Abstract: An electronic diagnostic device for testing electronic monitoring tags for devices such as replaceable modules for a printing apparatus includes a tag reader with a reader wireless communication element. The tag reader is adapted to read tag diagnostic information from an electronic monitoring tag. The electronic diagnostic device further includes a data processor in communication with the tag reader. The data processor is adapted to determine from the tag diagnostic data whether the electronic monitoring tag is operating within predetermined parameters, to identify one of a predetermined set of error categories if the electronic monitoring tag is operating outside the predetermined parameters, and to generate error category information. The electronic diagnostic device further includes a results communication element adapted to communicate the error category information generated by the data processor. The diagnostic device may also communicate correction information to the electronic monitoring tag.

Abstract: Determining an end-of-life prediction of a replaceable cartridge may be accomplished by analyzing input parameters independent of the cartridge, in addition to parameters of the cartridge. An event count denoting a consumption event is read from a memory in the replaceable cartridge. A current consumption status of the replaceable cartridge is determined based on an initial load and the event count of the replaceable cartridge. An input parameter is received from an input device regarding a next pending process that involves a pending consumption increment of the replaceable cartridge. A subsequent consumption status of the replaceable cartridge is determined corresponding to the current consumption status altered by the pending consumption increment. The subsequent consumption status is compared to a replacement condition to decide whether a replacement condition is satisfied. An alert indicator is signaled to an operator upon satisfaction of the replacement condition.

Abstract: A replaceable unit monitor reader system includes a host processor and a coupler board. The coupler board has a detection circuitry that provides an auto-detect, auto-initiate and/or auto-select ability. After receiving command from the host processor, the coupler board enables communication with a CRUM without requiring a further command from the host processor.

Abstract: A module installable in a machine includes a memory device attached thereto for storing electronic data associated with the module. The memory device allows an individual to verify the authenticity or inauthenticity of the module without having to install the module into the machine. The memory device includes a sensory signal output device (e.g., a visual, audible, or tactile output device) that provides a sensory signal indicating authenticity or inauthenticity of the module. To verify authenticity or inauthenticity of the module, the individual initiates a query signal, for example by activating a switch on the module or by using a handheld antenna to impart an electromagnetic field onto the CRUM, and checks for the sensory signal output by the CRUM. The sensory signal may be capable of communicating a visual or audible trademark associated with the module. Data stored in the CRUM may include anti-arbitrage variables associated with the module.

Abstract: A coupler board includes an antenna that generates an electromagnetic field for wireless communication of data with multiple memory devices. The memory devices have data associated with operation of the machine stored therein, and may be configured as customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) or system operation keys (SOKs). The memory devices may be in the form of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The electromagnetic field may have a dual-lobe radiation pattern to communicate with memory devices on either side of the coupler board. In one embodiment, the machine is a printing apparatus.

Abstract: A portable programming device for electronically programming an electronic tag associated with a module includes a hand-held data receiver containing a communication element adapted to receive data from an electronic tag associated with a module and a data processor having programmed processing instructions. The data processor analyzes data received at the communication element in accordance with programmed processing instructions to produce a processor result based on the received data. The portable programming device also includes a hand-held tag writer comprising a communication element for writing tag content information to a tag memory segment of the electronic tag in response to the processor result.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide an acknowledgement protocol on completion of data transmission. A coupler board of a wireless identification system interfaces between a host processor of the wireless identification system and a replaceable unit monitor. The coupler board transmits data to the replaceable unit monitor. The replaceable unit monitor transmits an acknowledgement signal to the coupler board to indicate successful completion of the data transmission.

Abstract: A replaceable unit monitor reader system includes a host processor and a coupler board. The coupler board had a detection circuitry that provides an auto-detect, auto-initiate and/or auto-select ability. After receiving command from the host processor, the coupler board enables communication with a CRUM without requiring a further command from the host processor.

Abstract: A data retrieval method is provided that includes providing a device that comprises a unit, storing usage data of the device in a database based on information stored in a CRUM used in the unit, providing access to the database to a user, and providing the usage data to the user. A data retrieval system is also provided that includes a controller, a device that comprises a unit, the device and the unit being controlled by the controller, a database controlled via the controller, wherein the database is accessible by a user, usage data of the unit being stored in the database via the controller based on information stored in a CRUM associated with the unit, and the usage data being provided to the user via the controller.

Abstract: A memory device authentication method that includes providing a memory device in a host device, and providing both an encryption algorithm, triggering the encryption algorithm during writing of data in the memory device, wherein the encryption algorithm during writing of data and generates a device altered data, then sorting the written data in the memory disk, running the encryption algorithm in the host device on the data written in the memory device and generating a host altered data, the verifying authenticity of the memory device by comparing the device altered data and the host alerted data. An authentication device and associated system that includes a host device that comprises a unit, a first encryption algorithm that is stored in the host device, and a second encryption algorithm, identical to the first encryption algorithm, that is permanently stored in a memory of the unit.

Abstract: A product identification method and associated system may include providing an identification element that corresponds to a consumable product, the identification element at least one of being portable by a user and being readable by a scanner; and at least one of marking information related to the consumable product on the identification element and storing information related to the consumable product in the identification element. Also, a product identification device may include an identification element, and information related to consumable product which is at least one of marked on the identification element and stored in the identification element.

Abstract: An authentication apparatus includes a reading or recording medium equipped with an authentication tag, and a reading and recording drive that includes a transmitter and a coupler chip, wherein the authentication tag and the transmitter are capable of communicating with each other when the reading medium or the recording medium is coupled to the reading and recording drive. An authentication method includes providing a reading medium or a recording medium with an authentication tag, providing a reading and/or recording drive with a transmitter and a communication interface wherein the authentication tag and the transmitter are capable of communicating with each other when the reading medium or recording medium is coupled to the reading and/or recording drive, and authenticating the reading medium or recording medium via a communication between the authentication tag and the transmitter.

Abstract: A radion frequency identification method and device may facilitate communication between a host computer and a plurality of radio frequency identification sensing antennas and their associated transponders. Incorporated within such a device may be an industry standard serial control bus interface, a standards based radio frequency protocol, and a plurality digital output ports. A state machine and decoding logic may be included to transform serially received antenna selection data and to configure the digital output ports to enable one of the plurality of sensing antennas.

Abstract: Programming an electronic monitoring tag attached to a printing apparatus replaceable module includes electronically reading tag identification data from an electronic monitoring tag associated with the replaceable module, and electronically verifying that the tag identification data matches predetermined identification criteria. If the tag identification data matches the predetermined identification criteria, electronically programming the electronic monitoring tag with tag content.

Abstract: Determining an end-of-life prediction of a replaceable cartridge may be accomplished by analyzing input parameters independent of the cartridge, in addition to parameters of the cartridge. An event count denoting a consumption event is read from a memory in the replaceable cartridge. A current consumption status of the replaceable cartridge is determined based on an initial load and the event count of the replaceable cartridge. An input parameter is received from an input device regarding a next pending process that involves a pending consumption increment of the replaceable cartridge. A subsequent consumption status of the replaceable cartridge is determined corresponding to the current consumption status altered by the pending consumption increment. The subsequent consumption status is compared to a replacement condition to decide whether a replacement condition is satisfied. An alert indicator is signaled to an operator upon satisfaction of the replacement condition.

Abstract: An intelligent on-board monitoring system for replaceable module for a printing apparatus includes a memory element, an input for receiving information either from sensors on the replaceable module, or from the printing apparatus concerning printing operations performed, and a microprocessor connected to the memory for performing calculations upon data stored in the memory and upon the input information. The calculations produce results related to the performance of the replaceable module. These results can either be communicated to the printing apparatus, or used to control an adjustable operating parameter of the replaceable module itself, all without requiring computational resources of the printing apparatus itself.

Abstract: Control of a module involves providing the module with an electronic tag comprising a tag memory and a tag communication element. After the tag is associated with the module, a tag reader electronically reads identification information from the tag and verifies that the module identification information matches predetermined identification criteria. If the identification information matches, a tag writer programs the tag with configuration information. The configuration information places the module into a predetermined module configuration.

Abstract: Processing a module packaged within a container involves securely affixing a tag comprising a tag memory and a tag communication element to the container. While the module is enclosed in the container, information pertaining to the module is selectively stored in the tag memory for later readout and processing. A container for enclosing a module includes an electronic tag having a tag memory and a tag communication element. The tag communication element is adapted to receive information from a source, and the tag memory stores that information. While the module is packaged in the container, either first module information or second module information is stored in the tag memory. The module information pertains to the subsequent use of the module. The electronic tag is embedded in the container material, or securely affixed to the container. The electronic tag may span a container opening so that the tag is damaged upon opening the container, providing security against improper re-use.

Abstract: Programming an electronic monitoring tag attached to a printing apparatus replaceable module includes electronically reading tag identification data from an electronic monitoring tag associated with the replaceable module, and electronically verifying that the tag identification data matches predetermined identification criteria. If the tag identification data matches the predetermined identification criteria, electronically programming the electronic monitoring tag with tag content.

Abstract: An electronic diagnostic device for testing electronic monitoring tags for devices such as replaceable modules for a printing apparatus includes a tag reader with a reader wireless communication element. The tag reader is adapted to read tag diagnostic information from an electronic monitoring tag. The electronic diagnostic device further includes a data processor in communication with the tag reader. The data processor is adapted to determine from the tag diagnostic data whether the electronic monitoring tag is operating within predetermined parameters, to identify one of a predetermined set of error categories if the electronic monitoring tag is operating outside the predetermined parameters, and to generate error category information. The electronic diagnostic device further includes a results communication element adapted to communicate the error category information generated by the data processor. The diagnostic device may also communicate correction information to the electronic monitoring tag.