Abstract: There is provided an industrial apparatus of the type used in a product packaging facility arranged to pack one or more products into one or more packs. The apparatus comprises a device configured to perform an operation on at least some of the packs as the packs are transported past the device, a controller arranged to control the apparatus, the controller providing a user interface for the apparatus and a communications link providing bi-directional communication between the controller and a remote device. The controller is configured to receive a command from the user interface indicating a request to initiate a remote support session, initiate the remote support session by establishing a communications session between the controller and the remote device, and receive data from the remote device in the communications session to provide remote support for the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for controlling a printer to carry out a printing operation. The method comprises, at a controller device, receiving first input data comprising data for identifying said printer and establishing a connection between said controller device and said printer in response to said first input data. Data for use in said printing operation is assembled and said assembled data is provided to said printer via said established connection.

Abstract: A method for controlling a printer to carry out a printing operation. The method comprises, at a controller device, receiving first input data comprising data for identifying said printer and establishing a connection between said controller device and said printer in response to said first input data. Data for use in said printing operation is assembled and said assembled data is provided to said printer via said established connection.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of verifying the authenticity of a product. The method comprises receiving an identification code associated with said product, and receiving at least one data item, the or each data item relating to a respective characteristic of said product. Said identification code is processed to determine at least one characteristic associated with said identification code; and output data indicating the authenticity of said product is generated by processing said at least one data item relating to a characteristic of said product and said at least one characteristic associated with said identification code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing a data item. The method comprises receiving at a printer a first component of said data item from an external data source; generating a second component of said data item at said printer; and printing said data item by printing said first and second components.

Abstract: A method of printing utilizing a printing apparatus with a print head that has a plurality of printing elements. During the printing process there is relative movement between the print head and the substrate being printed on. In addition, there is relative movement between the print head and the ink ribbon. In one embodiment the ink ribbon is moved in the same direction as the print head relative to the substrate, but a lesser velocity than the print head.

Abstract: A method of printing utilizing a printing apparatus having a base mounting a print head which has a plurality of printing elements each of which is operable to transfer a pixel of print medium from a carrier onto an adjacent substrate, the method comprising causing relative movement between the substrate and carrier, and the print head, such that the print head moves relative to an area of the carrier from a start position to an end of print position whilst utilizing some or all of the printing elements to transfer a set of pixels of print medium from the area of the carrier onto the substrate, wherein during the printing operation the area of the substrate and carrier is moved in a feed direction at a first speed relative to the base and the print head is also moved relative to the base in the feed direction.

Abstract: A method of printing utilizing a printing apparatus having a base mounting a print head which has a plurality of printing elements each of which is operable to transfer a pixel of print medium from a carrier onto an adjacent substrate, the method comprising causing relative movement between the substrate and carrier, and the print head, such that the print head moves relative to an area of the carrier from a start position to an end of print position while utilizing some or all of the printing elements to transfer a set of pixels of print medium from the area of the carrier onto the substrate, wherein during the printing operation the area of the substrate and carrier is moved in a feed direction at a first speed relative to the base and the print head is also moved relative to the base in the feed direction.