Replaceable printer component
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A replaceable printer component comprising:
- a single printer component configured for removable installation into, and for electronic communication with, a first single printer; and
a permanent read-only memory configured for one-time writing of information to the permanent read-only memory, the memory configured for storing, only after an initial removable installation of the single printer component into the first single printer, a first single printer unique identifier that uniquely represents only the first single printer relative to other single printers to lock operation of the single printer component exclusively with the first single printer and to prevent later operation of the single printer component with the other single printers,wherein the memory is configured for storing a plurality of printer unique identifiers via the one-time writing of information, including the first printer unique identifier, in association with a group of authorized single printers, including the first single printer, with each printer unique identifier uniquely representing a different authorized single printer of the group of authorized single printers for which use of the single printer component is exclusively enabled, thereby preventing later operation of the single printer component with other single printers outside the group of authorized single printers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A replaceable printer component comprises a printer component and a memory. The printer component is configured for removable installation into, and for electronic communication with, a printer. The memory is configured for storing a first unique identifier that represents one or more printers for which use of the printer component is exclusively authorized.
37 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A replaceable printer component comprising:
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a single printer component configured for removable installation into, and for electronic communication with, a first single printer; and a permanent read-only memory configured for one-time writing of information to the permanent read-only memory, the memory configured for storing, only after an initial removable installation of the single printer component into the first single printer, a first single printer unique identifier that uniquely represents only the first single printer relative to other single printers to lock operation of the single printer component exclusively with the first single printer and to prevent later operation of the single printer component with the other single printers, wherein the memory is configured for storing a plurality of printer unique identifiers via the one-time writing of information, including the first printer unique identifier, in association with a group of authorized single printers, including the first single printer, with each printer unique identifier uniquely representing a different authorized single printer of the group of authorized single printers for which use of the single printer component is exclusively enabled, thereby preventing later operation of the single printer component with other single printers outside the group of authorized single printers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A printer system comprising:
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a first single printer including a first unique identifier that represents only the first single printer apart from other single printers; a printing mechanism comprising a replaceable printer component removably installed into the first single printer, the replaceable printer component including at least one of an ink cartridge, an ink supply, a toner reservoir, a toner supply, a printhead, and a printhead assembly, and the replaceable printer component including a first memory that excludes the first unique identifier prior to removable installation of the replaceable printer component into the first single printer; and a read/write manager including; a second memory configured to store the first unique identifier; an assignment function configured for assigning the replaceable printer component with the first unique identifier; an electronic locking function configured for selectively activating the first single printer for exclusive use with the replaceable printer component based on the first unique identifier and for selectively deactivating the first single printer to prevent later use of die replaceable printer component with the first single printer, wherein the read/write manager is configured to electronically write the first unique identifier into the first memory of the replaceable printer component upon removable installation of the replaceable printer component into the printing mechanism, and wherein the first unique identifier stored in the first memory of the replaceable printer component enables operation of the replaceable printer component exclusively with the first single printer to prevent later operation of the replaceable printer component with the other single printers. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. A method of managing a printer component, the method comprising:
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providing a printer component configured with a memory and configured for electronic communication with a first single printer; and electronically writing into the memory of the printer component a first single printer unique identifier that uniquely represents only the first single printer; removably installing the printer component into the first single printer; electronically enabling operation of the printer component with the first single printer upon electronic confirmation that the memory of the printer component stores the first single printer unique identifier; and electronically preventing, via the first single printer unique identifier stored in the memory of the printer component, later operation of the printer component upon removal of the printer component from the first single printer and re-installation of the printer component into other single printers that have other single printer unique identifiers different than the first single printer unique identifier. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method of managing a replaceable printer component, the method comprising:
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electronically writing directly from a first single printer a first unique identifier, uniquely representing the first single printer apart from other single printers, permanently into a memory of a printer component that is removably installed in the first single printer; and electronically enabling use of the printer component with the first single printer only when the memory or the printer component stores the first unique identifier of the first single printer; and electronically preventing later use of the printer component upon reinstallation of the printer component in a second single printer having a second unique identifier that is different than the first unique identifier.
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16. A method of managing a printer comprising:
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removably installing a replaceable printer component into a first single printer; identifying the first single printer via a first single printer unique identifier stored in a memory of the first single printer; and electronically locking, via the first single printer unique identifier, the replaceable printer component to the first single printer to prevent later operation of the replaceable printer component with a second single printer different than the first single printer. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification