Method and apparatus for managing printing devices

US7957019B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ricoh Europe plc · GB

Inventors

• Steven Swift · Aylesbury, GB
• James Brown · London, GB
• Kuljinder Samrah · Dudley, GB
• Maurice Beelen · Weert, NL
• Ron Coolen · Rosmalen, NL
• Bersselaar Harrie van den · Rijswijk, NL
• Mark Boelhouwer · Vught, NL

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 7, 2006
• Grant date: Jun 7, 2011
• Expiry date: Jan 26, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q10/06
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A process of managing printing devices at distributed sites, carried out by a contractor for a client. A database portal is provided which is continuously accessible provides a visual display of the performance of the printing devices, and includes the usage and cost of using the printing devices. The database is regularly updated. The contractor regularly monitors the status and usage of the printing devices and associated software and services through the database and uses the information in the database to optimize performance of the printing devices, including phasing in and out printing devices of different manufacturers.