Patent ID: 7950766

Claim:
A printing system comprising: a data processing apparatus; and a printer in communication with the data processing apparatus, the printer printing images based on commands received from the data processing apparatus, wherein the printer comprises: a data storage unit that stores information; a cartridge compartment that holds a cartridge that stores ink; a cartridge control unit that reads a cartridge identification number from a memory device contained in the cartridge and that stores the cartridge identification number in the data storage unit; a transmission data generating unit that generates status information including the cartridge identification number stored in the data storage unit; a transmission unit that sends the status information to the data processing apparatus; and an ink usage calculation unit that calculates an ink usage amount and that stores the ink usage amount in the data storage unit; and wherein the data storage unit stores a device identification number identifying the printer; and the transmission data generating unit generates status information including the cartridge identification number, the device identification number, and the ink usage amount.