Ink jet printer service station controlled by data from consumable parts with incorporated memory devices

A method for controlling operation of an inkjet printing system, wherein the inkjet printing system includes (i) a service station for capping and wiping a nozzle plate present on a printhead, (ii) a replaceable cartridge for housing a supply of consumable marking media, said replaceable cartridge further including a cartridge memory for recording printhead servicing data, and (iii) a printhead for producing marks on a print media, said printhead including a nozzle plate, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) reading printhead servicing data stored on at least said cartridge memory;
• b) deriving a service station function control value that is dependent upon said printhead servicing data read from said cartridge memory;
• and
• c) controlling said service station in accord with said service station function control value.

A replaceable ink cartridge for an inkjet printing system, the printing system including a printhead for producing marks on a print media, the printing system further including a printhead service station for performing capping and wiping functions for said printhead, and a processor with processor memory, the replaceable ink cartridge comprising:

• an ink reservoir containing an ink supply;
• a cartridge memory element having service station-control data stored thereon, the cartridge memory element electrically coupled with the processor means so that the processor means has access to the service station-control data when the ink cartridge is installed in a receptacle in said printing system;
• and
• wherein, in order to carry out a service station operation, service station-control data stored in the cartridge memory element are read by said processor to enable said processor to derive a service station control value.