Monitoring system for a replaceable unit in a device eletrofotográfico,Replaceable unit on an output of a preset number of prints on a printer eletrofotográfica, and.The process to monitor the use com

摘要

A monitoring system for replaceable units, such as toner cartridges in an electrophotographic printer, includes on the unit an electronic count memory and an electronic flag memory. The count memory maintains a one-by- one count of prints made with the cartridge. The flag memory includes a series of bits which are alterable from a first state to a second state but not alterable from the second state to the first state. The bits in the flag memory are altered at predetermined intervals as prints are made with the cartridge. The flag memory is used as a check to override unauthorized manipulation of the count memory.