Determining an action associated with an apparatus using a combined bar code image

An apparatus having a disposable component comprising:

• a camera for obtaining data representing a visual code and a visual symbol;
• and
• a processor arranged for comparing the visual code represented by said data with a reference code, the reference code indicating an identity of a disposable component of the apparatus, and comparing the visual symbol represented by said data with a reference symbol, to obtain comparison results, and to determine an action associated with the apparatus in response to the comparison results,
• wherein in the case where the visual code matches the reference code and the visual symbol matches the reference symbol, said action comprises at least one of:
• switching on the apparatus, allowing a use switch on the apparatus remotely, adjusting operational parameters of the apparatus according to a Property of the disposable component,
• wherein in the case where the visual code matches the reference code and the visual symbol does not match the reference symbol, said action comprises at least one of:
• preventing the disposable element from being switched on, prevent the disposable element from being installed to the apparatus, allowing the disposable element from being installed and only providing certain limited services unrelated to the disposable element,
• wherein in the case where the visual code does not match the reference code and the visual symbol matches the reference symbol, said action comprises at least one of:
• providing a service to indicate a correct model number to user, prevent the user from installing the wrong disposable component, prevent the user from switching on the disposable component,
• wherein in case where the visual code does not match the reference code and the visual symbol does not the reference symbol, said action comprises at least one of:
• providing a service to indicate a correct model number to the user, prevent the user from installing the wrong disposable component, prevent the user from switching on the disposable component.

A system for determining an action associated with an apparatus having a disposable component, the system comprising:

• means for obtaining data representing a visual code and a visual symbol;
• means for comparing the visual code represented by said data with a reference code, the reference code indicating an identity of a disposable component of the apparatus, and comparing the visual symbol represented by said data with a reference symbol, to obtain comparison results;
• and
• means for determining the action in response to the comparison results,
• wherein in case where the visual code matches the reference code and the visual symbol matches the reference symbol, said action comprises at least one of:
• switching on the apparatus, allowing a user to switch on the apparatus remotely, adjusting operational parameters of the apparatus according to a property of the disposable component,
• wherein in the case where the visual code matches the reference code and the visual symbol does not match the reference symbol, said action comprises at least one of:
• preventing the disposable element from being switched on, prevent the disposable element from being installed to the apparatus, allowing the disposable element from being installed and only providing certain limited services unrelated to the disposable element,
• wherein in the case where the visual code does not match the reference code and the visual symbol matches the reference symbol, said action comprises at least one of:
• providing a service to indicate a correct model number to user, prevent the user from installing the wrong disposable component, prevent the user from switching on the disposable component,
• wherein in case where the visual code does not match the reference code and the visual symbol does not the reference symbol, said action comprises at least one of:
• providing a service to indicate a correct model number to the user, prevent the user from installing the wrong disposable component, prevent the user from switching on the disposable component.