Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a toner cartridge, a replaceable part, a controller and an apparatus body memory. An operating mode of the controller is set to one of a subscription mode and a normal mode. The controller is configured to perform processes in accordance with the set operating mode. The apparatus body memory is configured to store life information indicating a remaining life of the replaceable part attached to the apparatus body. The controller is configured to switch a control between: a control for allowing an extended use of the replaceable part; and a control for restricting the extended use of the replaceable part, according to the set operating mode. The extended use is defined as use of the replaceable part even after the replaceable part exceeds the remaining life indicated by the life information stored in the apparatus body memory.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methodologies of improving hygiene metric, methodologies of training observers, and software products for improving hygiene metrics are disclosed herein. An exemplary methodology of improving hand-hygiene includes obtaining data indicative of the number of opportunities for one or more users to obtain a dose of hand cleaner for a plurality of dispensers through an electronic monitoring system. In addition, the exemplary methodology includes obtaining data indicative of dispense events by the plurality of dispensers through the electronic monitoring system. The methodology further includes determining a metric for the one or more users as a function of the data indicative of the number of opportunities and the data indicative of dispense events and providing instructions for an observer to obtain observation data related to the one or more users as a function of the metric.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for providing hand hygiene dispenser stations configured to remind users to use the hand hygiene dispenser stations. In one or more embodiments, the present systems and methods provide individual provider identification and networked communication among hand hygiene stations (dispenser stations), enabling tracking of providers and data collection regarding hand hygiene products usage (hand hygiene compliance).

Abstract: A management apparatus and a billing method which calculates a billing charge by using a cumulative output amount for a target billing period. In the management apparatus and billing method a billing charge is calculated by using a cumulative output amount for a target billing period, a cumulative output amount quota having the cumulative output amount for the target billing period, and a quota unit price corresponding to the cumulative output amount quota of at least one image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is an operating number-counting piezoelectric dispenser including a piezoelectric pump dispensing a liquid by using a piezoelectric element as an actuator. According to the operating number-counting piezoelectric dispenser, damages to a piezoelectric actuator may be predicted and the piezoelectric actuator may be replaced before the damages are caused, thereby preventing process loss and defective products and improving productivity.

Abstract: Methods, devices and system are provided. One method includes capturing activity data associated with activity of a user via a device. The activity data is captured over time, and the activity data is quantifiable by a plurality of metrics. The method includes storing the activity data in storage of the device and, from time to time, connecting the device with a computing device over a wireless communication link. The method defines using a first transfer rate for transferring activity data captured and stored over a period of time. The first transfer rate is used following startup of an activity tracking application on the computing device The method also defines using a second transfer rate for transferring activity data from the device to the computing device for display of the activity data in substantial-real time on the computing device.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for displaying monitored activity data in substantial real-time on a screen of a computing device. One example method includes capturing motion data associated with activity of a user via an activity tracking device. The motion data is quantified into a plurality of metrics associated with the activity of the user. The method includes connecting the activity tracking device with a computing device over a wireless data connection, and sending motion data from the activity tracking device to the computing device for display of one or more of the plurality of metrics on a graphical user interface of the computing device. At least one of the plurality of metrics displayed on the graphical user interface is shown to change in substantial real-time based on the motion data.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for filtering noise from a pulsed input signal comprising cyclically producing a change in an output signal only if changes in an input signal occur at least a desired time after a respective immediately previous change in the input signal, and otherwise rejecting the changes in the input signal; and counting the rejected changes in the input signal. More than one duration or frequency may be used for the filtering, enabling classification of noise by frequency. Resulting counts may be used to determine rates of occurrence of noise for evaluation of performance of equipment, installation of the equipment, and changes in performance over time.

Abstract: An RF test and measurement device, including a front end for receiving a time-varying signal and a real-time engine for generating digital frequency domain spectrums based on the time-varying signal. The device also includes a memory subsystem containing a frequency domain bitmap which is updated through sequential receipt and storage of the digital frequency domain spectrums. The real time engine is further configured to monitor the frequency domain bitmap for occurrence of a signal characteristic, and in response to detection of the signal characteristic, cause a capture of the time-varying signal into a storage location of the RF test and measurement device.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image forming apparatus configured to perform printing when a reservation request including a count value for the printing is accepted by a management apparatus that performs charging management according to a print result, the image forming apparatus including: a transmission unit configured to transmit, to the management apparatus, a reservation request including a count value for printing a part of a print job before completing analysis on the entire print job; and a printing unit configured to perform printing according to an acceptance of the reservation request by the management apparatus.

Abstract: A method for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor includes continuously determining an orientation of the inertial sensor, assigning a dominant axis, updating the dominant axis as the orientation of the inertial sensor changes, and counting periodic human motions by monitoring accelerations relative to the dominant axis.

Abstract: A signal monitor device that detects a signal propagating on a signal line and that generates a timestamp when the signal is detected. The timestamp may be used in a variety of applications including measuring the propagation delays on signal lines and determining the timing in a system.

Abstract: A performance monitor device includes an input unit to input both of address information and event occurrence information, an address mask unit to determine an address area to which each piece of the inputted address information belongs, an execution frequency counter to count a number of times of execution of programs in the address areas, an execution frequency holding unit to hold a counting result of the number of times of execution, an event occurrence information counter to count the event occurrence information corresponding to the address areas having the counting result of the number of times of execution included within a predetermined number of highest ranks, a holding unit to hold a counting results of the event occurrence information, and a storing unit to store the counting result of the event occurrence information corresponding to the address area having the highest number of times of execution in predetermined periods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paperless billing process for enabling expedited and simplified payments of print volume bills by customers of printing systems. A method of performing a billing process for the copies or prints produced by customer of a printing system is provided where the printing system comprises a memory that stores product usage data indicating a measurement of the actual use of the printing system. The printing system first accesses the memory to retrieve the product usage data. Then, the printing system calculates billing data using the retrieved product usage data. A bill is presented to the customer based on billing data, and the printing system receives user input from the customer indicating whether the customer authorizes the billing data. If so, a message is sent from the printing system to a billing service, wherein the message includes information indicating the authorized billing data.

Abstract: A vehicle technician time clock tool comprises a computer-implemented interface to a database, wherein the database contains vehicle service task-related information and time-related information, the vehicle service task-related information and time-related information pertaining to at least one vehicle technician, and a computer-implemented graphical user display (GUI), wherein the GUI displays in real time at least some of the vehicle service task-related information, at least some of the time-related information, and at least one calculation based on at least some of the time-related information.

Abstract: An implantable pedometer for measuring the amount of joint use is disclosed. The implantable pedometer includes a sensor adapted for detecting indicators of joint usage. A counter is configured for storing count data corresponding to the number of indicators detected by the sensor and a telemetry circuit is configured for transmitting the count data outside of the body.

Abstract: Optimizing statistics counter use is disclosed. A total number of counter bits to be used to track two or more statistics is determined. The total number of counter bits is allocated among the two or more statistics to provide for each statistic a counter comprising the number of bits allocated for that statistic, the allocation being such that each counter overflows at a rate desired for that counter. The overflow rates may be balanced, such that each counter overflows at approximately the same rate.

Abstract: A system and method for performing counting operations for a plurality of components is disclosed. A memory stores a plurality of counts from different components. The memory is coupled to a counter and the plurality of counts are accessible to the adder for adding addends to the plurality of counts. A count engine controls the adding of the addends to the plurality of counts.

Abstract: A device which measures individual employee usage of a liquid product or hand soap dispenser as part of an overall hygiene compliance program. The dispenser consists of a self-contained keypad/display module which is attached to a standard hand soap dispenser. An employee enters a unique personal ID code and then activates the dispenser. The dispenser counts all inputs to the dispenser in order to generate meaningful data for management. Alternatively, the dispenser may only track and report total usage and not account for individual employee usage.

Abstract: A device which measures individual employee usage of a liquid product or hand soap dispenser as part of an overall hygiene compliance program. The dispenser consists of a self-contained keypad/display module which is attached to a standard hand soap dispenser. An employee enters a unique personal ID code and then activates the dispenser. The dispenser counts all inputs to the dispenser in order to generate meaningful data for management. Alternatively, the dispenser may only track and report total usage and not account for individual employee usage.

Abstract: A device which measures individual employee usage of a liquid product or hand soap dispenser as part of an overall hygiene compliance program. The dispenser consists of a self-contained keypad/display module which is attached to a standard hand soap dispenser. An employee enters a unique personal ID code and then activates the dispenser. The dispenser counts all inputs to the dispenser in order to generate meaningful data for management. Alternatively, the dispenser may only track and report total usage and not account for individual employee usage.

Abstract: Real-time, per call charge information is provided to a subscriber for calls in progress using a communications system having a service interface supporting the charge display feature. A repository of billing rate information is accessible to the communications system, which selects the appropriate billing rate based on call attributes such as time of day, geographic location, etc. The charge information may be periodically computed within a switch or data processing system within the communications system and transmitted to a remote display device for display. Alternatively, raw billing rate information may be transmitted to an intelligent device at the subscribers location, which periodically computes the charge information and updates the display.

Abstract: Measuring device, particularly for fuel pumps in service stations, comprising a pulser equipped with a microprocessor unit and an electronic head equipped with a microprocessor unit, in which device the pulser and the electronic head are connected and mutually communicate information and data correlated to the supply; the information and the data are encrypted by means of an algorithm loaded in said microprocessor units and are sent to the electronic head from the pulser together with the measurement values of each supply, in order to allow the verification and the validation of the transmitted data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording actual time used by a service which makes requests for data. The apparatus includes a first timer for recording time during which the service is in operation and a second timer rendered operable when the service requests data. The second timer is operable to disable the first timer to suspend the recording of the time when the second timer acquires a value exceeding a pre-defined value, representing the time during which the service is waiting for data in response to a request for data and the second timer re-enables the first timer when the data is received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collating, correlating and redistributing information about the use of proprietary products including copyrighted works and licensed software products, at various computer sites. The system consolidates information (originally captured by other systems) by time period, such as day, week or month, about which proprietary products are installed at each computer site, as well as to what particulars of use are relevant. This may include the number of invocations of various software products, the number of logons, the number of concurrent users, as well as other usage metrics. The information is sorted by vendor or copyright owner, so that the information about all of the proprietary products licensed from a particular vendor can be periodically sent to that vendor, automatically, or in response to prompting by vendors or from within the central computer system.

Abstract: Integrated counter-based instrumentation for generating a frequency distribution representation such as a histogram. An integrated circuit device includes an event counter to count a number of a predetermined type of events detected in each of a plurality of measurement periods during a first sub-experiment period. A frequency counter coupled to the event counter is to be incremented at the end of each measurement period if the number counted by the event counter meets a first test. A count stored in the frequency counter is provided to a frequency distribution data store at the end of the first sub-experiment period.

Abstract: An electronic scoring device for analyzing a player's tennis game. A group of push-buttons are used to increment corresponding counters to track statistics within six different categories. The categories may include aces, winners, unforced errors, other won points, double faults, forced errors and other lost points. The output of each counter is visually displayed along with a sum of the values contained in all the counters.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for collecting data. The apparatus is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable for the diagnosing of eye disorders. The apparatus contains a rack (1) having a plurality of engagement positions and a plurality of counters (5) for the rack (1), each counter (5) being engageable in any one of the engagement positions. Each counter (5) contains a specific, unique, electrical attribute which enables a detector included within the apparatus to detect and therefore process the data relating to the value of the electrical attribute of each counter (5).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet in accordance with an image forming mode selected from among a plurality of image forming modes is provided with a counter to accumulate the number of times image formation has been executed for each of the plurality of image forming modes. The counter includes a memory to store the accumulated number of times image formation has been executed for each of the plurality of image forming modes and a display to display content of the memory.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for totalizing data obtained at the time of operation, such as the number of copying operations performed for each user, by using a single portable medium is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes a first memory for storing identification information which identifies operators who are permitted to use the apparatus. Data which is entered by the user is compared with the stored data in order to verify if the user is in fact authorized to use the apparatus. Additional data, such as the number of copies made, is stored corresponding to each user. Additional categories for which data may be collected and stored are disclosed including the time frame, the particular machine, and the size of the paper being used.

Abstract: A counter for attribute stored in an Ethernet system is partitioned such that the storage section is separated from the incrementors section. In so doing, counters are implemented in a significantly less space than if the counters were implemented as individual counters. The counter utilizes random access memory as the storage section and a 32 bit incrementor. As the incrementor section along with a pair of latches to implement the counter.

Abstract: There is provided a method of estimating cost of printing materials used to print a job on a printing apparatus. The method includes the steps of: storing billing rates reflecting the cost of printing materials to be used in printing the job, selecting a first quantity of printing materials to be used in printing the job, and, prior to printing the job, calculating, as a function of the first selected quantity of printing materials and one of the stored billing rates, a first printing materials cost of the job.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing and recording the content, ownership, and/or bibliographic source of documents reproduced on a reprographic device, and more particularly for tracking the reproduction of specified information, especially copyrighted documents, is connected, preferably detachably, to any of various reprographic devices. The apparatus includes a digitizer for digitizing desired pages (such as those containing title and author information) output from a main portion of the reprographic device, a recording device and medium for storing said digitized pages, a counter for counting the number of reproductions made and optionally inferring the number of originals, a controller for controlling the operation of the apparatus and, optionally, a control panel for interacting with the operator of the reprographic device.

Abstract: A time interval data processing circuit uses a pipelined hardware data processor to perform the conversion of incoming time stamp data into time interval results. These results can be further processed into a hardware accumulated histogram or can be compared against limits to determine if a time interval trigger condition has occurred. In the first stage of the pipeline, the processing circuit subtracts the two time stamps from the current and the previous event to determine the time interval between events being measured. The second stage checks the measurement result against minimum and maximum limits and determines which bin the measurement belongs in. The limit testing determines if the measurement fits the histogram limits and also yields the data required to perform measurement triggering on time intervals. The third stage of the pipeline increments the appropriate histogram bin in RAM. The first and third stages of the pipeline are themselves pipelined in substages.

Abstract: A device for selectively recording charges for copies made on a copying machine by way of two or more accounting means connected at the same time via the device to the copying machine, comprising means for coupling the device to the copying machine, a plurality of connection points each one of which is connectable separately to a different accounting means and control means which selectively activates one of the accounting means for recording of the charges and the method of accomplishing the recording of such charges.

Abstract: A polling device (10) includes a housing (12), pushbuttons (14, 16) mounted on the housing for receiving customer responses to an inquiry, circuitry for counting and storing the number of times each pushbutton (14, 16) is depressed, and a time delay circuit for disabling the counting circuitry for a predetermined period of time after one of the pushbuttons has been depressed for discouraging repetitive voting. A display unit (46) for reading and displaying the number of times each pushbutton (14, 16) has been depressed is also provided.

Abstract: An electronic postage meter has two non-volatile memory devices, each of a different technology, CMOS battery-backed RAM and E.sup.2 PROM. The E.sup.2 PROM technology allows a limited number of rewrites. In order to provide real-time accounting in such a non-volatile memory over the life of the meter, a trip data counter is stored in a circular data store in addition to a separate account of other postage accounting data, including printwheel setting information. The trip data counter is used for calculations of postage meter register data. The separate account is updated at predetermined intervals using the trip counter data if necessary for data recovery.

Abstract: Equipment using consumables that require replacement after a predetermined number of uses includes counter arrangements for keeping track of the number of uses of each consumable. Even though some of the consumables may replace the same item, the usage count is maintained for each individual consumable. For the consumables, automatic identification of replaced items is provided whereby the counter arrangement is enabled to accumulate usage counts on the correct consumables.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for monitoring inventory in a business or hospital to provide an immediate indication of the number of items in such inventory, the number of items needed to be reordered at any time to replenish the inventory to its maximum level, and the critical minimum inventory level necessitating a stock reorder to avoid depletion of stock before new stock items can arrive from the business' supplier.

Abstract: A weighted event counting circuit comprises a cascade connection circuit composed of a plurality of frequency dividing circuit means and a plurality of coincidence detecting circuit means inserted between the frequency dividing circuit means, and input circuit means to supply digital data representing the occurrence of plural events to the coincidence detecting circuit means. The number of occurrence times of the plural events is counted and totalized with weighting.

Abstract: A system for reading, recording and transferring one or more discrete machine events to computer processing equipment for accounting and tabulation. The system is comprised of a discrete machine event counting module which records and stores a count of machine operation, and can include means for recording the time of some selected event or events. The module also stores an identification code for the particular machine. The module can be connected directly through a microprocessor to a central processing center, or it can be located at a machine or at a group of machines. When located in an individual machine or in a group of machines, and hardwiring to the central processing center is for some reason not desired, then a portable transfer unit can be provided which can be connected to the module to retrieve or to read its contents by applying a read data command signal to the module.

Abstract: An information recording system, which comprises means for storing in a storage device various pieces of information to be registered, an operator table storing at least one secret code peculiar to a particular operator and an operation level corresponding to such secret code, and a report weight table storing a plurality of different weights one for each kind of recorded information to be outputted, means for entering a secret code of the operator and the kind of recorded information to be outputted when such recorded information is desired to be outputted, means for comparing the operation level corresponding to the secret code of the operator so entered with the weight of the recorded information desired to be outputted, and means for outputting the recorded information only when the secret code of the operator is greater than the weight of the recorded information.

Abstract: A system for monitoring energy use by each of a plurality of tenants or other users of energy provided by a common heating/cooling plant and for allocating the energy expense for a building among such users on a pro-rata basis.

Abstract: A checking system is provided to check the condition of a plurality of storage racks, e.g., the quantity and types of articles in racks in a machine, with the articles being stored along the length of the racks. Rack indicating means is provided in the form of indicia adjacent each of the plurality of racks to identify a plurality of different types or brands of articles. Each of these rack indicating means is subdivided along the length of the respective rack into individual indicating means or indicia, and, as an example, may correspond to the numerical sequence of the respective adjacent article stored in the rack. Interrogation means is cooperable with the indicating means, and this may be a bar code reader to cooperate with bar code indicia to determine data from the rack and individual indicating means. As an example, this may be identifying the particular rack and the sequential number of the articles in the particular track at that instant.

Abstract: A monitoring device for a can testing machine which provides a visual display on a cathode ray tube identifying potential can production process problems and can testing machine problems. The visual dislay provides a summary of can test data as well as analysis messages. A microcomputer is utilized in conjunction with the can testing machine and logic hardware to perform the summary and analysis functions of the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A voice sound producing electronic data processing apparatus has an electronic data processing main body, a visual display device and a voice sound outputting device having at least one loudspeaker. The voice sound outputting device is coupled to the display device and both are rotatably supported on the electronic data processing main body through a support part having a rotating mechanism such that the loudspeaker and the display device always face in the same direction.

Abstract: A copying machine managing apparatus identifies information recorded on a plurality of using section magnetic cards and on an administrative department magnetic card. The plurality of using section magnetic cards are respectively assigned to using sections and bearing thereon respective using section codes. When one of the using section magnetic card is inserted in a slit of the copying machine managing apparatus, the using section code is identified and a copying machine associated therewith is made operable. The number copies produced by the particular using section is accumulated by a digital computer at each production of a copy and stored in an RAM. The accumulated number is at the same time indicated on an indicator window of the managing apparatus. When the administrative department magnetic card is inserted in the slit, the accumulated number of copies for each using section is successively read out from the RAM and indicated on the indicator window.