Abstract: A method of storing and outputting a count for an imaging device. The method includes storing the count in a memory storage device. A continuous active signal is detected from an input, the input including continuous active signals and continuous steady-state signals. Also, a count request is receivable from a remote device. The count in the memory storage device is incremented when the continuous active signal from the input is detected. Finally, the count is outputting to the remote device.

Abstract: A printer accesses from a bit mapped raster matrix of an image to be printed, a group of bits corresponding in number to the number of printing elements of the printhead. This group of bits is used to drive the printing elements of the printhead so as to print the image. In the printers having raster scanning printheads, the selected groups of bits are accessed from the bit mapped raster matrix synchronously with the raster scanning of the printhead.

Abstract: In a line printer, an integrated meter package developing a clock incorporates a microprocessor receiving a line printed signal, power on voltage, and a preset ribbon exhaust count in order to compute in reference to the clock, and selectively display on an alphanumeric display panel, the total the lines printed, total on hours, total print hours, preset ribbon exhaust count, and number of print lines remaining until exhaustion of the ribbon. The microprocessor stores accumulated values to a non-volatile electrically programmable memory upon receipt of a power going down signal warning of incipient power off. The microprogrammed control is adaptable to maintain general maintenance and fault histories and periods.

Abstract: Four microprocessors type Intel 8051 collectively map one print buffer containing 136 ASCII character codes, each of a nominal 64 different types, into the control of 136 print hammers at an associated 136 columnar print positions. The print hammers are controlled to fire upon a selected one scan time interval of 690 microseconds, one of a total of 67 such scan time intervals within a 46.7 millisecond print time period. Print hammers are controlled to fire at a particular scan time interval in order to print a character from a then oppositely juxtaposed character font upon a circulating print band.