Abstract: The customer replacement unit memory of a replaceable cartridge for a copier or printer is pre-programmed to print advertising or promotion material.

Abstract: An information system for informing a user about consumable components such as a CRU using printed documents in an electrostatographic system.

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: Systems and methods of managing consumables used in a bookbinding system are described. In one aspect, a bookbinding consumables quantity interrogator is configured to obtain information relating to usage of one or more consumables in a bookbinding system, and a processor is configured to compute usage statistics for the one or more bookbinding consumables based upon usage information obtained by the bookbinding consumables quantity interrogator.

Abstract: An integration density acquiring unit for a consumption information management apparatus acquires integration density from an image signal sent from an image processing section, and an information converting unit calculates a quantity of consumed toner (consumption information) by multiplying the integration density by a specified coefficient to send the quantity to a cumulative consumption information calculating unit. The cumulative consumption information calculating unit temporarily stores the information for the quantity of toner consumption in a memory, and reads out the information from the memory at predetermined timing. Accordingly, it is possible to determine only the cost for developer used by a user or calculate the quantity of developer remaining within an image formation apparatus based on the cumulative consumption information for the unadjusted developer stored in the memory.

Abstract: Image forming devices and image forming methods are described. One aspect provides an image forming device including an image engine configured to use a consumable to image a job; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine and configured to monitor for an occurrence of a predetermined status of the consumable during imaging of the job and to select one of first ceasing imaging of the job before completion of the imaging of the job and second ceasing imaging of the job after completion of the imaging of the job, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to select one of the first ceasing and the second ceasing responsive to the monitoring of the predetermined status of the consumable.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the shortcomings in the prior art by providing a method, apparatus, and computer program for determining the operational life of Operator Replaceable Component (ORC) devices within a printer. The invention involves using a replacement history of the ORC device to predict the future life of a newly installed ORC device. The 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: Image forming devices and image forming methods are described. One aspect provides an image forming device including an image engine configured to use a consumable to image a job; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine and configured to monitor for an occurrence of a predetermined status of the consumable during imaging of the job and to select one of first ceasing imaging of the job before completion of the imaging of the job and second ceasing imaging of the job after completion of the imaging of the job, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to select one of the first ceasing and the second ceasing responsive to the monitoring of the predetermined status of the consumable.

Abstract: A method of responding to a status change for a peripheral device includes determining that a status change has occurred in the peripheral device, combining a unique device identifier relevant to the peripheral device with the status change to form an electronic message and transmitting the electronic message across a firewall.

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: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus which has image forming device for forming an image on a recording material, at least one component element of the image forming means being formed in a unit and detachably attachable to a main body of said apparatus, and output device for outputting information of an expiration date of the unit for use.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to make an exact judgment on suitability of a replaceable component such as a toner supplying container with use of an existing mechanism of an image forming apparatus, without additionally providing a data storage component designed for a consumable product which is detachably attached to the apparatus, or a data reading component to be placed in the image forming apparatus main body. In an incorporated control section, a specific part of a replaceable component, which is placed on an original platform prior to being loaded into the apparatus, is optically scanned to read image information, and, based on the reading result, whether or not the replaceable component is suitable for the image forming apparatus is judged.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for printing shipping labels for recycling printing device replaceable components. When a printing device detects an end-of-life condition of a replaceable component in the printing device, a printing device user is prompted to enter information identifying the user and/or the location of the printing device (possibly after accessing a web site). Alternatively, this information may be stored in component memory of a replaceable component where it is obtained by the printing device automatically. An appropriate recycling location is determined from the geographic location of the printer and a shipping label including the address of the recycling location is printed from the printing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for printing shipping labels for recycling printing device replaceable components. When a printing device detects an end-of-life condition of a replaceable component in the printing device, a printing device user is prompted to enter information identifying the user and/or the printing device (possibly after accessing a web site). Alternatively, this information may be stored in component memory of a replaceable component where it is obtained by the printing device automatically. An appropriate recycling location is determined from the information and a shipping label including the address of the recycling location is printed from the printing device.

Abstract: A developer amount indicating method of successively indicating a developer amount in a developer containing portion mounted on an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the method including the steps of successively indicating the developer amount based on a detection result of a first detector for successively detecting the developer amount in the developer containing portion, and subsequently and successively indicating the developer amount based on the detection result of a second detector for successively detecting the developer amount in the developer containing portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section having a detachable process cartridge provide with identification information; an identification information reading section to read the identification information of the process cartridge; and a control section to control the image forming apparatus on a basis of a comparison result between the identification information and license presence/absence judgment information used for judging whether the process cartridge is licensed or not.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing access to a restricted web site to users of certain brands of printing device replaceable components are described. When a replaceable component is installed into a printing device, the printing device determines whether the replaceable component is a particular brand of component. If it is a particular brand of component, the printing device provides access, either automatically or on command, to a web site that is restricted to users of components of the brand. The restricted web site offers incentives and information to such users that is not available to printing device users that use other brands of components in their printing devices.

Abstract: A method of scheduling service events for a hard copy output engine includes (i) estimating when a service event is likely to occur, (ii) estimating, from a record of past usage, when peak usage is likely to occur, (iii) determining when the service event estimate is contemporaneous with the peak usage estimate and (iv) executing a predetermined protocol when determining is indicative of contemporaneous estimates.

Abstract: A printing device component is configured to automatically order a replacement component when a signal indicates that the component is nearing the end of its functional life cycle. The printing device includes an order tracker which is configured to receive and process order tracking information regarding the status of the component order. If the component is not received on or before an expected receipt date, a warning message is generated to allow appropriate action to avoid printing device down time. If the component is unavailable for shipment or must be backordered, a warning message is generated. When the component is received, the order tracking subsystem is provided with a received date. The order tracking information is stored in an order tracking database. Database records involving received items may be purged or archived for later reference.

Abstract: A terminal of a service provider is characterized in that it includes: a storage unit for registering unique information on a machine of a contract signer; a communications unit for detecting information on a remaining amount of a consumable article in the machine via telephone lines as a network; and a processing unit for making an instruction to dispatch a new machine to the contract signer if the remaining amount of the consumable article has reached a specified value. A comprehensive and essential service is provided covering from sales to continuous use of the machine, by which consumable articles are managed, replaced, and collected without requiring any work done by machine users or any financial burden borne by manufacturers selling the machine.

Abstract: When the developer supply unit (18) is mounted to the predetermined position of the machine base (1), the detector (32) disposed on the machine side extracts the information managed by the management portion (31) of the unit (18). Based on this management information, the decision portion (35) of the controller (33) determines the characteristics of the developer supply unit (18) to decide the operating conditions of each unit portion. At the same time, the operational environment under which the machine will be installed is decided based on the determined result.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a unit detachably mountable on the image forming apparatus, the unit having a developing device for developing a latent image formed on an image bearing member, a developing bias setter for setting a developing bias so that an image developed by the developing device maintains a predetermined density, and a life determiner for determining a life of the unit in accordance with a developing bias set by the developing bias setter and a reference bias. The reference bias is set in accordance with data relating to a used amount of the unit.

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: An apparatus for estimating printer resources compares an amount of printer resources required to print a document to an amount of printer resources available at a printer to determine whether sufficient resources are available to successfully print the document. If insufficient resources are available, the apparatus alerts the user so that the user may replenish the resources prior to printing. When used in a computer network, the apparatus causes the printer to switch from a client print server mode to a direct printing mode causing the printer to stop responding to print commands issued by a print server and to instead respond to print commands issued by a print driver associated with the apparatus.

Abstract: A printing device has a number of discrete components in a path traversed by print media. The number of uses of each discrete component in the print path is individually monitored and recorded. The number of individual uses of at least one discrete component is provided at the printing device and/or over a communications network.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming mechanism for performing an image forming operation, a detachable process cartridge, a card inlet having a data input and output port, and a controlling mechanism. The process cartridge contains material used to make the image visible. The card inlet receives for electrical connection an electronic money integrated circuit card including an integrated circuit chip dedicated to an electronic money application. The controlling mechanism having an integrated circuit chip dedicated to the electronic money application controls the image forming operation and is capable of communicating for monetary information with the electronic money integrated circuit card.

Abstract: A replaceable printer component adapted for use in a printing system includes a memory device and a communication link adapted to communicate the memory device with a printer controller for the printing system when the replaceable printer component is installed in the printing system. The memory device has an interface identifier stored therein which corresponds with a user interface for the printing system. Since the user interface presents printing capabilities of the printing system, the replaceable printer component defines which printing capabilities are available to a user of the printing system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a web-based imaging system that provides print job assurance. Such system of this type, generally, warn the user, prior to printing, whether or not the print job will be able to be printed, as expected.

Abstract: A replaceable printer component adapted for use in a printing system includes a memory device and a communication link adapted to communicate the memory device with a printer controller for the printing system when the replaceable printer component is installed in the printing system. The memory device has an interface identifier stored therein which corresponds with a user interface for the printing system. Since the user interface presents printing capabilities of the printing system, the replaceable printer component defines which printing capabilities are available to a user of the printing system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for detecting particles on surfaces. Particles are transferred from the surface to be inspected onto a tacky sheet by applying the tacky sheet to the surface and then removing the tacky sheet from the surface. Particles and defects are optically detected on the removed tacky sheet to produce location data. The tacky sheet is selected to leave no residue on the surface to be inspected. The tacky sheet is selected to be compatible with darkfield optical techniques. In one embodiment the tacky sheet is inspected prior applying the tacky sheet to the surface to be inspected, so that particles from the surface are identified as differences between the location data before and after applying the tacky sheet to the surface to be inspected. In one embodiment the tacky sheet is re-applied and reinspected many times before it is replaced.

Abstract: Information that has been stored in the memory of a unit removably provided in an image processing apparatus is managed effectively. To accomplish this, encrypted data and unencrypted data is stored, in distinguishable form, in a memory of a process cartridge removably attached to an electrophotographic printer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine the use status of a customer replaceable unit (CRU) in an electrophotographic printing machine. The CRU has a customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM) which communicates with the machine controller upon insertion of the CRU into the machine. Based on the signal generated by the CRUM the controller can determine whether the CRU has been previously used in the machine or is new. Appropriate settings and adjustments can be made based on predetermined parameters according to use. In addition, if a CRU is new a cycle can be initiated in which a toner patch is developed and not transferred so that a layer of toner is deposited on the cleaning blade. This minimizes damage to a photoreceptor belt due to lack of lubrication of the cleaner blade and chatter that may result therefrom.

Abstract: A method for monitoring print consumables of a compact disc (CD) printing system estimates a number of images that can be printed before a print consumable of the CD printing system becomes depleted or reaches a low threshold level. The estimation is based upon a remaining print consumable amount that is available to the CD printing system and a requested print consumable amount. Print consumable information including the number of images that can be printed is then displayed.

Abstract: An information system for informing a user about consumable components such as a CRU using printed documents in an electrostatographic system.

Abstract: Machine discrimination data stored in an information storage area of a memory in a body of an image formation apparatus is read, and data stored in a machine information storage area of a memory in a cartridge mounted in the image formation apparatus is read. If the data in the cartridge is not “0”, it is judged whether or not the data in the body is identical with the data in the cartridge. If not identical, an error flag is set into “1”, and it is considered that a mounting error occurs, and controlling to prohibit image formation is performed. On the other hand, if the data in the cartridge is “0”, the mounted cartridge is considered as an unused cartridge, and the machine discrimination data of the body is stored in the mounted cartridge.

Abstract: Image forming devices and methods of facilitating ordering of an imaging consumable are described. According to one aspect, an image forming device includes an interface adapted to communicate with a communication medium external of the image forming device; imaging circuitry configured to use an imaging consumable to form hard images; a sensor configured to monitor a status of the imaging consumable; and processing circuitry coupled with the sensor and configured to generate a message indicating the status of the imaging consumable and to synchronize with another image forming device to control a timing of a communication of the message externally of the image forming device using the interface.

Abstract: A method of notifying an operator of an event with respect to a hard copy output engine includes detecting a status of a portion of the hard copy output engine from a sensor incorporated in the hard copy output engine and displaying, in response to detecting, a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface includes information describing the portion and the status, and includes a set of user-selectable options. The set of user-selectable options includes dismissal of the graphical user interface, assistance in ordering consumables or services identified by the graphical user interface, deferment of action with respect to the consumables or services identified by the graphical user interface for a user-selectable interval and inhibiting further displaying of the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A cartridge which is detachably mountable on an image forming apparatus is provided with non-volatile storing medium. In this non-volatile storing medium, a predetermined value is stored. The predetermined value is used for controlling the image forming apparatus together with the count value which is counted when forming images. The count value for counting images formed in a first image formation mode is different from the count value that is counted when forming images in a second image formation mode whose maximum amount of waste toner contained in a cleaning container is different from that of the first image mode. With the structure thus arranged, the number of printable sheets is made greater before the waste toner is filled in the cleaning container up to its limit, hence enabling the user to secure a longer period of time for preparing the cartridge.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an apparatus body. An image forming device included in the apparatus is at least partly implemented by a replaceable part. A counter counts prints output by the apparatus with the replaceable part. A memory and a first nonvolatile memory are built in the apparatus body. A second nonvolatile memory is built in the replaceable part. A controller writes a limit number of prints particular to the replaceable part in the first nonvolatile memory, stores, after image forming operation, a cumulative number of prints counted by the counter in the memory and second nonvolatile memory, and reports the time for replacing the replaceable part when the cumulative number stored in the memory exceeds the limit number of prints stored in the first nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A system comprises a first maintenance interval storage for storing a first maintenance interval of each component which is not related to an actual utilization of an apparatus, a second maintenance interval storage storing a second maintenance interval of each component which is related to the actual utilization of the apparatus, a maintenance demander for demanding maintenance of some component based on the passing of the first maintenance interval of this component; and a maintenance interval prolonger for judging the second maintenance interval has passed or not based on the passing of the first maintenance interval, and when the second maintenance interval has not yet passed, suspending the demand for maintenance by the maintenance demander and prolonging the first maintenance interval. Consequently, it becomes possible to manage a maintenance timing of each component and give notice thereof on the side of the apparatus composed of a plurality of components.

Abstract: A conformable roller for use in a fusing station of an electrostatographic machine, the fusing station being provided with a pressure roller and a fuser roller for fusing a toner image on a receiver, the fuser roller made from a plurality of layers surrounding an axis of rotation, the conformable roller including a rigid cylindrically symmetric core member; a flexible replaceable removable compliant sleeve member in the form of a tubular belt surrounding and nonadhesively intimately contacting the core member; and the fusing station including an internal heat source for the fuser roller, at least one of the plurality of layers being thermally conductive.

Abstract: During the changeover of image resolution to 600 dpi and 1200 dpi, potential setting is controlled in conformity with the individual information of a process cartridge and the used amount of a photosensitive drum. The individual information is information regarding the manufacturing lots or the kinds of the process cartridge, a developer, the photosensitive drum, a charging roller for acting on the photosensitive drum, a developing apparatus, a cleaning apparatus, and a functional member of the charging roller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid detection device wherein a condition in which there is no liquid remaining in either a storage member or a tank and a condition in which there is liquid remaining in at least either the storage member or the tank are easily discriminated using a single mechanism. When there is oil (liquid) remaining in at least either the oil tank or the impregnated member (storage member), light emitted from a light emitting part is passed into the oil through a prism face located partway along the light path, and does not reach a light receiving part. On the other hand, when there is no oil remaining in either the oil tank or the impregnated member, the emitted light reaches the light receiving part. When the oil tank itself is not mounted, the light emitted from the light emitting part also reaches the light receiving part. When the light emitted from the light emitting part is not detected by the light receiving part, a controller determines that there is oil.

Abstract: A consumable purchase assist program is built in a computer (500) to which a print apparatus (400) is connected, and contains at least a purchase source information acquisition step for acquiring via a network (220), purchase source information containing dealer information of a consumable required for the print apparatus to print or selling condition information, a type information acquisition step for acquiring consumable type information from the print apparatus, and a consumable information display step for displaying the contents of the purchase source information and the type information on a screen of the computer.

Abstract: The container and the management system include a storage portion to accommodate an expendable product to be used by an apparatus; and a memory to store identification information that can be read out by an external device; wherein the container is removably installed in the apparatus and the apparatus retrieves expendable product identification information and remaining amount information from the container to determine if the expendable product is an appropriate one.

Abstract: There is disclosed a main unit as an identifying apparatus for outputting an identification code and subjecting the identification code to encode by an encoding section to obtain a specific code. A process unit as an apparatus to be identifying subjects the identification code outputted from the main unit to the encoding by an encoding section by the same logic as that of the encoding section to obtain a response code, and returns the response code to an input port of the main unit. In the main unit, a collating section collates the specific code obtained by the encoding section and the signal inputted to the input port, and CPU judges the attached process unit to be original when a collation result indicates coincidence.

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 consumable management device, an image forming system, and a method of managing an imaging consumable of an image forming device are described. According to an aspect of the present invention, a consumable management device includes an interface adapted to communicate with an image forming device configured to use an imaging consumable to form a hard image, the interface being adapted to receive a status message from the image forming device corresponding to the status of the imaging consumable within the image forming device; storage circuitry configured to store a current inventory status of the imaging consumable within an inventory for the image forming device; and processing circuitry coupled with the interface and configured to update the current inventory status responsive to the status message providing an updated inventory status.

Abstract: Image forming systems and methods of forming an image are described. According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, a system includes a consumable monitoring device which provides a current amount of a consumable, such as toner. The system of this aspect also includes a memory device configured to store historical information regarding the consumable. A processor provides a requirement amount of the consumable and statistically modifies at least one of the requirement amount and the current amount using the historical information. Exemplary statistical modification uses a ratio of an estimation of a number of pixels within previous image jobs and the actual number of pixels imaged within previous jobs. Thereafter, the processor analyzes the requirement amount with respect to the current amount to determine the probability that an image job will be successfully imaged. In one arrangement, a confidence value is utilized for statistical modification. In addition, the historical information may be weighted.

Abstract: A recycle information system for recycling reusable parts from machines and equipment such as image forming apparatus, and reutilize the recovered member as a manufacturing material. A recycle information system utilizing a production control computer to manage information on production parts being used or scheduled for use in manufacturing and maintenance services, is linked by a communications line with a control device for machines and equipment scheduled for recycling, monitors information on parts of machines and equipment capable of recycling, and when a machine is recovered from a user, compares production part information stored in the production control computer with recovered part information stored in the recovered device, and acquires information on whether individual parts used in the recovered machine are capable of being recycled, and information on a factory destination address.