Economical ink cartridge identification
US6467869B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/1752
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A printer determines the characteristics of the ink of the replaceble ink cartridge by set of ink cartridges. Each ink cartridge is formed of a housing and includes marks on the exterior surface of the housing. The marks on the cartridge housing are arranged so that the marks on the several ink cartridges collectively form a pattern of marks. The printer electronically scans the pattern of marks, and automatically produces an indication in accordance with the pattern of marks to identify the brand and/or type of ink contained in the set of cartridges, the ink capacity of the cartridges, as well as to verify that an appropriate combination of cartridges has been installed. Printer performance characteristics, such as expected print yield, can be determined based on the indication produced by scanning the pattern of marks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.