Systems and methods for limiting access to imaging device consumable components
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for limiting access to imaging device consumable components, comprising:
- receiving authorization information from a user;
determining whether the authorization information is valid; and
preventing specific access to a consumable component if the authorization is not valid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for limiting access to imaging device consumable components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and a method pertain to receiving authorization information from a user, determining whether the authorization information is valid, and preventing specific access to a consumable component if the authorization is not valid.
18 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method for limiting access to imaging device consumable components, comprising:
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receiving authorization information from a user;
determining whether the authorization information is valid; and
preventing specific access to a consumable component if the authorization is not valid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for limiting access to imaging device consumable components, comprising:
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a locking mechanism that is configured to selectively prevent access specifically to a consumable component; and
a consumable security manager configured to control the locking mechanism in response to authorization information provided by a user who wishes to access the consumable component. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A consumable security manager stored on a computer-readable medium, comprising:
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logic configured to prompt a user for authorization information;
logic configured receive entered authorization information;
logic configured to determine whether the entered authorization information is valid; and
logic configured to prevent access specifically to a consumable component if the authorization information is invalid. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An imaging device, comprising:
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a print engine;
a removable consumable component;
a consumable component locking mechanism;
a processing device; and
memory containing a consumable security manager configured to determine whether authorization information provided by a user is valid and, if not, control the locking mechanism such that the consumable component cannot be removed when an interior of the imaging device is accessed. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A locking mechanism used to limit access to a consumable component in an imaging device, comprising:
a locking member that is configured to engage a drive gear of a carousel that houses the consumable component when valid authorization information has not been provided such that the carousel cannot be rotated.
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28. A locking mechanism used to limit access to a consumable component in an imaging device, comprising:
a locking member that secures an access door that leads to the consumable component, wherein the locking member is further configured to only disengage to release the access door when valid authorization information is provided.
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29. A system for limiting access to imaging device consumable components, comprising:
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means for selectively preventing access specifically to a consumable component; and
means for controlling the means for selectively preventing access, the means for controlling being responsive to authorization information provided by a user who wishes to access the consumable component. - View Dependent Claims (30)
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Specification