Optional part for apparatus, apparatus having optional part, access device, method for distributing optional part and ink cartridge

• US 20060050103A1
• Filed: 11/02/2005
• Published: 03/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Original Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Inventors: Naka, Takahiro
• Application Number:
  US11/264,166
• Publication Number:
  US 20060050103A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 347/19
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17533 Storage or packaging of ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17546 electronically

Abstract

Disclosed are a method for preventing shoplifting of an optional part without causing trouble to a retail store and inconvenience to a consumer and a method for enabling a storage device of the optional part to be customized as desired on the way of a distribution channel from a manufacturer to the consumer. On an ink cartridge 19, a cartridge EEPROM 21 having a coil 37 contactlessly accessible to the ink cartridge 19 is mounted; and a transparent window 45 through which the coil 37 of the cartridge EEPROM 21 can be seen is provided on a package 50 of the ink cartridge 19. A data writing device 67 including a memory interface 41 and a coil 43 for writing data into the cartridge EEPROM 21 is provided in each of retail stores 40a, 40b. . . . When the consumer purchases the ink cartridge 19, purchase data and the like are written into the cartridge EEPROM 21 through the transparent window 45 of the package 50 by electromagnetic induction between the coil 37 and the coil 43. A printer 5 reads out data from the cartridge EEPROM 21 when the ink cartridge 19 is fitted thereto, and when no purchase data exists, the printer is not allowed to operate for printing.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge comprising a container containing an ink therein and a storage device, into and from which data is contactlessly writable and readable, wherein said ink cartridge is packed in a manner that data is writable and readable into and from said storage device when said ink cartridge has not been used.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said ink cartridge is decompressedly packed.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said ink cartridge is hermetically packed.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said ink is deaerated.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, to be used by being mounted onto a recording apparatus, wherein said storage device comprises:

a first region for storing control information necessary for said recording apparatus to carry out a predetermined operation; and

a second region for storing information on an amount of the ink contained in said ink cartridge.