摘要:
A data retrieval method is provided that includes providing a device that comprises a unit, storing usage data of the device in a database based on information stored in a CRUM used in the unit, providing access to the database to a user, and providing the usage data to the user. A data retrieval system is also provided that includes a controller, a device that comprises a unit, the device and the unit being controlled by the controller, a database controlled via the controller, wherein the database is accessible by a user, usage data of the unit being stored in the database via the controller based on information stored in a CRUM associated with the unit, and the usage data being provided to the user via the controller.
摘要:
A radion frequency identification method and device may facilitate communication between a host computer and a plurality of radio frequency identification sensing antennas and their associated transponders. Incorporated within such a device may be an industry standard serial control bus interface, a standards based radio frequency protocol, and a plurality digital output ports. A state machine and decoding logic may be included to transform serially received antenna selection data and to configure the digital output ports to enable one of the plurality of sensing antennas.
摘要:
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.
摘要:
Control of a module involves providing the module with an electronic tag comprising a tag memory and a tag communication element. After the tag is associated with the module, a tag reader electronically reads identification information from the tag and verifies that the module identification information matches predetermined identification criteria. If the identification information matches, a tag writer programs the tag with configuration information. The configuration information places the module into a predetermined module configuration.
摘要:
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. By expanding this intelligent on-board monitoring system with expanded memory, either on board the replaceable module, or by way of network access, the capability to enable software upgrades is provided. The software upgrades may relate to the performance of the replaceable module or to the machine into which it is installed. These software upgrades may be accomplished without requiring computational resources of the printing apparatus itself and by proper scheduling without impacting customer machine utilization.
摘要:
A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device is attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container is a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine.
摘要:
A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device may be attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container may be a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine.
摘要:
A method and system receives test requirements and test settings in order to design a test. An identifier is assigned to the test that was designed and the test is stored in a database using the identifier to identify the test. In addition, the test is printed on at least one sheet or form and a wireless read/write device is programmed with the identifier assigned to the test. The wireless read/write device is attached to the sheet on which the test was printed. Thus, the sheet and the wireless read/write device can be provided to a test operator to allow the test operator to wirelessly read the identifier from the wireless read/write device. Then, the test operator can access the test from the database based on the identifier read from the wireless read/write device. The test instructions (comprising the test requirements and test settings) are provided from the database to the operator to perform the test and potentially produce a physical test output. The test instructions are provided to the operator through a graphic user interface.
摘要:
A method and system receives test requirements and test settings in order to design a test. An identifier is assigned to the test that was designed and the test is stored in a database using the identifier to identify the test. In addition, the test is printed on at least one sheet or form and a wireless read/write device is programmed with the identifier assigned to the test. The wireless read/write device is attached to the sheet on which the test was printed. Thus, the sheet and the wireless read/write device can be provided to a test operator to allow the test operator to wirelessly read the identifier from the wireless read/write device. Then, the test operator can access the test from the database based on the identifier read from the wireless read/write device. The test instructions (comprising the test requirements and test settings) are provided from the database to the operator to perform the test and potentially produce a physical test output. The test instructions are provided to the operator through a graphic user interface.
摘要:
An RFID bridge antenna is positioned between a tag antenna associated with a tag and a reader antenna associated with a reader. The bridge includes at least two RF antenna elements spaced apart from one another and coupled together by an electrical conductor. The first RF antenna element is located proximate to the tag antenna and the second RF antenna element is located proximate to the reader antenna. An electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna is received by one of the RF antenna element and retransmitted to the tag antenna by the other RF antenna element, increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the RFID bridge antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader. The reader may also be located external to the package. For example, one of the RF antenna elements may be attached to a label on the package, allowing data stored in the tag to be extracted by the external reader. The object may be a module, also known as a customer replaceable unit (CRU), and the tag may be configured as a customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM). The module may take the form of a container having a closure cap equipped with a tag and the container may be stored in a cabinet along with an RFID bridge antenna mounted on the cabinet door to establish data communication between the tag and a reader.