Abstract: Data stored on a storage medium is used to operate and/or control a user-controlled device. The data may be stored onto the storage medium at a remote location using a programming device which is capable of programming and/or storing the data onto the storage medium. The data is read/received from the storage medium using a storage medium reading device and the read/received data is used operate the image forming device. A programmed storage medium may be used instead of, or in addition to, the control panel associated with a user-controlled device to operate and/or control the user-controlled device.

Abstract: Systems and methods enforce an expiration date for an electronic document and represent the expiration visually. In various exemplary embodiments, the author specifies an expiration date for an electronic document. The expiration date is either a date stamp or is an integer representing a period of time from the creation date. In one embodiment, the access to the document is unavailable to a user after the expiration date. In various exemplary documents, the visual representation of the document ages after a milestone date is reached. In one embodiment, random pixels are added to the visual representation until the document expires. In another embodiment, an algorithm applies visual metaphor bitmaps to the document's visual representation. In one embodiment, the bitmaps are templates. In one embodiment, the document is mapped to the applied bitmaps. The document may be rendered illegible after the expiration date is reached.