Abstract: In a method of authorizing a supply for use with a printing system, a supply is provided having a memory containing a first and second codes and supply-specific data, which uniquely identifies the supply. The first code, the second code and the supply-specific data are retrieved from the memory of the supply. The first and second codes are translated using the supply-specific data. The translated first code is compared to a third code and the translated second code is compared to a fourth code. Use of the supply with the printing system is authorized when the translated first code corresponds to the third code and the translated second code corresponds to the fourth code. Use of the supply with the printing system is prevented when either the translated first code does not correspond to the third code, or the translated second code does not correspond to the fourth code.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring a group of credential processing devices, credential substrates are processed using the credential processing devices of the group. Next, event outputs are received. Each event output relates to an occurrence of a process event during the processing of the substrate by one of the devices. Finally, a relative condition score is calculated for a subject device of the group based on the event outputs corresponding to the subject device and the event outputs corresponding to the other devices in the group. The relative condition score of the subject device is a measure of a condition of the subject device relative to the conditions of the other devices in the group. Also disclosed is a system configured to perform the above-described method.

Abstract: A method and system for securely processing a credential substrate using a credentials production system and secured consumable supply. The consumable supply is selectively in one of a plurality of states including a production disabled state and a production enabled state. The state of the consumable supply is changed from the production disabled state to the production enabled state. The state in the consumable supply is verified as being in the production enabled state prior to processing the credential substrate using the consumable supply.

Abstract: In a method of ordering a consumable supply produced by a card manufacturing device of an identification card manufacturing system, a request to order the consumable supply is received from a user. Next, supply information relating to the supply is retrieved and the supply information is provided to a first web address. Finally, a second web address, which is different from the first web address and is associated with the supply, is retrieved through the first web address based upon the supply information.

Abstract: In a method of authorizing a supply for use with a printing system, a supply is provided having a memory containing a first and second codes and supply-specific data, which uniquely identifies the supply. The first code, the second code and the supply-specific data are retrieved from the memory of the supply. The first and second codes are translated using the supply-specific data. The translated first code is compared to a third code and the translated second code is compared to a fourth code. Use of the supply with the printing system is authorized when the translated first code corresponds to the third code and the translated second code corresponds to the fourth code. Use of the supply with the printing system is prevented when either the translated first code does not correspond to the third code, or the translated second code does not correspond to the fourth code.

Abstract: Identification card manufacturing security restricts use of an identification card manufacturing system with only authorized supplies. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a supply-specific security code (SSSC) and supply-specific data are stored in memory of the supply. The SSSC is translated using the supply-specific data. Finally, the supply is authorized for use with the identification card manufacturing system only when the translated SSSC is found to be valid. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an identification card manufacturing system is configured to operate only with supplies having corresponding customer-specific security codes (CSSC). A supply CSSC and supply-specific data are retrieved from memory of the supply. Additionally, a system CSSC and system-specific data are retrieved from memory of the identification card manufacturing system. The supply CSSC and the system CSSC are translated using the supply-specific data and the system-specific data, respectively.

Abstract: In a method of forming an ink-receptive card substrate, an ink-receptive material is provided. The ink-receptive material includes a backing layer and an ink-receptive coating on a surface of the backing layer. Next, a card member is provided. Finally, the ink-receptive material is laminated to a surface of the card member with the ink-receptive coating facing the surface of the card member. This results in the bonding of the ink-receptive coating to the surface of the card member. Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices that are configured to perform the above-identified method.

Abstract: In a method of authorizing credential substrate processing in a credential manufacturing device, a credential manufacturing device and a credential substrate are provided. The credential substrate includes a memory containing a unique identifier. An authorized credential substrate identification stored in a data store is accessed. The authorized credential substrate identification identifies a specific credential substrate. The authorized credential substrate identification is compared to the unique identifier of the credential substrate. The processing of the credential substrate using the credential manufacturing device is prevented when the authorized credential substrate identification does not match the unique identifier.

Abstract: An identification card printer includes a card input, a card transport, a printhead, and a card output. The card transport is configured to feed a card from the card input along a print path. The printhead is positioned below the print path and is configured to print an image on a surface of the card. The card can then be discharged through the card output.

Abstract: In a method of issuing a credential, a request for issuance of the credential is received. Next, a unique identification for the requested credential is assigned and data elements corresponding to the credential are provided. A credential production data collection is built in accordance with a credential production template. The credential production data collection includes the unique identification and production job data. Production commands are then provided to a credential production device based on the credential production data collection and the credential is produced using the credential production device in response to the production commands.

Abstract: An identification card printer includes a card input, a card transport, a printhead, and a card output. The card transport is configured to feed a card from the card input along a print path. The printhead is positioned below the print path and is configured to print an image on a surface of the card. The card can then be discharged through the card output.

Abstract: A ribbon sensor includes a first and second emitter and a receiver. The first emitter is configured to transmit a yellow light signal and the second emitter is configured to transmit a blue light signal. The receiver is configured to produce an output signal in response to the transmission of the yellow and blue light signals through a panel of a print ribbon, wherein the output signal is indicative of a color of the panel. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to a printer that includes the above-described sensor and a method of using the sensor to identify colored ribbon panels.

Abstract: A printer includes a substrate input, a substrate transport, a printhead, a removable ribbon cartridge, a ribbon cartridge receiver, and a substrate output. The substrate transport is configured to feed a substrate from the substrate input along a print path. The printhead is positioned below the print path and is configured to print an image on a surface of the substrate. The ribbon cartridge is received in the ribbon cartridge receiver and contains a supply of print ribbon that extends between supply and take-up spools and over the printhead. The substrate can then be discharged through the substrate output.

Abstract: In a method of forming an ink-receptive card substrate, an ink-receptive material is provided. The ink-receptive material includes a backing layer and an ink-receptive coating on a surface of the backing layer. Next, a card member is provided. Finally, the ink-receptive material is laminated to a surface of the card member with the ink-receptive coating facing the surface of the card member. This results in the bonding of the ink-receptive coating to the surface of the card member. Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices that are configured to perform the above-identified method.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge includes a cartridge housing, a supply spool, a take-up spool, and a supply of ribbon. The cartridge housing includes a supply spool enclosure, a take-up spool enclosure, a pair of ribbon guides, and a gap between the ribbon guides and the supply and take-up spool enclosures. The supply spool is contained in the supply spool enclosure, and the take-up spool is contained in the take-up spool enclosure. The ribbon extends from the supply spool, over the ribbon guides and the gap, and to the take-up spool. Another aspect of the ribbon cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a cleaner roller. The cartridge housing includes front and rear walls. The cleaner roller is rotatably supported between the front and rear walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective film for application to a card member and forming identification cards having protective films. The method of applying protection to a card member includes providing a protective film. The protective film includes a protective overlay and an ink-receptive material. The ink-receptive material includes an ink-receptive coating on a backing layer. The ink-receptive coating is bonded to the protective overlay. The method also includes removing the backing layer from the ink-receptive coating and laminating the ink-receptive coating to a surface of a card member.

Abstract: A card cartridge includes a housing having a pair of opposing side walls, a top, a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, and a base. The housing includes an interior cavity that is sized to accommodate a stack of cards, a card access, and a card output slot. The card access allows a card transport mechanism to engage a lead card contained in the housing and feed the lead card through the card output slot.

Abstract: An identification card printer or laminator system includes a card transport mechanism configured to transport a card along a path, a printer or lamination mechanism configured to print or laminate the card, a print or lamination consumable supply, and a controller. The printer or lamination consumable supply includes a tag circuit that contains supply data including a tag security code. The controller is configured for communication with the tag circuit and is further configured to allow operation of the printer or laminator system with the consumable supply when the tag security code is valid, and to prevent operation of the printer or laminator system with the consumable supply when the tag security code is invalid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective film for application to a card member and forming identification cards having protective films. The method of applying protection to a card member includes providing a protective film. The protective film includes a protective overlay and an ink-receptive material. The ink-receptive material includes an ink-receptive coating on a backing layer. The ink-receptive coating is bonded to the protective overlay. The method also includes removing the backing layer from the ink-receptive coating and laminating the ink-receptive coating to a surface of a card member.

Abstract: A method of verifying the processing of a card includes a step of processing a card. Next, a check is made to verify whether the card was completely or incompletely processed. Finally, verification results are generated that indicate whether the card was completely or incompletely processed. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to an identification card manufacturing system that is configured to carry out the method described above.