Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a network-enabled device which permits user access to a depletable resource only if information stored on the device indicates that the replenishment for the depleted resource is being obtained from an appropriate or approved source.

An "imaging device" may be a hardware device, such as a printer, multifunction printer (MFP), or any other device with functionalities to physically produce representation(s) (e.g., text, images, models, etc.) on a medium. In examples, a "medium" may include paper, photopolymers, thermopolymers, plastics, textile, composite, metal, wood, or the like. In examples, a "deposition material" may refer to any material to be deposited by an imaging device. In examples, an imaging device may use a deposition material to produce representation(s) on the medium. In such an example, deposition materials may include inks, toners, plastics, polymers, powdered metals, alloys and the like. In other examples, deposition materials may include materials deposited on the medium but not visible to a user, such as invisible, ultraviolet, or white colored inks, toners, plastics, polymers, powdered metals, alloys and the like. In yet other examples, deposition materials may include materials used for cleaning or servicing of components. In examples, "printing materials" may include deposition materials, media, and any other material consumed by a printer.

In some examples, an MFP may be capable of performing a combination of multiple different functionalities such as, for example, printing, photocopying, scanning, faxing, etc. For example, the function within an imaging device may be to reboot the imaging device, troubleshoot the imaging device, upgrade firmware, retrieve consumable level information, clone features, adjust security settings, perform a test, retrieve a scan, execute a print request, clear an alert, etc..

A number of imaging devices lock or secure access to a consumable. As used herein, the term "consumable" refers to any printing material of an imaging device and any container to store such printing material. In some examples, the consumable may contain deposition materials. In some examples, imaging devices may be part of a service contract or subscription plan subscribed to or entered into by the user of the imaging device. For example, as part of a subscription plan, a user may agree to pay a fee to rent or lease an imaging device for a certain duration of time. In another example, a user may subscribe to a service contract for a purchased imaging device through which a service technician is available to perform maintenance and/or repairs of the imaging device. The replacement of consumables of an imaging devices, such as deposition materials, may be built into the cost of some service plans and subscription plans. The premature replacement of consumables before the depletion of all materials therein, such as consumables still containing deposition materials, may increase operating costs for an imaging device as any consumables remaining in the consumable may be wasted. The premature replacement of consumables may also increase the environmental impact of such consumables.

To address these concerns, a number of imaging devices have been developed that lock or secure access to consumables until a consumable is depleted. However, some users may not have previously encountered a locked consumable and may be confused by the inability to access a portion of the imaging devices which may have been accessible previously. For example, locking access to the consumable may make it difficult to clear a paper jam or trouble shoot the imaging device. Some users may damage the imaging device by attempting to access the locked consumable. Some imaging devices may hide or obscure access to a locked consumable to prevent users from damaging the imaging device. However, user confusion at an inaccessible or hidden consumable may result in frustration which may erode the user experience, increase the rate of calls for customer support, and/or create negative impressions of the provider of the service contract/subscription and/or the manufacturer of the imaging device.

To address these issues, in the examples described herein, an imaging device is described which may provide selective access to a locked or secured consumable in response to an attempt to access the consumable. In examples, the imaging device may provide feedback to a user that a consumable is locked. In some examples, a user may be prompted to request access to the consumable and be provided with access according to various criteria. In this manner, examples described herein may increase user satisfaction with imaging devices.

In examples, the imaging device detects an attempt to access a secured or locked consumable and in response provides feedback that the consumable is locked. In examples, the feedback may be used to indicate that a consumable is locked and to explain why the consumable is locked. In some examples, the feedback may explain how to request access to the consumable. In examples, the imaging device may determine whether to provide access to the consumable and unlock the consumable accordingly. In examples, the imaging device may determine whether to provide access according to a variety of policies, permissions, and/or restrictions on providing access to the consumable whether locally stored on the imaging device or provided by a remote system.

In some examples, the imaging device may monitor whether a consumable has been replaced. In examples, the imaging device may determine whether a replaced consumable contained any useable or useful printing material and may provide feedback of a premature replacement of a consumable. In such examples, a user may be able to reinstall any prematurely replaced consumable to avoid waste. Further, in such examples, a service provider may be able to monitor and/or incentivize the use of consumables until depleted.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> is a block diagram of an example imaging device <NUM>. In examples, imaging device <NUM> may include a lock <NUM>, a feedback engine <NUM>, a lock control engine <NUM>, and a release engine <NUM>, and a component <NUM>. In examples, imaging device <NUM> may be coupled to a consumable <NUM>. In examples, the term "couple," "coupled," and/or "couples" is intended to include suitable indirect and/or direct connections. Thus, if a first component is described as being coupled to a second component, that coupling may, for example, be: (<NUM>) through a direct electrical or mechanical connection, (<NUM>) through an indirect electrical or mechanical connection via other devices and connections, (<NUM>) through an optical electrical connection, (<NUM>) through a wireless electrical connection, (<NUM>) a communicative connection, and/or (<NUM>) another suitable coupling. In contrast, the term "connect" or "connects" is intended to include direct mechanical and/or electrical connections. In examples, imaging device <NUM> may include multiple consumables for different types of printing materials. For example, imaging device <NUM> may include a consumable chosen among a black colored deposition material, a magenta colored deposition material, a cyan colored deposition material, a yellow colored deposition material, a binding material, a cleaning material, a curing material, a drying material, etc..

Imaging device <NUM> includes a lock <NUM> to secure or lock consumable <NUM> to imaging device <NUM>. In examples, a "lock" refers to any mechanism(s) or coupling(s) by which a first object may be fastened to a second object and that includes a locked state. A consumable may be considered in a "locked state," "locked," or "secured" when a mechanism is engaged to secure the consumable to the imaging device. In other words, a lock prevents, restricts, or inhibits access to the consumable. In examples, the terms "unlock" or "unlocking" a lock refer to a mechanism to disengage a lock to unsecure the consumable such that the consumable may be removed or uncoupled from the imaging device. In examples, a consumable may be locked or in a locked state according to policies, permissions, and/or restrictions provided in a service contract or subscription plan. In such an example, an imaging device may include sensors, detectors, controllers, engines, and/or other mechanisms by which to determine whether a consumable is empty. In examples, lock <NUM> may be a mechanical lock coupled to mechanically engage consumable <NUM> to couple with imaging device <NUM>. In other examples, lock <NUM> may be a magnetic component to magnetically couple consumable <NUM> with imaging device <NUM>. In yet other examples, lock <NUM> may be an electrical component to form an electrical connection to electrically couple consumable <NUM> with imaging device <NUM>. In examples, lock <NUM> may secure/unsecure, fasten/unfasten, and/or lock/unlock an intermediate component to access a consumable, such as a door, a handle, a lever, etc. In some examples, lock <NUM> may provide an indication of a locked state to other components of imaging device <NUM>. In other examples, other components of imaging device <NUM> may determine whether lock <NUM> is engaged to lock consumable <NUM> to imaging device <NUM>. In such examples, an imaging device may include sensors, detectors, controllers, engines, and/or other mechanisms by which to determine whether a consumable is locked.

Imaging device <NUM> selectively secures/unsecures, fastens/unfastens, or locks/unlocks consumable <NUM> in response to certain parameters. In examples, the parameters may be policies, permissions, and/or restrictions from a service contract or subscription plan. Such parameters may specify when a consumable coupled to an imaging device may be unlocked, disengaged, or released and under what conditions. For example, a service contract or subscription plan may specify that a consumable coupled to an imaging device remain locked while it contains greater than a specific amount of printing materials or any printing material. In other examples, a service contract or subscription plan specifies how many times in a given period a user may access a consumable containing printing materials, i.e., a non-empty consumable. In another example, a service contract or subscription plan includes a duration of time (e.g., <NUM> minutes) for which access to a non-empty consumable may be provided. In such examples, a user may uncouple consumable <NUM> from imaging device <NUM> during the specified time period. In other words, a service contract or subscription plan may specify that any access provided to consumable <NUM> may time out. In some examples, a service contract or subscription plan may specify that a locked consumable is accessible for a fee. In one such example, any such additional fee may be refundable if the same consumable is returned to the imaging device rather than being replaced with a different consumable. In such examples, a service provider or subscription plan may incentivize a user to use a consumable until it is empty rather than prematurely replacing the consumable with a replacement consumable.

Imaging device <NUM> includes at least engines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> which may be any combination of hardware and programming to implement the functionalities of the engines. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in a number of different ways. For example, the programming for the engines may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the engines may include a processing resource to execute those instructions. In such examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement engines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In such examples, imaging device <NUM> may include the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to imaging device <NUM> and the processing resource.

As used herein, a "machine-readable storage medium" may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage apparatus to contain or store information such as executable instructions, data, and the like. For example, any machine-readable storage medium described herein may be any of Random Access Memory (RAM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, a storage drive (e.g., a hard drive), a solid state drive, any type of storage disc (e.g., a compact disc, a DVD, etc.), and the like, or a combination thereof. Further, any machine-readable storage medium described herein may be non-transitory.

In some examples, the instructions can be part of an installation package that, when installed, can be executed by the processing resource to implement at least engines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In such examples, the machine-readable storage medium may be a portable medium, such as a CD, DVD, or flash drive, or a memory maintained by an imaging device from which the installation package can be downloaded and installed. In other examples, the instructions may be part of an application, applications, component, or components already installed on imaging device <NUM> including the processing resource. In such examples, the machine-readable storage medium may include memory such as a hard drive, solid state drive, or the like. In other examples, the functionalities of any engines of imaging device <NUM> may be implemented in the form of electronic circuitry.

In the example of <FIG>, feedback engine <NUM> selectively generates signals to control component <NUM> in response to an actuation event <NUM>. In such examples, feedback engine <NUM> may selectively generate signals to control component <NUM> when consumable <NUM> is locked. In examples, imaging device <NUM> may include any number of sensors or detectors to detect actuation event <NUM> and to provide actuation event <NUM> to feedback engine <NUM>. In some examples, feedback engine <NUM> may determine whether consumable <NUM> is locked by communicating with lock <NUM> and/or consumable <NUM>. In examples, an "actuation event," "consumable unlock event," or "unlock event" may refer to an attempt to access a consumable whether directly or indirectly. For example, an actuation event or consumable unlock event may occur when a user actuates a mechanism by which access to consumable <NUM> may be provided in imaging device <NUM>. In examples, the mechanism by which access to a consumable may be provided may include a door, a button, a handle, etc. In examples, the door to consumable <NUM> may be a door that directly provides access to consumable <NUM> or an intermediate door that provides access to another part of imaging device <NUM> from which consumable <NUM> may be accessed. In examples, a button may be a physical button or a virtual button, such as a button displayed on a display, to directly or indirectly provide access to consumable <NUM>. For example, the button may open a hatch or door to access consumable <NUM>. In examples, the handle may be a handle that directly provides access to consumable <NUM> or an intermediate handle that provides access to another part of imaging device <NUM> from which consumable <NUM> may be accessed.

Component <NUM> may be any component to provide user feedback. In examples, component <NUM> may be chosen from a speaker, a display, a light source, a vibrating component, or combinations thereof to provide feedback or instructions to a user. In examples, a speaker may output an audible signal or instructions to a user to inform them that consumable <NUM> is locked. In some examples, the audible signal or instructions may instruct or indicate to a user to look at a display or other parts of an imaging device containing further instructions. In examples, a display may display a graphical user interface or other visual signal through which a user may receive instructions and/or prompts through which to interact with imaging device <NUM>. In examples, a light source may be any type of light emitting device coupled to imaging device <NUM> to be visible to a user. In examples, the light source may blink or change colors to indicate to a user that consumable <NUM> is locked. In some examples, the light source may illuminate a cutout or other indicator of a locked state of consumable <NUM>. In examples, a vibrating component may provide a haptic signal to a user to indicate a locked state of consumable <NUM>. In such an example, the vibrating component may vibrate to indicate to a user that consumable <NUM> is locked. For example, a vibrating component may be disposed to vibrate a mechanism used to access consumable <NUM> such as a door, a handle, a button, etc. In some examples, component <NUM> may further provide feedback on why a consumable is locked and how access to the consumable may be obtained. In such a manner, user confusion may be reduced which may increase user satisfaction with an imaging device.

Lock control engine <NUM> determines whether actuation event <NUM> is approved to unlock consumable <NUM>. In examples, lock control engine <NUM> may determine whether to approve actuation event <NUM> according to a variety of factors. In examples, lock control engine <NUM> may generate or provide a disengage authorization <NUM> to release engine <NUM>. A "disengage authorization" may refer to instructions to approve an actuation event and may include further parameters regarding the terms of access to a consumable. In examples, the lock control engine <NUM> may determine actuation event <NUM> is approved according to policies, permissions, and/or restrictions provided in a service contract or subscription plan subscribed to or entered into by a user of imaging device <NUM>. For example, a policy may allow access to the consumable for <NUM> minutes every week for cleaning. In another example, a permission may allow a technician or maintenance work access to an imaging device. In yet another example, a restriction may restrict access to a non-empty consumable coupled to an imaging device unless specific permission is granted to access the consumable by a remote system. In some examples, lock control engine <NUM> may determine actuation event <NUM> is approved according to information stored locally on imaging device <NUM>. In such an example, lock control engine <NUM> may determine disengage authorization <NUM> according to policies, permissions, or restrictions stored in a non-volatile memory of imaging device <NUM>. In other examples, lock control engine <NUM> may receive (either passively (e.g., acquire) or actively (e.g., retrieve)) approval of actuation event <NUM> from a remote device or remote system. In one such example, lock control engine <NUM> may receive disengage authorization <NUM> from the remote system. In other examples, lock control engine <NUM> may receive or access policies, permissions, or restrictions stored in a remote device or remote system to determine whether to approve actuation event <NUM>. In examples, imaging device <NUM> may include a communication unit or communication components to communicate with a remote device or remote system.

In an example, lock control engine <NUM> may determine actuation event <NUM> is not approved to access consumable <NUM> according to a variety of factors. In examples, lock control engine <NUM> may determine an actuation event is not approved according to policies, permissions, and/or restrictions provided in a service contract or subscription plan subscribed to or entered into by a user of imaging device <NUM>. In such an example, lock control engine <NUM> may provide feedback engine <NUM> notification of the determination to not approve actuation event <NUM>. In such an example, feedback engine <NUM> may control component <NUM> of imaging device <NUM> to provide feedback that access to consumable <NUM> is denied via visible feedback, audible feedback, haptic feedback, or combinations thereof. In some example, feedback engine <NUM> may further control component <NUM> to provide feedback of options by which to request access to consumable <NUM>. For example, in response to determining an actuation event to access a non-empty consumable is not permitted according to a service plan or subscription plan, components of imaging device <NUM> may provide the option to gain access to consumable <NUM> for an additional fee. For example, a display may provide a graphical representation of a button to request access to consumable <NUM> along with a warning that access to a consumable may result in incurring an additional fee. In such an example, the additional fee may be refundable if consumable <NUM> is returned to imaging device <NUM> without being replaced.

Release engine <NUM> unlocks or disengages lock <NUM> in response to approval of actuation event <NUM>. In an example, release engine <NUM> may disengage lock <NUM> in response to receipt of disengage authorization <NUM>. In examples, consumable <NUM> may be uncoupled from imaging device <NUM> when lock <NUM> is disengaged or unlocked. In other words, release engine <NUM> may control lock <NUM> to selectively provide access to uncouple consumable <NUM> from imaging device <NUM>. In examples, release engine <NUM> may receive (either passively (e.g., acquire) or actively (e.g., retrieve)) disengage authorization <NUM> from lock control engine <NUM>. In examples, release engine <NUM> may control lock <NUM> to provide access to consumable <NUM> according to parameters provided in disengage authorization <NUM>, such as, a specific duration of time. In such an example, a user may access consumable <NUM> to uncouple from imaging device <NUM> during the specified duration of time.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example imaging device including possible additional example components of imaging device <NUM> of <FIG>. Additional components may include communication engine <NUM>, authentication engine <NUM>, speaker <NUM>, display <NUM>, light source <NUM>, and vibrating component <NUM>. Communication engine <NUM> and authentication engine <NUM> may be any combination of hardware and programming to implement the functionalities of engines as described above with reference to engines <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG>.

A communication engine <NUM> may be used to communicate with a remote system <NUM>. In examples, remote system <NUM> may include a device or component to communicate with communication engine <NUM> through any communication protocol (e.g., Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP), WiFi, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth, etc.) In examples, communication engine <NUM> may communicate detection of actuation event <NUM>. In such an example, communication engine <NUM> may receive a disengage authorization <NUM> from remote system <NUM> in response to communication of the actuation event <NUM>. In another such example, communication engine <NUM> may receive updated policy, permission, and/or restriction information from remote system <NUM> from which lock control engine <NUM> may determine whether to approve actuation event <NUM>. In other examples, communication engine <NUM> may communicate information received from component <NUM>. For example, communication engine <NUM> may communicate to remote system <NUM> a request for additional information about fees incurred for accessing consumable <NUM> received from display <NUM>.

In examples, authentication engine <NUM> may determine whether a consumable has been replaced in imaging device <NUM>. In examples, authentication engine <NUM> may control or communicate with any sensor, detector, or engine to determine whether a consumable has been replaced. For examples, authentication engine <NUM> may determine a consumable has been replaced by comparing consumable identification information provided by a consumable to previously stored values. In examples, authentication engine <NUM> may provide a "consumable replacement notification" <NUM>. In examples, a consumable replacement notification refers to a notification to provide information about the replacement status of a consumable coupled to an imaging device. In examples, the consumable replacement notification may indicate whether a consumable has been replaced in an imaging device. In some examples, a consumable replacement notification may be provided or generated by authentication engine <NUM> after access to consumable <NUM> has been provided by release engine <NUM>.

In some examples, a consumable replacement notification may further include "consumable level information" about a consumable. As used herein, "consumable level information" refers to information to indicate an amount of printing material in a consumable and any other information about a consumable captured by an imaging device. In an example, consumable level information may indicate whether a consumable is empty. In such an example, consumable level information may indicate an amount of remaining printing material in a consumable. In examples, consumable level information may be provided by consumable <NUM> to authentication engine <NUM>. In other examples, consumable level information may be determined by monitoring usage of printing material used by imaging device <NUM>. For example, any number of sensors, detectors, and/or engines may monitor usage of printing material, for example, by counting a number of pages printed.

In examples, authentication engine <NUM> may provide consumable replacement notification <NUM> to lock control engine <NUM>. In such examples, lock control engine <NUM> may determine whether further feedback should be provided to a user about any replaced consumable according to policies, permissions, and restrictions accessible to lock control engine <NUM>. In one such example, lock control engine <NUM> may provide feedback engine <NUM> with instructions to control display <NUM> to display a graphical user interface with a warning that a non-empty consumable has been replaced. In other examples, authentication engine <NUM> may provide consumable replacement notification <NUM> to communication engine <NUM> for communication or sending to remote system <NUM>. In one such example, remote system <NUM> may provide instructions for any additional feedback to be provided by component <NUM> via communication engine <NUM>.

<FIG> are examples of consumable replacement notifications of an example imaging device. In the example of <FIG>, a consumable replacement notification 709A includes consumable identification numbers and consumable level information for a first consumable and a second consumable. In examples, the first consumable may be a consumable initially coupled to an imaging device and a second consumable may be a consumable coupled to the imaging device after a release engine disengages a lock of the imaging device providing access to the consumable. In the example of <FIG>, the first consumable and the second consumable appear to be the same consumable because the consumable identification numbers appear to match. In some examples, an imaging device may provide the consumable replacement notification to a remote system. In one such example, the imaging device may provide the consumable replacement notification to a remote system when a consumable has been replaced.

In the example of <FIG>, a consumable replacement notification 709B includes consumable identification numbers and consumable level information for a first consumable and a second consumable. In the example of <FIG>, the first consumable appears to have been replaced with the second consumable because the consumable identification numbers do not appear to match. In such an example, an imaging device may determine whether to provide additional feedback to a user according to policies, permissions, and/or restrictions available to the imaging device. In some examples, the additional feedback provided by an imaging device may include a warning that a non-empty consumable was removed and should be returned to the imaging device. In other examples, the additional feedback provided by an imaging device may include an estimated fee for premature removal of a non-empty consumable. In such a manner, the additional feedback may incentivize a user to use a consumable until it is empty rather than prematurely replacing the consumable with a replacement consumable. In some examples, the additional feedback may be received via a communication engine from a remote system. In examples, the imaging device may provide the additional feedback via a component controlled by a feedback engine.

Referring again to <FIG>, in examples, speaker <NUM> of component <NUM> may provide feedback to a user. In examples, feedback engine <NUM> may control speaker <NUM> to provide feedback when an actuation event <NUM> is detected or received in imaging device <NUM>. In examples, speaker <NUM> may output an audible signal. In examples, the audible signal may be a sound such as a bell, a tone, a beep, etc. to gain a user's attention. In other examples, the audible signal may include audio instructions to a user to inform them that consumable <NUM> is locked. In some examples, the audible signal may instruct or indicate how to obtain additional information about the locked state. For example, the audible signal may instruct a user to look at display <NUM> or other parts of an imaging device containing further instructions. In yet other examples, the audible signal may include a combination of sounds and audible instructions.

<FIG> are examples of speaker in an example imaging device. In the example of <FIG>, an imaging device 300A is shown with a door 350A to access a consumable. In an example, when a user attempts to access door 350A (i.e., an actuation event), a feedback engine (not shown) of imaging device 300A may control speaker 342A to emit an audible signal. In the example of <FIG>, a lock control engine (not shown) may determine the actuation event is approved. In such an example, the audible signal may recite, "You are accessing a locked consumable. Additional charges may apply. For more information, please consult the display panel. " In the example of <FIG>, an imaging device 300B is shown with a button 350B to access door 350A to a consumable. In an example, when a user actuates button 350B (i.e., an actuation event), a feedback engine (not shown) of imaging device 300B may control a speaker 342B to emit an audible signal. In the example of <FIG>, a lock control engine (not shown) may determine the actuation event is not approved to provide access to a consumable. In such an example, the audible signal may be a warning sound followed by an audible instruction, such as, "Access denied. Please consult display.

Referring again to <FIG>, in examples, display <NUM> of component <NUM> may provide feedback to a user. In examples, feedback engine <NUM> may control display <NUM> to provide feedback when an actuation event <NUM> is detected or received in imaging device <NUM>. In examples, display <NUM> may display a visual signal, such as a graphical user interface, through which a user may receive instructions and/or prompts to interact with imaging device <NUM>. In examples, display <NUM> may display a graphical representation of a button on a graphical user interface to request access to consumable <NUM>. In other examples, display <NUM> may display via a graphical user interface information regarding a locked state of consumable <NUM>. For example, locked state information may explain that consumable <NUM> is locked, why consumable <NUM> is locked, and/or how to access consumable <NUM>.

<FIG> are examples of layouts of a display of an example imaging device. In the example of <FIG>, an actuation event has been received by a feedback engine (not shown) of imaging device 400A. In response to the actuation event, the feedback engine controls a display 444A to display a graphical user interface 460A. In the example of <FIG>, graphical user interface 460A depicts a warning that a consumable is locked. The warning includes a graphical representation of a button 462A to request access to a locked consumable. In examples, the content of the warning may be determined according to a service contract or subscription plan.

In the example of <FIG>, an actuation event has been received by a feedback engine (not shown) of imaging device 400B. In response to the actuation event, the feedback engine controls a display 444B to display a graphical user interface 460b. In the example of <FIG>, graphical user interface 460B depicts a warning that a consumable is locked. The warning includes a graphical representation of a button 462B to request access to a locked consumable. In the example of <FIG>, the warning of graphical user interface 460B indicates access will be provided to the locked consumable and that an additional charge may apply. In such an example, a lock control engine (not shown) of imaging device 400B may determine the actuation event is approved to access a locked consumable. If the user actuates button 462B, imaging device 400B may disengage a lock to provide access to a consumable thereto. In such an example, if a consumable is returned to imaging device 400B after being removed, an authentication engine may determine whether the consumable has been replaced. If a new consumable is detected by authentication engine in imaging device 400B, a communication engine (not shown) may provide a consumable replacement notification, as described with reference to <FIG>, to a remote system with consumable level information of the current and previously installed consumables. In such an example, the remote system or an administrator thereof may determine whether to charge a user for any premature replacement of a consumable. In other examples, imaging device 400B may determine whether to charge a user for any premature replacement of a consumable. In some examples, the feedback engine of imaging device 400B may control display 444B to display, via a graphical user interface, additional feedback information regarding the replacement of a consumable.

Referring again to <FIG>, in examples, light source <NUM> of component <NUM> may provide feedback to a user. In examples, feedback engine <NUM> may control light source <NUM> to provide feedback when an actuation event <NUM> is detected or received in imaging device <NUM>. In examples, light source <NUM> may be any type of light emitting device to emit light to be visible to a user. In examples, light source <NUM> may blink or change color to indicate to a user that consumable <NUM> is locked. In some examples, light source <NUM> may illuminate a cutout or other indicator of a locked status of consumable <NUM>. In some such examples, light source <NUM> may illuminate an indicator to instruct a user to look at display <NUM> or other parts of an imaging device containing further instructions. In other such examples, light source <NUM> may illuminate a button or other physical object to provide access to a consumable.

<FIG> are examples of a light source of an example imaging device. In the example of <FIG>, an imaging device 500A is shown with a door 550A to access a consumable. In an example, when a user attempts to access door 550A (i.e., an actuation event), a feedback engine (not shown) of imaging device 500A may control a light source (not shown) to illuminate a lock and key symbol <NUM> and/or a button <NUM> disposed on the door 550A. In examples, button <NUM> may indicate actuation of button <NUM> is a request to access a locked consumable. In an example of <FIG>, a lock control engine (not shown) may determine the actuation event is not approved to provide access to a consumable. In such an example, the feedback engine of imaging device 500A may control the light source to illuminate the lock and key symbol <NUM>. In another example of <FIG>, a lock control engine (not shown) may determine the actuation event is approved to provide access to a consumable. In such an example, the feedback engine of imaging device 500A may control the light source to sequentially or concurrently illuminate lock and key symbol <NUM> and button <NUM>. In such examples, a user may be informed that a consumable is locked and provided with the ability to request access to the consumable from a location disposed on door 550A to access a consumable of imaging device 500A.

In the example of <FIG>, an imaging device 500B is shown with a button 550B to access a consumable. In an example, when a user actuates button 550B (i.e., an actuation event), a feedback engine (not shown) of imaging device 500B may control a light source <NUM> to blink or illuminate in response to detection or receipt of an actuation event. In the example of <FIG>, light source <NUM> may illuminate a specific color or remain solidly illuminated when a consumable is in a locked state. In response to actuation of button 550B, the colors or illumination pattern of light source <NUM> may change. For example, light source <NUM> may blink at a certain frequency in response to an actuation event when a consumable is in a locked state and may then blink at a different frequency if the actuation event is approved by a lock control engine of imaging device 500B. In another example, light source <NUM> may be red colored in response to an actuation event when a consumable is in a locked state and may change colors to green if the actuation event is approved by a lock control engine of imaging device 500B.

Referring again to <FIG>, in examples, vibrating component <NUM> may be used to provide feedback to a user. In some examples, a vibrating component may be vibration motor, micro-vibration motor, etc. I n examples, feedback engine <NUM> may control vibrating component <NUM> to provide feedback when an actuation event <NUM> is received or detected in imaging device <NUM>. In examples, vibrating component <NUM> may provide a haptic signal to a user to indicate a locked state of consumable <NUM>. In such an example, vibrating component <NUM> may vibrate to indicate to a user that consumable <NUM> is locked. For example, vibrating component <NUM> may be disposed to vibrate a mechanism used to access consumable <NUM> such as a door, a handle, a button, etc. In examples, the frequency, duration, or strength of vibration may alter according to access being granted or denied to a locked consumable by lock control engine <NUM>.

<FIG> are examples of a vibrating components of an example imaging device. In the example of <FIG>, imaging device 600A is shown with a door 650A to access a consumable and a vibrating component 680A (depicted in dashed lines) disposed inside or behind door 650A to vibrate door 650A. In an example of <FIG>, vibrating component 680A may vibrate in response to an attempt to open door 650A (i.e., an actuation event) when a consumable is in a locked state. In such an example, when a lock control engine of imaging device 650A determines the actuation event is approved, vibrating component 680A may cease vibrating to indicate access has been granted to door 650A.

In the example of <FIG>, imaging device 600B is shown with a handle 650B to access a consumable and a vibrating component 680B (depicted in dashed lines) disposed inside or behind handle 650B to vibrate handle 650B. In the example of <FIG>, a feedback engine may control vibrating component 680B to vibrate door 650B in response to an actuation event on handle 650B. In such an example, when a lock control engine of imaging device 650B determines the actuation event is not approved, vibrating component 680B may vibrate at a greater strength or frequency to indicate access to a consumable has been denied.

<FIG> are flowcharts of example methods for providing access to a consumable coupled to an imaging device. Although execution of method <NUM> is described below with reference to imaging device <NUM> of <FIG> described above, other suitable systems for the execution of method <NUM> can be utilized. Additionally, implementation of method <NUM> is not limited to such examples.

At <NUM> of method <NUM>, imaging device <NUM> detects a consumable unlock event or actuation event <NUM>. In examples, any number of sensors or detectors may detect an actuation event or consumable unlock event. In an example, the consumable unlock event may be actuation of lock <NUM> to access consumable <NUM>, for example, by pushing a button as shown in <FIG> by way of non-limiting example.

At <NUM>, imaging device <NUM> determines whether consumable <NUM> is locked. In examples, lock <NUM> may provide an indicator of a locked state to imaging device <NUM>. In other examples, feedback engine <NUM> may determine a locked state of lock <NUM>.

At <NUM>, in response to a determination that consumable <NUM> is locked, imaging device <NUM> actuates component <NUM> to indicate consumable <NUM> is locked. In examples, any of speaker <NUM>, display <NUM>, light source <NUM>, vibrating component <NUM> or combinations thereof may be actuated to indicate consumable <NUM> is locked.

At <NUM>, imaging device <NUM> receives disengage authorization <NUM>. In examples, lock control engine <NUM> may determine whether actuation event <NUM> is approved and may generate or provide disengage authorization <NUM> when actuation event <NUM> is approved. In some examples, lock control engine <NUM> may determine actuation event <NUM> is approved according to policies, permissions, and/or restrictions stored locally on imaging device <NUM> or remotely, such as, in remote system <NUM>. In other examples, lock control engine <NUM> may receive disengage authorization <NUM> from remote system <NUM> via communication engine <NUM>.

At <NUM>, imaging device <NUM> unlocks consumable <NUM> in response to disengage authorization <NUM>. In such an example, release engine <NUM> may unlock or disengage lock <NUM> in response to receipt of disengage authorization <NUM> from unlock engine <NUM>. In such examples, once lock <NUM> is disengaged, consumable <NUM> may be uncoupled from imaging device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowcharts of an example method <NUM> for access to a consumable of an imaging device which may be incorporated into the flowchart of <FIG> at A. Although execution of the method of <FIG> is described below with reference to imaging device <NUM> of <FIG> and the flowchart of <FIG> described above, other suitable systems for the execution of the method of <FIG> can be utilized. Additionally, implementation of the method of <FIG> is not limited to such examples.

At <NUM> of method <NUM>, imaging device <NUM> determines whether consumable <NUM> has been replaced. In examples, authentication engine <NUM> may determine whether a consumable has been replaced in imaging device <NUM>.

At <NUM>, imaging device <NUM> may, in response to a determination that the consumable has been replaced, send consumable replacement notification <NUM> to remote system <NUM>. In examples, consumable replacement notification <NUM> may include consumable level information to indicate an amount of useful, unused, or remaining printing material in the replaced consumable. In an example, authentication engine <NUM> may provide consumable replacement notification <NUM> to communication engine <NUM> for communication to remote system <NUM>.

Although the flowcharts of <FIG> shows a specific order of performance of certain functionalities, the flowcharts of <FIG> are not limited to that order. For example, the functionalities shown in succession in a flowchart may be performed in a different order, may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence, or a combination thereof. In some examples, functionalities described herein in relation to FIGS. <FIG> may be provided in combination with functionalities described herein in relation to any of <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is an example of a system to unlock a consumable. In the example of <FIG>, computing device <NUM> includes a processing resource <NUM> and a machine-readable storage medium <NUM> comprising (e.g., encoded with) instructions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and 1260executable by processing resource <NUM>. In some examples, storage medium <NUM> may include additional instructions. In some examples, instructions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and any other instructions described herein in relation to storage medium <NUM>, may be stored on a machine-readable storage medium remote from but accessible to computing device <NUM> and processing resource <NUM> (e.g., via a computer network). In some examples, instructions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be instructions of a computer program, computer application ("app"), agent, or the like, of imaging device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. In other examples, the functionalities described herein in relation to instructions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be implemented as engines comprising any combination of hardware and programming to implement the functionalities of the engines, as described below.

In examples described herein, a processing resource may include, for example, one processor or multiple processors included in a single computing device (as shown in <FIG>) or distributed across multiple computing devices. A "processor" may be at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to retrieve and execute instructions, other electronic circuitry suitable for the retrieval and execution of instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium, or a combination thereof. Processing resource <NUM> may fetch, decode, and execute instructions stored on storage medium <NUM> to perform the functionalities described below. In other examples, the functionalities of any of the instructions of storage medium <NUM> may be implemented in the form of electronic circuitry, in the form of executable instructions encoded on a machine-readable storage medium, or a combination thereof.

In the example of <FIG>, instruction <NUM> may receive from an imaging device an unlock event <NUM>. In examples, unlock event <NUM> may be actuation of a lock or other mechanism by which to access a consumable of the imaging device.

Instruction <NUM> may determine if the consumable is locked to the imaging device. In examples, a consumable may be directly locked to the imaging device via a lock. In other examples, a consumable may be indirectly locked to the imaging device via, for example, a locked door or other access mechanism.

Instruction <NUM> may cause, in response to determining that the consumable is locked to the imaging device, actuation of a component to indicate the consumable is locked. In examples, the actuation may selectively actuate a speaker to play an audio file, a display to display a notification of locked state, a light emitting component to emit light, and a vibrating component to vibrate, or combinations thereof.

Instruction <NUM> may unlock the consumable in response to the disengage authorization. In examples, the unlocking the consumable may include actuating a lock to provide access to a consumable or any intermediate door or mechanism preventing a user from accessing the consumable.

Instructions <NUM> may determine if a consumable has been replaced. In examples, the determination of replacement of a consumable may be made when a consumable is uncoupled from an imaging device and returned thereto.

Claim 1:
An imaging device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a lock (<NUM>) to secure a consumable (<NUM>) to the imaging device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a lock control engine (<NUM>) to determine if an actuation event is approved to unlock the consumable (<NUM>), wherein an actuation event comprises an attempt to access the consumable (<NUM>); and
a release engine (<NUM>) to disengage the lock (<NUM>) in response to approval of the actuation event, and characterized in that:
when the consumable (<NUM>) is non-empty, the lock control engine (<NUM>) generates a disengage authorization to the release engine (<NUM>) to disengage the lock (<NUM>) for a specific duration of time and/or for a maximum number of times in a given time period; the apparatus being further characterized by comprising:
a feedback engine (<NUM>) to selectively generate a signal in response to the actuation event to control a component (<NUM>) of the imaging device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to indicate to a user of the imaging device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that the consumable (<NUM>) is secured.