Abstract: An intelligent on-board monitoring system for replaceable module for a printing apparatus includes a memory element, an input for receiving information either from sensors on the replaceable module, or from the printing apparatus concerning printing operations performed, and a microprocessor connected to the memory for performing calculations upon data stored in the memory and upon the input information. The calculations produce results related to the performance of the replaceable module. These results can either be communicated to the printing apparatus, or used to control an adjustable operating parameter of the replaceable module itself, all without requiring computational resources of the printing apparatus itself.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for asynchronous reporting of printer maintenance data in a printer. The method can include the operation of setting a hardware trap for a printer power-on event in the printer. The hardware trap is configured to report to a harvesting server in response to generation of the hardware trap. A further operation is generating the printer power-on event using the hardware trap when the printer is powered-on. Another operation is collecting printer maintenance data in response to the printer power-on event. In addition, the printer maintenance data that has been collected is sent to the harvesting server in order to update the printer maintenance data stored by the harvesting server.

Abstract: A method of providing email addresses for a printing device includes attaching a memory module storing the email addresses to a printing device consumable.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an image forming apparatus that surely notifies a user of unit replacement timing and strongly urges the user to replace units without additional apparatus being applied thereto. A color printer 1 detects remaining life of each replaceable unit. When a certain replaceable unit nearly reaches its replacement timing, the color printer 1 indicates that fact in an operation panel 75. When the remaining life lowers improvement prohibiting level, in other words, when the unit reaches its replacement timing, the color printer 1 indicates a name of the unit to be replaced and necessity of replacement in the operation panel 75 and prohibits image improvement operation. That is, an image is formed without image quality improvement operation. Thereby, image quality deteriorates. Image deterioration can surely notify a user of replacement timing of the unit and urge the user to replace the unit with a new one.

Abstract: Toner transfer in an imaging device having a developer roller (5) that applies toner to a photoconductive roller 7 is determined by counting pels (38) and by counting operating cycles (56). Additionally in the embodiment, various device factors including darkness setting and type of toner are also applied to the totals. An adjustment factor, stored in a toner cartridge memory, is originally substantially one and may be adjusted based on subsequent knowledge or observations of the results. A page count of pages imaged is also used dependently as a second basis for amount of toner transferred.

Abstract: A cartridge is set in a printer main unit, and has a remaining toner measurer which measures toner in a toner chamber upon setting of the cartridge. A cartridge memory stores information of a remaining toner amount measured previously. CPU compares the remaining toner amount measured newly with the remaining toner amount measured previously and read from the cartridge memory. If there is an increase in the toner, the cartridge is determined as improper cartridge reloaded with the toner. An alarm signal is generated. Also, printing is inhibited. In another preferred embodiment, shortage information is assigned to the cartridge upon using up the toner. The cartridge, if it has the shortage information, is determined as improper. If a characteristic of the toner is not within a reference range, the cartridge is determined improper. In another preferred embodiment, an upper limit of the number of times of toner reloading is predetermined.

Abstract: Image forming devices, image forming device consumable assemblies and image forming device communication methods are provided.

Abstract: Image forming devices, image forming device fabrication methods and image forming device operational methods are described. In one embodiment, an image forming device includes an image engine configured to use a consumable to form hard images, and circuitry configured to control imaging of the hard images using the image engine operating in one of a first operational mode having a first consumable consumption rate and a second operational mode having a second consumable consumption rate different than the first consumable consumption rate, wherein the circuitry is further configured to switch the imaging of the hard images from the first operational mode to the second operational mode to reduce consumption of the consumable and responsive to the presence of a defined device status condition pertinent to the formation of hard images using the image forming device.

Abstract: Pieces of administrative information on the used states of the respective units of an engine EG are renewably saved in a RAM 107 provided in an engine controller 10. A CPU 101 administers the life of an apparatus in accordance with these pieces of administrative information. These pieces of administrative information are also saved as auxiliary information in an EEPROM 117 on a main controller 11 mounted on a circuit board separate from the engine controller 10 and suitably updated. The auxiliary information is written in the RAM 107 as new administrative information if necessary. This RAM 107 is provided with an area for saving an exchange flag. This exchange flag is cleared in the RAM 107 mounted in a main body of the apparatus and the administrative information is renewably saved therein on occasion.

Abstract: A control device and a method for monitoring wear parts for printers and copiers is provided. The control device includes a counter device with which the replacement intervals or, respectively, the maintenance intervals for individual wear parts are monitored. The replacement and maintenance intervals can be individually set, so that they can be matched to the respective use conditions of the printer.

Abstract: An automatic supply ordering system for electronically ordering a consumable component or replaceable part in a marking machine. The system provides electronic identification of a condition of a replaceable component and automatically electronically sends an offer to purchase a replacement part upon identification of a threshold condition.

Abstract: Methods and system incorporating job scheduling to extend the lifetime of an ink sump according to one or more replenishment models in which two replenishing sumps are used to maintain compositional stability in a working ink sump operable in a three subcomponent ink replenishment system. Determinations of failure modes of the toner sump are made and basic principles for replenishment are presented for implementation in a control system operable to enhance ink sump performance and to extend the ink sump lifetime.

Abstract: A toner replenishing container for supplying toner to an image forming apparatus according to the invention includes: a container body for storing toner therein; a cap member attached to a mouth of the container body, the cap member having a toner outlet port and a shutter member for opening/closing the toner outlet port; and an indication member removably attachable to the cap member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting access to imaging device consumable components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to receiving authorization information from a user, determining whether the authorization information is valid, and preventing specific access to a consumable component if the authorization is not valid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utilizing memory provided in a machine replaceable sub-assembly to be one medium of distribution for coefficient values to that machine relating as to how that machine should use that replaceable sub-assembly. In one embodiment, there is provided a replaceable sub-assembly for use in a machine at various coefficient values comprising a memory with a look up table and further comprising upgraded executable instruction suitable for directing the machine to use the replaceable sub-assembly with different coefficient values, where the upgraded executable instruction is stored in the look up table memory. In this way, the replaceable sub-assembly becomes the medium for it's own or another's updated coefficient values.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus an electrophotographic image forming section and a controller. The image forming section forms a toner image on a print medium. When a cumulative operation reaches a predetermined value, the controller causes the image forming section to form the toner image of a pattern image on the print medium. The pattern image is at least one of a number of pattern images aligned in an advance direction, the number of pattern images being increased in accordance with a cumulative print duty. The cumulative operation includes a number of print jobs, a number of printed pages, and a number of rotations of an image drum. The number of printed pages has a print duty less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A requirement of a replaceable component to print a print job at a printing device is derived from a predetermined use per page of the replaceable component at the printing device. If an availability of the replaceable component at the printing device is less than the requirement, a diagnostic is output. The requirement and the availability are approximations expressed in a number of pages.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus and method. The apparatus has a laser scanning unit to generate a laser beam, a photosensitive medium to receive the laser beam and form an electrostatic latent image, a developing roller to attach toner to a surface of the photosensitive medium, a transfer roller to transfer the developed image onto a paper sheet, a charge roller to charge the surface of the photosensitive medium to have a predetermined voltage, a power supply to supply electric power to the transfer roller and the charge roller, a transfer roller resistance detecting unit to detect a resistance of the charge roller, an actual surrounding condition detecting unit to detect an actual surrounding condition of the charge roller, and a controller to detect a surrounding condition from the resistance of the charge roller, compare the detected surrounding condition with the actual surrounding condition, and generate a transfer roller exchange signal if the two surrounding conditions differ.

Abstract: A requirement of a replaceable component to print a print job at a printing device is derived from a predetermined use per page of the replaceable component at the printing device. If an availability of the replaceable component at the printing device is less than the requirement, a diagnostic is output. The requirement and the availability are approximations expressed in a number of pages.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus to which a cartridge is mountable and which is operable to form images at different image formation speeds, wherein the cartridge includes a memory medium having a memory area for storing information relating to image forming conditions of process means corresponding to the image formation speeds, the image forming apparatus includes a control unit for setting the image forming conditions, wherein the control unit sets an image forming condition corresponding to the image formation speed on the basis of the image forming condition of the process means responding to the image formation speed.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention reads information, such as a use start date of a color laser printer, a cartridge detachment date, a total number of cartridges, used, a total consumption of toners, a total number of prints, and temperatures and humidities at an installation location, from a storage element of a toner cartridge, which has been attached to and detached from the color laser printer. When either the temperature or the humidity at the installation location is out of its normal service range, the technique modifies conditional values and determines whether immediate replacement of the main unit or each component of the color laser printer is required. When it is determined that immediate replacement is not required, the technique estimates a replacement timing of the main unit or the component, based on the above pieces of information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying usage or weighting factors to static cycle counts or “clicks” as tallied in a document processing system. The application of weighting factors to a system cycle count when suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear to a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life for a replaceable element in that system. As such the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.

Abstract: A system includes a printer having at least one container for storing a consumable and a monitor for monitoring the status of the consumable in the at least one container; a host device for sending a print job to the printer, wherein the host device includes a display; and a printer driver for controlling operation of the printer from the host device, for querying the printer for consumable status information, and for providing a user interface in the host device display; wherein the printer driver, responsive to the print job, queries the printer for consumable status information and displays the status of the consumable in the at least one container in the printer in the user interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting access to imaging device consumable components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to receiving authorization information from a user, determining whether the authorization information is valid, and preventing specific access to a consumable component if the authorization is not valid.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus in which information regarding used amounts in image forming apparatus main bodies of different features is stored in the storage part of a cartridge, and the interchange time of the cartridge is judged by the use of the information. Thereby, even if a cartridge having interchangeability between a plurality of kinds of image forming apparatus main bodies of different features is mounted on each of the main bodies of different features, an interchange time corresponding to the main body can be grasped accurately.

Abstract: The present invention relates to utilizing memory provided in a machine replaceable sub-assembly to be one medium of distribution for software code updates to that machine relating as to how that machine should use that replaceable sub-assembly. In one embodiment, there is provided a replaceable sub-assembly for use in a machine at various setpoints including a memory and further including upgraded executable instruction suitable for directing the machine to use the replaceable sub-assembly with different setpoints, where the upgraded executable instruction is stored in the memory. In this way, the replaceable sub-assembly becomes the medium for it's own or another's software updates.

Abstract: A printing device has a replaceable component. The printing device uses the replaceable component when printing. The replaceable component at the printing device is measured to determine its availability. A requirement is calculated as to what is needed from the replaceable component in order to print a print job at the printing device. The print job is transmitted to the printing device when the availability is not less than the requirement but not when the availability is less than the requirement.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating print imaging material usage are described. In one embodiment, an exemplary method accesses print-ready data appropriate for a given printing device and estimates print imaging material usage, at least in part, by analyzing the print-ready data.

Abstract: A replaceable component is installable in and removable from a printing device and contains one or more supplies used in printing by the printing device. A memory and a port are in the replaceable component. Data that characterizes usage of the one or more supplies in printing by the printing device is stored in the memory. The data can be transferred through a cable from the port to a host computer using a data transfer protocol of the port.

Abstract: A printing device has a replaceable component. Printing by the printing device utilizes the replaceable component. Printing with the printing device is stopped when an end-of-life condition is detected for the replaceable component. A list of one or more identifiers (IDs) is output for pending print jobs. In response to an input of one of the IDs, the corresponding pending print job is printed.

Abstract: A printing device has a replaceable component. Printing by the printing device utilizes the replaceable component. Printing with the printing device is stopped when an end-of-life condition is detected for the replaceable component. The end-of-life condition signifies potential quality degradation if printing with the printing device is resumed. The end-of-life condition is reflected in a diagnostic that is output. In response to an input of a demand for resumption of the printing, the printing can be resumed.

Abstract: The remaining amount of expendables such as paper sheets or the like is computed (step S202), and it is checked after completion of a print process if the remaining amount is smaller than a threshold value which is set in advance (step S204). If it is determined that the remaining amount is smaller than the threshold value, the user is alerted to that determination result (step S205). As a result, the user can take a measure before expendables completely run out.

Abstract: Information including a NewCartridgeBit indicating that a cartridge having an internal non-volatile memory is a new (unused) cartridge and information including a FirstInstallDate related to the NewCartridgeBit and the date of indicating first use of the cartridge have been recorded in the non-volatile memory of the cartridge. If an update command for updating the NewCartridgeBit has been issued, the NewCartridgeBit is updated and then the FirstInstallDate is updated if the FirstInstallDate is an initial value. If an update command for updating the FirstInstallDate has been issued, then, when the NewCartridgeBit is not an initial value, the FirstInstallDate is updated if it is the initial value. As a result, the conformity between the interrelated information the NewCartridgeBit and the FirstInstallDate can be maintained.

Abstract: A method of detecting the end of the life of an image bearing member has: a contact time detecting step of detecting the contact time when a developer carrying member that can be in contact with or have a clearance with an image bearing member contacts the image bearing member, the developer carrying member developing an electrostatic image formed in the image bearing member by a developer; and a determining step of determining the end of the life of the image bearing member in accordance with a parameter calculated by using the contact time detected in the contact time detecting step.

Abstract: A cartridge is set in a printer main unit, and has a remaining toner measurer which measures toner in a toner chamber upon setting of the cartridge. A cartridge memory stores information of a remaining toner amount measured previously. CPU compares the remaining toner amount measured newly with the remaining toner amount measured previously and read from the cartridge memory. If there is an increase in the toner, the cartridge is determined as improper cartridge reloaded with the toner. An alarm signal is generated. Also, printing is inhibited. In another preferred embodiment, shortage information is assigned to the cartridge upon using up the toner. The cartridge, if it has the shortage information, is determined as improper. If a characteristic of the toner is not within a reference range, the cartridge is determined improper. In another preferred embodiment, an upper limit of the number of times of toner reloading is predetermined.

Abstract: An image bearing member life detecting method capable of accurately detecting that the life of an image bearing member has expired or will expire soon, an image forming apparatus using the method, and a cartridge detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus, are provided. An image bearing member damage index number D representing the consumption degree of an image bearing member is calculated on the basis of an applying period under each condition of an electrostatic charge bias applied to an electrostatic charging portion for forming an electrostatic latent image on the image bearing member, and/or the contact period of a developing portion for developing the electrostatic latent image on the image bearing member. When the process speed is switched, the calculation method is switched in accordance with the process speed, and the image bearing member damage index number D is calculated.

Abstract: A digital printer retains in memory detailed alphanumeric data describing the contents of its paper trays, as well as describing any unusual features thereof. The alphanumeric data is entered at the local user interface of the printer, and is retained at the printer so it can be accessed by a remote user computer as needed. The alphanumeric data can be subject to search techniques by which a large number of printers can be searched for certain print media or other properties.

Abstract: A method for managing just-in-time print consumables for a print job can be performed on a computer server. The method includes estimating print consumable requirements for the print job. The method also includes ordering, over a network connection, the estimated print consumable requirements from a print consumable supplier such that the estimated print consumable requirements are received substantially close to a time that the print job is to be performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing supplemental counts or “clicks” to account for recovery conditions in a document processing system. The application of recovery counts combined with the system cycle count when suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear for a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life of a replaceable element in that system. In this manner the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.

Abstract: A method of providing support to a user of a computer peripheral includes sensing a peripheral indicia at a computer and registering the peripheral and downloading from a server additional information about the peripheral based on the peripheral indicia. The peripheral indicia includes any of a model number, a part number, a serial number, a date of manufacturer and a configuration indicia. Registering the peripheral is performed by launching a communications browser to connect to the server. The method also senses a peripheral condition at the computer where the peripheral condition includes either an error code or a code indicative of a consumable reaching a predetermined threshold or both. This method accesses the server at an address defined by the peripheral condition, and the server provides the browser with additional information about the peripheral condition.

Abstract: An imaging device access control for restricting access to internally located parts of the imaging device. In one embodiment of the invention, an imaging device includes an access panel hingedly attached to an imaging housing. Access to an interior of the imaging device through an access panel is controlled by an access panel operation restrictor assembly. The access panel operation restrictor assembly includes an access panel operation restrictor and an access panel restrictor release. The panel operation restrictor may include a locking mechanism having a bolt which is selectively engageable with the access panel by operation of a solenoid. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the access panel operation restrictor assembly is operable from an image forming device control panel. An individual must enter an authorization code or password at the control panel as a precondition to operation of the access panel operation restrictor assembly.

Abstract: Determining the operational life of Operator Replaceable Component (ORC) devices within a printer. A replacement history of the ORC device is used to predict the future life of a newly installed ORC device. The database management system of the invention provides tracking of the remaining lifetime of the ORC devices. As the system keeps track of the remaining life of the ORC devices, the system will prompt the operator when the ORC devices need to be replaced. Once replaced, the ORC device database is updated with the life span data of the ORC device that was replaced.

Abstract: An information service server, which manages a home page that provides information about an image forming cartridge and a printing apparatus using the image forming cartridge, and a printing system are connected to each other via a network. The printing system includes an image forming cartridge having a nonvolatile memory that stores access information for gaining access to the home page and identification information for identifying the image forming cartridge, identifying means for identifying the image forming cartridge as a genuine product based on the identification information, and access means for gaining access to the home page based on the access information when the image forming cartridge is identified as a genuine product.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a unit in which at least an expendable component is incorporated. The unit is reusable by periodically replacing the expendable component. Indication means for indicating a record on use of the unit is attached to a given position on the unit.

Abstract: A system includes a printer having at least one container for storing a consumable and a monitor for monitoring the status of the consumable in the at least one container; a host device for sending a print job to the printer, wherein the host device includes a display; and a printer driver for controlling operation of the printer from the host device, for querying the printer for consumable status information, and for providing a user interface in the host device display; wherein the printer driver, responsive to the print job, queries the printer for consumable status information and displays the status of the consumable in the at least one container in the printer in the user interface.

Abstract: When a printer carries out maintenance by control by a maintenance control portion 52, an ink information obtaining portion 73 calculates the amount of the consumed ink. The calculated ink amount is stored in a storage element attached to an ink cartridge by a storage element managing portion 74. By doing this, the amount of ink not used in actual printing such as the amount of ink used for maintenance can be grasped by reading out the contents of the storage element later.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing supplemental counts or “clicks” to account for recovery conditions in a document processing system. Furthermore, these recovery condition “clicks” will be further modified depending upon the type of recovery condition encountered. The application of recovery counts thus modified when combined with the system cycle count and suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear for a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life of a replaceable element in that system. In this manner, the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.

Abstract: In a process unit, an encoder encodes a code into a response code by a logic in which identification information output from a CPU of a main unit is set and then returns the response code to the main unit. The logic of the encoder can be rewritten. The logic is set as a first logic at the time of shipment and it is rewritten as a second logic under the control of the CPU after the start of use. In the main unit, encoders encode identification codes into first and second specific codes by the first and second logics, respectively, and collators collate these specific codes with the response code. The CPU identifies a status of the process unit according to whether they coincide with each other or not.

Abstract: A use situation reporting system reports the use situations of a developer and other consumables included in an image forming apparatus for forming images on a recording material. More particularly, the use situation reporting system reports an amount of remaining developer and the use times of consumables to a user. Thus, the timing of replacing a cartridge with a new one can be concisely reported to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing supplemental counts or “clicks” to account for recovery conditions in a document processing system. The application of recovery counts combined with the system cycle count when suitably summed will provide superior measure of the wear for a replaceable element as well as improved indication for the determination of the end of life of a replaceable element in that system. In this manner the more timely service or substitution for that replaceable element in the system can be provided, thereby allowing costs and service down-time to be minimized.