Patent Description:
Various examples will be described below by referring to the following figures.

The present invention is defined by the appended claims <NUM> to <NUM>. Hereinafter, various examples will be described with reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals in the specification and the drawings denote like elements, and thus a redundant description may be omitted.

In the following description, the term "printer" may be used to describe an example of an image forming apparatus that uses a printing material cartridge. Other examples of an image forming apparatus may include a copier, a scanner, a fax machine, a multi-function printer (MFP) that complexly realizes their functions through one apparatus, a three-dimensional (3D) printer, and the like, such that the described examples are not to be construed as limited to a certain type of image forming apparatus. Further, the term "printer" may be used to refer to an image forming apparatus using different printing methods such as an electrophotography method, an ink-jet method, a 3D method, and the like.

A printing material cartridge may be provided for use with a printer. As an example, a printing material cartridge may be installed in a printer to supply a printing material for use by the printer to form an image on a printing medium. The printing material cartridge may include an integrated circuit chip having a memory to store an identifier and other information of the printing material cartridge. Using the information from the memory of the printing material cartridge, the printer may determine and display a remaining usage of the printing material cartridge for a user's convenience.

After depletion of the printing material, the printing material cartridge may be removed from the printer and refilled with printing material or otherwise remanufactured so that it may be used again. However, upon detecting installation of a remanufactured cartridge, the printer may no longer display a remaining usage of the printing material cartridge. For example, because the printing material cartridge has been remanufactured, the printer may be unaware of an amount of printing material refilled in the printing material cartridge such that it is unable to determine the remaining usage with accuracy. In that case, the printer may display a message such as "used cartridge" rather than displaying the remaining usage of the printing material cartridge. The lack of an indication of the remaining usage of the printing material cartridge may be an inconvenience to the user and may create a perception that a printing material cartridge having a chip is not eco-friendly as it cannot provide a desired user experience after it is remanufactured.

<FIG> illustrates a printing material cartridge according to an example.

Referring to <FIG>, a printing material cartridge (hereinafter "cartridge") <NUM> is a replaceable component that may be installed in a printer. The cartridge <NUM> may include a container <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and an input/output device <NUM>.

The container <NUM> may include a printing material <NUM> such as toner, developer, ink, etc. When installed in a printer, the cartridge <NUM> may supply the printing material <NUM> to the printer for use in an image forming job. The memory <NUM> may be included in an integrated circuit chip that is affixed to the cartridge <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store various data such as a cartridge identifier <NUM>, a usage counter <NUM>, a usage capacity <NUM>, a used indicator <NUM>, and a usage offset <NUM>.

The cartridge identifier <NUM> may include a unique identifier of the cartridge <NUM>. For example, the cartridge identifier <NUM> may include a serial number or similar data to identify the cartridge <NUM>.

The usage counter <NUM> may indicate an amount of printing material <NUM> expended by the cartridge <NUM>. As an example, the usage counter <NUM> may include a counter to track usage of the cartridge <NUM> such as a counter to track the number of pages printed by the cartridge <NUM>. In other examples, the usage counter <NUM> may include a colorant counter indicating an amount of colorant expended by the cartridge or a dot counter indicating a number of dots printed by the cartridge <NUM>. In various examples, the usage counter <NUM> may be provided as a counter that cannot be reset to avoid fraudulent use of the cartridge <NUM>.

The usage capacity <NUM> may correspond to an amount of printing material <NUM> included in the container <NUM> at the time of manufacture. As an example, the cartridge <NUM> may be provided with an amount of printing material <NUM> to print <NUM>,<NUM> pages such that the usage capacity <NUM> is <NUM>,<NUM> pages. In other examples, the usage capacity <NUM> may be indicated in terms of an amount of colorant, a number of dots, etc..

The usage counter <NUM> and the usage capacity <NUM> may be used to determine a remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM>. In more detail, the remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM> may be determined in terms of percentage based on the usage counter <NUM> and the usage capacity <NUM> using Equation <NUM>: <MAT>.

For example, if <NUM>,<NUM> pages have been printed using the cartridge <NUM> such that the usage counter <NUM> indicates <NUM>,<NUM> pages, and the cartridge <NUM> was originally supplied with an amount of printing material <NUM> to print <NUM>,<NUM> pages such that the usage capacity <NUM> is set to <NUM>,<NUM> pages, the remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM> may be determined to be <NUM>% using Equation <NUM> (e.g., (<NUM> - (<NUM>,<NUM>/<NUM>,<NUM>)) x <NUM>% = <NUM>%). In that case, the printer in which the cartridge <NUM> is installed may display the remaining usage (e.g., <NUM>%) for a user's convenience. The printer may also display a message based on the remaining usage, such as a message indicating a low level of printing material <NUM>, a message suggesting to have a replacement cartridge <NUM> ready, and the like.

The used indicator <NUM> may indicate that the remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM> has reached or exceeded a capacity threshold. As an example, if a low capacity threshold is set at <NUM>% and the remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM> is determined to be <NUM>%, the used indicator <NUM> may be set to indicate that the cartridge <NUM> has reached a low threshold and thus is considered a used cartridge. That is, because the determined <NUM>% remaining usage is less than the <NUM>% threshold, the cartridge <NUM> may be considered used and the used indicator <NUM> set to indicate the used status. In other examples, the low capacity threshold may have a value other than <NUM>% such as a value between <NUM>% to <NUM>%. Although not shown in <FIG>, the low capacity threshold may be stored in the memory <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, or may be determined by the printer, such as stored in a memory of the printer, received as an input from a user of the printer, received from an external source, or the like. The used indicator <NUM> may include a binary flag to indicate whether the low threshold has been met or not. As an example, the used indicator <NUM> may be set to "<NUM>" to indicate that the low capacity threshold has been reached and may be set to "<NUM>" to indicate that the low capacity threshold has not been reached.

The usage offset <NUM> may be set to correspond to a historical usage of the cartridge <NUM> and may be used to determine a new remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM> after remanufacturing of the cartridge <NUM>. In more detail, a value of the usage counter <NUM> may be determined at the time of remanufacturing the cartridge <NUM>, which value represents a historical usage of the cartridge <NUM>, and the usage offset <NUM> may be set to the determined historical value of the usage counter <NUM>.

As an example, if the usage counter <NUM> indicates that <NUM>,<NUM> pages have been printed at the time of remanufacture, the printer may consider the historical usage of the cartridge to be <NUM>,<NUM> pages and set the usage offset <NUM> equal to <NUM>,<NUM> pages. After the usage offset <NUM> is determined and set, the usage offset <NUM>, with the usage counter <NUM> and the usage capacity <NUM>, may be used to determine a new remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM>. As an example, the new remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM> may be determined based on the usage counter <NUM>, the usage capacity <NUM>, and the usage offset <NUM> using Equation <NUM>: <MAT>.

In an example, it may be assumed that the cartridge <NUM> was remanufactured to replenish the printing material <NUM> after printing <NUM>,<NUM> pages such that the historical usage of the cartridge <NUM> is <NUM>,<NUM> pages. In that case, the usage offset <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> may be set to the historical usage of <NUM>,<NUM> pages. Also, it may be assumed that the cartridge <NUM> was replenished to its original usage capacity <NUM> of <NUM>,<NUM> pages. In that case, a new remaining life of the cartridge <NUM> may be determined using Equation <NUM>. For example, if it is determined that the usage counter <NUM> has increased to <NUM>,<NUM> pages based on an additional <NUM>,<NUM> pages printed since remanufacture, Equation <NUM> may be used to determine a new remaining life of <NUM>% (e.g., (<NUM> - (<NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>/<NUM>,<NUM>)) x <NUM>% = <NUM>%). Using the determined new remaining usage, a printer may display this information to a user and thus improve user convenience as opposed to displaying a message such as "used cartridge.

The input/output device <NUM> may transmit/receive data to/from an external source. As an example, when the cartridge <NUM> is installed in a printer, the input/output device <NUM> may allow the cartridge <NUM> to transmit/receive data to/from the printer. The input/output device may include a series of contact pads and conductive traces.

In the following description, differences between the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG> and the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG> are mainly described. Elements that perform the same functions as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the memory <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> may include a signature <NUM> and/or a new usage capacity <NUM>. The signature <NUM> may be provided during remanufacture of the cartridge <NUM> as a security measure to confirm the validity of the data in cartridge <NUM>. As an example, the signature <NUM> may be provided over other data included in the memory <NUM>, such as the cartridge identifier <NUM>, the usage offset <NUM>, or the new usage capacity <NUM> such that access to the other data is verified as authentic. For example, upon installation of the cartridge <NUM> in a printer, the printer may determine that the signature <NUM> is present and validate if the data present on the supply was generated by a trusted source. This authorizes the printer to use the usage offset <NUM> to determine a new remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM>. In another example, the printer may communicate with an external source, such as an external cloud server, to determine if the printer is authorized to use the cartridge <NUM> or the usage offset <NUM>.

The new usage capacity <NUM> may be provided for use in determining a new remaining usage. For example, if the usage capacity <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> before being remanufactured is <NUM>,<NUM> pages, a remanufacturer may provide more or less printing material <NUM> such that the usage capacity <NUM> after remanufacture is not accurate. In that case, the remanufacturer of the cartridge <NUM> may input the new usage capacity <NUM> to reflect the amount of printing material <NUM> and thus to determine the new remaining usage. That is, if the new usage capacity <NUM> is provided, the new usage capacity <NUM> is used in Equation <NUM> in place of usage capacity <NUM>. In another example, the new usage capacity <NUM> may be input by a user of a printer in which the remanufactured cartridge <NUM> is installed. In another example, the new usage capacity <NUM> may be received from an external source such as an external cloud server upon installation of the remanufactured cartridge <NUM> in the printer or further based on satisfying a security condition using the signature <NUM>.

Although <FIG> illustrates an example in which both the signature <NUM> and the new usage capacity <NUM> are provided in the memory <NUM> of cartridge <NUM>, in other examples, only one of the signature <NUM> or the new usage capacity <NUM> may be provided.

Referring to <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> includes the memory <NUM> and the input/output device <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be included in an integrated circuit chip that is affixed to the cartridge <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store the cartridge identifier <NUM>, the usage counter <NUM>, the used indicator <NUM>, and the usage offset <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, information regarding a usage capacity of the cartridge <NUM> (e.g., usage capacity <NUM>) is not included in the memory <NUM>. In this case, the usage capacity may be provided by an external source, such as a user of a printer in which the cartridge <NUM> is installed or a cloud server maintained by the remanufacturer. The usage capacity may be provided to a printer in which the cartridge <NUM> is installed and the usage capacity may be stored in a memory of the printer. The usage capacity provided by the external source may be used to determine a new remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a printer including a printing material cartridge according to an example.

Referring to <FIG>, a printer <NUM> may include an input/output device <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a processor <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the printer <NUM> may include additional components such as a power supply, a print engine, and the like. The printer <NUM> may have installed therein a cartridge <NUM>, such as the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>. Regarding the cartridge <NUM>, elements that perform the same functions as those described with reference to <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The input/output device <NUM> may transmit/receive data to/from an external source of the printer <NUM>. As an example, when the cartridge <NUM> is installed in the printer <NUM>, the input/output device <NUM> may allow the printer <NUM> to transmit/receive data to/from the cartridge <NUM> using the input/output device <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. The input/output device <NUM> may include a series of contact pads and conductive traces.

The display <NUM> may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, or the like. The display <NUM> may receive data from the processor <NUM> and display the data. For example, the display <NUM> may display a new remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM>. The display <NUM> may also display information such as a result of performing of an image forming job, a state of the printer, and the like.

The memory <NUM> may store an operating system, application programs, a printer driver, and the like. In an example, the memory <NUM> may store an identifier of the cartridge <NUM> and use the stored identifier to determine if the cartridge <NUM> has been previously used with the printer <NUM>. That is, the printer <NUM> may compare the stored identifier with the identifier <NUM> received from the cartridge <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may store instructions that are executable by the processor <NUM>. As an example, the memory <NUM> may store instructions to determine a new remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM>. In more detail, the memory <NUM> may store instructions to determine whether the installed cartridge <NUM> is a remanufactured cartridge by determining whether the used indicator <NUM> indicates a used status of the cartridge <NUM> and whether the cartridge identifier <NUM> corresponds to a value stored in the memory <NUM>. If the cartridge <NUM> is determined to be a remanufactured cartridge, the instructions may set the usage offset <NUM> equal to a historical usage of the cartridge <NUM> (e.g., a value of the usage counter <NUM> at the time of setting the usage offset) and determine a new remaining usage based on the usage counter <NUM>, the usage capacity <NUM>, and the usage offset <NUM> using Equation <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may execute the instructions stored in the memory <NUM>. As an example, the processor <NUM> may execute the instructions to determine if the cartridge <NUM> is a remanufactured cartridge, to set the usage offset <NUM> equal to a historical usage of the cartridge <NUM>, and to determine a new remaining usage using the usage counter <NUM>, the usage capacity <NUM>, and the usage offset <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may also control the display <NUM> to display a determined new remaining usage.

In the following description, differences between the printer <NUM> of <FIG> and the printer <NUM> of <FIG> are mainly described. Elements that perform the same functions as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the printer <NUM> may include a user interface <NUM> and a communication interface <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may include an input unit for receiving a user input and an output unit for displaying various information of the printer <NUM>. In an example, the user interface <NUM> may be provided as a touch screen including a display component such that the separate display <NUM> is not provided. The user interface <NUM> may display information such as a new remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM>, a result of performing of an image forming job, a state of the printer <NUM>, a message, etc. Also, the user interface <NUM> may receive a user input of a password corresponding to the signature <NUM>, an input of the new usage capacity <NUM>, an instruction to perform an image forming job, etc..

In an example, the user interface <NUM> may display a security prompt upon installation of the cartridge <NUM> in the printer <NUM>. The security prompt may request a user input of a password, a security code, etc. to match or otherwise correspond to the signature <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may provide the received user input to the processor <NUM>, which may provide the user input to the communication interface <NUM> for transmission to an external cloud server <NUM>. The communication interface <NUM> may receive confirmation from the external cloud server <NUM> that the user input corresponds to the signature <NUM> such that the printer <NUM> may proceed with use of the cartridge <NUM> or proceed with determining the new remaining usage based on the usage offset <NUM>. Still further, the external cloud server <NUM> may provide the usage offset <NUM> or the new usage capacity <NUM>.

The user interface <NUM> may also receive a user input regarding the new usage capacity <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. For example, upon installation of the remanufactured cartridge <NUM>, the display <NUM> (or the user interface <NUM>) may request a user input as to whether to use the usage capacity <NUM> or if the cartridge <NUM> has been remanufactured to a state in which the amount of printing material <NUM> is greater than or less than the usage capacity <NUM>. If the cartridge <NUM> has been remanufactured to a state in which the amount of printing material <NUM> is greater than or less than the usage capacity <NUM>, the new usage capacity <NUM> may be input using the user interface <NUM>. The new usage capacity <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> and may also be stored in the memory <NUM> of the printer. Also, the new usage capacity <NUM> may be used in Equation <NUM>, in place of the usage capacity <NUM>, to determine the new remaining usage of the cartridge <NUM>.

The communication interface <NUM> may include a transceiver to perform wired or wireless communication with another device or a network. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the communication interface <NUM> performs communication with the external cloud server <NUM>.

The external cloud server <NUM> may be provided by a manufacturer of the printer <NUM>, a manufacturer of the cartridge <NUM>, a remanufacturer of the cartridge <NUM>, or another party. The external cloud server <NUM> may provide remote data processing and storage, such as security processing to determine authentication of a user based on the signature <NUM>, storage of the usage offset <NUM>, storage of the new usage capacity <NUM>, etc..

<FIG> illustrates a method for determining a new remaining usage of a cartridge according to an example.

Referring to <FIG>, a printing material cartridge may be installed in a printer in operation <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the printer may determine whether the cartridge is a remanufactured cartridge. For example, the printer may determine a cartridge identifier of the cartridge and a used indicator of the cartridge. If the printer does not recognize the cartridge identifier as corresponding to a cartridge previously used in the printer and if the printer determines that the used indicator has been set, the printer may determine that the cartridge is a remanufactured cartridge. If either the printer recognizes the cartridge identifier as corresponding to a cartridge previously used in the printer or the used indicator has not been set, the printer may determine that the cartridge has not been remanufactured and proceed to operation <NUM> to end the process.

If the printer determines the cartridge is remanufactured in operation <NUM>, the printer determines a historical usage of the cartridge in operation <NUM>. In an example, the historical usage may be determined based on a number of pages printed by the cartridge, an amount of colorant expended by the cartridge, or a number of dots printed by the cartridge. In operation <NUM>, the printer sets the usage offset equal to the historical usage determined in operation <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the printer determines a new remaining usage based on the usage offset, the usage counter, and the usage capacity of the cartridge. As an example, the printer may determine the new remaining usage using Equation <NUM>. The printer may display the new remaining usage on a display or a user interface. In operation <NUM>, the process is ended.

<FIG> illustrates a method for determining a new remaining usage of a cartridge based on a signature and a new usage capacity according to an example.

Referring to <FIG>, a cartridge may be installed in a printer in operation <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the printer may determine whether the cartridge is a remanufactured cartridge. For example, the printer may determine a cartridge identifier and a used indicator of the cartridge. If the printer does not recognize the cartridge identifier and if the printer determines that the used indicator has been set, the printer determines that the cartridge is remanufactured. If either the printer recognizes the cartridge identifier or determines that the used indicator has not been set, the printer may determine that the cartridge is not remanufactured and proceed to operation <NUM> to end the process.

In operation <NUM>, the printer may determine whether a security measure has been accepted. As an example, the cartridge installed in the printer in operation <NUM> may include a security signature (e.g., the signature <NUM>). In that case, the printer may determine if the security signature is valid. If the security signature is determined to be valid, the process may continue to operation <NUM>. In an example, the printer may communicate with an external server, such as a cloud server, to determine if the security signature is valid. If the security signature is not valid, the process may be discontinued in operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the printer determines a historical usage of the cartridge. In an example, the historical usage of the cartridge may be determined based on a number of pages printed by the cartridge, an amount of colorant expended by the cartridge, a number of dots printed by the cartridge, and the like. In operation <NUM>, the printer sets the usage offset equal to the historical usage determined in operation <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the printer receives a new usage capacity of the cartridge. As an example, the cartridge installed in the printer in operation <NUM> may include a new usage capacity (e.g., the new usage capacity <NUM>) that has been input by a remanufacturer of the cartridge such that, upon installation of the cartridge in operation <NUM>, the new usage capacity is included in the cartridge. In another example, the printer may request a user input in operation <NUM> as to the capacity of the remanufactured cartridge and store the input value as the new usage capacity. Further, the printer may request a remote server to provide the new usage capacity and receive the new usage capacity from the remote server in operation <NUM>. The printer may store the new usage capacity in the memory of the cartridge or in a memory of the printer.

In operation <NUM>, the printer may determine a new remaining usage based on the usage offset, the historical usage, and the new usage capacity of the cartridge. In an example, the printer may determine a new remaining usage using Equation <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the process is ended.

<FIG> illustrates a method for determining a new remaining usage of a remanufactured cartridge according to an example.

Referring to <FIG>, a cartridge may be installed in a printer in operation <NUM>. In operation <NUM>, the printer may determine whether the cartridge is a remanufactured cartridge. For example, the printer may determine a cartridge identifier and a used indicator of the cartridge. If the printer does not recognize the cartridge identifier and if the printer determines that the used indicator has been set, the printer may determine that the cartridge is remanufactured. If either the printer recognizes the cartridge identifier or that the used indicator has not been set, the printer may determine that the cartridge is not remanufactured and proceed to operation <NUM> to end the process.

In operation <NUM>, the printer may determine whether a usage offset of the cartridge equals <NUM>. That is, the printer may determine whether the usage offset has been previously set. If it is determined in operation <NUM> that the usage offset equals <NUM>, the printer proceeds to operations <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to determine a historical usage of the cartridge, to set a usage offset equal to the historical usage, and to determine a new remaining usage of the cartridge using Equation <NUM>. Operations <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, are substantially similar to operations <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of <FIG> such that a redundant description will not be provided.

On the other hand, if it is determined in operation <NUM> that the usage offset does not equal <NUM>, then the cartridge is a remanufactured cartridge and may have undergone a second or subsequent remanufacturing process. In operation <NUM>, the printer determines if the new remaining usage is less than a low threshold. For example, the printer may determine the new remaining usage of the cartridge using Equation <NUM>. If it is determined in operation <NUM> that the new remaining usage is greater than the threshold, the printer may proceed to operation <NUM> to determine the new remaining usage based on the usage offset that was determined in operation <NUM>, the usage counter, and the usage capacity based on Equation <NUM>.

On the other hand, if it is determined in operation <NUM> that the new remaining usage is less than the low threshold, the printer may determine the historical usage of the cartridge in operation <NUM> and set a new usage offset equal to the historical usage in operation <NUM>. That is, the new usage offset allows for a cartridge that has been remanufactured a second or subsequent time to also provide a new remaining usage based on the historical usage of the cartridge. In operation <NUM>, the printer determines an updated new remaining usage based on the new usage offset, the usage counter, and the usage capacity of the cartridge using Equation <NUM> in which the new usage offset is used in place of the usage offset. In operation <NUM>, the process ends.

Although not illustrated in <FIG>, an example method may further include an operation to verify authentication of a user based on a signature included on the cartridge, similar to operation <NUM> in <FIG>. Further, although not illustrated in <FIG>, an example method may further include an operation to receive a new usage capacity, similar to operation <NUM> in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a computing device according to an example.

Referring to <FIG>, a computing device <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the computing device <NUM> may further include a storage device, a communication interface, a bus, and the like. The computing device <NUM> may further include other general components.

The processor <NUM> may control an operation of the computing device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be implemented with processing circuitry. For example, the processing circuitry may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the processor <NUM> may perform operations on a program for executing an example method as described above.

The memory <NUM> may store various data, commands, and/or information. The memory <NUM> may be implemented in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions or data that is executable by the processor <NUM>. Examples of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD+Rs, CD-RWs, CD+RWs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs, DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs, DVD-RAMs, BD-ROMs, BD-Rs, BD-R LTHs, BD-REs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, magneto-optical data storages, optical data storages, hard disks, solid-state disks (SSDs), and instructions or software, related data, data files, and data structures, and any devices capable of providing instructions or software, related data, data files, and data structures to a processor or a computer so that the processor or the computer may execute the instructions may be employed.

The memory <NUM> may load a computer program <NUM> to execute an example method as described above. For example, an above described example can be written as the computer program <NUM> and can be implemented in the computing device <NUM> including the processor <NUM> that executes the computer program <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A printing material cartridge (<NUM>) comprising:
an input/output device (<NUM>); and
a memory (<NUM>),
characterized in that the memory (<NUM>) stores an identifier (<NUM>) of the cartridge, a usage counter (<NUM>) indicating an amount of printing material expended by the cartridge, and an indicator (<NUM>) that the cartridge has reached a usage threshold, and
wherein the memory is configured to store a usage offset (<NUM>) set to be equal to a historical usage of the cartridge, the historical usage corresponding to a value of the usage counter at a time of remanufacturing the cartridge, the usage offset for determining a new remaining usage of the cartridge if the indicator (<NUM>) indicates the cartridge has reached a usage threshold.