BACKGROUND

[0001] Many types of devices include removable containers such as containers that contain consumables used by the device to operate. For example, a printing device may include a printing substance container such as a toner cartridge that is used to print documents and images on print media.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) manufacture removable containers that are made to work most effectively in the OEM’s devices and within the OEM’s tolerances and well-researched and verified specifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are part of the specification. The illustrated examples are given merely for illustration, and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0003] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system for determining a property of a target device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0004] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a printing device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0005] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a printing device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0006] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of determining a property of a target device, according to an example of the principles described herein. [0007] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an arrangement of a laser device, sensor, and target device within a printing device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0008] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an identifier located on a target device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0009] Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a target location on a target device that has been tampered with, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0010] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is any manufacture that produces parts and equipment for use in connection with their devices or systems or a manufacturer that produces parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacture. An OEM device is any device such as, for example, subsystems, consumables, parts, or other devices that is mandated or prescribed by an OEM to be used in connection with another device or system. An OEM device may have qualities and specifications that cause the

predominant device into which the OEM device is incorporated to function more effectively or within specifications set by the predominant device. In some instances, an OEM may desire to know what share in a market of devices the OEM has with respect to other manufacturer’s share of the market.

[0012] Examples described herein provide a system for determining a property of a target print device such as a replaceable print component. The system may include a laser device, a sensor to detect a laser beam when reflected off a surface portion of the target device, and a signal analysis module to determine a status of the target device based on at least one electromagnetic property of the reflected laser beam. The laser device is used to print documents, for example as part of an electrophotographic print system.

[0013] The property of the reflected laser beam may include any property of electromagnetic radiation reflected off of an identifier located on the target device and any distinguishable portions of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier. The properties may include, for example: any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to the reflectivity of the materials of the identifier; a number of reflected wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation; fluctuations in the reflected electromagnetic radiation caused by geometric patterns of the identifier; patterns of reflectivity of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of colors of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected

electromagnetic radiation due to a smoothness of the identifier; any

characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of textures of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of relief patterns of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of geometric shapes of the identifier; angles of reflected electromagnetic radiation from the identifier, a number of amplitudes of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, a number of frequencies of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, variations of these properties; other electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam as reflected off of the identifier and the areas of the target device surrounding the identifier, and combinations thereof.

[0014] The target device may be a printing substance container. The printing substance may be any substance to, facilitate 2D or 3D printing such as, for example, toner, ink, 3D printing powder, or other printing substances.

The portion of the target device may include a location on the target device at which an identifier of the target device is located. The identifier of the target device may include an identifier of the manufacturer of the target device. The target device may be, for example, an OEM device. The identifier may include at least one of a machine-readable optical code, a product number, a logo, a trade mark, a brand name, serial numbers, model numbers, random but predetermined markings, other types of identifiers, or combinations thereof. The measured properties of the reflected electromagnetic radiation reflected off of the identifier of the target device creates a predetermined signal when illuminated by the laser device. The signal may be measured and stored in coded format on a data storage device. The properties of the reflected laser beam may include any property of electromagnetic radiation reflected off of an identifier located on the target device and any distinguishable portions of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier. The properties may include, for example: any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to the reflectivity of the materials of the identifier; a number of reflected wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation; fluctuations in the reflected electromagnetic radiation caused by geometric patterns of the identifier; patterns of reflectivity of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of colors of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a

smoothness of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of textures of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of relief patterns of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of geometric shapes of the identifier; angles of reflected

electromagnetic radiation from the identifier, a number of amplitudes of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, a number of frequencies of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, variations of these properties; other electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam as reflected off of the identifier and the areas of the target device surrounding the identifier, and combinations thereof.

[0015] Examples described herein also provide a method of determining a status of a target device. The method may include, with a laser device, projecting electromagnetic waves onto a portion of the target device. In one example, the laser device is also used to print documents, for example as part of a electrophotographic print system. The method may also include, with a sensor, detecting the electromagnetic waves reflected off the portion of the target device, and determining the properties of the reflected electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic properties of the reflected electromagnetic waves may include any property of electromagnetic radiation reflected off of an identifier located on the target device and any distinguishable portions of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier. The properties may include, for example: any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to the reflectivity of the materials of the identifier; a number of reflected wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation; fluctuations in the reflected electromagnetic radiation caused by geometric patterns of the identifier; patterns of reflectivity of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of colors of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a

smoothness of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of textures of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of relief patterns of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of geometric shapes of the identifier; angles of reflected

electromagnetic radiation from the identifier, a number of amplitudes of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, a number of frequencies of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, variations of these properties; other electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam as reflected off of the identifier and the areas of the target device surrounding the identifier, and combinations thereof. In one example a tampered or untampered state of the portion of the target device may be determined based on the electromagnetic properties of the reflected electromagnetic radiation.

[0016] The portion of the target device may include a location on the target device at which a identifier of a target device is located. The identifier of the target device may include an identifier of a manufacturer or licensee or licensor of the target device, and/or for example a brand or trademark. The identifier of the manufacturer of the target device may create a unique signal when illuminated by the laser device. The target device may be a print substance container. [0017] Examples described herein also provide a printing device. The printing device may include a laser device, a sensor to detect electromagnetic waves output by the laser device when reflected off a portion of a target device, and a signal analysis module to receive sensor signals corresponding with the electromagnetic waves and identify an electromagnetic property of the signals corresponding to stored reference data, the stored reference data defining a predetermined signal. The laser device may also be used to radiate onto a photo-sensitive roller to transfer print substance to documents within the printing device.

[0018] The device may be a printing substance container. The portion of the device may include a location on the device at which a identifier of the target device is located. The identifier of the target device may include an identifier of the manufacturer of the target device. The properties of the reflected

electromagnetic radiation, as described herein, may include any property of electromagnetic radiation reflected off of an identifier located on the target device and any distinguishable portions of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier. The properties may include, for example: any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to the reflectivity of the materials of the identifier; a number of reflected wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation; fluctuations in the reflected electromagnetic radiation caused by geometric patterns of the identifier; patterns of reflectivity of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of colors of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected

electromagnetic radiation due to a smoothness of the identifier; any

characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of textures of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of relief patterns of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of geometric shapes of the identifier; angles of reflected electromagnetic radiation from the identifier, a number of amplitudes of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, a number of frequencies of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, variations of these properties; other electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam as reflected off of the identifier and the areas of the target device surrounding the identifier, and combinations thereof.

[0019] Turning now to the figures, Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system (100) for determining a property of a target device, according to an example of the principles described herein. The system (100) may include a laser device (1 10). The laser device may be any device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based in the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The laser device (1 10) may be used to project the electromagnetic radiation onto a portion of a target device (150) that may reflect the

electromagnetic radiation to a sensor (120).

[0020] The sensor (120) detects the electromagnetic radiation or laser beam when reflected off the portion of the target device (150). The sensor (120) may be any device capable of detecting the electromagnetic radiation reflected off the portion of the target device (150). In one example, the sensor (150) may be a photodetector, a photodiode, a charge-coupled device (CCD), a

complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, or other electromagnetic radiation detection devices.

[0021] The laser device (1 10) may emit a laser beam toward the target device (150) as indicated by arrow 120-1. The laser beam may move across a portion of the target device (150) where an identifier is located, and the movement of the laser beam may be detected by the sensor (120) as indicated by arrow 120-2. In this manner, the sensor (120) may detect fluctuations in the reflected laser beam caused by different properties of the geometric pattern(s) of the identifier as compared to adjacent surface areas, and, in one example, patterns of reflectivity of the identifier, or combinations thereof. The signal analysis module (130) may then be executed to analyze the signal captured by the sensor (120) and determine whether the reflectivity of the portion and/or the pattern of the identifier of the target device (150) is within a predetermined range, for example. In one example, this information may be used to determine if the target device is tampered or untampered. A tampered device may be any device that is an OEM device, but has been processed after an original manufacture of the target device (150). [0022] The system (100) may also include a signal analysis module (130) to determine if the status of the target device (150) based on the

electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam and to determine if the target device (150) has been tampered with or modified in any way. As described herein, the target device (150) may reflect a number of identifiable electromagnetic properties that may be unique to an OEM device whereas, in some situations, the OEM device may not include such a unique

electromagnetic property due to tampering with the OEM device. These reflected properties unique to the target device (150) such as an OEM device provide for the detection of the OEM status of the target device (150). In one example, the OEM status indicates whether the target device (150) is an OEM device or if the OEM device has been tampered with.

[0023] The property of the reflected laser beam may include any property of electromagnetic radiation reflected off of an identifier located on the target device and any distinguishable portions of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier. The properties may include, for example: any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to the reflectivity of the materials of the identifier; a number of reflected wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation; fluctuations in the reflected electromagnetic radiation caused by geometric patterns of the identifier; patterns of reflectivity of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of colors of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected

electromagnetic radiation due to a smoothness of the identifier; any

characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of textures of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of relief patterns of the identifier; any characteristic of the reflected electromagnetic radiation due to a number of geometric shapes of the identifier; angles of reflected electromagnetic radiation from the identifier, a number of amplitudes of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, a number of frequencies of the reflected electromagnetic radiation, variations of these properties; other electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam as reflected off of the identifier and the areas of the target device surrounding the identifier, and combinations thereof.

[0024] In the examples described herein, the laser device (1 10) has a dual role within the system (100) since it is used to detect the status of the target device (150) as well as being used to print documents by the system (100). Thus, the system (100) may be any printing device that uses the laser device (1 10) to print documents such as, for example, a laser printing device or a photocopying device. A laser printing device may use any electrostatic digital printing process that produces text and graphics by repeatedly passing a laser beam produced by the laser device (1 10) back and forth over a negatively charged cylinder called a“drum” to define a differentially charged image. The drum then selectively collects electrically charged powdered print material (i.e. , toner), and transfers the image to a print medium such as paper. The print medium is heated in order to permanently fuse the printed text and/or images to the print medium.

[0025] The target device (150) may be, for example, a printing substance container such as a toner cartridge used to feed toner to the system (100). The portion of the target device (150) at which the laser device (1 10) is directed to may include a location on the target device (150) at which a identifier of the target device (150) is located. In one example, the identifier of the target device (150) may include an identifier of the manufacturer of the target device (150) such as, for example, a market identifier such as a machine-readable optical code, a product number, a logo, a trade mark, a brand name, serial numbers, model numbers, random but predetermined markings, other types of identifiers, or combinations thereof. The identifier of the manufacturer of the target device (150) creates the unique signal when illuminated by the laser device (1 10). The electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam includes fluctuations in the reflected laser beam caused by geometric patterns of the portion of the target device (150) and patterns of reflectivity of the portion of the target device (150).

[0026] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a printing device (200), according to an example of the principles described herein. The printing device (200) may include the laser device (1 10), the sensor (120), the signal analysis module (130), and the target device (150) described herein in connection with Fig. 1. The printing device (200) may be any printing device (200) that uses the laser device (1 10) to print documents. In one example, the printing device (200) is a laser printing device.

[0027] The target device (150) may be a printing substance container such as, for example, a toner cartridge that provides toner to the printing device

(200) for use in printing documents using the laser device (1 10). Thus, the same laser device (1 10) used to detect the status of the target device (150) is the same laser device (1 10) used to provide a charged printing cylinder (202) with an electrostatic charge within the electrostatic digital printing process to produce text and graphics as described herein. In an electrostatic digital printing process, the cylinder (202) and the printing material such as toner are similarly charged. The laser device (1 10) is used to discharge areas of the cylinder (202) allowing the toner to electrostatically adhere to the discharged areas. The adhered toner is then transferred to a print medium such as paper to create text and images on the print medium. In one example, the laser device (1 10) may be positioned within the printing device (200) at a location at which the laser device (1 10) may provide the charged printing cylinder (202) with an electrostatic charge, and still have a line of sight to a portion of the target device (150) to detected the status is the target device (150). Thus, the optical path (202-1 ) to the printing cylinder (202) does not obstruct the optical path (120-1 ) to the target device (150), and visa versa.

[0028] The printing device (200) includes a housing (201 ) used to house the various elements described herein of the printing device (200). The housing

(201 ) also houses the target device (150) such that the target device (150) may be removed from the housing (201 ) when it is to be replaced by a second, replacement target device (150) when, for example, the toner in the first target device (150) is depleted. The housing (201 ) may be dimensioned to seat the target devices (150) in a particular position when the target device (150) is fully engaged with the printing device (200) and is operable within the printing device (200). As described in more detail herein, the laser device (1 10) may be instructed to direct its emitted electromagnetic radiation from the printing cylinder (202) to the target device (150) when a determination is to be made as to the status of the target device (150).

[0029] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a printing device (200), according to an example of the principles described herein the printing device (200) includes those elements described herein in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. The printing device (200) may be implemented in any electronic device including printing devices that utilize the laser device (1 10) in an electrostatic digital printing process.

[0030] To achieve its desired functionality, the printing device (200) includes various hardware components. Among these hardware components may be a processor (101 ), a data storage device (102), a peripheral device adapter (103), and a network adapter (104), the laser device (1 10), the sensor (120), the printing cylinder (202), the target device (150), and other hardware components. These hardware components may be interconnected through the use of a number of busses and/or network connections such as via a bus (105).

[0031] The processor (101 ) may include the hardware architecture to retrieve executable code from the data storage device (102) and execute the executable code. The executable code may, when executed by the processor (101 ), cause the processor (101 ) to implement at least the functionality of projecting electromagnetic waves with the laser device (1 10) onto a portion of the target device (150) as indicated by arrow 120-1 , detecting the

electromagnetic waves reflected off the portion of the target device (150) indicated by arrow 120-2 with the sensor (120), and determining if the target device (150) is, for example, an OEM device or an OEM device that has been tampered with based on the electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam (120-2) according to the methods of the present specification described herein. The electromagnetic properties of the reflected electromagnetic radiation (120-2) include the reflectivity of the materials of an identifier located on the target device as compared to materials of the target device surrounding the identifier; the wavelengths reflected by the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier; fluctuations in the reflected laser beam caused by geometric patterns of the identifier of the target device as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier; patterns of reflectivity of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device

surrounding the identifier; a color of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier; a smoothness of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier; a texture of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier; a relief pattern of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier; geometric shapes of the identifier as compared to areas of the target device surrounding the identifier; variations of materials, reflected wavelengths, geometric patterns, patterns of reflectivity, color, smoothness, texture, relief patterns, and geometric shapes within the identifier; other electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam as reflected off of the identifier and the areas of the target device surrounding the identifier, and combinations thereof. In the course of executing code, the processor (101 ) may receive input from and provide output to a number of the remaining hardware units.

[0032] The data storage device (102) may store data such as executable program code that is executed by the processor (101 ) or other processing device. As will be discussed, the data storage device (102) may specifically store computer code representing a number of applications that the processor (101 ) executes to implement at least the functionality described herein. The data storage device (102) may include various types of memory modules, including volatile and nonvolatile memory. For example, the data storage device (102) of the present example includes Random Access Memory (RAM) (106), Read Only Memory (ROM) (107), and Hard Disk Drive (HDD) memory (108). Many other types of memory may also be utilized, and the present specification contemplates the use of many varying type(s) of memory in the data storage device (102) as may suit a particular application of the principles described herein. In certain examples, different types of memory in the data storage device (102) may be used for different data storage needs. For example, in certain examples the processor (101 ) may boot from Read Only Memory (ROM) (107), maintain nonvolatile storage in the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) memory (108), and execute program code stored in Random Access Memory (RAM) (106).

[0033] The data storage device (102) may include a computer readable medium, a computer readable storage medium, or a non-transitory computer readable medium, among others. For example, the data storage device (102) may be, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium may include, for example, the following: an electrical connection having a number of wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store computer usable program code for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In another example, a computer readable storage medium may be any non-transitory medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0034] The peripheral device adapter (103) and the network adapter (104) in the printing device (200) enable the processor (101 ) to interface with various other hardware elements, external and internal to the printing device (200). For example, the peripheral device adapter (103) may provide an interface to input/output devices, such as, for example, a display device, a mouse, or a keyboard. The peripheral device adapters (103) may also provide access to other external devices such as an external storage device, a number of network devices such as, for example, servers, switches, and routers, client devices, other types of computing devices, and combinations thereof. The network adapter (104) may provide an interface to other computing devices within, for example, a network, thereby enabling the transmission of data between the printing device (200) and other devices located within the network. Transmission of data between the printing device (200) and other devices located in the network may include the transmission of instructions to the printing device (200) to print.

[0035] The printing device (200) further includes a number of modules used in the implementation of the methods and systems described herein. The various modules within the printing device (200) include executable program code that may be executed separately. In this example, the various modules may be stored as separate computer program products. In another example, the various modules within the printing device (200) may be combined within a number of computer program products; each computer program product including a number of the modules.

[0036] The printing device (200) may include a signal analysis module (130) to, when executed by the processor (101 ), analyze signals received from the sensor (120) when the sensor (120) detects the reflected laser beam (120-2) off of the target device (150). The signal analysis module (130) determines if the target device is, for example, an OEM device or an OEM device that has been tampered with based on the electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam.

[0037] The target device (150), when mechanically seated within and electrically coupled to the printing device (200), may communicate with the other hardware components of the printing device (200). In one example, the signal analysis module (130) may detect when a target device (150) has been mechanically and electrically coupled to the printing device (200), and may send instructions to the laser device (1 10) to cause the laser device (1 10) to be directed to a location on the target device (150) at which a identifier may be located referred to herein as a identifier position (150-1 ). The identifier position (150-1 ) is a position on the target device (150) at which a identifier is located in a target device (150).

[0038] The identifier position (150-1 ), once imaged using the sensor (120) and the laser device (1 10), may send its received signal to the signal analysis module (130). Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a identifier (600) located on a target device (150), according to an example of the principles described herein.

Further, Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a target location (700) on a tampered with OEM device, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0039] Electromagnetic radiation reflected off of an identifier (150-1 ) of a target device (150) will produce a different signal type at the sensor (120) with respect to an OEM device that has been tampered with such as an OEM device whose identifier (150-1 ) has been altered or modified. The signal types may include a waveform (650) as depicted in Fig. 6, a waveform (750) as depicted in Fig. 7, or any other signal apart from the waveforms (650, 750).

[0040] In one example, a genuine OEM device may include an identifier (600) included on the side of the target device (150) that may be detectable by the laser device (1 10) and the sensor (120). The laser device (1 10) may be caused to transit across the face of the identifier position (150-1 ) where the identifier (600), the target location (700) on a tampered with OEM target device, or some other indicator located at the identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150). This transit path is indicated by line 610 in Figs. 6 and 7. As the laser device (1 10) transits across the face of the identifier position (150-1 ), the reflected laser beam (120-2) produces a signal captured by the sensor (120) that includes fluctuations in the signal due to geometric patterns formed at the identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150) and patterns of reflectivity of the materials of the portion of the target device (150) at the identifier position (150-1 ).

[0041] In the case of the identifier (600) located on an OEM device of Fig. 6, the identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150) includes the identifier (600) in the form of an entity trademark formed in relief. Here, the term“relief” refers to the projection of a figure or part from the plane on which it is formed, as in sculpture or similar work giving the appearance of the identifier (600) having a third dimension. Here, the example of Fig. 6 includes a relief of HP, Inc.’s HP trademark. However, any source indicator or other relief pattern may be used.

[0042] Further, in place of or in addition to the relief pattern created by the identifier (600), various portions of the identifier (600) may include different reflective materials that produce different reflective properties within the signal reflected off of the identifier (600). For example, three different reflective materials (601-1 , 601-2, 601 -3) may be included in the identifier (600) such that as the laser device (1 10) transits the identifier (600), a different reflective property is detected from these differing reflective materials (601 -1 , 601-2, 601 - 3). Providing both geometric and reflective material uniqueness to the identifier (600) reduces the likelihood of counterfeit devices being produced since the identifier (600) is more complicated in its design.

[0043] The waveform (650) produced by the transit of the laser device (1 10) across the face of the identifier (600) located at the identifier position (150- 1 ) of the target device (150) is depicted in Fig. 6. The waveform (650) acts as a digital fingerprint that identifies the target device (150). The signal analysis module (130) receives this signal from the sensor (120), and analyzes it against a signal data (131 ) stored in the data storage device (102). The signal data (131 ) may include data representing an expected waveform that, for example, an OEM device would have applied to its identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150). The received waveform (650) is compared to the expected waveform stored as the signal data (131 ), and if the waveform (600) and the expected waveform match or are similar within a threshold, then the target device (150) is identified as a genuine OEM device. If the waveform (600) and the expected waveform do not match, then the target device (150) is identified as being a tampered with target device.

[0044] Turning again to Fig. 6, the presence of the identifier (600) located at the identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150) indicates that the target device (150) is an OEM device. In other instances, however, no indicia may be placed at the identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150) as depicted in Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, the waveform (750) may be flat, with no particular changes that indicate any type of indicia on the target device (150). The laser device (1 10), sensor (120), and signal analysis module (130) in this scenario may determine that the waveform does not match the expected waveform stored as the signal data (131 ) in the data storage device (102). This indicates that the target device (150) is a target device that has been tampered with, for example. [0045] In some cases, a secondary manufacturer may recycle or reuse spent target devices (150) including what were previously sold as genuine OEM devices. By placing a identifier (600) on the target device (150) in the form of a trademark or other proprietary symbol on the target device (150) as the identifier (600), the secondary manufacturer would not be able to sell that recycled or reused target device (150) since the once-genuine OEM device still has the proprietary symbol included thereon. In order to resell a once-genuine OEM, now tampered with OEM device, the secondary manufacturer would be required under law to remove the identifier (600). In some cases, the secondary manufacturer may simply place a sticker or other element over the identifier (600). In other cases, the secondary manufacturer may remove the identifier (600) through filing or sanding the identifier (600) off of the target device (150).

In either case, the secondary manufacturer is creating a situation in which the laser device (1 10), sensor (120), and signal analysis module (130) detect a vastly different signal that is not similar to the expected waveform stored as the signal data (131 ) within the data storage device (102). In this manner, the printing device (200) is capable of detecting an OEM device the has been tampered with within the printing device (200).

[0046] Fig. 6 depicts the use of a trademark in a relief with different reflective materials (601-1 , 601-2, 601-3). However, other elements may be included in the identifier (600) such as machine-readable optical code, a product number, a logo, a trade mark, a brand name, serial numbers, model numbers, random but predetermined markings, or other indicia instead of or in addition to the trademark, and combinations thereof. Thus, any information may be included in the identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150).

[0047] Further, the location of the identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150) also serves as another security feature. For example, the laser device (1 10) may be instructed to move across a specified portion of the target device (150) rather than scan several areas of the target device (150). By placing the identifier (600) within the identifier position (150-1 ), the printing device (200) is able to identify the target device (150), whereas a secondary manufacturer may place indicia on another portion of the target device (150) not imaged by the laser device (1 10) and sensor (120).

[0048] Turning again to the waveforms (650, 750) of Figs. 6 and 7, the information included in the identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150) may include the waveform (650) of Fig. 6 indicating that the target device is, or example, an OEM device, a waveform (750) of Fig. 7 indicating, for example, a tampered with target device or a newly-manufactured device, or may include any other signal or waveform indicating some other status or information pertaining to the target device. In the case where the signal includes the waveform (650) of Fig. 6, the waveform (650) may include a step-shaped waveform where the geometries and/or the reflective properties of the identifier (600) creates the changes in the waveform (650), for example. This waveform (650) has a unique shape that acts as a fingerprint for the target device (150).

In the case where the signal includes the waveform (750) of Fig. 7, the waveform (750) indicates that no geometry and/or the reflective properties are included at the identifier position (150-1 ) on the target device (150). The waveform in a tampered with device may be anything other than the waveform (650) found in Fig. 6, and the signal analysis module (130) may identify that the target device (150) is a tampered with device.

[0049] In response to a determination that the target device is a tampered with device, the printing device (200) may take action based on whether a tampered with target device has been inserted into the printing device. These actions may include, for example, informing a user of the status of the target device (150) inserted into the printing device (200), and gathering and sending data associated with the status of the target device (150) to an entity such as an OEM, among other actions.

[0050] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a method (400) of determining a property of a target device, according to an example of the principles described herein. The method (400) may include, with the laser device (1 10), projecting (block 401 ) electromagnetic waves (120-1 ) onto a portion (150-1 ) of the target device (150). The laser device (1 10) is the same device used to print documents within the printing device (200). [0051] The method (400) may also include, with the sensor (120), detecting (block 402) the electromagnetic waves (120-2) reflected off the portion (150-1 ) of the target device (150), and determining (block 403) the properties of the reflected electromagnetic radiation. The determination (block 403) is based on the electromagnetic properties of the reflected electromagnetic radiation (120-2). The electromagnetic properties of the reflected electromagnetic radiation (120-2) include, for example, the reflectivity of the materials of an identifier (150-1 ) or portion located on the target device (150) as compared to materials of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150-1 ); the wavelengths reflected by the identifier (150-1) as compared to areas of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150-1 ); fluctuations in the reflected laser beam caused by geometric patterns of the identifier (150-1 ) of the target device (150) as compared to areas of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150-1 ); patterns of reflectivity of the identifier (150-1 ) as compared to areas of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150- 1 ); a color of the identifier (150-1 ) as compared to areas of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150-1 ); a smoothness of the identifier (150-1 ) as compared to areas of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150- 1 ); a texture of the identifier (150-1 ) as compared to areas of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150-1 ); a relief pattern of the identifier (150-1 ) as compared to areas of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150- 1 ); geometric shapes of the identifier (150-1 ) as compared to areas of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150-1 ); variations of materials, reflected wavelengths, geometric patterns, patterns of reflectivity, color, smoothness, texture, relief patterns, and geometric shapes within the identifier (150-1 ); other electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam as reflected off of the identifier (150-1 ) and the areas of the target device (150) surrounding the identifier (150-1 ), and combinations thereof.

[0052] The portion (150-1 ) of the target device (150) includes a location on the target device (150) at which a identifier (600) of a target device (150) is located. This applies in cases where an target device (150) or a tampered with target device is being analyzed. The identifier (600) of the target device (150) may include an identifier of the manufacturer of the target device (150) such as a machine-readable optical code, a product number, a logo, a trade mark, a brand name, serial numbers, model numbers, random but predetermined markings, other types of identifiers, or combinations thereof. Further, the identifier of the manufacturer of the target device (150) creates a unique signal when illuminated by the laser device (1 10). In some examples, the target device (150) is a print substance container such as a toner cartridge.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an arrangement of a laser device (1 10), sensor (120), and target device (150) within a printing device, according to an example of the principles described herein. As depicted in Fig. 5, the laser device (1 10) is positioned within the housing (201 ) of the printing device (200) such that it may direct electromagnetic radiation onto the charged printing cylinder (202) for printing of documents, as well as onto the identifier position (150-1 ) located on the target device (150). Although the printing device (200) depicted in Fig. 5 depicts the printing cylinder (202) below the target device (150), any arrangement in which the laser device (1 10) may direct

electromagnetic radiation onto the printing cylinder (202) and onto the identifier position (150-1 ) located on the target device (150) may be utilized within the printing device (200). The laser device (1 10) is therefore used in both the document printing process and the status identification process described herein.

[0054] Aspects of the present system and method are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to examples of the principles described herein. Each block of the flowchart illustrations and block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and block diagrams, may be implemented by computer usable program code. The computer usable program code may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the computer usable program code, when executed via, for example, the processor (101 ) of the printing device (200) or other programmable data processing apparatus, implement the functions or acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. In one example, the computer usable program code may be embodied within a computer readable storage medium; the computer readable storage medium being part of the computer program product. In one example, the computer readable storage medium is a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0055] The specification and figures describe a system for determining an status of a target device. The system may include a laser device, a sensor to detect a laser beam when reflected off a portion of the target device, and a signal analysis module to determine if the target device is, for example, an OEM device or a tampered with OEM device based on the electromagnetic properties of the reflected laser beam. The laser device is used to print documents.

[0056] The present systems and methods allow an OEM to determine the OEM’s share in a market with respect to other manufacturer’s share of the market. This determination allows the OEM to manufacture a device to optimize settings based on known OEM characteristics, in order to maintain the high- quality standard. Further, the use of the laser device as both a printing device and as a device used on determining the status of a target device reduces complexity in the system and reduces the cost of the system.

[0057] The preceding description has been presented to illustrate and describe examples of the principles described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.