Abstract: An apparatus (100) having a peripheral interface port hub and secure thumb device enclosure is disclosed. The apparatus can include a frame (110) and an external peripheral interface upstream port (120) coupled to the frame. The external peripheral interface upstream port can be configured to couple the apparatus to a host external peripheral interface port, where the host external peripheral interface port can be configured to couple a host device to a peripheral external to the host device. The apparatus can include a plurality of external peripheral interface downstream ports (131-133) coupled to the frame, where each external peripheral interface downstream port can be configured to couple the apparatus to an external peripheral interface thumb device, where the external peripheral interface thumb device can be configured to be coupled to a printing apparatus.

Abstract: A method for measuring Side 1 to Side 2 image on paper misregistration includes using a series of lines printed on both sides of a substrate, such as, paper. The paper is passed in front of an in-line spectrophotometer or densitometer. The amount of image “show through” is measured and correlated to an amount of misregistration.

Abstract: A printing system includes a first image applying component configured for applying one or more primary colorants to print media for rendering an image. A second image applying component is configured for applying a second colorant, such as black colorant, to print media for rendering an image. A first pathway conveys print media between the first image applying component and the second image applying component. A second pathway bypasses the first image applying component for conveying print media which is printed by the second image applying component. Where an image is to be rendered with the primary colorants and optionally also black, the print media is directed on the first pathway to both the first and second image applying components. Where an image is to be rendered only with black colorant, the print media may be directed to the second image applying component via the bypass pathway. In this way, during black printing, the first image applying component can be placed in a standby mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying parts in an image production device may include receiving a request to print a print job from a user, determining the print job specifications, detecting identification devices of parts that are installed in the image production device and extracting the corresponding part identification information, determining if the detected parts are the parts that have been identified for the determined print job specifications based on the extracted part identification information, wherein if one or more detected parts that are installed in the image production device are the parts that have been identified for the determined print job specifications, processing the print job, otherwise, notifying the user that the installed parts are not the parts that have been identified for the determined print job specifications, and prompting the user to elect to replace the installed parts, change the print job specifications, or proceed with the print job.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) having a peripheral interface port hub and secure thumb device enclosure is disclosed. The apparatus can include a frame (110) and an external peripheral interface upstream port (120) coupled to the frame. The external peripheral interface upstream port can be configured to couple the apparatus to a host external peripheral interface port, where the host external peripheral interface port can be configured to couple a host device to a peripheral external to the host device. The apparatus can include a plurality of external peripheral interface downstream ports (131-133) coupled to the frame, where each external peripheral interface downstream port can be configured to couple the apparatus to an external peripheral interface thumb device, where the external peripheral interface thumb device can be configured to be coupled to a printing apparatus.