Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Hewlett-packard Company

Michael Jonas Borg

Alysia Wurst

David E Smith

Theresa A Burkes

Stephen L Testardi

James E Anderson

Ben Tyson

An image-forming device and method for determining use of consumable items therein includes a consumable item memory storing a substantially unique identifier designating the consumable item as one of a starter item and a normal item. A computer program retrieves the identifier from the consumable item memory and determines whether to allow formation of images using the consumable item based on whether the consumable item is a starter item or a normal item.

Method and article for determining use of consumable items in an image-forming device

Systems and methods are described for collecting data in component memory of a printing device replaceable component and utilizing the data in a customer service center. A printing device records data related to the printing device, usage information, environment information, etc. in a memory tag of a replaceable component&#x2014;such as a toner cartridge&#x2014;used in the printing device. When the component is returned to the manufacturer for recycling, the information is retrieved from the memory tag and stored in a customer database. When a customer contacts the customer service center, a customer service operator accesses information related to the customer and to the printing device(s) used by that customer. Help screens, or menus, displayed to the operator are customized according to the product(s) owned by the customer and the environment within which the product is used. The operator immediately knows details about the customer, the printing device(s) used by the customer, how the customer uses the printing device(s), the customer's previous problems with the printing device(s), etc. The operator may also be able to access pre-determined solutions that the operator can provide to the customer, such as providing a free replacement cartridge if the customer has had a number of problems with the printing device, etc. The customer is thus saved the time and trouble of providing detailed information and the manufacturer can offer improved customer service to satisfy the customer.

Systems and methods for utilizing printing device data in a customer service center

Systems and methods are described for collecting printing device data from a printing system. The printing device data is collected from a host computer connected to the printing device, printing device memory, a data storage device in the printing device, component memory in a replaceable component used in the printing device, and/or a server hosting a network to which the printing device is connected. Pursuant to consent from a user of the printing system, an application program on a host computer is periodically executed to collect data related to one or more printing devices. After the data is collected, a printing device profile is created from processing the data and the profile is transmitted to a remote server. The printing system user is offered purchase incentives, such as a percentage off a future purchase, if the user allows the data to be collected. The purchase incentives are accumulated by the application program and applied on a future purchase.

Systems and methods for collecting printing device usage data

A method and apparatus for monitoring the quality and performance of a product that utilizes end user serviceable components and consumables. In illustrative embodiments, a calibration procedure is employed to determine when and if sub-standard third party replacement components are employed. If such a component is detected, a notification is made to the end user or a service provider. Under certain conditions, the product can be disabled. In another embodiment, electronic labels are employed within the replaceable components. The electronic labels are used to determine the source and quality of the replaceable components, and to interface to sensors which can monitor the consumption of consumables, or for other purposes. Warranty and service costs can be established based on the utilization of the present teachings.

Quality monitoring and maintenance for products employing end user serviceable components

A printing apparatus is provided which includes a print mechanism configured to print in a plurality of color modes, and a controller configured to select an active color mode switching option from among a plurality of color mode switching options, and instruct the print mechanism to switch between the color modes according to the active color mode switching option. Each of the color mode switching options defines a manner in which the printing apparatus and method will switch between the plurality of color modes when printing a document.

Apparatus and method for managing printing mode switching in a printing apparatus

Reproduction systems and methods of operating reproduction devices are described. In one embodiment, a reproduction method comprises receiving multiple pages into a reproduction device for reproduction and positioning the multiple pages within an area in the reproduction device so that they can be reproduced. The multiple pages are scanned using a single scanning cycle, and a single reproduced page is output for each of the multiple pages that was scanned. In another embodiment, a copier comprises one or more processors, an image engine having a scan glass for receiving document pages and being configured to scan document pages and produce copies of the pages. A page feeding manager is associated with the one or more processors and is configured to cause pages to be fed into the copier and processed by the image engine. The page feeding manager is configured to automatically provide, onto an area of the scan glass that is designated to receive a single page having first length and width dimensions, at least two pages having length and width dimensions which are, respectively, less than the first length and width dimensions. The copier is configured to output corresponding single copied pages, one for each of the pages provided onto the scan glass.

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Boise, ID, United States of America

Michael Jonas Borg