Method for indicating printer status
US6146037A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J29/44
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for indicating the condition of a printer is provided. In an inkjet printer having at least one pen that is mounted in a carriage that moves back and forth across the media, the printer status is determined by a controller in the printer which communicates with the pen. The carriage containing the pens is used as a pointer and has is set to a desired carriage position to point to a selected icon from a set of icons located on a top surface adjacent to the carriage. Each of the icons indicates a printer status such as low ink level or a pen problem. The carriage and the set of icons may be located under a lid. When the user lifts the lid such as in response to a print cartridge status light that is illuminated on the control panel, the carriage is set to the desired carriage position to indicate the appropriate printer status. The icons are chosen in such a manner as to be universally understandable and with no need for localization to a particular market.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.