Method and apparatus for a printer cartridge tester
First Claim
1. In a handheld device for testing printer cartridges, a method comprising:
- establishing communication with a computer coupled to the handheld device;
detecting a printer cartridge coupled to the handheld device;
testing the printer cartridge to provide test results, including tests from the group consisting of fill level, test patterns, and circuit/nozzle heater integrity; and
providing the test results to the computer.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A handheld device for testing printer cartridges interfaces with a computer for processing of test results. Multiple testing devices may be coupled to the computer. In one embodiment, each testing device includes a base board and an adaptor board. The base board includes a host processor and a computer interface. The adaptor board comprises a cartridge-specific socket for retaining a printer cartridge to be tested and test circuitry. The adaptor boards may be interchanged. The device may obtain power from the computer interface. A computer program communicates with the test device and displays the results of the tests through execution of a suitable application or program. The application may present a pass/fail indication to a user and tally the number of passed/failed cartridges. The device for testing printer cartridges may include a sensor for detecting cartridge information and a computer program for altering the cartridge identification.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. In a handheld device for testing printer cartridges, a method comprising:
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establishing communication with a computer coupled to the handheld device; detecting a printer cartridge coupled to the handheld device; testing the printer cartridge to provide test results, including tests from the group consisting of fill level, test patterns, and circuit/nozzle heater integrity; and providing the test results to the computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. In a computer, a method for testing printer cartridges, the method comprising:
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establishing communication with a handheld device, coupled to the computer, for testing printer cartridges; receiving, from the handheld device, test results corresponding to a coupled printer cartridge tested by the device said test results including tests from the group consisting of fill level, test patterns and circuit/nozzle heater integrity; and displaying the test results. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. In a handheld device for testing printer cartridges, the handheld device comprising a computer interface, a method comprising:
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establishing communication with an external computer coupled to the handheld device via the computer interface; detecting the printer cartridge coupled to the handheld device; testing the printer cartridge to provide test results; and providing the test results to the computer via the computer interface. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. In a computer, a method for testing printer cartridges with a handheld device having a computer interface, the method comprising:
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establishing communication with the handheld device via the computer interface, coupled to the computer, for testing printer cartridges; receiving, from the handheld device via the computer interface, test results corresponding to a coupled printer cartridge tested by the device; and displaying the test results. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification