Demonstration control adjunct device for printers

• US 20040120005A1
• Filed: 12/09/2003
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MOSAID Technologies Inc. (f/k/a Conversant Intellectual Property Management)
• Original Assignee: Acticon Technologies LLC (General Patent Corporation)
• Inventors: Farago, Steven
• Granted Patent: US 7,081,966 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 358/1.15
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1205 resulting in increased flexibility in print job configuration, e.g. job settings, print requirements, job tickets
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1208 resulting in improved quality of the output result, e.g. print layout, colours, workflows, print preview
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1256 User feedback, e.g. print preview, test print, proofing, pre-flight checks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1284 Local printer device

Abstract

A printer, such as an ink-jet or laser printer is provided with a demonstration and activation member to illustrate operability of the printer. The print out is randomly, sequentially or a combination selected by a selection device to contain one or more selected value additions such as coupons for discount pricing for the printer itself, peripheral and the like, whereby the demonstration user keeps, rather than discards the print out.

Claims

1. A printer demonstration adjunct device adapted for connection to an input interface of a printer, wherein the adjunct device comprises:

a) memory means containing programmed printer demonstration images and text, with said memory means further containing text for at least one separate value added offer;

b) logic means, comprising means for causing the printer to link and printout from the memory means the demonstration images and text together with said at least one separate value added offer.

2. The printer demonstration adjunct device of claim 1 wherein the memory means contains text for at least two separate value added offers;

and wherein the means for causing the printer to link and printout from the memory means, comprises an address generator and sequencer, a clock oscillator, and handshake logic adapted for a specific printer to which the device is connected; and

wherein the device further comprises random or sequential generation means which couples a printout from the printer of the demonstration images and text with a randomly or sequentially selected text selected from the at least two separate value added offers.

3. The adjunct device of claim 1, wherein said memory means comprises a memory module removable from the device arid having interface means for connection to a control input of the printer.

4. The adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the memory means is integral with the device and is variably programmable therein.

5. The adjunct device of claim 2 wherein the interface means comprises means capable of effecting power diversion from the printer to the device for the powering of the device.

6. The adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the demonstration images and text and the text for at least two separate value added offers are controlled to be printed on a single sheet.

7. The adjunct device of claim 2, wherein the demonstration images and text and the text for at least two separate value added offers are controlled to be printed on separate sheets.

8. The adjunct device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises activation control means for said printer for the printing of the demonstration text and images, with said activation control means comprising a pull down lever.