초록 ▼

An ink jet printer cartridge includes a memory storage element mounted on a side surface thereof. The memory storage element stores information about ink expelled from the cartridge. The information is routed from the memory storage element to an external device, and the user may be warned when cart

An ink jet printer cartridge includes a memory storage element mounted on a side surface thereof. The memory storage element stores information about ink expelled from the cartridge. The information is routed from the memory storage element to an external device, and the user may be warned when cartridge replacement is advisable.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In an ink jet printer comprising a movable print carriage and a printer cartridge mounted in said movable print carriage, said printer cartridge having a bottom surface with a jet plate comprising a plurality of ink ejection orifices mounted thereto; a method of accessing

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In an ink jet printer comprising a movable print carriage and a printer cartridge mounted in said movable print carriage, said printer cartridge having a bottom surface with a jet plate comprising a plurality of ink ejection orifices mounted thereto; a method of accessing and using information stored in a memory storage element on said printer ink cartridge, said method comprising:mounting said memory storage element on said printer ink cartridge on a side surface of said printer ink cartridge which also contains electrical contacts for electronically interfacing with said movable print carriage;storing in said memory storage element data indicative of an amount of ink expelled by said cartridge, said amount being greater than an ink storage capacity of said printer cartridge;routing said data from said memory storage element to an external device;analyzing said data in said external device to determine if said cartridge should be replaced; andproviding an indication to an operator of said printer that said printer cartridge should be replaced in response to said analysis.