Abstract: An image-printing device includes a connection bay that accepts an insertable consumable resource. The consumable resource includes an option key that identifies at least one mode of operation associated with the consumable resource. The connection bay outputs at least one signal associated with the mode of operation when the consumable resource is inserted. A controller receives the signal associated with the mode of operation and in response outputs display information suitable for use by a display to indicate a selectable availability of the at least one mode of operation.

Abstract: A consumable resource option control unit includes a consumable resource and an option key coupled to the consumable resource. The option key is configured to enable an optional mode of operation for an image-forming device and to cause a display associated with an image-forming device to indicate availability of the mode of operation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for correcting a hang condition caused by an unanticipated exception during a printing process. The method may include providing a set of predetermined rules according to which the print process modules interact to control the printing process. The method further may include monitoring, from a self-correcting module, a state of each of a plurality of the print process modules. The method may also include determining that the printing device is hung during a printing process, based on at least one predetermined rule and the state of at least one print process module, and setting the state of at least one print process module to a default condition.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for correcting a hang condition caused by an unanticipated exception during a printing process. The method may include providing a set of predetermined rules according to which the print process modules interact to control the printing process. The method further may include monitoring, from a self-correcting module, a state of each of a plurality of the print process modules. The method may also include determining that the printing device is hung during a printing process, based on at least one predetermined rule and the state of at least one print process module, and setting the state of at least one print process module to a default condition.

Abstract: A multi-color imaging apparatus that can support a plurality of color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-devices includes a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit. The disengagement unit can selectively disengage a selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device depending on whether the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device is required to generate an image. In one example the imaging apparatus can also include a processor and a computer readable memory device. In this example a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengage program can be stored in the memory device. The program is executable by the processor to allow the rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit to selectively disengage the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device.

Abstract: A printing device capable of using a replaceable component. The printing device can detect the component being installed into the printing device. The printing device can determine an install date of the component. The printing device can write the install date of the component into a memory attached to the component.

Abstract: A printing device can receive a replaceable component that includes an integrated memory. The integrated memory can store an indicator for indicating a condition of the component. The printing device can retrieve the indicator from the integrated memory. The printing device can determine from the indicator the condition of the component. The printing device can monitor for an occurrence of a trigger event. The printing device can, if the component is determined to be in a first condition and a trigger event occurs, increment a component usage count. The component usage count can be stored in a memory internal to the printing device.

Abstract: A printing system is described. The printing system includes a printer capable of utilizing print material contained by a cartridge. The printer is capable of detecting when the level of the print material is at a different one of a plurality of pre-determined levels. The printer is also capable of counting pixels. The printer can periodically estimate the remaining life of the cartridge using a reference print material level and the change in pixel count since the print material was at the reference material level.

Abstract: A requirement of a replaceable component to print a print job at a printing device is derived from a predetermined use per page of the replaceable component at the printing device. If an availability of the replaceable component at the printing device is less than the requirement, a diagnostic is output. The requirement and the availability are approximations expressed in a number of pages.

Abstract: A requirement of a replaceable component to print a print job at a printing device is derived from a predetermined use per page of the replaceable component at the printing device. If an availability of the replaceable component at the printing device is less than the requirement, a diagnostic is output. The requirement and the availability are approximations expressed in a number of pages.

Abstract: A printing system is described. The printing system includes a printer capable of utilizing print material contained by a cartridge. The printer is capable of detecting when the level of the print material is at a different one of a plurality of pre-determined levels. The printer is also capable of counting pixels. The printer can periodically estimate the remaining life of the cartridge using a reference print material level and the change in pixel count since the print material was at the reference material level.

Abstract: A printing device has a replaceable component. The printing device uses the replaceable component when printing. The replaceable component at the printing device is measured to determine its availability. A requirement is calculated as to what is needed from the replaceable component in order to print a print job at the printing device. The print job is transmitted to the printing device when the availability is not less than the requirement but not when the availability is less than the requirement.

Abstract: A printing device has a replaceable component. Printing by the printing device utilizes the replaceable component. Printing with the printing device is stopped when an end-of-life condition is detected for the replaceable component. The end-of-life condition signifies potential quality degradation if printing with the printing device is resumed. The end-of-life condition is reflected in a diagnostic that is output. In response to an input of a demand for resumption of the printing, the printing can be resumed.

Abstract: A printing device has a replaceable component. Printing by the printing device utilizes the replaceable component. Printing with the printing device is stopped when an end-of-life condition is detected for the replaceable component. A list of one or more identifiers (IDs) is output for pending print jobs. In response to an input of one of the IDs, the corresponding pending print job is printed.

Abstract: A replaceable component is installable in and removable from a printing device and contains one or more supplies used in printing by the printing device. A memory and a port are in the replaceable component. Data that characterizes usage of the one or more supplies in printing by the printing device is stored in the memory. The data can be transferred through a cable from the port to a host computer using a data transfer protocol of the port.

Abstract: A multi-color imaging apparatus that can support a plurality of color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-devices includes a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit. The disengagement unit can selectively disengage a selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device depending on whether the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device is required to generate an image. In one example the imaging apparatus can also include a processor and a computer readable memory device. In this example a rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengage program can be stored in the memory device. The program is executable by the processor to allow the rotatable-toner-transfer-device disengagement unit to selectively disengage the selected color-associated rotatable-toner-transfer-device.