Ricoh 3224c yellow dot across page

[aivars]

Has anyone seen something like this
yellow dots are printed on all pages
all dots are precisely in specific order (attached scans are not in better quality, some part of dots is not visible)
its happen from all source: copy, print, pattern
BW, single MC printouts is ok

in attachment is scan in BW mode from C printout pattern 11 (SP5-955-1)
C developer unit was installed in position of Y developer for this printout

sorry for english
look forward to any ideas

[Zeldaman]

Re: Ricoh 3224c yellow dot across page

Hi there!
This phenomen occurs on all modern colour copiers/printers. In that "code" is the serial-no & printdate & -time.
Greetings...

[Jomama46]

Re: Ricoh 3224c yellow dot across page

Thats news to me. I know you get that code if you try to copy bank bills or such. This looks more like a pcu belt.

[teebee1234]

Re: Ricoh 3224c yellow dot across page

Thats news to me. I know you get that code if you try to copy bank bills or such. This looks more like a pcu belt.

It is true that all (or almost all color printers and mfp's) print a specific matrix pattern with yellow dots that is unique to each device. This is an anti counterfeiting measure that will allow the Secret Service to back track illegal prints to a specific machine. You shouldn't be able to notice them normally with the naked eye but if you put a loop magnifier over the page you can see them or a blue led flashlight will make them really pop out. One organization (EFF.org) has deciphered Xerox Docucolor so far (may be more by now), turns out if the pattern is looked at with an x and y axis (vertically (x) 1 to 8, y I'm not sure) the dots correspond to a binary value. The group was able to decipher the Serial number, manufacturer, time stamp and some unknown value. Granted the devices can read many items that are illegal to copy by unique characteristics and produce a 'blackout', but not all. These yellow identifiers could also be used to backtrack copying of proprietary company info or even a letter from the next Unabomber.
Though this is a no no to talk about within the company, it's not a classified secret. Just don't go asking about it at the office is probably the best advice.

Here's a link to a site that really hates this....EFF1 EFFyellowdots

On a personal note, this organizations (EFF) main beef is that this is a violation of privacy, human rights, blah blah blah. I don't buy that if the mfp is owned by an employer or government agency (basically you don't own it so you can't bitch). I can see an issue if it was a personally owned device, then I may try and determine if there was some way to disable it or find a manufacturer that doesn't utilize it.

[Tonerbomb]

Re: Ricoh 3224c yellow dot across page

Zeldaman and TeeBee are right on the money!! I learned of this in my first Ricoh color class the Fabulas 2003 machine.

[Ricohslave]

Re: Ricoh 3224c yellow dot across page

As Zeldaman and Teebee1234 said, it is a unique code relating to that copier.
As far as I know all Ricoh digital colour copiers have produced it. The pattern is only visible using a magnifying glass.

[Llama God]

Re: Ricoh 3224c yellow dot across page

I'm not convinced that the plethora of dots on your scans are the identifying dot. Isn't there normally one per page?

[Llama God]

Re: Ricoh 3224c yellow dot across page

Although having watched the 2 crazy conspiracy theorist tossers on the video I could be wrong.

My printer's plotting the downfall of democracy, kill 'em all. Kill the masses.

[Hansoon]

Re: Ricoh 3224c yellow dot across page

Those dots are squares. Don't know how your scans are made with what resolution but if the original is the same than I suspect a laser driver circuit issue.

Hans