Smart printer cartridge
AssigneeMarvell International Ltd.
InventorsWilliam B. Weiser, Mark D. Montierth
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method are disclosed for modifying the capabilities and functions of a printer after it is manufactured. A consumable/replaceable printer cartridge includes a storage device having updated and/or additional printer function data and other data for use by the printer control circuitry to execute printer functions and other types of functions. In addition, when the printer cartridge is installed in the printer the storage device may be utilized by the printer control circuitry as expanded memory for use in executing the updated and/or additional printer functions and other types of functions.
Claims20
A printer cartridge comprising:
- a data storage device;
- and
- an interface configured to communicate with a printer control circuit of a printer,
- wherein the printer cartridge is configured to:
- receive a communication, via the interface, from the printer control circuit in order to store image data in the data storage device;
- responsive to the communication, store the image data in the data storage device, and
- enable the printer control circuit to access the image data stored on the data storage device for a printer process executed by the printer control circuit to cause printing of the image data on a print medium.
A method comprising:
- installing a printer cartridge to be in communication with a printer, wherein the printer cartridge includes a data storage device;
- receiving, via an interface of the printer cartridge, a communication from a printer control circuit of the printer requesting to store image data in the data storage device of the printer cartridge;
- in response to receiving the communication via the interface, communicating with the printer control circuit to store image data in the data storage device of the printer cartridge, and
- enabling the printer control circuit to access the image data stored on the data storage device for a printer process executed by the printer control circuit to cause printing of the image data on a print medium.
A method comprising:
- installing a printer cartridge to be in communication with a printer, wherein the printer cartridge includes a storage device;
- executing a printer function program;
- receiving, via an interface of the printer cartridge, a communication from a printer control circuit of the printer requesting to store image data corresponding to the printer function program in the storage device of the printer cartridge;
- and
- utilizing, by the printer, the storage device as an additional memory buffer by storing the image data corresponding to the printer function program in the storage device, and enabling the printer control circuit to access the image data stored on the data storage device for a printer process executed by the printer control circuit to cause printing of the image data on a print medium.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.