Patent ID: 6158837
Filing Date: 2000-12-12
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A method for adjusting the print mode of a printer using a customer replaceable marking material supply cartridge from a normal print mode to a non-normal print mode in response to a detection of a non-qualified ink in the cartridge by an electronic monitoring system, comprising the steps of:a) reading an identification number on a customer replaceable marking material supply cartridge after installation thereof in the printer;b) comparing the identification number which has been read with identification numbers stored in a controller memory of the printer;c) identifying matches and non-matches between said customer replaceable cartridge identification number and said stored identification numbersd) displaying either a warranty or an out-of-warranty condition on a display panel for the printer, the displayed condition depending upon whether matches or non-matches are respectively identified;e) causing a non-normal printing mode for the printer when the printer is actuated for printing and an out-of-warranty condition is displayed on the display panel and enabling use of a cartridge having non-matched identification numbers by said printer, the non-normal printing mode having printing parameters adjusted to minimize the effect of non-qualified marking material on the printer; andf) automatically logging a use of a non-normal printing mode in the controller memory of the printer, thus enabling the optional use of a cartridge containing a non-qualified marking material.