Abstract: A method of configuring a hard copy output engine includes receiving an electronic message including configuration data and configuring the hard copy output engine using the configuration data.

Abstract: Gathering data and providing messages concerning a networked appliance. A software application in the appliance detects the occurrence of events and records indications of the events in real-time or near real-time. Certain events such as appliance errors, or events for which a user desires notification, are associated with alert messages. Upon detecting one of those events, the software application captures a snapshot or set of the events and transmits to a user machine, system server, or web site the set of events along with the alert message and a link to the system server or web site. Upon viewing the alert message, such as via a web page, the user can enter a command to send the events and alert message to the system server or web site for use in servicing the appliance.

Abstract: A method of configuring a hard copy output engine includes receiving an electronic message including configuration data and configuring the hard copy output engine using the configuration data.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, system and circuitry for controlling the paper motion and accumulation at the output of a high speed impact printer or the like. The preferred embodiment includes means for providing stepped motion paper drive at the output of the printer which is synchronously controlled with respect to paper motion within the printer. This stepped motion drive is set at one stepping rate when a print bar of the impact printer is forming characters in a single line of print and this drive is periodically increased when the paper slews between lines of printed text. This novel paper drive technique operates to eliminate excessive pulling force on the paper, conserve print quality thereon, and simultaneously minimizes power consumption in the printer.