Validation of consumables
A printing apparatus using a consumable associated with an identifier the apparatus comprising, printing means for printing an image onto an image receiving substrate reading means for reading the identifier: storage means for holding a list of any previously used identifiers associated with empty consumables, and a processor arranged to compare the identifier read by the reading means with the list of any previously used identifiers and to generate an invalid indication if there is a match.
1 .- 20 . (canceled)
21 . A consumable comprising:
at least one material selected from the group consisting of image receiving substrate and thermal transfer material,
a first identifier indicative of the origin of the consumable, and
a second identifier indicative of the supplier of the consumable.
22 . A method of making a consumable comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of an image receiving substrate and thermal transfer material, the method comprising:
at a manufacturing location marking the consumable with a first identifier indicative of the origin of the consumable; and
at a secondary location, marking the consumable with a second identifier indicative of the supplier the consumable.
23 . A method of operating a printing apparatus which is adapted to receive a consumable, the method comprising:
reading an identifier from the consumable, comparing the identifier against a list of any previously used identifiers associated with empty consumables, and
generating an invalid indication if there is a match.
24 . A method according to claim 23 , further comprising:
reading a secondary identifier from the consumable, the secondary identifier identifying a supplier of the consumable, and
displaying information about the supplier of a consumable.
25 . A printing apparatus using a consumable associated with an identifier, the apparatus comprising:
a printer mechanism for printing an image onto an image receiving substrate;
a reader for reading the identifier;
a storage medium for holding a list of any previously used identifiers associated with empty consumables; and
a processor arranged to compare the identifier read by the reader with the list of any previously used identifiers and to generate an invalid indication if there is a match.
26 . A printing apparatus according to claim 25 , wherein the reader comprises an RF coil.
27 . A printing apparatus according to claim 25 , wherein the storage medium is arranged to hold a table comprising a plurality of identifier fields associated with respective status fields.
28 . A printing apparatus according to claim 26 , wherein the storage medium is arranged to hold a table comprising a plurality of identifier fields associated with respective status fields.
29 . A printing apparatus according to claim 27 , wherein the processor is arranged to load into one of said identifier fields an identifier read by the reader which does not match a previously used identifier.
30 . A printing apparatus according to claim 28 , wherein the processor is arranged to load into one of said identifier fields an identifier read by the reader which does not match a previously used identifier.
31 . A printing apparatus according to claim 25 , further comprising a usage monitor for monitoring the usage of the consumable.
32 . A printing apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein the processor is arranged to update the status field to indicate the amount of consumable remaining based on the usage monitored by the usage monitor.
33 . A printing apparatus according to claim 25 , wherein the consumable comprises a supply of an image receiving substrate.
34 . A printing apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein the usage monitor comprises an end of substrate detector.
35 . A printing apparatus according to claim 25 , wherein the consumable comprises a supply of thermal transfer material.
36 . In combination, a printing apparatus and a consumable associated with an identifier, wherein the printing apparatus comprises:
a printer mechanism for printing an image onto an image receiving substrate;
a reader for reading the identifier;
a storage medium for holding a list of any previously used identifiers associated with empty consumables; and
a processor arranged to compare the identifier read by the reader with the list of any previously used identifiers and to generate an invalid indication if there is a match.
37 . A combination according to claim 36 , wherein the consumable comprises a cassette in which the image receiving substrate is housed.
38 . A combination according to claim 36 , wherein the consumable comprises a spool around which the image receiving substrate is wound.
39 . A combination according to claim 36 , wherein the consumable comprises a supply of thermal transfer material.
40 . A consumable comprising:
at least one material selected from the group consisting of image receiving substrate and thermal transfer material,
a first identifier which uniquely identifies the consumable, and
a second identifier indicative of the supplier of the consumable.
41 . A consumable comprising:
at least one material selected from the group consisting of image receiving substrate and thermal transfer material,
a first identifier programmed during fabrication, and
a second identifier additionally inserted to the first identifier and including information indicative of the supplier of the consumable.
42 . A consumable according to claim 41 , wherein the information indicative of the supplier of the consumable is contact information of the supplier.
43 . A consumable according to claim 21 , wherein said first and second identifiers are carried on the same tag.
44 . A consumable according to claim 22 , wherein said first and second identifiers are carried on the same tag.
45 . A consumable according to claim 40 , wherein said first and second identifiers are carried on the same tag.
46 . A consumable according to claim 41 , wherein said first and second identifiers are carried on the same tag.
47 . A consumable according to claim 43 , wherein said tag is an RF tag.
48 . A consumable according to claim 44 , wherein said tag is an RF tag.
49 . A consumable according to claim 45 , wherein said tag is an RF tag.
50 . A consumable according to claim 46 , wherein said tag is an RF tag.
51 . A method of making a consumable comprising:
at least one material selected from the group consisting of an image receiving substrate and thermal transfer material, the method comprising:
marking the consumable with a first identifier which uniquely defines the consumable, and additionally marking the consumable with a second identifier indicative of the supplier of the consumable.
52 . A method of making a consumable comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of an image receiving substrate and thermal transfer material, the method comprising:
marking the consumable with a first identifier during manufacturing; and
inserting additionally to the first identifier a second identifier, including information indicative of the supplier of the consumable.