HP Patents ink Vending machine September 02, 2011 09:30 by John Sollars

HP is apparently thinking about a way to increase the number of locations where its customers could obtain new printer cartridges, give back old cartridges and refill their used cartridges.A patent filing outlines the idea of ink cartridge vending machines. According to HP, a vending machine could be an alternative to expensive cartridges that are ordered online. It could also make the refill process of a cartridge much more convenient (and, of course, makes sure that HP gets the sale and not a third-party ink provider). HP envisions those boxes as one-stop solutions for ink cartridge needs. It is unclear how serious HP is about this concept and whether it is something could be used globally, given that HP engineers in Singapore filed for the patent back in June of 2010. However, we could easily imagine printer cartridge vending machines in locations at traditional shopping malls. The invention is described as: "vending machine [that] includes at least one cartridge receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a user interface, a display unit, a nozzle health check module, a printhead servicing module, an ink reservoir, an ink refilling unit, a compartment containing new ink cartridges, a compartment containing filled, second-hand ink cartridges, and a recycle compartment for receiving discarded ink cartridges." A customer would chose "the option of (a) refilling a used cartridge, (b) purchasing a filled cartridge, or (c) returning a used cartridge in exchange for a purchase rebate or a discount voucher." Those returned cartridges would be internally recycled and prepped for the purchase by another customer, who may choose a second-hand cartridge over a new cartridge to save some money. HP did not comment on the patent filing, but it seems to a reasonable idea that may, at the very least, enter a field trial. Not only can HP increase its point-of-sale presence, but it can also defend itself against discount ink suppliers much more effectively.