System for distributing image scanning tasks to networked devices

Abstract

A scan task system includes a plurality of imaging devices, including MFDs, dedicated scanners, or mobile phones with scanning or camera functions. The system notifies a user or a number of users whena particular document needs to be scanned and transmitted to a specific destination. A scan task is sent to available imaging devices, and will appear when the user logs in at any imaging device on the network. When a user executes the scan task at any one of the imaging devices, the scan task is removed from all devices. The scan task can be pre-programmed to appropriately file or send a scanneddocument when the scan is executed.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 427,434, filed November 29, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing scan tasks and notifications to selected users. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing discrete, customized scan tasks and notifications to selected users, which can then be executed on any of a number of networked devices. Background technique [0004] Documents, photos, and other items may be scanned or imaged by a dedicated scanner or a multifunction device (“MFD”) that has scanning functionality and at least one other capability, such as copying, printing, and faxing. In a business environment, there is often a need to scan and file a variety of documents including, for example, invoices, ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] Three problems often arise when an entity within a company needs to scan a document: 1) the requesting entity cannot easily identify or locate the appropriate employee requesting the document scan; 2) the appropriate employee does not know the correct format and destination parameters for the scan, or Even if they knew, they would need to manually enter these parameters, which is tedious and error-prone; 3) Employees cannot locate a specific imaging device capable of a task involving scanning documents, and which employee knows how to do it

In such an environment, with multiple imaging devices and employees spread across various physical locations, obtaining the required documentation is inefficient and can lead to inaccurate record keeping

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