Abstract: A method for identity theft protection includes receiving an identity theft indicator indicating a possible loss or theft of a personal device, wherein the identity theft indicator includes at least one of a user-initiated signal, a geographic range indicator, an expired timer, a failure of a heart-beat verification, and a battery level indicator. The method further includes attempting contact of an owner of the personal device, wherein attempting contact includes at least one of transmitting a message to the owner over a telephone connection, transmitting an email to a registered email address of the owner, and transmitting a text-based message to a registered telephone number on the personal device. The method further includes protecting information stored on the personal device if attempting contact of the owner is not successful.

Abstract: A method and system for managing printer paper conditions is provided. The method includes monitoring states of a paper source in a point-of-sale (POS) printer by a light source and sensor mounted in the paper source, the light source emitting light. A low paper state is determined when a low reflection is detected by the sensor, the low reflection resulting from light reflecting off of a colored portion of a paper roll when the light source and the sensor are positioned on the same side of the paper roll. The colored portion is provided along a margin at the low end of the paper roll. The method further includes tracking a motor step count of the paper source in response to the low paper state to determine a current amount of paper remaining on the paper roll, and transmitting a notification to a system that manages the POS printer informing the system of the current amount of paper remaining.

Abstract: A frictional printing device, system and method prints on thermal paper using heat generated by frictional contact. A frictional actuator motivates a frictional heating element to frictionally contact the thermal paper. The thermal paper is chemically treated to react to heat by changing color. Heat is generated by frictional contact of the frictional heating element against the thermal paper. The frictional contact may be provided through repetitive movement of the frictional heating element. An image is formed by selectively positioned frictional contact between the frictional heating element and the thermal paper.