Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Hewlett-packard Company

Sharon Ann Whaley

Robert E Haines

Mark A Harper

Mary B Baumunk

Kenley Hinrichs

Jodi Goettemoeller

A consumable order assistance system is provided for computer peripheral devices. The system includes a personal computer, at least one computer peripheral device, a communication link, and a consumable order assistance computer program. The personal computer has a web browser and a messaging system. The at least one computer peripheral device has a messaging system. The communication link signal couples the personal computer with a provider of a consumable for the computer peripheral device via the web browser. The consumable order assistance computer program is provided on the personal computer and is configured to receive a notification from the computer peripheral device via the messaging system of a need to order a consumable, alert a user of the personal computer of the notification, and provide an order location to the user for the consumable. A method is also provided.

Reorder-assistance functionality levels

A printing system includes a staple sensor that senses a low staple condition in a stapling device. A low staple message is generated in response to sensing the low staple condition in the stapling device. The printing system identifies a computing device designated to manage the replacement of staples. The low staple message is then communicated to the identified computing device. The computing device contains an application capable of determining whether replacement staples are in stock and capable of ordering more staples if replacement staples are not in stock.

Method and apparatus for acquiring replacement products for a printing device or accessory

A consumable order assistance system for a computer peripheral device includes a computer peripheral device, a personal computer, a user interface, and a communication link. The computer peripheral device has a consumable requiring periodic replenishment. The personal computer is signal coupled with the peripheral device. The user interface is provided on one of the computer peripheral device and the personal computer, and is operative to notify a user of a state of the consumable. The communication link signal couples the personal computer with a provider of the consumable for the peripheral device. The personal computer is operative to monitor the computer peripheral device to determine the state of the consumable, and to notify a user via the user interface of a need to replenish the consumable. A method for replacing consumables is also provided.

Growing community of inventors

Boise, ID, United States of America

Sharon Ann Whaley