Retrieving status data from printer/cartridge

I'm inquiring whether is is possi开发者_开发知识库ble to get:

• ink/tone level of a printers cartridge
• the cartridge model number

The platform and programming language is free. But I'm most interested in a Windows solution.

Also do you know if there is some work in progress for a standard on communicating with the printer - or if some specific brands have something already.

SNMP is the standard for most laser printer. Manufactures have a MIB that describes how to get the information from it, these are often widely available as they are used to provide large network management systems access to details about these devices.