Print Cartridge Memory Update for Extended Yield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print cartridges do not accurately reflect increased yield after refilling, leading to premature replacement and inefficient resource management in networked printing systems, as the printer firmware often restricts the full potential of high-yield cartridges due to outdated memory data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that refills toner cartridges with a replacement chip updating the memory to reflect the new toner capacity and efficiency, allowing the cartridge to print until almost empty, while also enabling networked printers to accurately track and manage high-yield cartridges, preventing premature replacement and optimizing resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the printer firmware uses the initial value stored in the cartridge memory to determine print life, then the printer can accurately track cartridge usage, but the cartridge cannot realize its full print life when refilled with additional toner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter stored in the cartridge memory from the original initial value to a new initial value that reflects the increased toner capacity. When a cartridge is refilled with additional toner, the memory value is updated to correspond to the new total capacity, allowing the printer to accurately track the extended print life while maintaining precise usage measurement.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the cartridge memory stores information indicating increased print capacity, then the cartridge can print more pages, but the status page will not reflect the proper page count
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the cartridge memory stores accurate initial values that are read by the printer to generate status pages. When the cartridge is refilled and the memory is updated with the new initial value corresponding to the increased toner capacity, the printer uses this updated value to calculate and display the correct remaining page count on status pages, ensuring information accuracy throughout the cartridge lifecycle.
3Loss of energy
If MPS providers use remanufactured print cartridges to reduce costs, then environmental impact is reduced and costs are lowered, but the provider cannot accurately predict the end of life of high yield cartridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables MPS providers to accurately track remanufactured cartridges by updating the memory initial value to reflect the actual toner capacity of refilled cartridges. This parameter change allows the printer to accurately calculate remaining print life based on the new initial value, providing MPS providers with precise end-of-life prediction capability for high-yield refilled cartridges while maintaining cost and environmental benefits.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electronic systems, such as printing systems, often use components that have integral memory. The integral memory can be used to store information about the component. In some printing systems this memory includes a portion that stores a value indicative of a print yield. Disclosed is a method and system for allowing the memory to have data indicative of an increased print yield.