Abstract: A logic module is to identify whether to print a standard printout or an erasable printout. A print module is to print the erasable printout in response to the identifying by the logic module. The erasable printout includes an erasable feature not present in the standard printout.

Abstract: A method for color printing includes the steps of determining a voltage level of electrical power supplied to an electrophotographic printing device having multiple colors of toner, the voltage level defining a fusing capacity, and selecting a color table, stored in memory, defining a maximum toner application level for each color of toner, based upon the fusing capacity.

Abstract: A method for color printing includes the steps of determining a voltage level of electrical power supplied to an electrophotographic printing device having multiple colors of toner, the voltage level defining a fusing capacity, and selecting a color table, stored in memory, defining a maximum toner application level for each color of toner, based upon the fusing capacity.

Abstract: Image forming devices and marketing methods are described. One aspect of the invention provides an image forming device including an image engine configured to use a consumable to form a hard image; a consumable interface adapted to couple with the consumable; and processing circuitry configured to: access a condition associated with an operation of the image forming device; monitor the operation of the image forming device; forward a request externally of the image forming device responsive to the monitoring indicating an occurrence of the condition; receive a message after the forwarding; and communicate the message.

Abstract: A keyboard illumination system comprises a computer device having a plurality of liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The system also comprises a display controller adapted to change an electrical state of at least one of the LCDs for providing a predetermined level of illumination by the at least one LCD for illuminating at least a portion of a keyboard of the computer device.

Abstract: A marking beam of electromagnetic energy is generated within a printing device and a visibly markable portion of a replaceable subsystem that is at least partially arranged within the printing device is altered by illuminating at least part of the markable portion with the marking beam.

Abstract: The flexible printing system is comprised of a printer that has printing characteristics that can be updated. A printer cartridge comprises printer data memory that either stores new printing characteristics or stores a location from the Internet from which these characteristics can be downloaded. The printer accesses the cartridge's printer data memory and checks the stored printing characteristics. If the printer can use these characteristics and they differ from the characteristics that are presently being used by the printer, the printer updates its printing characteristics using the printer data memory's printing characteristics. In one embodiment, the printer characteristics are color tables and dithering algorithms.

Abstract: A method of printing cartridge maintenance including determining remaining useful life of a printing cartridge, and refilling at least a portion of the printing cartridge if the remaining useful life is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Image forming devices, consumables and methods of operating an image forming device are described. According to one aspect, an image forming device includes an image engine configured to use a consumable to form a hard image; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine configured to: perform prediction operations with respect to the consumable to predict a likelihood that an image job will be imaged; receive a change of use indication with respect to the consumable; and modify the prediction operations responsive to the change of use.

Abstract: The present invention includes as one embodiment a method for ascertaining resource requirements of a print job sent to a printer via a print driver. The method includes creating a document of the print job with the print driver and reading the print job into memory directly from the print driver, sampling a task requiring a consumable resource to provide a sample by overlaying a sample window over a portion of the document and providing low resolution level analysis data with respect to resource requirements of the task, analyzing the sample window and low resolution level analysis of the task with respect to resource requirements thereof and providing task sample requirement data in response thereto and ascertaining the resource requirements of the task based on the task sample requirement data.

Abstract: A printer system uses a statistical routine to determine when to automatically place an order for additional print media or warn a user about placing such an order. The system collects print media usage data and correlates it with user-defined parameters to determine when and how much print media should be ordered. The automatic tracking and ordering of print media supplies provides just-in-time management of print media inventories that reduces overall printing costs.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for automatically determining a time for a device connected to a network, the method comprising: obtaining time samples from a plurality of different electronic devices on the network; normalizing the time samples; selecting a time for the device in accordance with an algorithm that utilizes the time samples; and resetting a clock in accordance with the selected time.

Abstract: Sensitive consumable components of printing devices involved in the process of transferring and fixing an image with toner onto a print medium are protected from harmful exposure to the environment and handling through designating and consistently positioning non-use regions of the components toward exposure gaps in their protective housings upon the completion of every printing process. The need for shutter mechanisms on consumable housings to cover up exposure gaps to protect consumables while in a general handling environment is therefore reduced.

Abstract: A method of printing cartridge maintenance including determining remaining useful life of a printing cartridge, and refilling at least a portion of the printing cartridge if the remaining useful life is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in accordance with the present invention relate to fusing of images to imaging media. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes defining an initial image area on the imaging media, and ascertaining one or more input parameters corresponding to the initial imaging area. The method further includes determining a heater-on period and/or a heater-on frequency as a function of the one or more input parameters, and operating the heater at the heater-on frequency and/or the heater-on period to fuse the initial imaging area.

Abstract: A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes making a first quantitative measurement, dispensing a number of media sheets from the stack, and making a second quantitative measurement, wherein the quantitative measurement can be, for example, the weight of the stack or the thickness of the stack. A ratio is calculated such that the ratio is equal to the number of sheets dispensed divided by the difference in the first and second quantitative measurements. The ratio can then be multiplied by the second quantitative measurement to establish an estimated number of media sheets remaining in the stack at the time the second quantitative measurement was made.

Abstract: A printing consumable loading assembly is provided in an imaging system including a system housing and a printing consumable holding assembly within the system housing. The loading assembly includes at least one consumable-containing cartridge, and at least one opening in the system housing having a size and shape adapted to permit the consumable-containing cartridge to pass therethrough. A guide assembly is connected to the imaging system within the housing. The guide assembly is adapted to receive and grasp a consumable-containing cartridge as it is inserted through the opening in the system housing. The guide assembly guides the consumable-containing cartridge into an in-use position within the printing consumable holding assembly. The loading assembly can accommodate a plurality of consumable-containing cartridges in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, cartridges can be loaded into a plurality of openings in the system housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods in accordance with the present invention relate to fusing of images to imaging media. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes defining an initial image area on the imaging media, and ascertaining one or more input parameters corresponding to the initial imaging area. The method further includes determining a heater-on period and/or a heater-on frequency as a function of the one or more input parameters, and operating the heater at the heater-on frequency and/or the heater-on period to fuse the initial imaging area.

Abstract: A printing system utilizes printing material cartridges with memory to provide a way to uniquely identify the contents of a printing device cartridge and optimize printing parameters for use with the printing material. Newly developed printing materials and printing solutions therefor can be provided to printing devices that were manufactured prior to the development of the new printing material. Additionally, all cartridges can be physically similar without regard for the type of printing material contained therein, so no special manufacturing is required for each different printing material.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing the creation of electrostatic memory. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to determining whether print content is to be repeated across consecutive pages, and if the print content is to be repeated, controlling a print engine of the imaging device to reduce electrostatic memory on a photoconductor member of the print engine.