Abstract: An image-forming device and method for determining use of consumable items therein includes a consumable item memory storing a substantially unique identifier designating the consumable item as one of a starter item and a normal item. A computer program retrieves the identifier from the consumable item memory and determines whether to allow formation of images using the consumable item based on whether the consumable item is a starter item or a normal item.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data in component memory of a printing device replaceable component and utilizing the data in a customer service center. A printing device records data related to the printing device, usage information, environment information, etc. in a memory tag of a replaceable component—such as a toner cartridge—used in the printing device. When the component is returned to the manufacturer for recycling, the information is retrieved from the memory tag and stored in a customer database. When a customer contacts the customer service center, a customer service operator accesses information related to the customer and to the printing device(s) used by that customer. Help screens, or menus, displayed to the operator are customized according to the product(s) owned by the customer and the environment within which the product is used.

Abstract: An image-forming device and method for determining use of consumable items therein includes a consumable item memory storing a substantially unique identifier designating the consumable item as one of a starter item and a normal item. A computer program retrieves the identifier from the consumable item memory and determines whether to allow formation of images using the consumable item based on whether the consumable item is a starter item or a normal item.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting printing device data from a printing system. The printing device data is collected from a host computer connected to the printing device, printing device memory, a data storage device in the printing device, component memory in a replaceable component used in the printing device, and/or a server hosting a network to which the printing device is connected. Pursuant to consent from a user of the printing system, an application program on a host computer is periodically executed to collect data related to one or more printing devices. After the data is collected, a printing device profile is created from processing the data and the profile is transmitted to a remote server. The printing system user is offered purchase incentives, such as a percentage off a future purchase, if the user allows the data to be collected. The purchase incentives are accumulated by the application program and applied on a future purchase.

Abstract: The invention is a method, a computer readable medium, and a system for automated form completion for a user of a computer. In this regard, the method comprises the steps of identifying one or more fields in a form and automatically supplying information corresponding to the one or more identified fields without intervention by the user. The computer readable medium is capable of being embedded with a computer software configured to perform the above mentioned method. The system comprises a field identifier module capable of identifying one or more fields in a form and a field completer module capable of supplying information corresponding to the one or more identified fields without intervention by the user.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided which includes a print mechanism configured to print in a plurality of color modes, and a controller configured to select an active color mode switching option from among a plurality of color mode switching options, and instruct the print mechanism to switch between the color modes according to the active color mode switching option. Each of the color mode switching options defines a manner in which the printing apparatus and method will switch between the plurality of color modes when printing a document.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus which eliminates repeated entry of user information. A first website corresponding to a vendor of products or services presents (or displays) products or services to a user. A second website along with the first website contains information corresponding to a plurality of individuals. A user browses the first website and selects products or services for purchase. In processing the sale, the first website prompts the user to provide information about the user in order to obtain billing and shipping information for example. The first website includes a software application that is programmed to search a storage medium at the first website. The method and apparatus can also communicate with the second website and search and retrieve information corresponding to the user from the second website based on a minimum amount of information entered through a user interface at the first website.

Abstract: Systems, methods and data structures are described for collecting data in component memory of a printing device replaceable component and utilizing the data to provide marketing solutions for potential customers. A printing device records data related to the printing device, usage information, environment information, etc. in a memory tag of a replaceable component—such as a toner cartridge—used in the printing device. When the component is returned to the manufacturer for recycling, the information is retrieved from the memory tag and stored in a marketing database. The marketing database is searched for printing devices that meet certain search criteria. A customer is identified as using or owning the printing device, and marketing information is delivered to the customer. The marketing information is related to the customer's printing device and usage thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data in component memory of a printing device replaceable component and utilizing the data in a customer service center. A printing device records data related to the printing device, usage information, environment information, etc. in a memory tag of a replaceable component—such as a toner cartridge—used in the printing device. When the component is returned to the manufacturer for recycling, the information is retrieved from the memory tag and stored in a customer database. When a customer contacts the customer service center, a customer service operator accesses information related to the customer and to the printing device(s) used by that customer. Help screens, or menus, displayed to the operator are customized according to the product(s) owned by the customer and the environment within which the product is used.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting printing device data from a printing system. The printing device data is collected from a host computer connected to the printing device, printing device memory, a data storage device in the printing device, component memory in a replaceable component used in the printing device, and/or a server hosting a network to which the printing device is connected. Pursuant to consent from a user of the printing system, an application program on a host computer is periodically executed to collect data related to one or more printing devices. After the data is collected, a printing device profile is created from processing the data and the profile is transmitted to a remote server. The printing system user is offered purchase incentives, such as a percentage off a future purchase, if the user allows the data to be collected. The purchase incentives are accumulated by the application program and applied on a future purchase.

Abstract: Reproduction systems and methods of operating reproduction devices are described. In one embodiment, a reproduction method comprises receiving multiple pages into a reproduction device for reproduction and positioning the multiple pages within an area in the reproduction device so that they can be reproduced. The multiple pages are scanned using a single scanning cycle, and a single reproduced page is output for each of the multiple pages that was scanned. In another embodiment, a copier comprises one or more processors, an image engine having a scan glass for receiving document pages and being configured to scan document pages and produce copies of the pages. A page feeding manager is associated with the one or more processors and is configured to cause pages to be fed into the copier and processed by the image engine.