Consumable order-assistance system for computer peripheral device within a single connection environment and method for replenishing consumables
US6529692B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N2201/0098
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A consumable order assistance system for a computer peripheral device includes a computer peripheral device, a personal computer, a user interface, and a communication link. The computer peripheral device has a consumable requiring periodic replenishment. The personal computer is signal coupled with the peripheral device. The user interface is provided on one of the computer peripheral device and the personal computer, and is operative to notify a user of a state of the consumable. The communication link signal couples the personal computer with a provider of the consumable for the peripheral device. The personal computer is operative to monitor the computer peripheral device to determine the state of the consumable, and to notify a user via the user interface of a need to replenish the consumable. A method for replacing consumables is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.