U.S. patent application number 11/562031 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for method of licensing functionality after initial transaction.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lexmark International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher Alan Adkins, Timothy P. Craig, Stephen Kelly Cunnagin, Timothy Lowell Strunk, Michael Shayne Wilson.
Application Number | 20070075137 11/562031 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32770618 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070075137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adkins; Christopher Alan ;
et al. |
April 5, 2007 |
METHOD OF LICENSING FUNCTIONALITY AFTER INITIAL TRANSACTION
Abstract
Methods for licensing functionality after an initial transaction
are provided. One such method is directed to licensing after an
initial transaction of a customer obtaining a supply item including
the step of prompting the customer to acquire a usage license for
the supply item.
Inventors: |
Adkins; Christopher Alan;
(Lexington, KY) ; Craig; Timothy P.; (Georgetown,
KY) ; Cunnagin; Stephen Kelly; (Lexington, KY)
; Strunk; Timothy Lowell; (Lexington, KY) ;
Wilson; Michael Shayne; (Lexington, KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW DEPARTMENT
740 WEST NEW CIRCLE ROAD
BLDG. 082-1
LEXINGTON
KY
40550-0999
US
|
Assignee: |
Lexmark International, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32770618 |
Appl. No.: |
11/562031 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10355767 |
Jan 31, 2003 |
|
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11562031 |
Nov 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/383 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20130101;
G06Q 20/382 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q 20/3674
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/383 |
International
Class: |
G06K 15/00 20060101
G06K015/00 |
Claims
1. A method for licensing functionality after an initial
transaction, comprising the steps of: determining whether an
initial licensed amount of an imaging substance in a supply item
has been depleted, said supply item being subject to a usage
license, and wherein said imaging substance is used to form an
image on print media; informing a customer of said depletion of
said imaging substance in said supply item; querying whether said
customer would like to renew said supply item; and if said customer
chooses to renew said supply item, the method further comprising
the steps of, said customer purchasing a new license to renew said
supply item; and said customer receiving a new digital signature
for said supply item.
2. (canceled)
3. The method of claim 1, wherein if said customer chooses to
self-renew said supply item, said customer contacts a manufacturer
of said supply item to receive said new license.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein upon purchase of said new
license, said manufacturer provides to said customer said new
digital signature to be stored in a memory of said supply item.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said new digital signature is
generated by said manufacturer by combining an identification
number of said supply item with a digital key.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein said new digital signature is
provided to said customer via an e-commerce transaction.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said customer chooses to renew
said supply item via a manufacturer of said supply item.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said customer sends said supply
item back to said manufacturer for renewal, said renewal including
loading said new digital signature in a memory of said supply
item.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said renewal further includes
cleaning said supply item and testing electrical components on said
supply item.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein following said renewal said
manufacturer returns a suitable supply item to said customer.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said suitable supply item is
one of a renewed original supply item and a replacement supply
item.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein said customer chooses to renew
said supply item via a third party remanufacturer.
13. (canceled)
14. The method of claim 12, wherein said remanufacturer loads said
new digital signature in said supply item.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said remanufacturer replenishes
an imaging substance supply in said supply item.
16. A method of performing an e-commerce transaction through a
communications link between an e-commerce server and a customer,
comprising the steps of: initiating communications between said
customer and said e-commerce server regarding a renewal of a supply
item, said supply item containing an imaging substance, wherein
said imaging substance is used to form an image on print media;
said customer supplying to said e-commerce server predetermined
information necessary to generate a digital signature for said
supply item; said customer submitting a license fee to acquire a
license to complete said renewal of said supply item; and said
e-commerce server supplying said digital signature for said supply
item.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said predetermined information
includes an identification number assigned to said supply item
prior to an initial use of said supply item.
18. (canceled)
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of
processing said digital signature by an imaging apparatus receiving
said supply item and storing in a memory of said supply item said
digital signature.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of
associating with said digital signature a set of usage bits used in
tracking usage of said supply item.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein said digital signature is
verified as proper for said supply item via a digital key.
22. A method for performing a commerce transaction involving a
remanufacturer and a customer, comprising the steps of: said
remanufacturer securing a capability to create digital signatures
for supply items; submitting a supply item to said remanufacturer
to receive a new digital signature, said supply item containing an
imaging substance, wherein said imaging substance is used to form
an image on print media; said customer submitting a fee to said
remanufacturer; and said remanufacturer supplying a digital
signature for said supply item.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein said digital signature is
written to a memory of said supply item.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein said digital signature is
written to a memory of said supply item via a digital signature
assignment device.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said digital signature
assignment device is capable of creating a predetermined number of
digital signatures.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said predetermined number is
set by a manufacturer of said supply item.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein digital signature assignment
device includes at least one digital key associated with said
supply item.
28. A method for licensing after an initial transaction of a
customer obtaining a current supply item, said method comprising
the step of prompting said customer to acquire a usage license for
said current supply item, said current supply item containing an
imaging substance, wherein said imaging substance is used to form
an image on print media.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said prompting occurs when said
current supply item is installed in an imaging apparatus.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein said current supply item is one
of a plurality of supply items in a multi-pack.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein said customer is prompted to
obtain an additional license upon installing an additional supply
item from said multi-pack.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein said additional supply item is
installed concurrently with said current supply item in an imaging
apparatus.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein said additional supply item is
installed in a different imaging apparatus from that of said
current supply item.
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
37. A method for licensing extra functionality after an initial
transaction, comprising the steps of: a customer purchasing a
multi-pack of supply items and a license to use a first supply item
of said supply items of said multi-pack, each supply item of said
multi-pack of supply items containing an imaging substance, wherein
said imaging substance is used to form an image on print media;
determining whether an said imaging substance in said first supply
item has been depleted; wherein if said first supply item is
depleted, then performing the further steps of: prompting said
customer to install a second supply item from said multi-pack; and
prompting said customer to acquire a new license for said second
supply item.
38. (canceled)
39. The method of claim 37, wherein said step of prompting said
customer to acquire a new license for said second supply item is
performed by the steps of: establishing a communications link
between an e-commerce server and said customer; initiating
communications between said customer and a manufacturer of said
multi-pack of said supply items, regarding said second supply item,
via said e-commerce server; said customer supplying to said
manufacturer predetermined information necessary to generate a
digital signature for said second supply item; said customer
submitting a license fee to acquire said new license for said
second supply item; and said manufacturer supplying via said
e-commerce server said digital signature for said second supply
item.
40. A method for licensing extra functionality after an initial
transaction, comprising the steps of: providing an e-commerce
server for communicating with a customer; monitoring usage of a
first supply item, said first supply item containing an imaging
substance, wherein said imaging substance is used to form an image
on print media; determining whether said first supply item is near
empty; notifying a manufacturer that said first supply item is near
empty by initiating a communication with said e-commerce server;
and said manufacturer responding to said notifying by sending a new
supply item to said customer.
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
43. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of
requesting said customer to return the first supply item to said
manufacture for one of recycling and environmentally friendly
disposal.
44. The method of claim 40, wherein said new supply item is
received with a usage license.
45. The method of claim 40, wherein said customer is prompted to
acquire a usage license upon loading said new supply item in an
imaging apparatus.
46. (canceled)
47. (canceled)
48. (canceled)
49. (canceled)
50. (canceled)
51. (canceled)
52. (canceled)
53. (canceled)
54. (canceled)
55. (canceled)
56. (canceled)
57. (canceled)
58. (canceled)
59. (canceled)
60. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to imaging, and, more
particularly, to a method of licensing functionality after an
initial transaction.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Imaging apparatus, such as ink jet printers and/or copiers,
electrophotographic printers and/or copiers, and multifunction
devices, have long been available to customers. Such imaging
apparatus require a supply item, such as an ink jet printhead
cartridge, ink tank, or toner cartridge, that provides a source of
imaging substance, such as ink or toner. Traditionally, a customer
purchased an imaging apparatus or supply item through an initial
transaction realizing that the functionality, i.e., features,
associated with the imaging apparatus or supply item was fixed. For
example, when the supply of ink of an ink jet printhead cartridge
was depleted, the customer would simply obtain a new cartridge at a
retail outlet. Likewise, if a customer required additional imaging
functionality, e.g., additional printing modes, higher resolution
or higher printing speed, beyond that of the customer's current
imaging apparatus, the customer had no choice but to purchase a new
imaging apparatus that included the additional functionality.
[0005] What is needed in the art is a method of licensing
functionality after an initial transaction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides a method of licensing
functionality after an initial transaction.
[0007] The invention, in one form thereof, includes the method
steps of determining whether an initial licensed amount of an
imaging substance in a supply item has been depleted, the supply
item being subject to a usage license; informing a customer of the
depletion of the imaging substance in the supply item; querying
whether the customer would like to renew the supply item; and if
the customer chooses to renew the supply item, the method further
comprising the steps of the customer purchasing a new license to
renew the supply item; and the customer receiving a new digital
signature for the supply item.
[0008] In another form thereof, the invention is directed to a
method of performing an e-commerce transaction through a
communications link between an e-commerce server and a customer.
The method includes the steps of initiating communications between
the customer and the e-commerce server regarding a renewal of a
supply item; the customer supplying to the e-commerce server
predetermined information necessary to generate a digital signature
for the supply item; the customer submitting a license fee to
acquire a license to complete the renewal of the supply item; and
the e-commerce server supplying the digital signature for the
supply item.
[0009] In yet another form thereof, the invention is directed to a
method for performing a commerce transaction involving a
remanufacturer and a customer. The method includes the steps of the
remanufacturer securing a capability to create digital signatures
for supply items; submitting a supply item to the remanufacturer to
receive a new digital signature; the customer submitting a fee to
the remanufacturer; and the remanufacturer supplying a digital
signature for the supply item.
[0010] In still another form thereof, the invention is directed to
a method for licensing after an initial transaction of a customer
obtaining a supply item. The method includes the step of prompting
the customer to acquire a usage license for the supply item.
[0011] In still another form thereof, the invention is directed to
a method for licensing extra functionality after an initial
transaction including the steps of a customer purchasing a
multi-pack of supply items and a license to use a first supply item
of the supply items of the multi-pack; determining whether an
imaging substance in the first supply item has been depleted;
wherein if the first supply item is depleted, then performing the
further steps of prompting the customer to install a second supply
item from the multi-pack, and prompting the customer to acquire a
new license for the second supply item.
[0012] In still another form thereof, the invention is directed to
a method for licensing extra functionality after an initial
transaction. The method includes the steps of providing an
e-commerce server for communicating with a customer; monitoring
usage of a first supply item; determining whether the first supply
item is near empty; notifying a manufacturer that the first supply
item is near empty by initiating a communication with the
e-commerce server; and the manufacturer responding to the notifying
by sending a new supply item to the customer.
[0013] In still another form thereof, the invention is directed to
a method for licensing extra functionality after an initial
transaction, including the steps of providing a device with a
predetermined range "A" to "N" of imaging features, wherein "A"
represents minimum available features for the device and "N"
represents maximum available features for the device; providing to
a customer an available feature list for selection of desired
features for the device; the customer making the selection of the
desired features for the device and communicating the selection to
a manufacturer of the device; and the manufacturer enabling the
desired features selected for the device.
[0014] An advantage of the present invention is that licensing
and/or feature selections are made to be convenient for the
customer.
[0015] Another advantage is that, in some embodiments of the
invention, the customer can customize the imaging apparatus and/or
supply item to correspond to the customer's imaging needs or
desires.
[0016] Yet another advantage is that, in some embodiments of the
invention, the customer can upgrade the functionality of their
current imaging apparatus and/or supply item without having to
purchase a new imaging apparatus and/or supply item.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic depiction of a system used in
association with the present invention.
[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a flowchart of one method of the
invention for licensing extra functionality after an initial
transaction.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an e-commerce transaction involving
a manufacturer and a customer which may occur when practicing the
method of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a commerce transaction involving an
authorized remanufacturer and a customer which may occur when
practicing the method of FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another method that licenses
functionality after an initial transaction.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another method for licensing extra
functionality after an initial transaction.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of yet another method for licensing
extra functionality after an initial transaction.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of still another method for licensing
extra functionality after an initial transaction which may be
applied to either, or both, of an imaging apparatus and a supply
item.
[0026] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1,
there is shown a diagrammatic depiction of a system 10 used in
association with the present invention. System 10 includes an
imaging apparatus 12, a host 14 with a display 16, an e-commerce
server 18 and, optionally, a local server 22. Imaging apparatus 12
communicates with host 14 via a communications link 24. Also, in
embodiments that include local server 22, local server 22
communicates with each of imaging apparatus 12 and host 14 via
communications link 24, with the aid of the extension of
communications link 24 depicted by a dashed line. E-commerce server
18 communicates with host 14 via a communications link 26.
[0028] Imaging apparatus 12 may include, for example, a user
interface 28, an image recording unit 30, a supply item 32 and an
Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 34. The ASIC 34
communicates with image recording unit 30 via a communications link
38. The ASIC 34 communicates with supply item 32 via a
communications link 40. Imaging apparatus 12 can be, for example,
an ink jet printer and/or copier, or an electrophotographic printer
and/or copier.
[0029] It is further contemplated that imaging apparatus 12 may be
a stand-alone multifunction imaging device that is not attached to
host 14, e-commerce server 18, or local server 22. However, the
stand-alone multifunction imaging device may facilitate the present
invention as described herein with customer interaction, if any,
via user interface 28. The stand-alone multifunction imaging device
includes connectivity and processing capability sufficient to
implement the various methods of the invention. In some
implementations, however, e-commerce server 18 may communicate
directly with the stand-alone multifunction imaging device via a
communication link 41, such as for example, a telephone line
connection.
[0030] In the context of the examples for imaging apparatus 12
given above, image recording unit 30 can be, for example, an ink
jet printhead unit or an electrophotographic printing unit, and
includes an imaging head 36 used for forming an image on a
substrate 42, such as a sheet of print media or a photoconductive
member. For convenience, each type of substrate 42 may be referred
to by the element number 42, for example, print media 42.
[0031] Supply item 32 can be, for example, an ink supply tank, an
ink jet cartridge, a toner tank, or an electrophotographic process
(EP) cartridge, each of which containing a supply of an imaging
substance, such as for example ink or toner, that is consumed
during an imaging process. Imaging apparatus 12 uses the imaging
substance contained in supply item 32 to form an image on print
media 42. Print media 42 can be, for example, sheets of paper,
fabric or transparencies.
[0032] Those skilled in the art will recognize that image recording
unit 30 and supply item 32 may be formed as individual discrete
units, or may be combined in an integral unit, these options being
depicted by dashed line 46.
[0033] Preferably, supply item 32 has mounted thereto a memory 44
for storing information relating to supply item 32, such as for
example, a supply item identification number, a value representing
a digital signature (DS), a value representing an amount of usage
of supply item 32, and a value representing time. For example,
thirty-two or more bits in memory 44 may be reserved for the supply
item identification number, which may be set by the manufacturer;
eighteen or more bits in memory 44 may be reserved for the supply
item digital signature; eight or more bits may be used as a usage
gauge to maintain a record of usage of supply item 32 with each bit
representing a level of depletion of imaging substance from supply
item 32; and seven or more time tracking bits may be used to
represent time, such as for example, the amount of time since
supply item 32 was first installed in imaging apparatus 12. By
attaching memory 44 to supply item 32, in essence, information
stored in memory 44 associated with supply item 32 can travel with
supply item 32 from one imaging apparatus to another.
[0034] The digital signature for supply item 32 is generated by
combining the identification number with a digital key using a
predefined algorithm. The digital key is used for encryption and
decryption of digital information. The digital key, digital
signature and identification number, and optionally other
information, are used to verify the authenticity of supply item 32.
The algorithm by which the digital signature is generated is not
critical to the present invention, and many prior art methods may
be adapted for use with the present invention. For example, it is
contemplated that the digital signature could be created using a
single secret key approach, or could be generated using a public
key/private key approach. In a simple approach, for example, the
digital signature could be generated by simply logically XORing the
identification number with the digital key.
[0035] In implementations where supply item 32 is subject to a
usage license, an initial supply amount of imaging substance
contained in supply item 32 may be greater than the licensed amount
of the imaging substance. For example, the initial supply amount of
the imaging substance contained in supply item 32 can be, for
example, at least two times greater than the original licensed
amount. It is important to note, however, that while the initial
amount of imaging substance supplied with imaging apparatus 12
and/or supply item 32 is more than sufficient to accommodate one or
more license renewals, the customer has been required to pay only
for the licensed amount at the time of the original purchase.
[0036] ASIC 34 includes an embedded processor and associated memory
for executing program instructions to facilitate printing, and
circuitry to facilitate communication with external devices, such
as host 14 and e-commerce server 18. In addition, ASIC 34 may
include an encryption key module 47, implemented as firmware or
alternatively as hardware, for storing the digital key and an
associated encryption/decryption algorithm, and in turn execute
program steps associated with the encryption/decryption algorithm
to encrypt or decrypt information using the digital key.
Alternatively, it is contemplated that the encryption key module 47
may be located elsewhere, such as for example, on the silicon
containing supply item memory 44, at some other location in imaging
apparatus 12, located in an imaging driver 48 of host 14, or
located in local server 22. The decision where to locate encryption
key module 47 may be based on, for example, on the particular use
of system 10, whether a usage license travels with imaging
apparatus 12 or with supply item 32, a desire to provide heightened
security against physical tampering, and/or, a desire to provide
heightened security against unauthorized programming access, such
as by hackers.
[0037] Host 14 may be, for example, a personal computer including a
display device 16, an input device (e.g., keyboard), a processor,
input/output (I/O) interfaces, memory, such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, and
a mass data storage device, such as a hard drive, CD-ROM and/or DVD
units. During operation, host 14 includes in its memory a software
program including program instructions that function as an imaging
driver 48 for imaging apparatus 12. Imaging driver 48 is in
communication with ASIC 34 of imaging apparatus 12 via
communications link 24. The imaging driver 48 serves to facilitate
communications between imaging apparatus 12 and e-commerce server
18. In addition, the imaging driver 48 serves in the traditional
role of providing formatted print data to imaging apparatus 12.
[0038] E-commerce server 18 may be operated by a manufacturer, such
as by the manufacturer of imaging apparatus 12 and/or supply item
32. E-commerce server 18 provides, and has access to, a database 50
for facilitating e-commerce transactions via the Internet or
telephone line, and for storing information relating to the
e-commerce transactions and information relating to the imaging
apparatus and/or supply items associated with such e-commerce
transactions. Thus, e-commerce server 18 may be used in
communicating with a customer and/or a connected device, such as an
imaging apparatus or a supply item.
[0039] In some methods of the invention, however, e-commerce server
18 may be used as a standard commerce server for facilitating
traditional commerce transactions without necessarily resorting to
Internet or phone line connections.
[0040] For some methods of the invention, database 50 includes
capacity for storing the identification number for each imaging
apparatus and/or each supply item to which the transaction(s) may
be directed, as well as a set of digital keys, with each
identification number having associated therewith at least one
digital key. Further, e-commerce server 18 can generate a digital
signature in the manner described above for a particular supply
item, or for a particular imaging apparatus.
[0041] Communications link 24 may be established by a direct cable
or a wireless connection, or by a network connection such as for
example an Ethernet local area network (LAN). Communications links
38 and 40 may be established by using standard electrical cabling
or bus structures, or by wireless connections.
[0042] Communications link 26 is preferably established by an
Internet connection, or via a wide area network (WAN).
Alternatively, however, communications link 26 graphically
represents a communication by a customer who physically visits the
premises of e-commerce server 18, or a telephone link to e-commerce
server 18.
[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B there is shown one method of
the invention for licensing extra functionality after an initial
transaction.
[0044] Step S100 represents an initial transaction, wherein a
customer has acquired supply item 32 with an initial amount of
imaging substance. Supply item 32 could be, for example, an ink jet
printhead cartridge with an initial amount of ink that was licensed
for use with the ink jet printhead cartridge.
[0045] At step S102, it is determined whether the initial licensed
amount of imaging substance has been depleted. Such a determination
can be made based on a variety of factors, such as by counting the
number of imaging pixels generated, the number of pages printed, or
time of usage. Based on the usage criteria selected, individual
bits of the usage gauge in memory 44 are set as the amount of usage
increases beyond certain predetermined thresholds. For example,
during usage of supply item 32, ASIC 34 may write information to
the usage gauge in memory 44 when each threshold level is reached
based on an estimate or measurement of the amount of imaging
substance consumed from supply item 32. For example, if eight bits
are used as the usage gauge, a bit could be set at approximately
each twelve percent of depletion of imaging substance contained in
supply item 32. When the eighth bit is set, it is deemed that the
imaging substance in supply item 32 has been depleted to a point
where only a very limited amount of continued printing can be
performed.
[0046] If, at step S102, the determination is NO, then the process
remains in the monitoring loop of step S102.
[0047] If, at step S102, the determination is YES, then the process
proceeds to step S104.
[0048] At step S104, ASIC 34 informs imaging driver 48 of the
depletion of imaging substance in supply item 32. In turn, imaging
driver 48 causes a message to be displayed on display 16 that
informs the customer that supply item 32 is depleted, or is close
to being depleted, and queries whether the customer would like to
renew the supply item. Display 16 may further display a list of
possible supply item renewal options that are available to the
customer, such as for example: self-renewal of the supply item,
original manufacturer renewal of the supply item, or third party
remanufacturer renewal of the supply item.
[0049] If, at step S104, the customer does not desire to renew
supply item 32, then at step S106 a message is displayed on display
16 asking the customer to return the spent supply item 32 to the
manufacturer for recycling or for environmentally friendly
disposal. To facilitate such a return, the manufacturer may supply
a prepaid shipping container to the customer at the time of the
initial purchase of supply item 32.
[0050] If, at step S104, the customer desires to renew the supply
item, a determination is then made by the customer as to how the
renewal of supply item 32 will take place.
[0051] At step S108, it is determined whether the customer wants to
self-renew the supply item, such as for example, through the use of
a refill kit available from a third party and the acquisition of a
new license from the manufacturer. Alternatively, such self-renewal
may require only a new license if supply item 32 originally
included sufficient imaging substance to accommodate multiple
licenses.
[0052] If, at step S108, the determination is YES, the process
proceeds to step S110.
[0053] At step S110, the customer contacts the manufacturer to
purchase a license to allow the customer to self-renew the supply
item. Upon purchase of the license, the manufacturer supplies to
the customer a new digital signature (DS) to be stored in memory 44
of supply item 32 that will enable continued use of supply item
32.
[0054] In one embodiment, the customer may contact the manufacturer
via host 14 or user interface 28, and e-commerce server 18, to
initiate the license purchase, and upon payment, will then receive
a download of a valid, e.g., new, digital signature from e-commerce
server 18. The details of step S110 are more fully described below
with respect to FIG. 3.
[0055] Other possibilities for providing the new digital signature
to the customer include procurement via telephone or mail, wherein
the digital signature code is supplied to the customer for manual
installation, or procurement via an authorized outlet store.
[0056] At step S112, it is contemplated that the customer may want
to purchase a lifetime license for unlimited renewals, or may
choose to purchase a single renewal license. If a lifetime license
is purchased for that particular supply item, then the customer is
able to renew the cartridge as many times as practical, limited
only by the lifetime of the supply item components. If, however,
the customer chooses to purchase the single renewal license, then
the process returns to step S102.
[0057] If, at step S108, the customer chooses not to self-renew
supply item 32, then the process proceeds to step S114, where it is
determined whether the customer wants to renew supply item 32 via
the supply item manufacturer.
[0058] If at step S114 the determination is YES, then the process
proceeds to step S116 (FIG. 2B) for renewal via the
manufacturer.
[0059] At step S116, the customer sends supply item 32 back to the
manufacturer for renewal. Depending upon the renewal program, the
renewal may be as simple as refilling supply item 32 with imaging
substance and loading a new digital signature in memory 44 to make
supply item 32 suitable for continued use. A more elaborate
renewal, in the context of an ink jet printhead cartridge, for
example, could include cleaning of the cartridge nozzle plate and a
test of electrical components on supply item 32. Further, the
renewal may be in the form of a replacement for supply item 32, so
as to provide a suitable supply item to the customer as soon as
possible.
[0060] At step S118, the manufacturer returns to the customer a
suitable supply item 32, which as mentioned above, could be either
the renewed original supply item 32 or a replacement for supply
item 32.
[0061] The process then returns to step S102 wherein the renewed
supply item is reinstalled in imaging apparatus 12, and monitoring
of usage is reinitiated.
[0062] If, at step S114, the determination is NO, then the process
proceeds to step S120 (FIG. 2B) for renewal via an authorized third
party remanufacturer.
[0063] At step S120, the customer pursues renewal of supply item 32
via a third party remanufacturer. As shown by the steps to the left
of step S120, the remanufacturer is authorized by the manufacturer
at steps S150 and S152 to perform license renewal of supply item
32.
[0064] At step S150, the remanufacturer negotiates with the
manufacturer to provide licensed renewals of a predetermined number
X of supply items, such as supply item 32.
[0065] At step S152, the manufacturer grants permission to the
remanufacturer to generate X number of valid digital signatures
that are available for use with the number X of supply items.
Accordingly, at step S120 the remanufacturer replenishes the
imaging substance supply in supply item 32 and loads a new digital
signature in supply item 32. The details of step S120 will be
further described below with respect to FIG. 4.
[0066] The process then returns to step S102 wherein the renewed
supply item is reinstalled in imaging apparatus 12, and monitoring
of usage is reinitiated.
[0067] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an e-commerce transaction
involving the manufacturer and the customer which may occur, for
example, at step S110 described above with respect to FIG. 2A.
[0068] At step S200, the manufacturer has established an e-commerce
store utilizing e-commerce server 18 to handle the e-commerce
transactions. Referring to FIG. 1, the customer may communicate
with e-commerce server 18 via host 14 and communications link 26,
or directly from imaging apparatus 12 via user interface 28 and
communications link 41. E-commerce server 18 is configured to
generate a digital signature that is needed to renew supply item
32.
[0069] At step S202, communications are initiated between the
customer and the manufacturer regarding the renewal of supply item
32. The customer then supplies to the manufacturer the
predetermined information necessary to generate the digital
signature. At a minimum, the predetermined information will include
the identification number assigned to the supply item prior to its
initial use. Other information that may be included could be the
type of printhead, e.g., monochrome or color, the model number of
the supply item, the lot number of the supply item, and/or the
identification number of imaging apparatus 12. This predetermined
information is compiled by ASIC 34 and then supplied to e-commerce
server 18.
[0070] Once e-commerce server verifies the apparent authenticity of
the request, then at step S204 e-commerce server 18 provides to the
customer the payment options which may be available, e.g., through
an existing account, credit card, debit card, etc., for paying for
a license for the renewal of the supply item. The customer then
submits the license fee to acquire a license to complete the
renewal of the supply item.
[0071] At step S206, the manufacturer supplies via e-commerce
server 18 the new digital signature for supply item 32. The digital
signature is then processed by imaging apparatus 12 and stored in
memory 44 of supply item 32. Associated with the digital signature
in memory 44 is a new set of usage bits used in tracking usage of
supply item 32. ASIC 34 verifies that the digital signature is
proper for supply item 32 via the digital key stored in encryption
key module 47. Once verified, supply item 32 is ready for continued
use. If verification fails, the customer would be so advised via
display 16 or user interface 28.
[0072] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a commerce transaction involving
an authorized remanufacturer (see steps 150 and 152 of FIG. 2B) and
the customer which may occur, for example, at step S120, as
described above with respect to FIG. 2B.
[0073] At step S300, corresponding generally to steps S150 and 152
described above, the capability to create digital signatures is
provided by the manufacturer to the remanufacturer via a digital
signature (DS) assignment device 52 (see FIG. 1). DS assignment
device 52 is capable of creating a predetermined number X of
digital signatures, wherein the supply item is electrically coupled
to DS assignment device 52 and a new digital signature would be
generated. In exchange, the remanufacturer pays a license fee
associated with the digital signatures. DS assignment device 52
includes a hardware circuit that is configured or programmed to
create digital signatures in a manner essentially the same as that
which occurs in e-commerce server 18, as more fully described
above, and then writes the digital signature into memory 44. In
particular, stored in DS assignment device 52 would be at least one
digital key and a digital signature creation algorithm. For
example, the digital signature would be created for supply item 32
by DS assignment device 52 using, at a minimum, the digital key and
the identification number of supply item 32. Once DS assignment
device 52 has created the predetermined number X of digital
signatures, DS assignment device 52 can be recharged by the
manufacturer for creating additional digital signatures.
[0074] At step S302 supply item 32, including its identification
number, is submitted to the remanufacturer to receive a new digital
signature and, if necessary, for replenishment with imaging
substance. The remanufacturer may receive supply item 32 directly
from the customer, or alternatively, the remanufacturer may receive
supply item 32 from a collection source.
[0075] At step S304, the customer then submits a fee, such as for
example a license fee and/or a remanufacture fee, or other fee, to
the remanufacturer.
[0076] At step S306, the remanufacturer supplies the new digital
signature for supply item 32 by writing the digital signature to
memory 44 of supply item 32 via DS assignment device 52.
[0077] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for licensing after an
initial transaction of a customer obtaining a current supply item,
such as supply item 32.
[0078] At step S350, the customer obtains a supply item, such as
supply item 32. The customer may have obtained supply item 32, for
example, via a purchase, or a promotional sponsored by the supply
item manufacturer. Supply item 32 may be obtained as an individual
unit, or may be one of a plurality of supply items in a
multi-pack.
[0079] At step S352, the customer is prompted to acquire a license
for use of supply item 32. The prompting may occur, for example,
upon installation of supply item 32 in imaging apparatus 12, via a
message generated at display 16 or user interface 28. The actual
acquisition of the license may occur, for example, through an
e-commerce transaction substantially as described above with
respect to FIG. 3 (steps S202-S206), with the exception that in
this case supply item 32 may be either new or renewed, but in any
event, supply item 32 is in need of a license to enable use. In
summary, the acquisition includes the steps of establishing a
communications link between an e-commerce server and the customer;
initiating communications between the customer and the e-commerce
server; the customer supplying to the e-commerce server
predetermined information necessary to generate a digital signature
for supply item 32; the customer submitting a license fee to
acquire the usage license for supply item 32; and the e-commerce
server supplying the digital signature for supply item 32.
[0080] At step S354, it is determined whether an additional supply
item is to be installed. The additional supply item may be another
supply item of the multi-pack, or may simply be another supply item
separately obtained. It may be that the customer wants to install
the additional supply item concurrently with supply item 32 in
imaging apparatus 12. Alternatively, the additional supply item may
be installed in a different imaging apparatus from that of supply
item 32.
[0081] As a further alternative, it may be that the additional
supply item is to replace supply item 32 if the licensed imaging
substance in supply item 32 is depleted, wherein this determination
may be made substantially as described above with respect to step
S102 of FIG. 2A. This depletion determination may be made, for
example, based on a counting of a number of imaging pixels
generated, counting a number of pages printed, or determining a
time of usage.
[0082] If, at step S354, the determination is NO, the process
remains in the monitoring loop of step S354.
[0083] If, at step S354, the determination is YES, the process
proceeds to step S356.
[0084] At step S356, the customer is prompted to acquire an
additional license for use of the additional supply item. Depending
on the circumstances, as in the examples given in discussing step
S354 above, the additional license may be held concurrently with
the license for supply item 32, in the event that the license for
supply item 32 has not expired due to depletion of the licensed
amount of imaging substance in supply item 32. Alternatively, the
additional license may be a replacement for the license for supply
item 32, in the event that the license for supply item 32 has
expired due to depletion of the licensed amount of imaging
substance in supply item 32. The prompting and acquisition of the
additional license may be completed, for example, substantially as
described above in step S352.
[0085] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another method for licensing extra
functionality after an initial transaction.
[0086] At step S400, the customer purchases a multi-pack of supply
items, along with a license to use one of the supply items. This
approach provides a convenience to the customer of having a
physical replacement for supply item 32 on hand, while only having
the initial expense associated with one supply item.
[0087] At step S402, it is determined whether the imaging substance
in the first supply item has been depleted. Such a determination
can be made based on a variety of factors, such as by counting the
number of imaging pixels generated, the number of pages printed, or
time of usage. Based on the usage criteria selected, individual
bits of the usage gauge in memory 44 are set as the amount of usage
increases beyond certain predetermined thresholds. For example,
during usage of supply item 32, ASIC 34 may write information to
the usage gauge in memory 44 when each threshold level is reached
based on an estimate or measurement of the amount of imaging
substance consumed from supply item 32. For example, if eight bits
are used as the usage gauge, a bit could be set at approximately
each twelve percent of depletion of imaging substance contained in
supply item 32. When the eighth bit is set, it is deemed that the
imaging substance in supply item 32 has been depleted to a point
where only a very limited amount of continued printing can be
performed.
[0088] If, at step S402, the determination is NO, then the process
remains in the monitoring loop of step S402.
[0089] If, at step S402, it is determined that the first supply
item is depleted, the process proceeds to step S404.
[0090] At step S404, the customer is prompted via host 14 or user
interface 28 to install a new supply item from the multi-pack.
[0091] At step S406, the customer is prompted to acquire a license
for the newly installed supply item, such as for example, through
an e-commerce transaction substantially as described above with
respect to FIG. 3 (steps S202-S206).
[0092] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another method for licensing extra
functionality after an initial transaction.
[0093] At step S500, the usage of supply item 32 is monitored. Such
monitoring can be performed based on a variety of factors, such as
by counting the number of imaging pixels generated, the number of
pages printed, or time of usage. Based on the usage criteria
selected, individual bits of the usage gauge in memory 44 are set
as the amount of usage increases beyond certain predetermined
thresholds. For example, during usage of supply item 32, ASIC 34
may write information to the usage gauge in memory 44 when each
threshold level is reached based on an estimate or measurement of
the amount of imaging substance consumed from supply item 32. For
example, if eight bits are used as the usage gauge, a bit could be
set at approximately each twelve percent of depletion of imaging
substance contained in supply item 32, with the seventh bit
representing the "near empty" condition.
[0094] At step S502, it is determined whether the supply item is
near empty based on the status of the usage gauge in memory 44 of
supply item 32, which may be performed by ASIC 34. In the example
described above, when it is detected that the seventh bit is set,
it is deemed that the imaging substance in supply item 32 has been
depleted to a point where supply item 32 is near empty.
[0095] If, at step S502, the determination is NO, then the process
remains in the monitoring loop of step S502.
[0096] When the determination at step S502 is YES, the process
proceeds to step S504 wherein the manufacturer is notified that the
customer has nearly exhausted the available imaging supply in
supply item 32. Such notification can occur automatically when ASIC
34 senses that the supply item is "near empty" by initiating
communication with e-commerce server 18. Communications with
e-commerce server can be via host 14 and communications link 26, or
alternatively, via imaging apparatus 12 and communications link
41.
[0097] Alternatively, such notification can occur interactively,
wherein ASIC 34 informs imaging driver 48 of the depletion of
imaging substance in supply item 32. In turn, imaging driver 48
causes a message to be displayed on display 16 that informs the
customer that supply item 32 is near empty, and provides
information on how to contact the manufacturer to receive a new
supply item. For convenience, the contact may be made via host 14
and e-commerce server 18.
[0098] At step S506, the manufacturer sends a new supply item to
the customer. Accompanying the new supply item can be a request
asking the customer to return the spent supply item 32 to the
manufacturer for recycling or for environmentally friendly
disposal. To facilitate such a return, the manufacturer may supply
a prepaid shipping container to the customer with the new supply
item.
[0099] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of another method for licensing extra
functionality after an initial transaction which may be applied to
a device, such as for example imaging apparatus 12 and/or supply
item 32. The concept of this method is to provide to the customer
the ability to customize imaging apparatus 12 and/or supply item 32
based on the customer's imaging needs, while only having to
purchase the features that are needed or desired by the
customer.
[0100] At step S600, the manufacturer makes available a device with
a predetermined range "A" to "N" of imaging features. The variable
"A" represents the minimum available features and the variable "N"
represents the maximum available features. The available features
may include, for example, a variety of ranges of imaging qualities
and resolutions, e.g., 4800 dpi, 2400 dpi, etc.; imaging speeds;
paper handling modes, e.g., simplex, duplex, dual tray; print
modes, e.g., photo quality, ink saver, edge-to-edge imaging;
networking options; job finishing options; auto media sensing; auto
printhead alignment; and photo card reader availability, to name a
few. For an all-in-one apparatus, such features may further include
scan resolution; document scaling; image filtering, e.g., smoothing
and sharpening; stand-alone copying; stand-alone faxing; and data
compression support, to name a few.
[0101] In addition, as a further option, the purchase or licensing
of certain imaging apparatus features may permit the use of lower
cost supply items.
[0102] Further, the use of a particular supply item may require the
inclusion of certain necessary combinations of features in an
imaging apparatus. For example, the use of a photo cartridge as
supply item 32 might require the purchase or licensing of the photo
printing features in imaging apparatus 12.
[0103] A minimum features configuration might only include, for
example, monochrome printing at resolutions of 600 dpi or less,
whereas the maximum feature configuration would include all
features available for a particular imaging apparatus, supply item,
or imaging apparatus/supply item combination. Each of the features,
or combinations of features, will be provided to a customer as
options available for purchase or license.
[0104] At step S602, an available feature list is provided to the
customer for selection of desired features for a particular imaging
apparatus and/or supply item. If the device is an imaging
apparatus, the list may be resident, for example, in ASIC 34,
imaging driver 48 or e-commerce server 18, or other suitable
location. If the device is a supply item, then the list may be
resident in memory 44, or alternatively in ASIC 34, imaging driver
48 or e-commerce server 18. In either case, the list is retrieved
for display on display 16 and/or user interface 28. The list can be
as simple as an electronic checklist of individual features, or may
include a more comprehensive grouping of features which are known
to work well together, and which may be selected as a group.
Pricing for the individual features or groups of features would
also be displayed.
[0105] As a marketing tool, a manufacturer may promote certain
features as a group, or may also provide for free or at a reduced
fee certain imaging features for a trial period, e.g., higher print
speed, enhanced resolution imaging, etc., wherein after the trial
period those features would no longer be available unless the
customer desires to keep those features, and the customer submits
the appropriate fee.
[0106] At step S604, the customer makes the desired selections by
making appropriate entries at host 14 or user interface 28 using,
for example, a web browser, which in turn then transmits the
customer's desired selections, along with appropriate
identification data, to e-commerce server 18 for processing. In
addition, arrangement for payment of the appropriate fee for the
selected features is made, e.g., credit card payment, or charges to
a previously established revolving credit account.
[0107] At step S606, the desired features selected for the device
are enabled. The enabling may occur, for example, via e-commerce
server 18 which responds to the customer's selections with a
digital signature that is associated with the device's
identification number, and which includes the code needed to enable
the selected features for use.
[0108] At this point, the particular imaging apparatus and/or
supply item is ready for use. However, it may be that the
customer's imaging needs or desires change from that represented by
the features that were originally selected. If so, the process
proceeds to step S608.
[0109] At step S608, it is determined whether the customer desires
to change the previously selected features. If NO, the process
ends. If YES, then the process returns to step S602 at which time
the feature list is again displayed on display 16 and/or user
interface 28. This gives the customer the ability to upgrade to a
device, e.g., imaging apparatus and/or supply item, with more
features, without having to purchase an entirely new device.
[0110] While this invention has been described as having a
preferred design, the present invention can be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
* * * * *