Abstract: An image forming system such as a printer (100) includes an RFID tag (70) and RFID reader (72) for storing one or more warranty parameters. A print controller (57) measures a specified warranty parameter and causes the reader (72) to write data representative of the parameter to the RFID tag (70). The data may be encrypted for security. Later, an external RFID reader (74) may be used by service personnel to retrieve the data from the RFID tag (70) for processing a warranty claim.

Abstract: A printing device (10) such as a laser printer includes a radio frequency controller (38) which permits the detection and redirection of media having one or more defective radio frequency device tags, such as an RFID tag, to a specific one of two or more output options (50, 52). The radio frequency controller (38) may include radio frequency control logic (500) that communicates with the base printer (10) and the output options (50, 52) over a down port (506) and up port (508) to intercept commands from the printer (10) to the options (50, 52) and to also respond to such commands. A defective tag can be detected by attempting to program a tag using an RF reader/programmer (504).

Abstract: Print media (28) having a plurality of radio frequency data storage devices (88) passes through a print media pathway (110) of a printer assembly (14). The devices (88) can be programmed using groups (142, 144) of antennas which are arranged about the print media pathway (110) such the simultaneous programming of multiple devices (88) can be achieved. A data programming device (94) consisting of multiple reader/programmers (94a, 94b, 94c) can be utilized in combination with one or more RF multiplexors (152, 154) to reduce the time necessary to program the devices (88) separately.