Storage, cartridge, and printing system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a memory, a cartridge, and a printing system. These cartridges, equipped with the memory, can reduce the likelihood that a printing device will determine a product as non-authentic based on electronic signature verification results, regardless of authenticity, due to data corruption. The memory stores manufacturing information, including at least the number of times the liquid contained in the cartridge has been refilled after consumption (i.e., the refill count); an electronic signature for the manufacturing information; and a first error detection code for the manufacturing information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology of a memory mounted in a cartridge. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technology for storing a digital signature in a memory installed in a cartridge is known (Patent Document 1). A digital signature is a signature of data stored in the cartridge, and the data includes an identifier unique to the cartridge.

[0003] In existing technologies, printers use, for example, hashing to verify digital signatures, thereby determining whether the cartridge is genuine and manufactured by the intended manufacturer. If the cartridge is not genuine, the printer refuses authentication. In existing technologies, if the data stored in the memory is corrupted, a situation may arise whereby even an authentic cartridge may be judged as not genuine based on the result of digital signature verification.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-525852 Summary of the Invention

[0005] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a memory is provided that is mounted in a cartridge. The memory stores the following: manufacturing information including at least the number of times the liquid contained in the cartridge has been refilled after consumption, i.e., the number of refills; an electronic signature of the manufacturing information; and a first error detection code of the manufacturing information.

[0006] (2) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes: a liquid storage portion for storing liquid; a liquid supply portion for supplying the liquid to the liquid storage portion; and a memory storing the following: manufacturing information including at least the number of times the liquid stored in the cartridge has been refilled after the liquid has been consumed, i.e., the number of refills; an electronic signature for the manufacturing information; and a first error detection code for the manufacturing information.

[0007] (3) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a printing system is provided. The printing system includes the cartridge of the above aspect and a control device, wherein the control device includes: a calculation unit that calculates a second error detection code based on the manufacturing information of the memory; and a comparison and judgment unit that compares the first error detection code of the memory with the calculated second error detection code. When the first error detection code and the second error detection code match, the comparison and judgment unit verifies the electronic signature of the memory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a first perspective view showing the structure of the box.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a second perspective view showing the structure of the box.

[0011] Figure 4 This is the first diagram showing the structure of the circuit board according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a second diagram showing the structure of a circuit board.

[0013] Figure 6 A diagram showing a state in which a cartridge is mounted on a mounting portion of a carriage.

[0014] Figure 7 This is the first diagram showing the connection mechanism.

[0015] Figure 8 This is the second diagram showing the connection mechanism.

[0016] Figure 9 This figure shows the structure of a printing device together with a box.

[0017] Figure 10 A diagram for explaining a storage unit.

[0018] Figure 11 A diagram for explaining installation determination.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing the cartridge determination process executed by the printing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] A. Implementation method:

[0021] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of a printing system 1000, which is an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printing system 1000 includes a printing device 20, a plurality of cartridges 100 detachably mounted on the printing device 20, and a computer 90. The printing device 20 is an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting liquid ink onto a print medium PA. The printing device 20 is connected to the computer 90 via a connector 80 to enable data communication.

[0022] The printing device 20 includes a sub-scanning conveying mechanism, a main-scanning conveying mechanism, a head driving mechanism, and a device control unit 40. The sub-scanning conveying mechanism includes a paper feed motor 22 and a platen 26, and conveys the printing medium PA in the sub-scanning direction by transmitting the rotation of the paper feed motor 22 to the platen 26. The main-scanning conveying mechanism includes a carriage motor 32, a pulley 38, a drive belt 36 provided between the carriage motor 32 and the pulley 38, and a sliding shaft 34 provided in parallel with the axis of the platen 26. The sliding shaft 34 holds the carriage 30 fixed to the drive belt 36 in a slidable manner. The rotation of the carriage motor 32 is transmitted to the carriage 30 via the drive belt 36, and the carriage 30 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction, which is the axial direction of the platen 26, along the sliding shaft 34. The head driving mechanism includes a carriage 30. The carriage 30 includes a mounting portion 4 on which a cartridge 100 can be mounted, a printing head 5 that ejects ink, and a Figure 6 The liquid introduction part 6 shown, the liquid introduction part described later Figure 6 The connecting mechanism 400 shown, described later Figure 6 The sub-control board 500 is shown. The head driving mechanism drives the print head 5 of the carriage 30 to eject ink onto the printing medium PA.

[0023] The device control unit 40 controls each of the aforementioned mechanisms to implement printing. The device control unit 40 is electrically connected to a sub-control board 500 (described later) of the carriage 30 via a bus 46. The device control unit 40 receives a print job from a user, for example, via the computer 90, and controls each of the aforementioned mechanisms based on the contents of the received print job to execute printing. Furthermore, the device control unit 40 determines whether the cartridge 100 is installed in the installation unit 4 and communicates data with the circuit board 120.

[0024] The mounting portion 4 of the carriage 30 can be detachably mounted with multiple cartridges 100. Specifically, the cartridges 100, which supply liquid ink to the print head 5, are mounted on the mounting portion 4 of the carriage 30 so that they can be attached and detached by the user. In this embodiment, four cartridges 100 can be mounted on the mounting portion 4. Each of the four cartridges 100 contains inks of different colors or types. The symbols 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D are used to distinguish between the multiple cartridges 100. The four cartridges 100A to 100D are each mounted at a predetermined mounting position on the mounting portion 4. In other embodiments, the number of cartridges 100 that can be mounted on the mounting portion 4 is not limited to four and may be less than or greater than four. The printing device 20 further includes an operating unit 70, which is used by the user to configure various settings for the printing device 20 and to check the status of the printing device 20. The operation unit 70 includes a display unit 72 for displaying various information such as the status of the printing device 20 .

[0025] In addition, although the printing system 1000 in this embodiment is of a so-called carriage-mounted type in which the cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 4 of the carriage 30, the system is not limited thereto. For example, the printing system 1000 may be of a so-called non-carriage-mounted type in which the cartridge 100 is mounted on a mounting portion located elsewhere than the carriage 30.

[0026] use Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The structure of the cartridge 100 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a first perspective view showing the structure of the box 100. Figure 3 1 is a second perspective view showing the structure of the box 100. Figure 2 Afterwards, mark the mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis as needed. Figure 2 In the figure, the directions pointed by the arrow marks of the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis respectively represent the positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. The positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are respectively set as +X direction, +Y direction and +Z direction. The opposite directions to the directions pointed by the arrow marks of the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are respectively the negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. The negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are respectively set as -X direction, -Y direction and -Z direction. The directions along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis that are not divided into positive and negative are respectively referred to as X direction, Y direction and Z direction. The same applies to the subsequent drawings and descriptions. The directions of the XYZ axes depicted in other drawings are the same as those in the figure. Figure 2The directions of the X, Y, and Z axes of the cartridge 100 are based on a state in which the printing device 20 is arranged on a horizontal plane parallel to the X and Y directions and the cartridge 100 is mounted on the printing device 20.

[0027] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the appearance of the box 100 is roughly rectangular. Figure 2 As shown, the cartridge 100 includes a main body 101 forming a shell and a circuit substrate 120 mounted on the main body 101. The main body 101 includes a front wall 101wf serving as a wall on the -Y direction side and a bottom wall 101wb serving as a wall on the +Z direction side. In addition, the main body 101 has a liquid storage portion 150 for storing ink as a liquid. The front wall 101wf and the bottom wall 101wb intersect, and are substantially orthogonal in the present embodiment. The bottom wall 101wb of the main body 101 includes a liquid supply portion 104 which, when mounted on the mounting portion 4 of the slide 30, supplies liquid of the liquid storage portion 150 to the slide 30. The liquid supply portion 104 is connected to the liquid storage portion 150. The opening 104op of the liquid supply portion 104 is sealed by a film 104f. By mounting the cartridge 100 on the slide 30, the film 104f is damaged. Figure 6 The liquid inlet portion 6 of the illustrated carriage 30 is inserted into the liquid supply portion 104. The ink contained in the liquid container 150 is supplied to the print head 5 of the printing device 20 via the liquid inlet portion 6. As the ink in the liquid container 150 is consumed, air is introduced into the liquid container 150 through an atmosphere opening (not shown).

[0028] Here, the film surface sealed by the film 104f is defined as the open end of the liquid supply section 104. The Z direction is perpendicular to the open end of the liquid supply section 104. Furthermore, the +Z direction is the same as the direction of the opening of the liquid supply section 104. Furthermore, the X direction is the direction of arrangement of the multiple cartridges 100A to 100D mounted on the carriage 30, i.e., the width direction of the cartridge 100. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the Z direction is the direction along the force of gravity, with the +Z direction being the direction of gravity and the -Z direction being the direction against gravity. Furthermore, the direction in which the cartridge 100 is mounted on the carriage 30 of the printing device 20 is defined as the mounting direction MD, and the direction including the mounting direction MD is defined as the first direction FD. In this embodiment, the mounting direction MD and the first direction FD are the same direction, i.e., the +Z direction. In other embodiments, the mounting direction MD and the first direction FD may be different directions. The first direction FD is a straight-line direction, and in this embodiment, it is the direction of the opening of the liquid supply section 104. The first direction FD is a direction substantially along the surface 120fa of the circuit board 120. In other embodiments, when the surface 120fa is inclined with respect to the mounting direction MD, the mounting direction MD and the first direction FD are not the same direction but are different directions.

[0029] The circuit board 120 is mounted on the front wall 101wf of the main body 101. The circuit board 120 includes a terminal group 290 composed of a plurality of terminals. In this embodiment, nine terminals are provided to constitute the terminal group 290. The terminal group 290 will be described in detail below.

[0030] After the contained liquid is consumed, the cartridge 100 is recovered by, for example, a worker and the liquid is refilled into the liquid storage portion 150, thereby being manufactured and reused. When the liquid is refilled into the liquid storage portion 150 of the cartridge 100, at least a portion of the information stored in the memory of the circuit board 120 is also overwritten. The details of the memory will be described below.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a first diagram showing the structure of the circuit board 120 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 FIG2 is a second diagram showing the structure of the circuit substrate 120. The circuit substrate 120 is as shown in FIG2. Figure 4 As shown, the terminal group 290 is provided on the surface 120fa, and as shown Figure 5 As shown, a non-volatile memory 130 is provided on the back side 120fb. Figure 4 As shown, the terminal group 290 includes a memory terminal group 230 and a mounting detection terminal group 210 .

[0032] The memory terminal group 230 is a terminal for the memory 130. The memory terminal group 230 includes a data terminal 235, a clock terminal 232, a power terminal 233, a reset terminal 231, and a ground terminal 234. The data terminal 235 is used to transmit and receive various data between the memory 130 and the printing device 20, such as ink color data and consumption data related to the consumption of the liquid stored in each cartridge 100.

[0033] The mounting detection terminal group 210 includes a first detection terminal 211 , a second detection terminal 212 , a third detection terminal 213 , and a fourth detection terminal 214 . The four detection terminals 211 to 214 are arranged at the four corners of the memory terminal group 230 .

[0034] Each terminal 211, 212, 213, 214, 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 is formed into a roughly rectangular shape and arranged so that a row perpendicular to the first direction FD forms two rows. In other words, the direction of the two rows is parallel to a second direction SD, which is perpendicular to the first direction FD. The direction in which the two rows are aligned is along the first direction FD. The row on the side of the two rows in the first direction FD is referred to as the first row R1, and the row on the opposite side of the first direction FD is referred to as the second row R2. At the center of each terminal 211, 212, 213, 214, 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 is a contact point cp that contacts a device terminal described later.

[0035] The terminals 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , 231 , 232 , 233 , 234 , and 235 of the terminal group 290 are connected to the memory 130 via wiring pattern layers on the front and back surfaces of the circuit board 120 (not shown) or through holes provided in the circuit board 120 .

[0036] Figure 5 The illustrated memory 130 is a NAND-type flash memory. In other embodiments, the memory 130 may also be a NOR-type flash memory, EEPROM, or other similar memory. The memory 130 includes a memory control unit 136 and a storage unit 138 composed of a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell comprising the storage unit 138 is capable of storing 1 bit of data. Furthermore, the memory 130 is capable of communicating data with the device control unit 40 of the printing device 20.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a state in which the cartridge 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 4 of the carriage 30 . Figure 7 4 is a first diagram showing the connection mechanism 400 . Figure 8 This is a second diagram showing the connection mechanism 400 .

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, the carriage 30 includes a mounting portion 4, a print head 5, a liquid inlet portion 6, a connecting mechanism 400, and a sub-control substrate 500. The mounting portion 4 forms a mounting chamber 65 for mounting the cartridge 100. The print head 5 includes a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and ejects ink droplets from each nozzle according to a voltage applied to each piezoelectric element, and forms dots on the printing medium PA. The liquid inlet portion 6 is arranged on the print head 5, and supplies ink from the cartridge 100 to the print head 5. In the present embodiment, six liquid inlet portions 6 are provided corresponding to the number of cartridges 100A to 100D. The connecting mechanism 400 electrically connects the sub-control substrate 500 and the circuit substrate 120 of the cartridge 100. Four connecting mechanisms 400 are provided corresponding to the number of cartridges 100A to 100D. As Figure 8 As shown, the sub-control board 500 includes a relay unit 50 . The relay unit 50 cooperates with the device control unit 40 to execute control related to the cassette 100 .

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, the cartridge 100 is installed in the mounting portion 4 of the printing device 20 by being inserted in the mounting direction MD. In this manner, the cartridge 100 is detachably mounted on the printing device 20. Furthermore, when the cartridge 100 is properly mounted on the printing device 20, the circuit board 120 is electrically connected to the device control unit 40 of the printing device 20 via the connection mechanism 400, the sub-control board 500, and the bus 46.

[0040] like Figure 7 As shown, the connection mechanism 400 includes a terminal holding portion 405 and a plurality of contact forming members 403. The plurality of contact forming members 403 are held on the terminal holding portion 405 and have conductivity and elasticity. The terminal holding portion 405 has a plurality of slits 301. The contact forming members 403 are embedded in the slits 301. In this embodiment, nine contact forming members 403 are provided for each connection mechanism 400, the same number as the number of terminals in the terminal group 290.

[0041] like Figure 8As shown, the contact forming component 403 is a component that electrically connects the terminal group 290 and the substrate terminals 590 of the auxiliary control substrate 500. The substrate terminals 590 are provided for each installation chamber 65. In addition, nine substrate terminals 590 are provided corresponding to the number of terminal groups 290. When nine substrate terminals 590 are used, the symbols "511", "512", "513", "514", "531", "532", "533", "534", and "535" are used to distinguish between them. The portion of the contact forming component 403 that protrudes to the installation chamber 65 side forms the device terminal 490 that contacts the terminal group 290. In addition, the portion of the contact forming component 403 that protrudes to the auxiliary control substrate 500 side forms the relay terminal 439 that contacts the substrate terminal 590. When nine contact forming components 403 are used, "A" to "I" are marked at the end. Furthermore, when distinguishing between the nine device terminals 490, the symbols "411," "412," "413," "414," "431," "432," "433," "434," and "435" are used. Furthermore, when distinguishing between the nine relay terminals 439, the symbols "411a," "412a," "413a," "414a," "431a," "432a," "433a," "434a," and "435a" are used. Furthermore, when distinguishing between the nine substrate terminals 590, the symbols "511," "512," "513," "514," "531," "532," "533," "534," and "535" are used.

[0042] The contact forming member 403A, which includes the device terminal 411 and the relay terminal 411a, electrically connects the first detection terminal 211 and the substrate terminal 511. The contact forming member 403B, which includes the device terminal 412 and the relay terminal 412a, electrically connects the second detection terminal 212 and the substrate terminal 512. The contact forming member 403C, which includes the device terminal 413 and the relay terminal 413a, electrically connects the third detection terminal 213 and the substrate terminal 513. The contact forming member 403D, which includes the device terminal 414 and the relay terminal 414a, electrically connects the fourth detection terminal 214 and the substrate terminal 514. The contact forming member 403E, which includes the device terminal 431 and the relay terminal 431a, electrically connects the reset terminal 231 and the substrate terminal 531. The contact forming member 403F, which includes the device terminal 432 and the relay terminal 432a, electrically connects the clock terminal 232 and the substrate terminal 532. The contact forming member 403G having the device terminal 433 and the relay terminal 433a electrically connects the power terminal 233 and the substrate terminal 533. The contact forming member 403H having the device terminal 434 and the relay terminal 434a electrically connects the ground terminal 234 and the substrate terminal 534. The contact forming member 403I having the device terminal 435 and the relay terminal 435a electrically connects the data terminal 235 and the substrate terminal 535.

[0043] Figure 9 This figure shows the structure of the printing device 20 together with a box 100. Figure 10 It is a diagram for explaining the storage unit 138. Figure 11 A diagram for explaining installation judgment.

[0044] like Figure 9 As shown, the memory 130 of the circuit board 120 includes a memory control unit 136 and a storage unit 138. The memory control unit 136 controls the operation of the memory 130. For example, the memory control unit 136 writes and reads data to and from the storage unit 138 in response to commands sent from the printing device 20.

[0045] like Figure 10 As shown, the storage unit 138 includes a storage area composed of multiple memory cells designated by addresses A0 to An. At least the storage area at addresses A0 to S6 is a rewritable area where new data can be rewritten. This rewritable area is configured so that, in addition to reading data, it can also be rewritten to delete existing data and write new data. In other words, the rewritable area is a read / write area. For example, the memory control unit 136 can pre-designate the address of the rewritable area and the address of the read-only area that can only be read, thereby implementing the setting of the rewritable area and the read-only area.

[0046] The storage areas designated by addresses A0 to A3 store manufacturing information related to the manufacture of the cartridge 100. The area storing the manufacturing information includes a storage area designated by address A0 for storing the number of refills and a storage area designated by address A1 for storing the year, month, and date of manufacture of the cartridge 100. Furthermore, the area storing the manufacturing information includes a storage area designated by address A2 for storing the serial number and a storage area designated by address A3 for storing the type of liquid contained in the cartridge 100.

[0047] The refill count is the number of times the liquid storage portion 150 of the cartridge 100 is refilled with liquid after the liquid stored in the cartridge 100 is consumed. In the storage area at address A0, the refill count is stored with a value indicating zero when the cartridge 100 is first manufactured and is updated by one each time the liquid is refilled. The date of manufacture is the date of initial manufacture of the cartridge 100. In the storage area at address A1, the date of manufacture is stored with a value indicating the initial manufacture date, regardless of whether the liquid storage portion 150 of the cartridge 100 is refilled with liquid. In other embodiments, the date of manufacture may also be the date of initial filling or refilling of the liquid storage portion 150 of the cartridge 100. In other words, the date of manufacture may be updated to a new value each time the liquid storage portion 150 of the cartridge 100 is refilled with liquid in the storage area at address A1. The serial number is an identifier used to identify the cartridge 100. In this embodiment, the serial number in the storage area at address A2 remains the same as the value at the time of initial manufacture, even when the liquid storage section 150 of the cartridge 100 is refilled with liquid. The liquid type is, for example, information indicating the color of the ink. The liquid type in the storage area at address A3 is updated to a value indicating the type of liquid each time the liquid storage section 150 of the cartridge 100 is refilled with liquid.

[0048] The storage area designated by address A4 is where the electronic signature of the manufacturing information is stored. This electronic signature is generated using the manufacturing information stored in the storage areas at addresses A0 to A3 and stored in the storage area at address A4. Specifically, the electronic signature stored at address A4 is the result of encrypting the hash value generated by converting the manufacturing information through a hash function using the private key corresponding to the public key. The electronic signature at address A4 is generated and updated each time the liquid storage portion 150 of the cartridge 100 is filled with liquid using the manufacturing information.

[0049] The storage area designated by address A5 stores the first error detection code for manufacturing information. In this embodiment, the first error detection code is a CRC value, used for cyclic redundancy checking. The first error detection code is generated using the manufacturing information stored in the storage areas at addresses A0 to A3 and is stored in the storage area at address A5.

[0050] The memory area designated by address A6 stores ink consumption data for the cartridge 100. This consumption data is, for example, a value representing the ratio [%] of the amount of ink consumed (mg) relative to the initial filling amount (mg) before consumption. The consumption data at address A6 is updated by sending a command to write the consumption data from the control device 85 of the printer 20 to the memory control unit 136 of the cartridge 100 to be written, each time the printer 20 consumes a predetermined amount of ink from the cartridge 100 through printing or cleaning.

[0051] As described above, the manufacturing information, the electronic signature, the first error detection code, and the consumption data are stored in the rewritable area in the storage area.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, the sub-control substrate 500 includes a reset signal line LRST, a clock signal line LSCK, a power signal line LVDD, a data signal line LSDA, a ground signal line LVSS, a first detection signal line LM1, a second detection signal line LM2, a third detection signal line LM3, and a fourth detection signal line LM4. The reset signal line LRST electrically connects the relay unit 50 to the substrate terminal 531. The clock signal line LSCK electrically connects the relay unit 50 to the substrate terminal 532. The power signal line LVDD electrically connects the relay unit 50 to the substrate terminal 533. The ground signal line LVSS electrically connects the relay unit 50 to the substrate terminal 534. The data signal line LSDA electrically connects the relay unit 50 to the substrate terminal 535. The first detection signal line LM1 to the fourth detection signal line LM4 electrically connect the relay unit 50 to the substrate terminals 511 to 514. The relay unit 50 is composed of a CPU and a storage device, and relays data and power supplied via the bus 46 and the power line and transmits them to the cartridge 100. In other embodiments, the relay unit 50 may have some of the functions of the device control unit 40 described later.

[0053] The printing device 20 includes the aforementioned display unit 72, a power supply 440, and a control device 85. The control device 85 includes a device control unit 40 and a relay unit 50. The power supply 440 includes a first power supply 441 that generates a first power supply voltage VDD and a second power supply 442 that generates a second power supply voltage VHV. The first power supply voltage VDD is a common power supply voltage used in logic circuits and is rated at 3.3V. The second power supply voltage VHV is a higher voltage used to drive the print head 5 to eject ink, and is rated at, for example, 42V. These voltages VDD and VHV are supplied to the sub-control board 500 and, as needed, to other circuit components and other components.

[0054] The device control unit 40 includes a CPU 415 and a device storage unit 420. The CPU 415 controls the operation of the printing device 20 by executing various programs stored in the device storage unit 420. For example, the device control unit 40 controls the operation of the display unit 72 or the operation of the relay unit 50. Furthermore, by executing various programs stored in the device storage unit 420, the CPU 415 functions as a communication control unit 416, a calculation unit 417, a comparison and determination unit 418, and an installation determination unit 419. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the CPU 415 are not limited to software and may also be implemented as hardware such as circuits.

[0055] The communication control unit 416 exchanges data with the memory control unit 136 of the memory 130 via the bus 46 and the data signal line LSDA. For example, the communication control unit 416 exchanges data with the memory control unit 136 by sending a read command to read data from the memory 130 to the target memory control unit 136, or sending a write command to write data to the target memory 130 to the target memory control unit 136.

[0056] The calculation unit 417 calculates the second error detection code based on the manufacturing information of the memory 130 obtained from the memory 130 via the communication control unit 416. The second error detection code is a value generated using the same error detection method, that is, the same algorithm, as the first error detection code. In this embodiment, it is a CRC value used for a cyclic redundancy check.

[0057] Comparison and determination unit 418 compares the first error detection code stored at address A5 of memory 130 with the second error detection code calculated by calculation unit 417. Furthermore, comparison and determination unit 418 verifies the electronic signature stored at address A4 of memory 130. Specifically, comparison and determination unit 418 obtains the manufacturing information and electronic signature stored at addresses A0 to A4 of memory 130 via communication control unit 416. Based on the obtained manufacturing information, comparison and determination unit 418 generates a first hash value using a hash function. This hash function is the same as the hash function used for the electronic signature stored at address A4 of memory 130. Furthermore, comparison and determination unit 418 uses the public key to decrypt the obtained electronic signature, thereby obtaining a second hash value. Comparison and determination unit 418 then verifies the electronic signature by comparing the first and second hash values. If the first and second hash values ​​match, verification of the electronic signature is determined to be successful. Furthermore, when the first error detection code and the second error detection code match, the comparison and determination unit 418 performs the above-described verification of the electronic signature.

[0058] Furthermore, the comparison and determination unit 418 performs processing according to the comparison result of the first error detection code and the second error detection code and the verification result of the electronic signature, which will be described in detail below.

[0059] The installation judgment unit 419 judges whether the cartridge 100 is installed on the installation unit 4. The first detection terminal 211 to the fourth detection terminal 214 of the circuit substrate 120 are electrically connected to the installation judgment unit 419 via the corresponding connection mechanism 400 and the substrate terminals 511 to 514. Figure 11 As shown, the first to fourth detection terminals 211 to 214 of the circuit board 120 are grounded. The electrical wiring connecting the board terminals 511 to 514 and the mounting determination unit 419 is connected to the first power supply voltage VDD rated at 3.3V via pull-up resistors.

[0060] exist Figure 11In the example shown, the first to third detection terminals 211 to 213 of the first to fourth detection terminals 211 to 214 of the circuit substrate 120 are in good contact with their corresponding substrate terminals 511 to 513. On the other hand, the fourth detection terminal 214 is in poor contact with its corresponding device terminal 414. The voltages of the wirings of the three device terminals 411, 412, and 413 that are in good contact are low, while the voltage of the wiring of the device terminal 414 that is in poor contact is high. Therefore, the installation determination unit 419 can determine whether the contact state is good for each of the four detection terminals 211, 212, 213, and 214 by checking the voltage levels of each wiring. In this embodiment, the installation determination unit 419 determines that the cartridge 100 is correctly installed if the voltage levels of the wirings of the four device terminals 411 to 414 are low, and determines that the cartridge 100 is not correctly installed if the voltage levels of the wirings of the four device terminals 411 to 414 are low.

[0061] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing the cartridge 100 determination process performed by the printing device 20. The determination process can be executed at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be, for example, a first timing when the power of the printing device 20 is turned on, or a second timing when the installation determination unit 419 determines that at least one of the four cartridges 100 has been reinstalled in the installation unit 4. Furthermore, the determination process is executed for each of the cartridges 100A to 100D installed in the installation unit 4. Furthermore, at the second timing, the determination process may be executed only for the reinstalled cartridge 100.

[0062] In the determination process, first, in step S10, the calculation unit 417 calculates the second error detection code based on the manufacturing information of the memory 130 obtained from the memory 130. Next, in step S20, the comparison and determination unit 418 compares the first error detection code and the second error detection code and determines whether the first error detection code and the second error detection code match. The first error detection code is obtained from the memory 130 via the communication control unit 416 in step S20 or in the process before step S20.

[0063] If the comparison and determination unit 418 determines in step S20 that the first error detection code and the second error detection code do not match in the first case, it executes a first process associated with the first case in step S70. The first process is, for example, a process associated with a situation where data stored in the memory 130, specifically, manufacturing information, is damaged. The first process includes a first output process that causes the display unit 72 to display first information associated with the first case. Specifically, the first output process displays on the display unit 72 of the printing device 20 a first message indicating that data in the memory 130 of the target cartridge 100 is damaged or that the target cartridge 100 cannot be recognized by the printing device 20 due to the data damage. The first output process can prompt the user to replace the cartridge 100 installed in the installation unit 4 with a cartridge 100 whose data in the memory 130 is not damaged. Furthermore, the comparison and determination unit 418 may perform other processes in addition to or instead of the first output process as the first process. Another example of the processing is a process of prohibiting the use of some functions of the printing device 20 , such as the monochrome printing function, the color printing function, or the high-quality printing function.

[0064] If the comparison and judgment unit 418 determines in step S20 that the first error detection code and the second error detection code match, the electronic signature is verified in step S30. If the first hash value and the second hash value match in step S30, that is, if the electronic signature verification is successful, the comparison and judgment unit 418 performs a second process associated with the second condition in step S50. The second process is associated with the fact that manufacturing information, such as the number of refills, has been written to the memory 130 by the intended manufacturer. The second process includes a second output process that causes the display unit 72 to display second information associated with the second condition. The second information is different from the first information. Specifically, the second output process displays on the display unit 72 of the printing device 20 as second information that the electronic signature verification for the target cartridge 100 is successful, that the printing operation can be performed, and that the cartridge 100 is correctly installed in the installation unit 4. This second output process allows the user to recognize that printing can be performed using the cartridge 100 installed in the installation unit 4. Furthermore, as the second process, the comparison and determination unit 418 may perform another process in addition to or instead of the second output process. For example, the other process may be a process that accepts a user instruction and executes printing without restricting the functions of the printing device 20.

[0065] If the first hash value and the second hash value do not match in step S30, that is, in the third case where electronic signature verification has failed, the comparison and judgment unit 418 executes a third process associated with the third case in step S60. The third process is associated with the fact that manufacturing information such as the number of refills has been written to the memory 130 by an unintended manufacturer. The third process includes a third output process that causes the display unit 72 to display third information associated with the third case. The third information is different from the first and second information. Specifically, the third output process displays the third information on the display unit 72 of the printing device 20, indicating that electronic signature verification has failed for the cartridge 100 and that the cartridge 100 was manufactured by an unintended manufacturer. The third output process allows the user to recognize that the cartridge 100 is not genuine. Furthermore, the comparison and judgment unit 418 may perform other processes in addition to or instead of the third output process as the third process. For example, the other process may be a process that prohibits the printing operation of the printing device 20.

[0066] According to the above embodiment, since Figure 10 As shown, the memory 130 stores the first error detection code and the electronic signature. Therefore, the printing device 20 can use the first error detection code to determine whether the data stored in the memory 130, that is, the manufacturing information, has been damaged. Therefore, by using the first error detection code to determine whether the data in the memory 130 has been damaged before verifying the electronic signature, the possibility of the printing device 20 determining that the product is not authentic based on the electronic signature verification result due to data damage can be reduced. Specifically, as Figure 12 As shown, before performing electronic signature verification, the printing device 20 determines whether the first error detection code and the second error detection code match in step S20. If they match, the electronic signature verification is performed in step S30. Thus, since electronic signature verification is performed in step S20 when the data stored in the memory 130, i.e., the manufacturing information, is intact, the possibility of data corruption causing the printing device 20 to determine that the product in the memory 130 is not authentic based on the electronic signature verification result, can be reduced.

[0067] In addition, according to the above embodiment, if Figure 12As in steps S50, S60, and S70 of FIG. , the control device 85 can execute the first process, the second process, and the third process associated with each of the first, second, and third cases. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, in the first, second, and third cases, by causing the display unit 72 to display information associated with each case, the user can be informed of the processing results of the comparison and judgment unit 418. In particular, in the first case where the first error detection code and the second error detection code do not match, the printing system 1000 notifies the user of, for example, the occurrence of data corruption, and in the third case where the verification of the electronic signature fails, the user is notified of, for example, the occurrence of the verification of the electronic signature. Thus, the user can easily understand whether the error related to the cartridge 100 that has occurred in the printing system 1000 is due to data corruption in the memory 130 or due to a failure in verification of the electronic signature.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, Figure 10 The manufacturing information, electronic signature, and first error detection code shown are stored in the write-delete area of ​​the storage unit 138. Thus, when the cartridge 100 is refilled with liquid, the storage area at the same address of the memory 130 can be easily reused to update the information stored in the memory 130.

[0069] B. Other implementation methods:

[0070] B-1. Other embodiments 1:

[0071] Although in the above embodiment Figure 10 The manufacturing information shown is the number of refills, manufacturing date, serial number, and liquid type, but other information related to the manufacture of the cartridge 100 may also be included as long as the number of refills is included. For example, the manufacturing information may include a value indicating the amount of liquid filled.

[0072] B-2. Other embodiments 2:

[0073] Although in the above embodiment, the rewritable area and the read-only area in the storage unit 138 of the memory 130 are set by pre-specifying the address of the storage unit 138, it is also possible to use rewritable memories such as EEPROM and non-rewritable memories such as mask ROM to separately use each area.

[0074] B-3. ​​Other embodiments 3:

[0075] In the above embodiment, the first to third information are displayed on the display unit 72 of the printing device 20 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first to third information may be displayed on the display unit of the computer 90 of the printing system 1000 .

[0076] B-4. Other embodiments 4:

[0077] The present disclosure is not limited to inkjet printers and cartridges thereof, but is also applicable to cartridges mounted on any printing device that ejects liquids other than ink. For example, the present disclosure is applicable to the following various printing devices and cartridges thereof.

[0078] (1) Image recording devices such as facsimile devices;

[0079] (2) A printing device for spraying color materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays;

[0080] (3) Printing devices for spraying electrode materials used in forming electrodes for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FEDs), etc.

[0081] (4) a printing device for ejecting liquids including biological organic matter used in biochip manufacturing;

[0082] (5) A sample printing device as a precision pipette;

[0083] (6) Lubricating oil printing device;

[0084] (7) a printing device for resin liquid;

[0085] (8) A printing device that uses a needle to spray lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as clocks and cameras;

[0086] (9) A printing device for spraying a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curing resin onto a substrate in order to form a microscopic hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in optical communication elements, etc.;

[0087] (10) A printing device that ejects an acidic or alkaline etching solution for etching a substrate or the like;

[0088] (11) A printing device having a liquid ejecting head for ejecting other arbitrary minute amounts of liquid droplets.

[0089] Furthermore, "droplets" refers to the state of liquid ejected from a printing device, including granular, tear-like, and thread-like tails. Furthermore, the term "liquid" as used herein refers to any material that can be ejected from a printing device. For example, "liquid" refers to any material in its liquid phase. Liquid materials with high or low viscosity, as well as liquid materials such as sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals are also included in the term. Furthermore, "liquids" encompass not only liquids as a state of matter but also materials composed of functional material particles, such as solids like pigments and metal particles, dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals, as described in the above embodiments. Inks include general water-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks.

[0090] C. Other methods:

[0091] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its main purpose. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-mentioned problems, or to achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various modes described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical features are not described as essential features in this specification, they can be appropriately deleted.

[0092] (1) According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a memory installed in a box is provided. The memory stores the following contents, namely: manufacturing information, which at least includes the number of times the liquid contained in the box is refilled into the box after the liquid is consumed, i.e., the number of refills; an electronic signature of the manufacturing information; and a first error detection code of the manufacturing information. According to the above embodiment, since the memory stores the first error detection code and the electronic signature, it is possible to use the first error detection code to determine whether damage has occurred in the data stored in the memory, i.e., the manufacturing information, by using the first error detection code to determine whether data damage has occurred in the memory before implementing the verification of the electronic signature, it is possible to reduce the possibility that due to data damage, the printing device will determine that the product is not authentic based on the verification result of the electronic signature regardless of whether it is authentic.

[0093] (2) In the above embodiment, the device may further include a rewritable area capable of being rewritten with new data, wherein the manufacturing information, the electronic signature, and the first error detection code are stored in the rewritable area. According to the above embodiment, the memory can be easily reused when the cartridge containing the memory is refilled with liquid.

[0094] (3) According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes: a liquid storage portion for storing liquid; a liquid supply portion for supplying the liquid to the liquid storage portion; a memory for storing the following: manufacturing information, which includes at least the number of times the liquid stored in the cartridge is consumed, i.e., the number of times the liquid is refilled into the cartridge; an electronic signature for the manufacturing information; and a first error detection code for the manufacturing information. According to the above aspect, since the memory stores the first error detection code and the electronic signature, it is possible to determine whether the data stored in the memory, i.e., the manufacturing information, is damaged by using the first error detection code. Thus, by using the first error detection code to determine whether data damage has occurred in the memory before implementing verification of the electronic signature, it is possible to reduce the possibility that, due to data damage, the printing device will determine that the product is not authentic based on the verification result of the electronic signature, regardless of whether it is authentic.

[0095] (4) In the above embodiment, the memory may further include a write-erase area capable of writing and erasing data, and the manufacturing information, the electronic signature, and the first error detection code may be stored in the write-erase area. According to the above embodiment, the memory can be easily reused when the cartridge is refilled with liquid.

[0096] (5) According to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, a printing system is provided. The printing system comprises: a box of the above embodiment and a control device, wherein the control device comprises: a calculation unit that calculates a second error detection code based on the manufacturing information of the memory; a comparison judgment unit that compares the first error detection code of the memory with the calculated second error detection code, and the comparison judgment unit verifies the electronic signature of the memory when the first error detection code and the second error detection code are consistent. According to the above embodiment, when the first error detection code and the second error detection code are consistent, that is, when the manufacturing information as data stored in the memory is not damaged, the electronic signature verification is performed, thereby reducing the possibility that the printing device will judge the product as non-authentic based on the verification result of the electronic signature regardless of whether the product is authentic due to data damage.

[0097] (6) In the above embodiment, the comparison and determination unit may be configured to execute a first process associated with the first case in a first case where the first error detection code and the second error detection code do not match, execute a second process associated with the second case in a second case where the verification of the electronic signature succeeds, and execute a third process associated with the third case in a third case where the verification of the electronic signature fails. According to the above embodiment, it is possible to execute a process associated with each of the first, second, and third cases.

[0098] (7) In the above embodiment, the printing system may further include a display unit, the first processing includes a first output processing for causing the display unit to display first information associated with the first situation, the second processing includes a second output processing for causing the display unit to display second information associated with the second situation and different from the first information, and the third processing includes a third output processing for causing the display unit to display third information associated with the third situation and different from the first information and the second information. According to the above embodiment, in the first, second, and third situations, by causing the display unit to display information associated with each situation, the user can be informed of the processing results of the comparison and judgment unit.

[0099] In addition to the above-described aspects, the present disclosure can also be implemented in aspects such as a method for manufacturing a memory and a method for controlling a printing system.

[0100] Explanation of symbols

[0101] 4…mounting unit; 5…printing head; 6…liquid introduction unit; 20…printing device; 22…paper feed motor; 26…imprint cylinder; 30…slide; 32…slide motor; 34…slide shaft; 36…drive belt; 38…pulley; 40…device control unit; 46…bus; 50…relay unit; 65…mounting chamber; 70…operation unit; 72…display unit; 80…connector; 85…control unit; 90…computer; 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D…cassette; 101…main body; 101wb…bottom wall; 101wf…front wall; 1 04…Liquid supply unit; 104f…Thin film; 104op…Opening; 120…Circuit board; 120fa…Surface; 120fb…Inside; 130…Memory; 136…Memory control unit; 138…Storage unit; 150…Liquid storage unit; 210…Installation detection terminal group; 211…First detection terminal; 212…Second detection terminal; 213…Third detection terminal; 214…Fourth detection terminal; 230…Memory terminal group; 231…Reset terminal; 232…Clock terminal; 233…Power supply terminal; 234…Ground terminal; 2 35…Data terminal; 290…Terminal group; 301…Slit; 400…Connecting mechanism; 403, 403A to 403I…Contact forming member; 405…Terminal holding portion; 411 to 414, 431 to 453, 490…Device terminals; 411a to 414a, 431a to 435a…Relay terminals; 415…CPU; 416…Communication control unit; 417…Calculation unit; 418…Comparison and determination unit; 419…Installation determination unit; 420…Device storage unit; 440…Power supply; 441…First power supply; 442…Second power supply; 500…sub-control substrate; 511 to 514, 531 to 535, 590…substrate terminals; 1000…printing system; FD…first direction; LM1…first detection signal line; LM2…second detection signal line; LM3…third detection signal line; LM4…fourth detection signal line; LRST…reset signal line; LSCK…clock signal line; LSDA…data signal line; LVDD…power signal line; LVSS…ground signal line; MD…installation direction; PA…printing medium; R1…first column; R2…second column; SD…second direction.

Claims

1. A memory device provided in a box and storing the following contents: Manufacturing information including at least the number of times the liquid contained in the cartridge is refilled with the liquid after the cartridge is consumed, i.e., the number of refills; an electronic signature of the manufacturing information; The first error detection code of the manufacturing information is generated using the manufacturing information.

2. The memory according to claim 1, wherein It also includes a rewritable area, which can be rewritten with new data. The manufacturing information, the electronic signature, and the first error detection code are stored in the rewritable area.

3. A box comprising: A liquid receiving portion, which is used to receive liquid; a liquid supply portion that supplies the liquid to the liquid receiving portion; Memory, The memory stores the following contents, namely: Manufacturing information including at least the number of times the liquid contained in the cartridge is refilled with the liquid after the liquid is consumed, i.e., the number of refills; an electronic signature of the manufacturing information; The first error detection code of the manufacturing information is generated using the manufacturing information.

4. The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein The memory further includes a write-delete area, which can implement writing and deleting of data. The manufacturing information, the electronic signature, and the first error detection code are stored in the write-erase area.

5. A printing system comprising: The box according to claim 3 or claim 4; control device, The control device has: a calculation unit configured to calculate a second error detection code based on the manufacturing information of the memory; a comparison judgment unit that compares the first error detection code of the memory with the calculated second error detection code, The comparison and determination unit verifies the electronic signature of the memory when the first error detection code and the second error detection code match.

6. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein: The comparison and determination unit executes a first process associated with a first situation when the first error detection code and the second error detection code do not match. In a second case where the verification of the electronic signature is successful, performing a second process associated with the second case, In a third case where verification of the electronic signature fails, a third process associated with the third case is performed.

7. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein: It also has a display unit, The first process includes a first output process of causing the display unit to display first information associated with the first situation. The second processing includes a second output processing that causes the display unit to display second information that is associated with the second situation and is different from the first information. The third process includes a third output process of causing the display unit to display third information that is associated with the third situation and is different from the first information and the second information.

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