Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Other

Hewlett-packard Company

Stephen L Testardi

Shell Sterling Simpson

Brooke E Smith

Michael Jonas Borg

Virginia K Capps

R Scott Johnson

Joseph Savola

A first computer program generates a code encoding a date when the code was generated, an at least substantially unique identifier of a consumable item for an image-forming device, and usage information regarding the consumable item. The at least substantially unique identifier and the usage information are retrieved from a memory of the consumable item. Upon a user returning the consumable item for warranty purposes, a second computer program decodes the code to obtain the date, the at least substantially unique identifier, and the usage information. The second computer program determines whether to entitle the consumable item for warranty purposes based on the date, the at least substantially unique identifier, and the usage information. The second computer program outputs whether the consumable item should be entitled for warranty purposes.

Warranty entitlement of image-forming device consumable item

A system and method print an output sample including print cartridge characteristic information.

Print cartridge output sample

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

A method and system of selectively and securely enabling an added or premium functionality in a printer can be created by transmitting or inputting to the printer an electronic key correlated to the unique serial number stored in that printer. In this way, the key used to activate an added or premium functionality in a particular printer cannot be used to activate the same functionality in any other printer. This prevents the unauthorized activation of added or premium functions in other printers.

Method and system for securely and selectively providing optional features or premium functionality in a printer

In combination with an inkjet printer having a glossy topcoat deposition feature, a method for printing security marks on an inkjet-printed sheet which includes the step of modulating the deposition of the topcoat layer, rather applying it uniformly to the imaged surface of the sheet. Modulated deposition results in variations in gloss which are visible when the document is viewed at an angle. Three alternatives for modulation are possible: the topcoat layer may be applied to the entire sheet, but with the amount thereof deposited per unit area over the surface of the document alternating between a low value and a high value; the topcoat layer may be applied to the entire sheet, but with the amount thereof deposited per unit area varying over the surface of the document as a continuous function between a low value and a high value; or the topcoat layer may be applied to only portions of the document surface. Modulated application of the topcoat can be controlled using one of several available techniques; the standard print driver can be employed in a manner similar to that used for the printing of standard images with pigmented inks; the printer may be designed to accept a custom plug-in module procurable from a secure source (e.g., the printer manufacturer) which, when enabled by the standard print driver, controls the printing of a particular security mark design; or an internet-based vendor may provide a secure downloadable security mark design in much the same manner that printable postage stamps are provided through various vendors in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service's Information Based Indicia Program.

Method of printing a security verification with inkjet printers

A system for automatically cleaning toner build-up on a roller, such as the fuser pressure roller in an electrophotographic printing device, using the duplexing capability of the device. One embodiment is a method for cleaning a roller in an image forming device. The method includes the steps of: feeding a sheet of print media into the simplex paper path; printing a cleaning pattern on one side of the sheet; routing the sheet through the duplex paper path to invert the sheet; and routing the inverted sheet back through the simplex paper path. When the image forming device includes a fuser, such as with a laser printer, a toner image cleaning pattern is applied to the paper or other sheet media, the toner is fused to the paper, the paper is then routed through a duplexer and back through the fuser. When the cleaning page is fed into the image forming device the second time, it goes through the device with the printed side down. As it passes through the fuser, the toner that makes up the cleaning pattern becomes tacky. The tacky toner cleans the pressure roller as the roller comes in contact with the printed side of the page.

Growing community of inventors

Boise, ID, United States of America

Stephen L Testardi