A system for automatically filling a reservoir. The system includes a
first mechanism that automatically determines one or more parameters
associated with the reservoir. A second mechanism fills the reservoir
with an appropriate amount and type of filler based on the one or more
parameters. In a specific embodiment, the one or more parameters include
filler type and current filler level information. The parameters also
include an identification number associated with a user of the reservoir.
Upon filling of the reservoir, a billing system automatically bills or
charges a user based on the identification number and filler level
information obtained via the first mechanism. The billing system includes
a database that maintains billing information associated with the
identification number. The billing system further includes a network
connection that facilitates communications with the database. A control
panel and accompanying user-interface software enables a user to edit the
identification number and/or to edit a charge number associated with the
identification number. A reservoir sensor measures the current filler
level in the reservoir and provides the filler level information in
response thereto. A dispensing container accommodates the reservoir and
transfers filler from the dispensing container to the reservoir in
response to a signal from the first mechanism. A container level sensor
senses current filler levels in the container and provides container
filler level information to a remote monitoring system via a network in
response thereto. In a more specific embodiment, the reservoir is a
printer cartridge, and the filler is printing consumable, such as toner.
The first mechanism includes an electronic storage device attached to the
printer cartridge that communicates with the reservoir sensor and
maintains the parameters describing the reservoir.