| 摘要 |
A consumable product such as a toner cartridge (10) for a laser printer (12) includes a messaging device (15) connected thereto. The messaging device is adapted to receive a control signal from the printer or other host, the control signal being indicative of a use status for the consumable product, such as "toner low" (Fig. 5). The control signal produces a visual effect upon the messaging device such that a message or a change in message concerning the consumable product is indicated thereby. The message or change in message is, alternatively, indicative of an identifier for the consumable product. The messaging device is a resistive heater substrate (55) having at least one layer of thermochromatic ink (70) disposed thereon. In an alternate embodiment, the message or change in message is effected by a change in temperature upon the messaging device, rather than by a direct control signal. In another alternate embodiment, a fuse (80) is connected to the messaging device for providing further information to the printer system. <IMAGE> |
