Abstract: A method, data structure, and system for storing memory card usage information on a memory card is provided. The method includes a step of collecting information about usage. The method also includes the steps of recording the information about usage in an area of the memory card, and accessing the information about usage.

Abstract: A removable data storage device is provided that is used with electronic devices using compact data storage capabilities. The removable data storage device includes memory for storing data files and a file management information that includes memory allocation information of the memory. A scan logic is provided that analyzes the file management information and generates file usage data of the memory. With th present invention, a removable data storage device can self-analyze its memory contents and determine, for example, types of files and memory space consumed by each file type in the memory.

Abstract: A method, data structure, and system for storing memory card usage information on a memory card, the method comprising the steps of: collecting information about usage; recording the information about usage in an area of the memory card; and accessing the information about usage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing purchase incentives to printing device replaceable component customers, the purchase incentives being based on a printing device usage rate for the customer. A replaceable component vendor maintains a page count over a time period for each replaceable component customer. A printing device usage rate is calculated from these values. When a new replaceable component is ordered, a vendor system calculates the printing device usage for the customer and refers to a pricing table to determine the price. When a replaceable component with component memory is returned to the vendor, a page count is read from the component memory and is added to the page count for the customer for use in determining a price discount.

Abstract: A print system communicates with a vendor system to order components. During data sessions in which orders are placed and received, the vendor system gathers usage parameters indicating levels of consumable product usage by print devices. The vendor system monitors the usage parameters over time and detects changes in usage levels by different print systems. If consumable product usage has changed by a predetermined amount, the vendor system initiates promotional activities directed to operators of the print systems.

Abstract: A printing device routes print media for printing that has a recognizable media identifier, such as an image, a watermark, or a chemical substance that identifies the print media as a particular brand and/or brand type. A scanning device, such as an optical scanner or chemical detection device, scans the print media and recognizes a media identifier. Information corresponding to the total number of print media routed through a printing device, and the total number of a particular brand and/or type of print media, is maintained in a memory component. The memory component can be a component of the printing device, or the memory component can be integrated with a replaceable component of the printing device, such as a toner cartridge. The information can be routed to an information database via a network system, or via a replaceable component recycle program.

Abstract: Marketing methods and business personnel marketing methods are described. According to a first aspect, a marketing method includes the following steps: obtaining product data from a plurality of business personnel associated with one or more business entity, the product data regarding a product used by the one or more business entity; obtaining personal data from the business personnel regarding the business personnel themselves; first associating the personal data of the business personnel with a plurality of business attitude segments regarding the product and responsive to the respective product data of the business personnel; and second associating the business attitude segments with a plurality of consumer attitude segments using the respective personal data.