Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a photosensitive body for electrophotographical use having a conductive base body and a marking area provided thereon.

<CIT> discloses a photoconductive sleeved primary image forming member roller for use in an electrophotographic machine comprising a central member including a rigid cylindrical core member and a compliant layer formed on the core member. The central member comprises indicia.

Various examples will be described below by referring to the following figures.

Reference is made in the following detailed description to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, wherein like numerals may designate like parts throughout that are corresponding and/or analogous. It will be appreciated that the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as for simplicity and/or clarity of illustration.

Devices, such as print devices capable of forming markings, including images and text, on a print medium may comprise components that may be replaceable, such as to prolong the life of the device. By way of non-limiting example, some print devices may form markings using electrophotography and/or by fusing print substances to print media. The act of forming markings on print media using such electrophotographic print devices may exhaust print substances (e.g., toner and carrier), may wear out components that contact print media and/or other print device components (e.g., an intermediate transfer belt, an organic photoconductor (OPC) drum, etc.), and may otherwise lead to replacement of components. Replacement of components is not restricted to electrophotographic print devices, however. Print devices that use thermal resistors or piezoelectric elements to eject print substance from nozzles towards print media also include replaceable components including, but not limited to, printheads, print cartridges, and print substance reservoirs. Also, some print devices use liquid print substances and electrophotographic print drums and members to form markings on print media using "wet," as opposed to "dry" electrophotographic techniques. By way of further non-limiting example, some three-dimension (3D) print devices also comprise components that may call for replacement during the life of the device.

As used herein, replaceable device components, such as the example print device components discussed in the foregoing, are referred to as "consumable components. " The following discussion will focus on several example consumable components, such as an OPC drum and a bar of printheads, and the appended claims relate to OPC drums and methods of forming a photoconductor drum.

With the foregoing in mind, there may be a desire to ensure a minimum quality of a consumable component. For example, a replacement consumable component of a quality that is lower than that of an original consumable component may yield prints of lower quality, such as than prints of original consumable components. Firmware of the print device may also be incompatible with certain replacement consumable components resulting in improper operation of the device and, potentially, leading to damage of the print device. There may be a desire, therefore, to authenticate consumable components. As used herein, authentication refers to mechanisms and/or processes to determine a source and/or identity of a consumable component and confirm that the determined source and/or identity correspond to authorized sources and/or identities. Consequently, failure to determine a source and/or an identity of a consumable component may result in a determination that the consumable component is not authorized. Similarly, failure to confirm that a determined source and/or identity correspond to authorized sources and/or identities may also result in a determination that the consumable component is not authorized. In addition to a potential interest in authentication, there may be an interest in using an identifier indicative of identity and/or source to enable tracking of consumable components. By way of illustration, by tracking consumable components based on identifiers (e.g., unique identifiers), it may be possible to, for example, track consumable components based on material, material attributes, etc. Furthermore, tracked attributes and characteristics may be useful to provide altered device operation (e.g., selecting print characteristics based on material attributes). By way of example, tracked attributes and characteristics may, in some cases, provide a future method of tuning a print device, such as for enhanced use of a consumable with a special attribute.

Some forms of consumable component identification and/or authentication include the use of a computer-readable medium coupled to a consumable component. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium refers to various forms of memory-storing devices including, but not limited to, volatile and non-volatile memory. For example, resistive memory, flash memory, magnetic memory, phase change memory, and the like, are examples of possible computer-readable media contemplated by claimed subject matter. Returning to the discussion of authenticating a consumable component, the computer-readable medium may be communicably coupled to an integrated circuit (IC) on the consumable component, for example. The computer-readable medium may comprise a non-volatile medium, such as to store signals or states to enable authentication of the consumable component. However, in spite of security precautions including encryption of the data stored on the computer-readable medium, at times, manufacturers of unauthorized consumable components may nevertheless be able to copy the data stored in the computer-readable medium and/or the IC in order to forge a source and/or an identity and trick print devices into authenticating consumable components of low quality. As a result, users may unknowingly install consumable components that may cause damage-sometimes permanent-to the print device. There may be a desire, therefore, for additional mechanisms for enabling authentication of consumable components, such as in addition to the use of signals and/or states stored in computer-readable media.

Another mechanism for enabling identification and/or authentication of consumable components is the use of a hardware-based identifier. Hardware-based identifiers may include alphanumeric characters, shapes, colors, or combinations thereof, arranged on a consumable component. Hardware-based identifiers are distinguished from identifiers stored as signals and/or states in a computer-readable medium of a consumable component. Thus, for example, a serial number or bar code printed on a consumable component is a hardware-based component, while a serial number encoded in a computer-readable medium of an IC connected to a consumable component is not.

However, there may be an interest in providing a hardware-based component that may not be readily apparent to, for example, those seeking to sell low quality consumable components. For instance, there may be an interest in identifiers that are not readily visible or determinable by a human without the aid of a computer or viewing mechanism. As used herein, the term "human-indiscernible" in the context of identifiers is used to refer to identifiers that are imperceptible to humans without the aid of some form of viewing mechanism or apparatus. For example, possible human-indiscernible identifiers may comprise identifiers that are invisible in the visible light spectrums (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>), identifiers that are obscured under some material, identifiers that are expressed as a pattern that may not be readily perceived by a user (e.g., a pattern hidden in an arrangement of circuit elements or apparent circuit elements), identifiers too small to be seen by a human without a visual assistance aid, and/or identifiers encoded as an alphanumeric value string.

Consequently, there may be an interest in using human-indiscernible hardware-based identifiers to enable authentication of consumable components.

With the foregoing in mind, an example consumable component <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> comprising a surface <NUM> and a human-indiscernible identifier <NUM>. Human-indiscernible identifier <NUM> may comprise a unique identifier, such as a serial number corresponding to a particular consumable component <NUM>. Human-indiscernible identifier <NUM> may comprise a portion corresponding to a particular source, such as a particular manufacturing facility, and another portion corresponding to the particular consumable component (as opposed to other consumable components of the same type). Thus, an example human-indiscernible identifier may comprise a first alphanumeric portion, such as ABCD, by way of example, indicative of a source, such as a factory in a particular city, state, province, and/or country. The human-indiscernible identifier may comprise a second alphanumeric portion, such as <NUM>, by way of example, indicative of a type of consumable component (e.g., a capacity of print substance, a model number, etc.). The human-indiscernible identifier may comprise a third alphanumeric portion, such as XY89, by way of example, corresponding to a particular consumable component. Further, at times the human-indiscernible identifier may comprise yet another portion, such as <NUM> that may correspond to a distinguishable capability and/or improvement (e.g., a different photoconductive coating for which power and/or bias control may be adjusted). The human-indiscernible identifier (e.g., ABCD1234XY890099) may be used to confirm a source and identity of a consumable component. Of course, the foregoing is merely presented by way of illustration and is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense. Additionally, identifiers may take the form of combinations of lines, shapes, and/or colors such as bar codes and the like, without limitation.

Human-indiscernible identifier <NUM> is arranged on surface <NUM> of consumable component <NUM>. For example, in unclaimed examples where consumable component <NUM> is a print cartridge including a printhead, human-indiscernible identifier <NUM> may be etched into an external surface of the print cartridge and/or printhead and covered with a material, printed with a print substance that is visible in limited light spectrums, or embodied in a pattern that may not be identifiable to humans without the use of a viewing apparatus, by way of example. In one case, for example, the identifier may be arranged on surface <NUM> of consumable component <NUM> and covered with a material that is opaque in visible light, but that may allow light of certain spectrums, such as infrared (IR) spectrums (e.g., approximately <NUM> to approximately <NUM>) to traverse.

Thus, with the foregoing in mind, a consumable component <NUM>, such as a consumable component for a print device, comprises a surface <NUM>, and a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> arranged on surface <NUM>. The human-indiscernible identifier may be usable to authenticate consumable component <NUM>. Surface <NUM> may comprise an electrically-conductive material, such as a metal or a metalloid. And human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> may be etched in surface <NUM>. In one implementation, upon installation of consumable component <NUM>, a device may use human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> to determine an identity and/or source of consumable component <NUM>.

As shall be discussed in relation to <FIG>, consumable component <NUM> may be used within a print device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a print device <NUM> having a consumable component <NUM> with a human-indiscernible identifier <NUM> arranged thereon. A sensor <NUM> may be used to detect human-indiscernible identifier <NUM>, among other things (e.g., sensor <NUM> may have other functions, such as an edge sensor, for page registration, etc.). Sensor <NUM> may be capable of sensing electromagnetic radiation (referred to hereinafter as EMR), such as within ultraviolet, visible, or infrared spectrums, by way of example. Example sensors may include optical receivers and optical transceivers, without limitation. Sensor <NUM> may be arranged with respect to consumable component <NUM> to enable identifying and reading (e.g., determining) a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> arranged on consumable component <NUM>. For example, if human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> is arranged under a layer of material, sensor <NUM> may be arranged in proximity to human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> to enable detection thereof. According to the appended claims consumable component <NUM> comprises an OPC drum, and sensor <NUM> may be arranged in proximity to the OPC drum (e.g., within a developer unit) or may be arranged in proximity to an intermediate transfer belt. If sensor <NUM> is arranged in proximity to the OPC drum, then it may be that sensor <NUM> can read human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> directly. On the other hand, if sensor <NUM> is arranged in proximity to the intermediate transfer belt, it may be that sensor <NUM> can read a latent image representing human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> on the intermediate transfer belt. It is noted that this description refers to detecting human-indiscernible hardware-based identifiers to describe detecting human-indiscernible hardware-based identifiers directly, detecting a latent image of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier, and/or detecting a reflection of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier, without limitation.

Of course, the foregoing is presented merely by way of example. And claimed subject matter is not intended to be narrowly construed to the examples discussed. Indeed, claimed subject matter contemplates a print device (e.g., print device <NUM>) comprising a consumable component being an OPC drum comprising a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier (e.g., human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM>), and a sensor (e.g., sensor <NUM>) to read the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier, without limitation.

The example of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier arranged on an OPC drum according to the appended claims is further discussed with reference to <FIG>. An alternative unclaimed example of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier in the context of a print bar is discussed with reference to <FIG>. As shall be understood, human-indiscernible hardware-based identifiers may be used in a number of example consumable components, of which the present description presents but a few non-limiting illustrative examples.

Turning to <FIG>, an example consumable component <NUM> (referred to alternatively as OPC drum <NUM> in the context of <FIG>) is illustrated from a perspective view. OPC drum <NUM> is cylindrical in form. Turning to <FIG>, which is a cross section of an example OPC drum to show possible construction thereof, OPC drum <NUM> in <FIG> is shown having a cylindrical substrate <NUM>. Cylindrical substrate <NUM> may be electrically-conductive, such as comprising a metal or metalloid. Example substrate materials include, but are not limited to aluminum, titanium, tin, copper, palladium, and indium, by way of non-limiting example.

An undercoat layer <NUM> is illustrated on cylindrical substrate <NUM>. Undercoat layer <NUM> may comprise a smoothing layer comprising materials to enable a relatively smooth and even profile, by way of example. Example materials for undercoat layer <NUM> may include resins, such as polyamides, polyesters, melamines, and the like. Other example materials may include metal oxides, such as aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, copper oxide, palladium oxide, and indium oxide, by way of non-limiting examples. As noted, there may be a desire that undercoat layer <NUM> provide a uniform profile. In cases in which a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier has been arranged on substrate <NUM> (e.g., etched, deposited, etc.), undercoat layer <NUM> may be deposited such as to ensure a relatively smooth and even profile. For example, undercoat layer <NUM> may be used to avoid bulges in the photoconductive surface directly above the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier. It is noted that in some cases, satisfactory photoconductive properties and/or a satisfactorily uniform profile may be achieved without undercoat layer <NUM>.

A photoconductive layer <NUM> is illustrated surrounding undercoat layer <NUM>. In some cases, photoconductive layer <NUM> may include multiple layers of different materials. For example, in one example (e.g., for a negative charge multilayer OPC drum), photoconductive layer <NUM> may comprise a charge generation layer (CGL) such as may comprise charge generation materials, and a charge transport layer (CTL) such as may comprise hole transport materials (which may be considered a type of a charge generation material). In another example, a single photoconductive layer may be deposited on undercoat layer <NUM>, the single photosensitive layer comprising an electron transport material of some type. For CGLs, example materials may include polyvinyl acetates and polyketals, by way of example. Charge generation materials may include phtalocyanines and azos, by way of example. For CTLs, example materials may include polycarbonates, polyesters, and polystyrenes. Electron transport materials may include azoquinons. And hole transport materials may include arylamines, hydrazones, stilbenes, and benzidines.

Due, among other things, to a uniform profile, as enabled by undercoat layer <NUM>, photoconductive layer <NUM> may also have a uniform profile. For example, as noted above, undercoat layer <NUM> may be deposited over a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier in such a manner as to ensure a relatively smooth and even profile. And photoconductive layer <NUM>, when deposited thereon, may also have a relatively smooth and even profile.

Of course, this is but one example construction of an OPC drum. It is noted that for clarity the claims and portions of the present description may refer to a photoconductive layer that is about a substrate (potentially with more or fewer layers) using the terminology "deposited about" the substrate.

Turning now to <FIG>, an example method <NUM> for manufacturing an OPC drum (e.g., OPC drum <NUM> in <FIG>) is illustrated to provide an example of one process that may be used to arrange a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier on a consumable component.

As shown, at block <NUM> a human-indiscernible identifier (e.g., human-indiscernible identifier <NUM> in <FIG>) is formed on a surface of a cylindrical electrically-conductive substrate (e.g., cylindrical substrate <NUM> in <FIG>). In one case, the human-indiscernible identifier may be etched in the cylindrical electrically-conductive substrate. In another case, the human-indiscernible identifier may be deposited or placed on the substrate, such as by using a printing process like lithography or photolithography, by way of example. In such a case, the human-indiscernible identifier may be such that a characteristic, such as the conductivity, of the substrate and/or photoconductive layer may differ as compared to cases in which no human-indiscernible identifier is present. By way of example, the layer of photoconductive material (e.g., photoconductive layer <NUM>) may be slightly thicker above an etched human-indiscernible identifier. Thus, conductivity in a region above the human-indiscernible identifier may be different (e.g., less) than in surrounding regions. In another case in which a human-indiscernible identifier is deposited about a substrate, the photoconductive layer may be thinner in a region above the human-indiscernible identifier than in surrounding regions. Thus, the conductivity in the region above the human-indiscernible identifier may be different than in the surrounding regions (e.g., greater). Furthermore, the human-indiscernible identifier may alter the conductive characteristics of the conductive substrate upon which it is arranged. In these example cases, and others, therefore, the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may enable formation of a latent image on the photoconductive layer, the latent image corresponding to the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier. For instance, if the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier comprises alphanumerical characters, a latent image of those alphanumerical characters may form on the photoconductive layer.

At block <NUM>, an undercoat layer (e.g., undercoat layer <NUM> in <FIG>) may be deposited about the surface of the cylindrical electrically-conductive substrate. As discussed above, the undercoat layer may provide a uniform profile. At block <NUM>, a photoconductive layer may be deposited about the cylindrical electrically-conductive substrate, such as upon the undercoat layer. It is noted that claimed subject matter is not intended to be narrowly construed as to solely apply to such example OPC drums. For instance, in another case, substrate <NUM> may not be electrically conductive. In another case, OPC drum <NUM> may not comprise an undercoat layer, by way of example.

Returning to <FIG>, it is noted that example OPC drum <NUM> may comprise a number of regions or portions. For example, peripheral portions 230a and 230b represent areas that may not be used to transfer markings to a print medium. In contrast, imaging portion <NUM> corresponds to an area of OPC drum <NUM> on which latent images may be formed for transfer to a print medium. There may be interest, therefore, in arranging human-indiscernible hardware-based identifiers, such as human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM>, in peripheral portions 230a and/or 230b, such as to not interfere with marking a print medium. For example, human indiscernible identifier <NUM> may be arranged on the cylindrical substrate of OPC drum <NUM> in a peripheral portion, such as peripheral portion 230a as shown in <FIG>.

Identifying human-indiscernible identifier <NUM> in a peripheral portion of a consumable component, such as in peripheral portions 230a and/or 230b, may be enabled by placing sensors in proximity to the consumable component. For instance, if OPC drum <NUM> is part of a developer unit, a sensor may be placed in proximity to OPC drum <NUM> (e.g., within the developer unit). And latent images of the human-indiscernible identifier may be detected using the sensor. In another case, rather than sensing a latent image of the human-indiscernible identifier directly on a consumable component, it may be possible to sense the latent image on an intermediate transfer belt, such as within a portion of the intermediate transfer belt corresponding to peripheral portions 230a and/or 230b. For instance, portions of the intermediate transfer belt may not contact print media, but latent images may be formed thereon, such as for color registration. In addition, latent images of human-indiscernible identifiers, such as from multiple developer units, may be transferred to the intermediate transfer belt for detection by a sensor arranged in proximity thereto. For example, sensors that are used for color registration may also be capable of detecting latent images of human-indiscernible identifiers. Such functionality will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> also shows an example computer-readable medium <NUM>. Computer-readable medium <NUM> is shown connected to OPC drum <NUM> and signals or states may be stored thereon. In one example case, signals or states stored in computer-readable medium <NUM> may be used in conjunction with human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> to enable authentication of OPC drum <NUM>. By way of example, signals or states stored in computer-readable medium <NUM> may be compared with human-indiscernible identifier <NUM> as part of an authentication process. As discussed above, computer-readable medium <NUM> may be part of an IC and may have contacts to enable communication with a processor of a print device (e.g., print device <NUM> in <FIG>). Such functionality will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter in relation to <FIG>.

With the foregoing in mind, therefore, in one implementation an OPC drum (e.g., OPC drum <NUM>) comprises a cylindrical substrate (e.g., substrate <NUM> in <FIG>), a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier (e.g., human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM>) arranged on the surface of the cylindrical substrate, and a photoconductive layer arranged about the cylindrical substrate. As noted, the cylindrical substrate may comprise aluminum in one example, and the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may be etched into the substrate. A layer of material (e.g., undercoat layer <NUM> and/or photoconductive layer <NUM> from <FIG>) may be arranged over the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier. And further, as noted, in one example case, forming of the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier on the substrate may be such as to not affect a profile of the layer of material arranged thereover. For instance, the OPC drum may be formed to have a substantially uniform profile, such as due to deposition of an undercoat layer and/or a photoconductive layer. The profile of the OPC drum may not have concave or convex regions, such as bulges or indentations, by way of example.

<FIG> illustrates a system capable of sensing a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier on an OPC drum <NUM>. OPC drum <NUM> has a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>). OPC drum <NUM> may be integrated in a developer unit <NUM>, which may hold a print substance, such as toner <NUM> (and carrier, in some cases). Developer unit <NUM> may also include a developer roller <NUM> to enable transfer of toner <NUM> to OPC drum <NUM>, such as illustrated by the dots of toner and arrow A. Due, for instance, to charges on the surface of OPC drum <NUM>, toner <NUM> may be attracted to OPC drum <NUM>, such as in response to electromagnetic interactions (e.g., forces) between charged particles and/or surfaces. Toner <NUM> may form a latent image, as shown by the broken line square 575a, on OPC drum <NUM>. Latent image 575a may correspond, for example, to a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier. In one case, for example, toner <NUM> may be attracted to a surface of OPC drum <NUM> to form a human-indiscernible identifier. In another case, toner may not be attracted to the surface of OPC drum <NUM> to form a negative of the human-indiscernible identifier.

A sensor 520a may be arranged in relation to OPC drum <NUM> and/or developer unit <NUM> in order to detect latent image 575a. Arrow B is illustrative of EMR travelling from latent image 575a to sensor 520a. In one case, for example, sensor 520a may comprise an optical transceiver capable of transmitting EMR to a surface of OPC drum <NUM> and receiving reflected EMR back, as illustrated by arrow B. In another implementation, the system may comprise multiple developer units, such as similar to developer unit <NUM>, and multiple sensors, such as sensor 520a.

Latent image 575a may be transferred to intermediate transfer belt <NUM>, which may be conveyed by rollers, as shown in <FIG>. For example, once transferred from OPC drum <NUM>, latent image 575a may travel until in proximity to a second sensor 520b, as shown, which may be arranged relative intermediate transfer belt <NUM> to detect latent image 575b. Latent image 575b represents a latent image that may comprise, in addition to latent image 575a, latent images (of human-indiscernible hardware-based identifiers) of other developer units (not shown). For example, in one implementation a print device may include a separate developer unit for different colors (CMYK), each paired or mated with a different OPC drum. For instance, a cyan developer unit may be mated with a a first OPC drum, a magenta developer unit may comprise a second OPC drum, a yellow developer unit may comprise a third OPC drum, and a black developer unit may comprise a fourth OPC drum. Each OPC drum may comprise a different human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier that may be embodied in a latent image on the respective OPC drums and transferred to intermediate transfer belt <NUM>, and represented by latent image 575b. Sensor 520b may detect the latent image, such as represented by arrow C. It is noted that in yet other implementations, developer units may be separate from drum units comprising an OPC drum. Therefore, the foregoing is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

As shall be discussed hereinafter, the detected latent image (e.g., latent image 575a or 575b) may be used for authentication of a consumable component, among other things.

Turning to <FIG>, a perspective view of an example intermediate transfer belt <NUM> is illustrated, showing peripheral portions 630a and 630b thereof (in contrast to imaging portion <NUM>). There may be an interest in, for example, arranging a human-indiscernible identifier so that it is on a portion of intermediate transfer belt <NUM> that is not to contact print media (e.g., peripheral portion 630b). Thus, for example, by arranging human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> of <FIG> in peripheral portion 230a of <FIG>, a latent image of the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> may transfer into peripheral portion 630b in <FIG>, and as illustrated by latent image <NUM>. In this example, print media may come into contact with imaging portion <NUM> and latent images may be transferred to the print media without necessarily transferring latent image <NUM> to the print media.

As intermediate transfer belt <NUM> travels, as shown by arrow A, latent image <NUM> embodying a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> may move into proximity of sensor <NUM>, which may be able to detect latent image <NUM> (and human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM>). An example is illustrated in which sensor <NUM> is a photo transceiver and transmits EMR, represented by line X, and receives reflected radiation, represented by dash-dot line Y.

As noted above, there may be an interest in using human-indiscernible hardware-based identifiers with consumable components in other contexts. In an unclaimed example, an additional implementation may include with regards to a printbar <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> (e.g., comprising an array of printheads, such as printhead <NUM>). In this example, human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> may comprise a pattern, such as of alphanumeric characters, that may not be readily discernible to humans without the use of a vision apparatus (e.g., microscope, IR detector, etc.).

Human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> may be arranged on printbar <NUM> to allow detection by a sensor <NUM>. In one example, sensor <NUM> may be capable of detecting human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> directly, such as analogously to an OPC drum as discussed, above. However, in another case, detecting human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> may be possible by reflecting EMR off another surface. For instance, <FIG> illustrates an optical transceiver implementation in which EMR from sensor <NUM> may be reflected off a surface B. Surface B may be in a number of possible locations, such as to allow detection of human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM>. For instance, surface B may comprise a reflective surface of a media conveyance path under printbar <NUM>, such as may be visible in gaps between sheets of media.

Printbar <NUM> may also comprise a computer-readable medium <NUM>, such as may have signals or states stored thereon and that may be usable to enable authentication of printbar <NUM>, consistent with the foregoing discussion of <FIG>.

As discussed above, there may be interest in using a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier (e.g., human-indiscernible identifier <NUM> in <FIG>) to authenticate a consumable component (e.g., consumable component <NUM> in <FIG>). <FIG> illustrates an example print device <NUM> comprising a consumable component <NUM>. As noted, example consumable components may include an OPC drum, a print bar, and a cartridge, by way of non-limiting example. According to the appended claims, the consumable component is an OPC drum. Consumable component <NUM> includes a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier. The human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may be detected, such as consistent with the above description, using a sensor <NUM>. Signals from sensor <NUM> and indicative of the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may be transmitted to a processor <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> may be capable of generating signals, such as binary digital signals, embodying a detected human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier. Of course, other types of signals are contemplated by the claimed subject matter including, but not limited to, analog signals, optical signals, and the like.

As used herein, processor <NUM> refers to a logic processor or controller that interprets and executes instructions, such as instructions <NUM>. Processors <NUM> may comprise an IC having multiple circuit elements including transistors, and that may enable the interpretation and execution of instructions, such as with the assistance of software and/or firmware. Illustrative examples of processor <NUM> may include, but not be limited to, general processing resources, specific processing resources, controllers, application-specific ICs (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), by way of example.

Non-transitory computer-executable instructions <NUM> may be stored in a computer readable medium of print device <NUM>. Example instructions may include, for example, instructions to enable authentication of consumable components. <FIG> discuss example methods (methods <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively), which may be enable by executing instructions <NUM> stored in computer-readable medium <NUM>. In one case, for example, signals representative of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may be used by processor <NUM> along with signals or states from a computer-readable medium of a consumable component (e.g., computer-readable medium <NUM> from <FIG>) for authentication of the consumable component.

By way of non-limiting example, in one implementation, print device <NUM> may comprise a processor <NUM> that may receive signals indicative of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier. Processor <NUM> also may receive signals from a non-transitory computer-readable medium arranged on a consumable component <NUM> (e.g., an OPC drum, such as OPC drum <NUM> in <FIG>). Processor <NUM> may compare the signals indicative of the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier with the signals from the non-transitory computer-readable medium. In response to the comparison, processor <NUM> may alter an operation of print device <NUM>. For instance, in one case, processor <NUM> may alter the operation of print device <NUM> in response to a determination that the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier does not correspond to the signals from the non-transitory computer-readable medium. In another case, processor <NUM> may alter an operation of print device <NUM> in response to a determination that a consumable component <NUM> has one or more attributes to take advantage for which different operation may be desired (e.g., changes in voltage applied based on different materials, throughput, etc.).

<FIG> illustrates one example method <NUM> for detecting a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier. As noted above, detecting a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier (e.g., human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier <NUM> in <FIG>) may comprise detecting the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier arranged on a consumable component (e.g., consumable component <NUM> in <FIG>) of a print device (e.g., print device <NUM> in <FIG>) using a sensor (e.g., sensor <NUM>) of the print device. Signals representative of the detected human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may be transmitted to a processor (e.g., processor <NUM> in <FIG>) of the print device.

At block <NUM>, a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may be detected, such as discussed above. For example, in the case of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier arranged on an OPC drum, such as OPC drum <NUM> in <FIG>, detection may comprise using a sensor arranged in proximity to the OPC drum. The sensor may therefore be able to detect a latent image representing the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier on the surface of the OPC drum. Alternatively, a sensor may be arranged in proximity to an intermediate transfer belt, and the sensor may be able to detect a latent image representing the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt.

As has been described, detecting the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may comprise sensing a latent image thereof, sensing the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier directly (e.g., such as for identifiers printed in a material that is responsive to non-visible EMR, like IR EMR), sensing reflections of human-indiscernible hardware-based identifiers and also reflections of latent images thereof, by way of non-limiting example.

At block <NUM>, signals representative of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may be transmitted, such to a processor, as discussed above. A sensor (e.g., sensor <NUM> of <FIG>), that detects a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may generate signals representative of the identifier. For example, the signals may encode an image of the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier in binary digital signals, by way of illustration. And the signals may be transmitted from the sensor, such as to a processor (e.g., processor <NUM> in <FIG>). Hereinafter in conjunction with <FIG>, one possible use of the signals representative of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier will be discussed.

For instance, there may be an interest in altering an operation of a print device based on the received signals. If the signals indicate that the consumable component is not authentic and/or cannot be otherwise authenticated, then there may be an interest in notifying a user that a consumable component that may cause damage to the print device (or may otherwise function in undesirable ways) has been installed. In another case, there may be an interest in putting the print device in a safe mode of operation, such as reducing engine speed, conducting tests of color registration more frequently than they may be performed in normal operation, etc. In contrast, at other times there may be a desire to adjust print operation to take advantage of consumable component characteristics, such as discussed above. On the other hand, in response to signals indicative of an authentic consumable component, the print device may alter an end-of-life prediction for the print device. If, for example, the print device was previously operating in a mode other than a normal mode of operation, then the mode of operation may be altered to place the print device in a normal mode of operation. Turning to <FIG>, it illustrates a method <NUM> for altering an operation of a print device.

At block <NUM>, and consistent with the foregoing discussion, EMR may be transmitted from a sensor (e.g., sensor <NUM> in <FIG>), such as to a region of a consumable component in which a human-indiscernible identifier may be expected to be found, by way of example. By way of illustration, as discussed in <FIG> and <FIG>, there may be regions on a consumable component in which a human-indiscernible identifier may be found. Arranging human-indiscernible identifiers in peripheral portions of consumable components may be of interest, such as to avoid interfering with marking a print medium. In another implementation, however, a latent image of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier may be transferred to print media, such as in a manner as to be imperceptible to humans. In any case, the sensor may transmit EMR to detect the human-imperceptible identifier.

At block <NUM>, reflected EMR may be received by a sensor. In one case, the sensor may comprise an optical transceiver, and may thus be capable of receiving the reflected EMR, which may be indicative of a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier. The received EMR may enable generation of signals, such as binary digital signals, representing the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier.

At block <NUM>, the signals representative of the human-indiscernible identifier may be transmitted, such as to a processor (e.g., processor <NUM>). In addition, in one example case, signals may be received at the processor from a computer-readable medium of the consumable component, such as computer-readable medium <NUM> in <FIG>. The signals received from the computer-readable medium may embody an identifier, such as may be stored in the computer-readable medium as a signal or a state. The signals received from the sensor may be compared with the signals received from the computer-readable medium. In one case, the signals may not correspond, potentially suggesting that the consumable component is not authentic, and therefore, may not be of a satisfactory quality. In another case, the signals may correspond, and the print device may determine that the consumable component is authentic.

It is noted that the information stored, either as a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier or on a computer-readable medium of a consumable component, may be used for other purposes. For instance, the information may allow the print device to determine whether the particular consumable component is subject to a recall, in response to which, there may be an interest in conveying relevant information to the user, service representative, and/or manufacturer. In another example use of stored information, printing operation may be varied based on attributes of a consumable component (such as may be indicated by a portion of an identifier). Of course, other uses of the information are contemplated by the claimed subject matter. The foregoing are merely examples.

Returning to example method <NUM>, at block <NUM>, an operation of a print device may be altered based on the signals received at the processor. As noted above, this may include providing alerts to users, such as in the form of user interface prompts on a display of the print device. Altering the operation of the print device may also include placing the print device in a mode of operation that will increase a likelihood of protecting the print device from damage due to a consumable component of an unknown source and/or quality.

As should be apparent from the foregoing, therefore, there may be an interest in arranging a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier on a consumable component, on detecting the human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier, and authenticating the consumable component based on the detected identifier.

Claim 1:
An organic photoconductor (OPC) drum (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a cylindrical substrate (<NUM>);
a human-indiscernible hardware-based identifier (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged on a surface (<NUM>) of the cylindrical substrate (<NUM>); and
a photoconductive layer (<NUM>) arranged around the cylindrical substrate (<NUM>).