Method and apparatus for generating and using an options enablement sheet to activate options on an image production device

A options enablement sheet generation apparatus, comprising:

• a communication interface that facilitates transmissions from the options enablement sheet generation apparatus;
• and
• an options enablement sheet generator that receives a request to generate an options enablement sheet, receives options enablement and image production device information, encodes the options enablement and image production device information into one or more machine-readable markings, generates an options enablement sheet that includes the one or more machine-readable markings, receives a transmission mode selection, and transmits the options enablement sheet through the communication interface to a user of the image production device using the selected transmission mode,
• wherein the options enablement information being information pertaining to the activation of options on the image production device.

A method for activating options on an image production device using an options enablement sheet, comprising:

• receiving a request to scan an options enablement sheet having one or more machine-readable markings;
• scanning the options enablement sheet;
• decoding the options enablement information and image production device identification information contained in the one or more machine-readable markings;
• determining if the decoded image production device identification information matches the identification information associated with the image production device, wherein if it is determined that the decoded image production device identification information matches the identification information associated with the image production device,
• activating options identified in the decoded options enablement information;
• and
• notifying a user that the identified options are activated.