 400 to
communicate to other devices. The network interface subsystem 410
suitably interfaces with one or more connections with external
devices to the server 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.
[0049] Data communication between the processor 402, read only
memory 404, random access memory 406, storage interface 408 and the
network subsystem 410 is suitably accomplished via a bus data
transfer mechanism, such as illustrated by bus 412.
[0050] Suitable executable instructions on the server 400
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 422 as will be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0051] In operation, a request for a transient address is received
for the generation of a transient address from an associated user.
Transient address data is then generated for routing of electronic
documents in accordance with a received request. Next, a document
processing request is received corresponding to a request for
processing of at least one electronic document. The at least one
electronic document is then routed to an associated document
processing device corresponding to the transient address. The
associated document processing device then commences a document
processing operation according to the received document processing
request. The transient address is deleted upon the occurrence of a
selected event.
[0052] In accordance with one example embodiment of the subject
application, a user 126, via telephone connection with the mail
server 122, via telephone connection through the portable data
device 114, or via a web browser operating on the portable data
device 114 or the user device 118, requests a transient electronic
mail address corresponding to a spam-free electronic mail address
administered by the server 122 for mobile document processing
services. Preferably, the user 126 is registered to use the mobile
document processing system, e.g., is authenticated/authorized via
suitable authentication mechanisms, as will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art. According to one embodiment of the subject
application, a voice processing component resident on the mail
server 122 is suitably adapted to enable a registered user to
request and receive a transient address via the public switched
telephone network or other voice-enabled communications network.
Preferably, when a voice request is received by the mail server
122, a transient address is communicated to the user 126 at an
electronic mail address associated with the registered user 126.
Similarly, the user 126 is able to request a transient address via
a web portal, hosted by the mail server 122 or by a server (not
shown) in secure data communication with the mail server 122.
[0053] The mail server 122 then generates, upon the request of the
registered user 126, a transient address corresponding to an
electronic mail address to which the user 126 is able to forward a
document processing request. In accordance with one embodiment of
the subject application, the transient address includes, for
example and without limitation, a permanent address associated with
the mail server 122 and a transient account identification
associated with the transient address request from the registered
user 126. When the user 126 makes such a transient address request,
the user 126 is prompted, via telephonic means, i.e., voice or
image, or graphical means, i.e., via an associated user interface
on a web browser, to specify the delivery method for the transient
address, i.e., display the transient address to the user 126 via an
associated interface, or electronically mail the transient address
to the user 126 at a preselected electronic mail address.
[0054] The user 126 receives the transient address via the portable
data device 114, the personal computer 118, or the like, from the
mail server 122 through a suitable communications link. A document
processing request is then generated via any suitable means known
in the art and sent to the transient address. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the transient address
is capable of, but is not limited to, designating the document
processing device 104 as the recipient of the message, designating
the mail server 122, which further functions to forward document
processing requests to the document processing device 104,
designating the network storage server 128 for storing an
electronic document, or the like. Preferably, the document
processing request is sent to the transient address in the form of
an electronic mail message, such as an attachment or included
within the body of the message. As will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, the document processing request suitably
designates an electronic document for processing, which document is
capable of being stored locally on the personal computer 118,
stored on the portable data device 114, stored on the data storage
device 110, stored on some other networked storage server 128, or
the like. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application, the transient address denotes a particular document
processing device 104 for performance of document processing
services. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
document processing request is capable of comprising an electronic
mail message, wherein subject field of the message includes an
identification of an associated document processing device or
storage device, or the like.
[0055] The document processing request, inclusive of either an
identification of an electronic document or the electronic document
itself, is then received by the mail server 122 via the computer
network 102. The mail server 122 then routes the received document
processing request to the transient address. As will be understood
by those skilled in the art, such routing includes, for example and
without limitation, routing to a mailbox on the mail server 122
routinely accessed by the designated document processing device
104, a mailbox on the mail server 122 capable of being accessed
from a document processing device, e.g., 104, by the user 126,
routing directly to a mailbox resident on the designated document
processing device 104, or the like. In accordance with one
embodiment of the subject application, once the mail server 122 has
received the document processing request, a receipt is generated
and returned to the originating device, e.g., the portable data
device 114 or the user device 118, indicating that the document
processing request has been received by the mail server 122 or the
document processing device 104, as determined by the transient
address.
[0056] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, upon
receipt of the document processing request, the document processing
device 104 is capable of immediately performing the requested
document processing operation on the designated electronic document
or storing the request and associated document until such time as a
release is obtained to perform the document processing operation.
For example, and without limitation, the document processing device
104 is capable of retrieving a designated electronic document and
storing the document in the data storage device 110 until such time
as the user 126 inputs a release command remotely via the user
device 118 or the portable data device 114, or via the user
interface 106. As an additional example, the document processing
device 104 is capable of immediately commencing the requested
document processing operation upon receipt of the request at the
transient address.
[0057] The mail server 122 then determines whether a selected event
has occurred and based on the occurrence of the selected event,
deletes the transient address. As will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, suitable selected events include, for example
and without limitation, an expiration of a selected time period,
the performance of a selected number of document processing
operations, a cancellation request by an associated user, or the
like. Once this event has occurred, the mail server 122 disables
the transient address and the associated user 126 must request a
new transient address for future document processing requests
[0058] The skilled artisan will appreciate that the subject system
100 and components described above with respect to FIG. 1, FIG. 2,
FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 will be better understood in conjunction with
the methodologies described hereinafter with respect to FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6. Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown a flowchart 500
illustrating a mobile document processing method in accordance with
one embodiment of the subject application. Beginning at step 502, a
transient address request is received for generation of a transient
address from the associated user 126. As discussed above, suitable
requests are capable of being communicated to the server 122 via
voice, e.g., telephonic communication from the user 126, via the
network 102, e.g., from the portable data device 114 or the user
device 118 using a suitable web browser or other communicative
interface, or the like. At step 504, the server generates transient
address data for the routing of electronic documents in accordance
with a received document processing request. A document processing
request is then received corresponding to the processing of at
least one electronic document at step 506
[0059] The at least one electronic document associated with the
received document processing request is then routed at step 508 to
the associated document processing device 104, the network storage
server 128, or the like, corresponding to the transient address.
The receiving device, e.g., the document processing device 104 or
the data storage device 128, then commences performance of the
document processing operation associated with the received document
processing request. A determination is then made by the mail server
122 whether a selected event has occurred at step 512. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that suitable events
include, for example and without limitation, the expiration of a
selected time period, the commencement of a selected number of
document processing operations, a deletion request from the user
126 or a suitable authorized administrator, or the like. When it is
determined at step 512 that no such event has occurred, the
operation terminates. When it is determined at step 512 that the
selected event has occurred, flow proceeds to step 514, whereupon
the transient address is deleted from the mail server 122.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a flowchart 600
illustrating a client side perspective of a mobile document
processing method in accordance with one embodiment of the subject
application. The method begins at step 602, wherein an associated
user 126, via the portable data device 114, the user device 118, a
voice request, or the like, requests a transient address for mobile
document processing services. At step 604, a delivery method
corresponding to the transient address is selected. For example,
the user 126 is capable of specifying that the transient address be
sent, via electronic mail, to the electronic mail address
associated with the user 126, or the user specifies that the
transient address be displayed via a suitable web browser, or the
like.
[0061] A transient address is then received from the mail server
122 at step 606 corresponding to an address associated with the
user and mobile document processing operations. A document
processing request is then generated at step 608 corresponding to a
selected document processing operation to be performed on at least
one selected electronic document. In accordance with one embodiment
of the subject application, the at least one electronic document is
capable of being retrieved from a local storage of the data storage
device 110, the portable data device 114, or the user device 118,
from network storage device 128, facsimile transmission, or the
like. The document processing request is then communicated at step
610 to the transient address via the computer network 102.
[0062] A receipt is then received from the document processing
device 104, the mail server 122, or the network storage server 128
corresponding to the transient address indicating confirmation of
the receipt of the document processing request at step 612. The
document processing request, or job, is then released at the
associated document processing device 104 via the associated user
interface 106, or remotely with respect to storage or facsimile
operations at step 614. Thereafter, the device associated with the
transient address then commences performance of the document
processing operation corresponding to the received document
processing request.
[0063] The subject application extends to computer programs in the
form of source code, object code, code intermediate sources and
partially compiled object code, or in any other form suitable for
use in the implementation of the subject application. Computer
programs are suitably standalone applications, software components,
scripts or plug-ins to other applications. Computer programs
embedding the subject application are advantageously embodied on a
carrier, being any entity or device capable of carrying the
computer program: for example, a storage medium such as ROM or RAM,
optical recording media such as CD-ROM or magnetic recording media
such as floppy discs; or any transmissible carrier such as an
electrical or optical signal conveyed by electrical or optical
cable, or by radio or other means. Computer programs are suitably
downloaded across the Internet from a server. Computer programs are
also capable of being embedded in an integrated circuit. Any and
all such embodiments containing code that will cause a computer to
perform substantially the subject application principles as
described, will fall within the scope of the subject
application.
[0064] 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.
* * * * *