초록 ▼

Methods and apparatus for generating notifications associated with the lifetime of peripheral unit consumables are described. In the described embodiments, users or clients are able to define and adjust their own threshold values that are associated with a consumable's lifetime. In one embodiment, a

Methods and apparatus for generating notifications associated with the lifetime of peripheral unit consumables are described. In the described embodiments, users or clients are able to define and adjust their own threshold values that are associated with a consumable's lifetime. In one embodiment, a lifetime monitoring mechanism is provided and monitors the lifetime of a peripheral unit consumable that is associated with operation of the peripheral unit. The lifetime monitoring mechanism is configured with a user-manipulable, threshold-defining mechanism that is configured to receive user input and, responsive to the user input, define a threshold value for the lifetime monitoring mechanism. The peripheral unit's use of the consumable is monitored using the lifetime monitoring mechanism. A determination is made when the peripheral unit's use of the consumable reaches the threshold value and, responsive thereto, a notification is generated.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In a peripheral unit, a method of generating a notification associated with the lifetime of a peripheral unit consumable associated with operation of the peripheral unit, the method comprising:maintaining a lifetime monitoring mechanism that monitors the lifetime of a p

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In a peripheral unit, a method of generating a notification associated with the lifetime of a peripheral unit consumable associated with operation of the peripheral unit, the method comprising:maintaining a lifetime monitoring mechanism that monitors the lifetime of a peripheral unit consumable that is associated with operation of the peripheral unit;configuring the lifetime monitoring mechanism with a user-manipulable, threshold-defining mechanism that is configured to receive user input and responsive to said user input, define a threshold value for the lifetime monitoring mechanism;monitoring the peripheral unit's use of the consumable with the lifetime monitoring mechanism;determining when the peripheral unit's use of the consumable reaches the threshold value that is defined by the user input; andgenerating a notification when the consumable that is associated with operation of the peripheral unit reaches the threshold value.