Abstract: A first code is programmed into a memory of an image-formation device consumable item, outside of an image-formation device. Upon insertion of the image-formation device consumable item into the image-formation device, it is detected that the memory of the consumable item has programmed therein the first code. The image-formation device determines whether the first code is identical to a second code programmed into a memory of the image-formation device. Where the first code is identical to the second code, the consumable item is allowed to be used by the image-formation device to form images on media.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for a user programmable facsimile (fax) machine to screen unwanted transmission, includes: a programmable facsimile (fax) machine configured to receive a programmable code; and a transmitting fax machine configured to send a destination phone number associated with the programmable fax machine across a network; wherein the programmable fax machine establishes communication with the transmitting fax machine if the transmitting fax machine sends the destination phone number across the network and accepts fax data from the transmitting fax machine if the transmitting fax machine sends a code that matches the programmable code.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for secured facsimile transmission, includes: a destination facsimile (fax) machine configured to receive a private key and generate a public key associated with the private key; and an originating fax machine configured to communicate with the destination facsimile via a network and to receive the public key, wherein the originating fax machine is configured to encrypt a fax data with the public key by use of an encryption algorithm and the destination fax machine configured to decrypt the fax data with the private key by use of a decryption algorithm.