Abstract: A system and method of obtaining information from a marking material container is disclosed. The method includes providing a marking material container having a phosphorescent material with predetermined phosphor properties for emitting light with characteristics corresponding to the information, shining light at a container position for a period of time, sensing for emitted light coming from the phosphorescent material, determining the characteristics of the emitted light, and generating the information. The system includes a marking material container having a phosphorescent material with predetermined phosphor properties for emitting light with characteristics corresponding to the information, a light source for producing a light beam directed towards the phosphorescent material, a photo detector for detecting light emitted from the phosphorescent material, and a controller for determining characteristics of the light detected by the photo detector to provide information.