Systems and methods for intelligent communicating storage of condition monitorable replaceable components
First Claim
1. A storage system, comprising:
- a storage unit that stores a replaceable component associated with a device, the storage unit being functionally separated from the device, wherein the stored replaceable component has an associated externally-readable monitoring module, the monitoring module monitoring at least a dynamic characteristic of the stored replaceable component and reporting the status of that characteristic;
a data exchange interface for reading data from the externally-readable monitoring module while the stored replaceable component is stored in the storage unit, the data including information regarding the dynamic characteristic; and
an external communications interface for interfacing with a communication path in order that information regarding the stored replaceable component, including the data read by the data exchange interface from the externally-readable monitoring module associated with the stored replaceable component, is transmitted to a receiving node that is external to the storage system, whereinthe dynamic characteristic of the stored replaceable component is automatically updated to the receiving node.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An intelligent communicating supply storage unit is provided, tailored to storing one or more replaceable components for one or more supply-consuming devices. The storage unit may provide capabilities: (a) to sense a presence or absence of replaceable components for associated devices, which may include determining that the correct components are available, and to monitor a status of an internal characteristic of a stored replaceable component by accessing information stored on an externally readable component monitoring module attached to the stored replaceable component; (b) to maintain an updated inventory of the status of supplies on hand to include introduction of supplies into the storage unit for storage, and removal of supplies from the storage unit for use of disposal; and/or (c) to communicate storage unit supply status or inventory from the storage unit to an external source such as, for example, a supply providing organization.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A storage system, comprising:
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a storage unit that stores a replaceable component associated with a device, the storage unit being functionally separated from the device, wherein the stored replaceable component has an associated externally-readable monitoring module, the monitoring module monitoring at least a dynamic characteristic of the stored replaceable component and reporting the status of that characteristic; a data exchange interface for reading data from the externally-readable monitoring module while the stored replaceable component is stored in the storage unit, the data including information regarding the dynamic characteristic; and an external communications interface for interfacing with a communication path in order that information regarding the stored replaceable component, including the data read by the data exchange interface from the externally-readable monitoring module associated with the stored replaceable component, is transmitted to a receiving node that is external to the storage system, wherein the dynamic characteristic of the stored replaceable component is automatically updated to the receiving node. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for monitoring a replaceable component inventory associated with a device, comprising:
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storing, within a storage unit, a replaceable component, the replaceable component having an associated monitoring module for monitoring at least a dynamic characteristic of the replaceable component, the monitoring module being externally readable by a data exchange interface that is separate from the replaceable component, and that is associated with the storage unit; collecting data from the component monitoring module regarding the dynamic characteristic of the stored replaceable component while the stored replaceable component is stored in the storage unit; compiling information regarding the stored replaceable component including the collected data regarding the dynamic characteristic of the replaceable component; and transmitting the compiled information to at least one receiving node, that is external to the storage unit, via an external communications interface, wherein the dynamic characteristic of the stored replaceable component is automatically updated to the receiving node. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification