Output method and apparatus therefor

A memory medium stored program readable by a computer, comprising steps of:

• reading information indicating a remaining amount of a recording material from a memory;
• counting the number of output dots;
• and
• writing information indicating a new remaining amount of the recording material, based on the counted number of dots, in said memory.

An output apparatus comprising:

• readout means for reading information indicating a remaining amount of a recording material from a memory;
• counting means for counting the number of output dots;
• and
• writing means for writing information indicating a new remaining amount of the recording material, based on the counted number of dots, in said memory.

An output controlling method comprising:

• a step of detecting the remaining amount of a recording material contained in a cartridge;
• a step of storing a cumulative consumed amount of said recording material in a non-volatile memory unit;
• and
• a control step of determining the remaining amount of said recording material.