Abstract: A method of generating an authentication code for a consumable includes assigning an identification number to the consumable; processing an input including at least the identification number, using a first algorithm, to generate a preliminary number different from the identification number; and compressing the preliminary number using a compression algorithm, different from the first algorithm, that utilizes the identification number to generate an authentication value for use in authenticating the consumable.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating a property of an article in electrical communication with a verifier system including, for example, reading an identification code from the article, generating a challenge phrase from a verifier system, writing a challenge phrase to a first memory location on the article, reading a response phrase from the second memory location on the article, wherein the second memory location is configured to respond with a combinational logic gate output of the second memory location and the first memory location, generating a message authentication code by encrypting the identification code using a predetermined algorithm, generating a comparison code, wherein the comparison code is a combination logic gate output of the message authentication code and the challenge phrase, and determining if the comparison code is equivalent to the response phrase. Articles configured for use with the same.

Abstract: A reward program directed to registering computer devices and their consumable parts via a computer network generates a unique key code value for each computer device. The key code is generated by a remote server in the computer network and may include appending a sequential counter to the serial number of the device being registered. The key code is then encrypted using a standard hash algorithm. The encrypted key code is saved in a device information database together with other device information and consumable part information related to the computer device. The encrypted key code is also returned to the computer device and saved in the device memory. The device information database is updated with the usage of consumable part information for each registered computer device. Customers also register with the reward program and are assigned to one or more registered computer devices.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a consumable used in an imaging device includes the steps of providing the consumable with a memory; monitoring usage of the consumable; determining whether the consumable has reached a usage threshold; and, if the consumable has reached the usage threshold, then performing the further steps of: renewing the consumable; generating an authentication code signifying the renewing of the consumable; and storing the authentication code in the memory.

Abstract: A method for providing a virtual replenishing of a supply item with an imaging substance includes the steps communicating to a database a first serial number associated with a first supply item; comparing the first serial number with a plurality of serial numbers stored in the database; receiving from the database one of a first data indicating non-correspondence between the first serial number with one of the plurality of serial numbers and a second data indicating correspondence between the first serial number with one of the plurality of serial numbers, wherein the second data includes a verification key; and if the verification key corresponds to the first key stored in the memory associated with the first supply item, then performing the step of allocating at least a portion of a surplus amount of the imaging substance contained in the first supply item for use.

Abstract: A system for providing technical support to a customer relating to an imaging cartridge used in an imaging apparatus includes a memory, diagnostic software, and technical support software. The memory is associated with the imaging cartridge, and stores diagnostics data. The diagnostic software is associated with a type of the imaging apparatus. The diagnostic software executes to read the diagnostics data from the memory and generate a diagnostic code based thereon. The technical support software executes to perform an analysis of the diagnostic code and to determine an action to be taken based on the analysis of the diagnostic code.

Abstract: A method for providing technical support to a customer relating to an imaging cartridge used in an imaging apparatus includes receiving a request from the customer for assistance relating to the imaging cartridge; executing diagnostic software associated with a type of the imaging apparatus based on the request to generate a diagnostic code pertaining to the imaging cartridge; receiving the diagnostic code from the customer; performing an analysis of the diagnostic code; and determining an action to be taken based on the analysis of the diagnostic code.

Abstract: A reward program directed to registering computer devices and their consumable parts via a computer network generates a unique key code value for each computer device. The key code is generated by a remote server in the computer network and may include appending a sequential counter to the serial number of the device being registered. The key code is then encrypted using a standard hash algorithm. The encrypted key code is saved in a device information database together with other device information and consumable part information related to the computer device. The encrypted key code is also returned to the computer device and saved in the device memory. The device information database is updated with the usage of consumable part information for each registered computer device. Customers also register with the reward program and are assigned to one or more registered computer devices.

Abstract: A method for detecting whether a cartridge installed in an imaging apparatus is potentially counterfeit includes determining whether a usage threshold has been reached by the cartridge; determining whether the cartridge was previously installed in the imaging apparatus; and determining that the cartridge is potentially counterfeit if the usage threshold has been reached and the cartridge was not previously installed in the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a consumable used in an imaging device includes the steps of providing the consumable with a memory; monitoring usage of the consumable; determining whether the consumable has reached a usage threshold; and, if the consumable has reached the usage threshold, then performing the further steps of: renewing the consumable; generating an authentication code signifying the renewing of the consumable; and storing the authentication code in the memory.

Abstract: Methods for licensing functionality after an initial transaction are provided. One such method is directed to licensing after an initial transaction of a customer obtaining a supply item including the step of prompting the customer to acquire a usage license for the supply item.

Abstract: Methods for managing a plurality of imaging supply items for an organization, such as those that include associating the organization with a program, the program pertaining to the use of a plurality of imaging apparatuses in conjunction with a plurality of imaging supply items; associating an imaging apparatus with the program to yield a program specific imaging apparatus; and associating an imaging supply item with the program to yield a program specific imaging supply item.

Abstract: Methods for licensing functionality after an initial transaction are provided. One such method is directed to licensing after an initial transaction of a customer obtaining a supply item including the step of prompting the customer to acquire a usage license for the supply item.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for identifying consumables intended for use in an imaging apparatus, such as consumables having a memory storing at least first data and second data. One such method involves incrementing the first data during printing operations using the imaging apparatus; the imaging apparatus determining when the first data corresponds to a first predetermined value; and setting the second data to a second predetermined value based on a correspondence of the first data to the first predetermined value.

Abstract: A claimant device includes a memory device for storing a unique claimant device identifier and a plurality of unique digital signatures. Each digital signature is based, at least in part, upon the unique claimant device identifier.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a consumable used in an imaging device includes the steps of providing the consumable with a memory; monitoring usage of the consumable; determining whether the consumable has reached a usage threshold; and, if the consumable has reached the usage threshold, then performing the further steps of: renewing the consumable; generating an authentication code signifying the renewing of the consumable; and storing the authentication code in the memory.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating a property of an article in electrical communication with a verifier system including, for example, reading an identification code from the article, generating a challenge phrase from a verifier system, writing a challenge phrase to a first memory location on the article, reading a response phrase from the second memory location on the article, wherein the second memory location is configured to respond with a combinational logic gate output of the second memory location and the first memory location, generating a message authentication code by encrypting the identification code using a predetermined algorithm, generating a comparison code, wherein the comparison code is a combination logic gate output of the message authentication code and the challenge phrase, and determining if the comparison code is equivalent to the response phrase. Articles configured for use with the same.

Abstract: A method for reducing a cost of imaging to a customer includes determining a rate of consumption of imaging substance from a supply item; and, based on the rate of consumption, offering to the customer an imaging reward.

Abstract: A method for detecting whether a cartridge installed in an imaging apparatus is potentially counterfeit includes determining whether a usage threshold has been reached by the cartridge; determining whether the cartridge was previously installed in the imaging apparatus; and determining that the cartridge is potentially counterfeit if the usage threshold has been reached and the cartridge was not previously installed in the imaging apparatus.