Abstract: Techniques involving connecting an in-cab computing device to an onboard computing device mounted in a vehicle. Vehicle-related information may be communicated between the in-cab computing device and onboard computing device while the in-cab computing device is connected to the onboard computing device. Techniques involve facilitating disconnection of the in-cab computing device from the onboard computing device and operating the in-cab computing device in a stand-alone mode, and facilitating reconnection of the in-cab computing device to the onboard computing device to resume operations between the in-cab computing device and onboard computing device.

Abstract: A credential production system includes a credential production device and a computing device in communication with the credential production device. The computing device receives a credential production event from the credential production device. The computing device applies a pre-defined set of rules to the credential production event to determine if the credential production event violates any of the pre-defined set of rules. The computing device performs an action if the credential production event violates at least one of the pre-defined set of rules.

Abstract: Techniques involving connecting an in-cab computing device to an onboard computing device mounted in a vehicle. Vehicle-related information may be communicated between the in-cab computing device and onboard computing device while the in-cab computing device is connected to the onboard computing device. Techniques involve facilitating disconnection of the in-cab computing device from the onboard computing device and operating the in-cab computing device in a stand-alone mode, and facilitating reconnection of the in-cab computing device to the onboard computing device to resume operations between the in-cab computing device and onboard computing device.

Abstract: A credential production system and methods for securely processing a credential substrate and tracking quantities of consumable material using a credentials production system and secured consumable supplies. The system includes a consumable supply and a memory that contains a state identifier that defines a state of the supply. A supply manager is configured to access the memory and set the state identifier to one of a production disabled state and a production enabled state. The system also includes a credential production device that is configured to receive the state of the supply. The credential production device is authorized to process a credential substrate using the consumable supply when the state identifier is set to the production enabled state, and the credential production device is prevented form processing the credential substrate using the supply when the state identifier is set to the production disabled state.

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: One embodiment of a credential production system includes a plurality of credential manufacturing devices, at least one client computer and a credential production server that is remote from the client computer and the credential manufacturing device. The credential production server comprises instructions stored in a tangible medium and executable by a microprocessor for receiving a credential production job from one of the client computers at the credential production server, wherein the credential production job identifies a credential manufacturing device model, selecting a final candidate credential manufacturing device among the plurality of credential manufacturing devices having a model that matches the model identified in the credential production job, and sending the credential production job to the final candidate credential manufacturing device for processing. Another embodiment is directed to a method of managing credential production jobs in a credential production system.

Abstract: One embodiment of a credential production system includes a credential manufacturing device comprising a memory containing credential manufacturing device information relating to the credential manufacturing device, a client computer, a data store and a credential production server remote from the client computer and the credential manufacturing device and configured for data communication with the credential manufacturing device, the client computer and the data store. The credential production server comprises instructions stored in a tangible medium and executable by a microprocessor for receiving the credential manufacturing device information from the credential manufacturing device at the credential production server, storing the received credential manufacturing device information in the data store and sending the credential manufacturing device information in the data store to the client computer.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer which includes a labeling media drive subassembly and ribbon drive subassembly which cooperatively advance labeling media and a thermal transfer ink ribbon past a print head subassembly. A labeling media supply spool is rotatably driven by the labeling media drive subassembly to feed labeling media. The labeling media supply spool has labeling media with a plurality of labels on a web wrapped around a spool core. An inventory of labels available for printing on the spool is stored on a memory device. The memory device is electrically connected to printer circuitry in a printer. When the printer prints on a label, the inventory on the memory device is updated to reflect the unavailability of the printed label.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer system utilizing bi-directional communication between a computing device and a printing machine, for transmitting data representing real-time supply roll parameters to an application program on the computing device. Supply roll parameters are stored on a memory circuit component that is connected to a supply roll. The computing device polls the printing machine for the supply roll parameters. The printing machine transmits the supply roll parameters to the computing device and the computing device formats the parameters into a display, proportionately matching the dimensions and color of the actual supply roll. A user can then create and/or edit output files for the specific supply roll loaded in the printing machine, viewing the output exactly as it will be printed.

Abstract: A tape is controlled in a printing machine by advancing a length of tape through a light pathway. Transmittance of the light through the tape is measured and values are stored associated with transmittances through the tape. The tape is advanced to a start position where measured transmittance of the tape at the start position corresponds with a stored value of a measured transmittance.

Abstract: A thermal printing machine is provided with a releasably attachable tape cassette which holds the tape on which an image is placed. The cassette includes a memory circuit component which includes at least 2 separate memory areas. The first area contains a first value which is read by the printing machine; the second area contains a second value which is placed on the cassette as a result of the first value having an algorithm applied to it. When the cassette is installed in the machine, the machine applies the algorithm to the first value and checks this against the second value. This process is followed in order to see it the cassette contains a compatible tape for that machine.