Abstract: Service of a container depleted of a consumable resource is facilitated in a device holding a plurality of containers for consumable resources. One of the plurality of containers for consumable resources is depleting of consumable resources. The container depleted of the consumable resource is discovered. The depleted container is discovered by either realizing the container has a low level of the consumable resource or is empty of the consumable resource. The amount of consumable resource in each container is discovered either by measuring the remaining consumable resource or by tracking indicia of the remaining consumable resource. In response to discovering the depleted container, the depleted container is moved into a service position. Optionally, an access to the depleted container is opened and the depleted container is ejected.

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: 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: Image forming device consumable monitoring methods, consumable monitoring systems and image forming devices are described.

Abstract: Marketing methods, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one aspect, a marketing method to image forming device users includes providing a consumable usable in an image forming device to form hard images and usable to enable a marketing function with respect to image forming device users; making available the marketing function to other parties apart from a provider of the consumables; receiving an indication regarding a desirous party to utilize the marketing function; enabling a marketing function for the desirous party using the consumable; and initiating the marketing function after the enabling.

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: 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 first embodiment of a measurement system provides an indication of performance of an electrophotographic process. The first embodiment includes a charge measurement device coupled to a developing device and a high voltage power supply. The charge measurement device generates a signal corresponding to the net charge transferred between the high voltage power supply and the developing device during an imaging operation. The measured charge transfer is compared to an estimated charge transfer to determine if the electrophotographic process is operating correctly. The estimated charge transfer is determined by multiplying an estimate of the mass of the toner transferred during an imaging operation by an average value of toner charge to mass ratio. A sufficiently large difference in the magnitude between the measured charge transfer and the estimated charge transferred indicates that the electrophotographic process is not operating correctly.

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 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: Method and system for predicting print quality degradation in an image forming device. Correction factors produced during calibration cycles are stored for future analysis. The correction factors, or alternatively new printer control parameters which incorporate the correction factors, may be adjusted for current environmental conditions. During the calibration cycle, the correction factors produced during the current calibration cycle and old correction factors produced during prior calibration cycles are analyzed to determine if the printer control parameters are within desired degradation limits, which indicate that the print quality of the imaging forming device will degrade beyond acceptable limits prior to the next calibration cycle. Thus, a statistical analysis of the historical data produced during calibration cycles can be used to predict when the image quality of the image printing device will degrade beyond acceptable limits.

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 printer system adjusts the color gamut available for print jobs based on consumable conditions in a print device. When a non-optimal consumable condition is detected, such as an empty toner color, the printer system offers options for managing the non-optimal consumable condition. One option permits a user to select an alternate color scheme and have the print job resubmitted to the print device for printing with the alternate scheme. The alternate color scheme avoids the non-optimal consumable condition by not using the toner color affected by that condition.

Abstract: An embodiment of a toner quantity detection device in an electrophotographic printer includes a configuration to determine if sufficient toner is available for performing imaging operations. The electrophotographic imaging device includes a conveyor for moving toner from a first chamber for storing the toner to a second chamber from which a developing roller removes toner for development. A toner concentration sensor measures the concentration of toner in the second chamber. As imaging operations are performed, the toner in the second chamber is depleted. When the toner concentration falls below a threshold level, the conveyor is actuated to move toner from the first chamber to the second chamber, thereby replenishing the toner in the second chamber. Software operating in a computer coupled to the electrophotographic printer estimates an amount of toner required for performing an imaging operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ascertaining resource requirements print jobs. There are at least two significant features of the invention. A first feature results from a provision of a system and method for segmenting the document to provide a sample window. A RIP (Raster Image Processing) analysis is performed with respect to the sample to determine a ratio of laser on and laser off times for same. On the basis of the RIP analysis with respect to the sample data, the requirements of the entire document are estimated. The resource requirements of the entire job are then estimated, page by page, in a similar manner and compared to a resource (e.g. toner) availability data provided by the printer. If adequate resources are available, the job is printed. If adequate resources are not available, a message is provided to the user or, the printer is automatically supplied with additional resources.

Abstract: Pixel counting and a single level toner sensor are used to identify the toner capacity of a toner cartridge. Pixel counting is used to estimate the remaining toner in a toner cartridge based on an assumed initial capacity. A toner sensor provides a signal indicating when the toner reaches a known level, e.g., 30 percent. The estimated remaining toner is compared to the known level of toner to determine if the assumed initial capacity was correct. The comparison may occur when the toner sensor signal is provided or if the estimated remaining toner falls below the predicted toner low signal level and a toner sensor signal is not provided. If the assumed initial capacity is incorrect, the difference between the estimated toner level and the known level is used to indicate the actual toner capacity of the toner cartridge. A look-up table can then be used to recalibrate the pixel counting so that an accurate estimate of the remaining toner may be performed for the remainder of the toner cartridge life.

Abstract: An image forming device, in accordance with the present invention, stores the correction factors produced during calibration cycles for future analysis. The correction factors, or alternatively, the new printer control parameters, which incorporate the correction factors, may be adjusted for current environmental conditions. During the calibration cycle, the correction factors produced during the current calibration cycle and old correction factors produced during prior calibration cycles are analyzed to determine if the printer control parameters are within desired degradation limits, which indicate that the print quality of the imaging forming device will degrade beyond acceptable limits prior to the next calibration cycle. Thus, a statistical analysis of the historical data produced during calibration cycles can be used to predict when the image quality of the image printing device will degrade beyond acceptable limits.

Abstract: Pixel counting and a single level toner sensor are used to identify the toner capacity of a toner cartridge. Pixel counting is used to estimate the remaining toner in a toner cartridge based on an assumed initial capacity. A toner sensor provides a signal indicating when the toner reaches a known level, e.g., 30 percent. The estimated remaining toner is compared to the known level of toner to determine if the assumed initial capacity was correct. The comparison may occur when the toner sensor signal is provided or if the estimated remaining toner falls below the predicted toner low signal level and a toner sensor signal is not provided. If the assumed initial capacity is incorrect, the difference between the estimated toner level and the known level is used to indicate the actual toner capacity of the toner cartridge. A look-up table can then be used to recalibrate the pixel counting so that an accurate estimate of the remaining toner may be performed for the remainder of the toner cartridge life.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a measurement system provides an indication of performance of an electrophotographic process. The first embodiment includes a charge measurement device coupled to a developing device and a high voltage power supply. The charge measurement device generates a signal corresponding to the net charge transferred between the high voltage power supply and the developing device during an imaging operation. The measured charge transfer is compared to an estimated charge transfer to determine if the electrophotographic process is operating correctly. The estimated charge transfer is determined by multiplying an estimate of the mass of the toner transferred during an imaging operation by an average value of toner charge to mass ratio. A sufficiently large difference in the magnitude between the measured charge transfer and the estimated charge transferred indicates that the electrophotographic process is not operating correctly.

Abstract: Embodiments of a printer cartridge with a moveable shutter for covering the organic photoconductor are shown and described. The cartridge and the cavity inside the printer, which receives the cartridge, cooperate to open the shutter, preferably when the cartridge is slid longitudinally into the printer. A protrusion and ramped recess system may be used to create the force to move the shutter, the cartridge translating the force of sliding the cartridge longitudinally into a transverse force on the shutter. In a preferred embodiment, the shutter has a protruding tab that is placed to fit into and slide along a diagonal elongated recess in the cavity wall of the printer. When the cartridge is inserted longitudinally into the printer, the force of the recess wall on the tab moves the tab and hence the shutter to open the shutter. Likewise, when the cartridge is removed from the printer, the tab movement in the recess either forces or allows the shutter to return to the closed position.