| 摘要 |
A printhead cartridge identification system is disclosed which ensures that an ink jet printer operates only with ink jet cartridges compatible with the specific printer function. An ink container which supplies ink to an associated printhead has a light reflector incorporated into a transparent wall of the ink container housing. The cartridge, comprising the ink container and associated printhead, is mounted on a scan carriage. Periodically, the carriage is conveyed to an optical station comprising a light source and a photosensor. The light source is energized and a beam of light is directed towards the reflector. In one embodiment, the reflector has two angled reflective facets made of a first or second particular reflective material. Light from the light source is reflected from the first to the second facet and then to the photosensor. Depending upon the specific material, the reflected lighted has a first and second level of reflected light intensity, and the photosensor will generate a signal of a corresponding first and second level of intensity. The photosensor outputs are sent to a cartridge identification circuit in the system controller where the signals are compared to previously stores signals associated with a specific type of cartridge. If a cartridge ID is made, printer operation is enabled. In another embodiment, the cartridge which is brought to the optical station must have the reflective elements at a location such that the light beam from the light source is redirected to the photosensor. If the cartridge has the reflectice elements at a higher or lower location then the light source, no signal will be sent to the photosensor, and the cartridge ID will not be made.
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