Methods and systems for monitoring consumable item lifetimes for peripheral units
US6295423A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 25, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/1823
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.