Device and method for sensing low ink level in an ink cartridge of a postage meter

A method for indicating ink supply status in a value dispensing device having a printhead which prints an indication of value, the method comprising the steps of:

• performing maintenance actions on the printhead;
• printing the indication of value on a recurring basis;
• storing an indication of value software count which is indicative of an assumed predetermined fixed amount of ink consumed by the value;
• dispensing device during printing of any single one of the indication of values determining a total amount of ink consumed by the value dispensing device based on a total number of indications of value printed by the printhead, the stored indication of value software count, and a total number of maintenance actions performed on the printhead;
• ascertaining that the total amount of ink consumed by the value dispensing device has exceeded a predetermined amount;
• and
• providing an indication that the total amount of ink consumed by the value dispensing apparatus has exceeded the predetermined amount.

A postage meter comprising:

• a printhead for printing a plurality of indicia images which each consume a different amount of ink during printing;
• means for storing a single value indicative of a predetermined fixed amount of ink assumed to be consumed during printing of any single one of the plurality of indicia images;
• means for performing maintenance actions on the printhead;
• means for determining a total amount of ink consumed by the postage meter based on a total number of the plurality of indicia images printed by the printhead, the single value of the predetermined fixed amount of ink assumed to be consumed during printing of any single one of the plurality of indicia images, and a total number of maintenance actions performed on the printhead and for ascertaining that the total amount of ink consumed by the postage meter has exceeded a predetermined amount;
• and
• means for providing an indication that the total amount of ink consumed by the postage meter has exceeded the predetermined amount.