Control method, control device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a control method, a control device, a process cartridge and an image forming device. After the engine control unit of the image forming device is successfully started, the engine control unit determines whether a replacement event of at least one process cartridge occurs, and controls the image forming device to perform a preset image forming preparation operation according to whether the replacement event of the at least one process cartridge occurs. Since the start time required by the engine control unit is short, the engine control unit can perform the preparation operation faster after being started. Therefore, the time interval between the power-on of the image forming device and the subsequent printing process can be reduced. When the user uses the image forming device, the user can obtain the image printed by the image forming device faster after the power-on of the image forming device, and the use experience of the image forming device is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming equipment technology, and in particular to a control method, control device, processing box, and image forming equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Image forming apparatuses typically include a data control unit and an engine control unit. The data control unit is specifically used to perform linear correction, noise reduction, bad pixel removal, and detail enhancement on image data to improve the quality of the output image. It also performs data transmission and reception, and command transmission and reception, for example, by sending and receiving data through interface units (including but not limited to USB ports, wired network ports, wireless network ports, or other interfaces). The engine control unit is specifically used to control the image forming engine-related processing operations, such as controlling the image forming unit within the apparatus to perform imaging operations like charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing. The data control unit requires more programs to start up, while the engine control unit requires fewer. Generally, the data control unit takes longer to start up than the engine control unit. In existing technology, when an image forming apparatus is powered on, both the data control unit and the engine control unit receive power simultaneously and start up separately. Subsequently, once both the data control unit and the engine control unit have started up, the image forming operation is performed based on the received image forming data. Since the data control unit requires more programs to run to start up, while the engine control unit requires fewer programs to run to start up, the time required for the data control unit to start up is usually longer than that required for the engine control unit to start up. However, the inventors have found that when the data control unit takes a long time to start up, the first page output time of the image forming device will also be longer, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0003] There is an urgent need for a solution to shorten the first-page output time of image forming devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a control method, control device, processing box chip, processing box, and image forming apparatus to overcome the problem in the prior art where the data control unit of the image forming apparatus has a long startup time after power-on, resulting in a long first page output time.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a control method applied to a processing box chip. At least one processing box is installed on an image forming device, and the processing box chip is installed on one of the at least one processing box. The image forming device includes a data control unit and an engine control unit, both of which can communicate with the processing box chip. The control method includes: sending response information to the engine control unit after the engine control unit has started but before the data control unit has started; the response information is used to determine whether a replacement event has occurred with the at least one processing box; and the determination result of whether a replacement event has occurred with the at least one processing box is used to determine whether a preset image forming preparation operation should be performed before the data control unit has started.

[0006] A second aspect of this application provides a processing cartridge chip, installed in a processing cartridge within an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes at least one processing cartridge and a data control unit and an engine control unit. The processing cartridge chip can communicate with both the data control unit and the engine control unit, respectively. The chip includes: a communication interface through which the processing cartridge chip communicates with both the data control unit and the engine control unit when the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus; and a control unit for sending response information to the engine control unit after the engine control unit has started but before the data control unit has started. This response information is used to determine whether a replacement event has occurred with the at least one processing cartridge. The determination result of whether a replacement event has occurred with the at least one processing cartridge is used to determine whether a preset image forming preparation operation should be performed before the data control unit has started.

[0007] A third aspect of this application provides a processing cartridge, comprising: a housing; a developer container located within the housing for containing developer; and a processing cartridge chip as described in the above embodiments of this application.

[0008] A fourth aspect of this application provides a processing cartridge, comprising: a photosensitive drum; a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum; and a processing cartridge chip as described in the above embodiments of this application.

[0009] In summary, the control method, control device, processing box chip, processing box, and image forming apparatus provided in this embodiment allow the image forming apparatus's engine control unit to determine whether at least one processing box has been replaced after successful startup, and to control the image forming apparatus to perform a preset image forming preparation operation based on whether at least one processing box has been replaced. Because the engine control unit requires a short startup time, it can perform preparation operations more quickly after startup. This reduces the time interval between powering on the image forming apparatus and performing subsequent printing processes (e.g., the first page printing process). For example, the image forming apparatus can perform the first page printing process as quickly as possible, shortening the first page output time. When a user uses the image forming apparatus, they can obtain the printed image more quickly after the apparatus is powered on, thereby improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in this application;

[0012] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a control method provided in this application;

[0013] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the control method provided in this application;

[0014] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method provided in this application;

[0015] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method provided in this application;

[0016] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the electronic device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This application relates to image forming apparatus, which refers to various devices used to perform image forming operations. The image forming operation can be at least one of operations such as generating, printing, copying, and scanning. The image forming apparatus can also be used to receive and transmit image data.

[0018] For example, the image forming device may be an inkjet printer, a laser printer, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) printer, a copier, a scanner, or a multifunction fax machine, as well as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) that performs the above functions in a single device.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in this application. Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 10 shown includes: a data control unit 101, an engine control unit 102, and at least one processing box.

[0020] The processing cartridge 100 can be a toner cartridge, ink cartridge, toner box, laser toner cartridge, organic photoconductor (OPC), imaging assembly, etc. One possible implementation is that the processing cartridge 100 has a split structure, including a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge that are detachable from each other. The drum cartridge includes an organic photoconductor and a charging roller, while the developing cartridge includes a developer container, a developing component, and a developer delivery element. Another possible implementation is that the processing cartridge 100 has a one-piece structure, for example, the processing cartridge 100 includes a developer container, a developing component, a developer delivery element, an organic photoconductor, a charging roller, etc. Further, the processing cartridge 100 may also include only a housing and a developer container. Additionally, the processing cartridge 100 may also be the aforementioned developing cartridge or drum cartridge. In one possible implementation, the processing cartridge 100 may also include a toner cartridge and / or an imaging assembly. The toner cartridge is used to deliver toner to the imaging assembly when the toner in the imaging assembly is insufficient, so that the image forming apparatus can form an image based on the toner delivered by the imaging assembly. When the processing cartridge 100 is a toner cartridge, it may only include a housing and a developer container, or it may include a housing, a developer container, and a developer delivery element; this application does not limit this. When the processing cartridge 100 is an imaging assembly, it may include a housing, a developer container, a developer delivery unit, a charging roller, a photosensitive drum, etc. A developer transfer channel is provided between the developer container and the imaging assembly; this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0021] Each processing box 100 is also equipped with a processing box chip, used to store consumable attribute information such as the processing box serial number and capacity, and consumable consumption information such as the remaining amount of consumables. Figure 1In the example shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes N processing cartridges, denoted as processing cartridge 100A, processing cartridge 100B...processing cartridge 100N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is a laser printer, it can be a monochrome printer with one detachably mounted black developer processing cartridge 100, or a color printer with four detachably mounted processing cartridges 100, where the four processing cartridges 100 are respectively used to provide the image forming apparatus 10 with developers of four colors: black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).

[0022] In one embodiment, the engine control unit 102 and the data control unit 101 can be two functional units of two systems running on a dual-system-on-a-chip (SoC). The SoC is a miniature system that can be composed of components from at least two systems.

[0023] The data control unit 101 is specifically used to perform linear correction, noise reduction, bad pixel removal, and detail enhancement on the image data of the image forming apparatus 10, thereby improving the quality of the image formed by the image forming apparatus 10. The data control unit 101 is also used to perform data transmission and reception, command transmission and reception, for example, by transmitting and receiving data through an interface unit (including but not limited to a USB port, wired network port, wireless network port, or other interfaces). The data control unit 101 can be used to communicate with the processing box chip of each processing box 100. This application embodiment does not limit the connection method and communication method between the data control unit 101 and the processing box chip of each processing box 100. In one embodiment, the data control unit 101 runs on a Linux operating system.

[0024] The engine control unit 102 is specifically used to control the engine control-related processing operations of the image forming apparatus 10, such as controlling the image forming unit inside the image forming apparatus 10 to perform imaging operations such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing. The engine control unit 102 can be used to communicate with the processing cartridge chip of each processing cartridge 100. This application embodiment does not limit the connection method and communication method between the engine control unit 102 and the processing cartridge chip of each processing cartridge 100. In one embodiment, the engine control unit 102 runs on a real-time operating system (RTOS), such as FreeRTOS.

[0025] Because the data control unit 101 requires more programs to run upon startup, while the engine control unit 102 requires fewer programs, the startup time for the data control unit 101 is typically longer than that for the engine control unit 102. For example, the startup time for the engine control unit 102 is 3 seconds, while the startup time for the data control unit 101 is 20 seconds.

[0026] When the image forming apparatus 10 is powered on, the data control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 are powered on simultaneously and started separately. Because the data control unit 101 requires a long startup time, the image forming apparatus 10 needs to wait a considerable amount of time after power-on before the data control unit 101 can control the engine control unit 102 to perform the relevant preparation processes. This delays the start time of the subsequent printing processes of the image forming apparatus 10, affecting the user experience of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0027] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a control method, control device, processing chip, processing box, and image forming apparatus 10. After successful startup, the engine control unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 performs relevant preparation steps. Since the startup time required for the engine control unit 102 is short, the preparation steps can begin more quickly, thereby reducing the time interval between powering on the image forming apparatus 10 and performing subsequent printing steps (e.g., the first page printing step), thus improving the user experience of the image forming apparatus 10. The technical solutions of this application will be described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a control method provided in this application is shown below. Figure 2 The method shown can be applied to, for example Figure 1 In the image forming apparatus 10 shown, execution is performed by the engine control unit 102 and the processing cartridge chip of the processing cartridge 100. Specifically, as... Figure 2 The control methods shown include:

[0030] S100: Image forming apparatus 10 is powered on and started.

[0031] In one embodiment, after the image forming apparatus 10 is powered on, the data control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 are powered on and start up respectively.

[0032] In one embodiment, starting the engine control unit 102 includes powering on, checking for faults in the internal hardware and components, determining component configuration information, and initializing internal data.

[0033] S101: Engine control unit 102 has started.

[0034] Understandably, the engine control unit 102 takes less time to start up than the data control unit 101. Therefore, the engine control unit 102 starts up earlier than the data control unit 101.

[0035] S102: After the engine control unit 102 completes startup in S101 and before the data control unit 101 completes startup in S201, the engine control unit 102 determines whether at least one processing box 100 has experienced a replacement event.

[0036] In one embodiment, once the engine control unit 102 has started, step S102, which determines whether at least one processing box 100 has experienced a replacement event, can be executed.

[0037] In one embodiment, the number of processing boxes 100 may be one, in which case the engine control unit 102 determines whether a replacement event has occurred for that one processing box 100. The number of processing boxes 100 may be multiple, in which case the engine control unit 102 determines whether at least one of the multiple processing boxes 100 has experienced a replacement event.

[0038] In one embodiment, a replacement event for processing box 100 can be a replacement of the processing box 100 in the image forming apparatus 10 where it was previously installed. A replacement event can be determined when the replaced processing box 100 in the image forming apparatus 10 is different from the original processing box 100. For example, processing boxes 100A, 100B, 100C, and 100D installed on the image forming apparatus 10 correspond to processing boxes a, b, c, and d, respectively. If a user of the image forming apparatus 10 removes processing box a and then installs processing box e, making processing box 100A correspond to processing box e, the image forming apparatus 10 can determine that a replacement event has occurred for processing box 100 because the processing box e corresponding to processing box 100A is different from the original processing box a.

[0039] In other embodiments, the replacement event of the processing cartridge 100 may also be the first time the processing cartridge 100 is installed on the image forming apparatus 10 that has never had the processing cartridge 100 installed before. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 first installs the processing cartridge 100, it can be determined that a replacement event of the processing cartridge 100 has occurred.

[0040] In some embodiments, if a user of the image forming apparatus 10 removes a processing cartridge 100 from the image forming apparatus 10 and then reinstalls the same processing cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 can determine that no replacement event has occurred with the processing cartridge 100. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the image forming apparatus 10 can also determine that a replacement event has occurred with the processing cartridge 100.

[0041] In one embodiment, if a replacement event occurs in the preprocessing box 100 before the image forming apparatus 10 is powered on, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether a replacement event has occurred in the processing box 100 after power-on.

[0042] Furthermore, when the processing cartridge 100 installed in the image forming apparatus 10 includes the aforementioned drum cartridge and developing cartridge, and both the drum cartridge and developing cartridge are respectively equipped with processing cartridge chips, then if the aforementioned replacement event occurs in either the drum cartridge or the developing cartridge in the processing cartridge 100, it can be determined that a replacement event has occurred in the processing cartridge 100.

[0043] S103: Before the data control unit 101 is started, the engine control unit 102 further controls the image forming device 10 to perform a preset image forming preparation operation based on whether at least one processing box replacement event has occurred, as obtained in S102.

[0044] In one embodiment, the engine control unit 102 controls the image forming device 10 to perform a preset image forming preparation operation differently when at least one processing box 100 is replaced and when at least one processing box 100 is not replaced.

[0045] In summary, in the control method provided in this embodiment, after successful startup, the engine control unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether at least one processing cartridge 100 has undergone a replacement event, and controls the image forming apparatus 10 to perform a preset image forming preparation operation based on whether at least one processing cartridge 100 has undergone a replacement event. Since the startup time required for the engine control unit 102 is short, it can perform the preparation operation more quickly after startup. This reduces the time interval between powering on the image forming apparatus 10 and performing subsequent printing processes; for example, the image forming apparatus can perform the first page printing process as quickly as possible, shortening the first page output time. When a user uses the image forming apparatus 10, they can obtain the printed image from the image forming apparatus 10 more quickly after it is powered on, thereby improving the user experience of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] In one embodiment, Figure 3A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the control method provided in this application is shown below. Figure 3 This illustrates a specific implementation of step S102 in Embodiment 1, where the engine control unit 102 determines whether a replacement event has occurred in at least one processing box 100. For example... Figure 3 The control methods shown include:

[0048] S1021: The engine control unit 102 acquires response information sent by the processing chip of each processing box 100 in at least one processing box 100. The response information is used to indicate whether a replacement event has occurred in the processing box 100.

[0049] In one embodiment, the response information sent by the processing chip of each processing box 100 includes binding information. In this embodiment, the binding information represents the binding relationship between the processing box 100 installed on the image forming apparatus 10 and the image forming apparatus 10. For example, in one specific implementation, when the image forming apparatus 10 is the aforementioned monochrome printer, the number of processing boxes 100 installed is one, and a one-to-one binding relationship is formed between the processing box 100 and the image forming apparatus 10. For example, in another specific implementation, when the image forming apparatus 10 is the aforementioned color printer, the number of processing boxes 100 installed is at least two, and a many-to-one binding relationship is formed between the processing box 100 and the image forming apparatus 10. For example, in one specific implementation, the binding information can be 8 bytes in length.

[0050] In one embodiment, the bond information may be a random number generated by the engine control unit 12 of the image forming device 10 according to a random number generation method when the image forming device 10 is bound to the processing box 100, and stored in the processing box chip of the processing box 100.

[0051] S1022: The engine control unit 102 determines whether a replacement event has occurred in at least one processing box based on the response information sent by the processing box chip of each processing box 100 in at least one processing box 100.

[0052] Based on the response information sent by the processing chip of each processing box 100 in at least one processing box 100 obtained in S1021, the engine control unit 102 determines whether a replacement event has occurred in at least one processing box 100.

[0053] In one embodiment, the engine control unit 102 determines the entanglement information of at least one processing box 100 based on response information sent by the processing box chips of each processing box 100 in at least one processing box 100. Based on the entanglement information of the at least one processing box 100, it determines whether a replacement event has occurred in the at least one processing box 100.

[0054] The specific implementation of S1021 and S1022 in Embodiment 2 will be described below using specific embodiments.

[0055] Example 3

[0056] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method provided in this application. Figure 4 This illustrates a specific implementation of step S1021 in Embodiment 2, where the engine control unit 102 acquires response information sent by the processing box chip of at least one processing box 100. For example... Figure 4 The control methods shown include:

[0057] S10211: The engine control unit 102 sends a bond information acquisition instruction to the processing chip of each of the at least one processing box 100.

[0058] In one embodiment, the entanglement information acquisition instruction also includes verification information corresponding to the engine control unit 102. For example, in a specific implementation, the verification information may be 8 bytes of characters, etc.

[0059] S10212: The processing chip of the processing box 100 verifies the engine control unit 102 based on the received bond information acquisition instruction. Specifically, the processing chip of the processing box 100 determines whether the bond information acquisition instruction meets expectations.

[0060] In one embodiment, the processing chip of the processing box 100 specifically verifies the engine control unit 102 based on the verification information obtained from the instruction according to the bond information. Then, based on the result of the verification of the engine control unit 102, it sends response information to the engine control unit.

[0061] S10213: Specifically, when the processing chip of the processing box 100 successfully verifies the engine control unit 102, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including affinity information to the engine control unit 102. The response information includes affinity information corresponding to the processing box 100.

[0062] In one embodiment, the engine control unit 102 can send a bond information acquisition instruction to the processing chip of each of at least one processing box 100, and receive response information sent by the processing chip of each of at least one processing box 100.

[0063] S10214: When the processing box chip of the processing box 100 fails to verify the engine control unit 102, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 sends a response message including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0064] Example 4

[0065] Embodiment 4 of this application provides multiple ways for the engine control unit 102 to determine whether at least one processing box 100 has been replaced. This can be used as a specific implementation of step S1022 in Embodiment 2, where the engine control unit 102 determines whether at least one processing box has been replaced based on the response information of each processing box 100 in at least one processing box 100.

[0066] The first determination method is as follows: the engine control unit 102 determines whether the response information received from at least one processing box 100 is valid. When the response information from at least one processing box 100 is invalid, it is determined that at least one processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event.

[0067] For example, when the engine control unit 102 determines that the response information of the processing box 100 contains more than three "0" characters or more than three "F" characters, it determines that the response information is illegal and determines that a replacement event of the processing box 100 has occurred.

[0068] In one embodiment, the response information is verified by the following second, third, or fourth method to determine whether a replacement event has occurred in the processing box 100.

[0069] The second determination method is as follows: When the image forming apparatus 10 includes a processing box 100, the engine control unit 102 compares the response information sent by the processing box chip of the processing box 100 with the affinity comparison information to obtain a comparison result. The affinity comparison information can be pre-stored in the engine control unit 102. When the comparison result is "same," it is determined that a processing box 100 has not undergone a replacement event. When the comparison result is different, it is determined that a processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event. In some embodiments, the engine control unit 102 may also first determine whether the response information replied by the processing box chip of the processing box 100 is valid. If the response information replied by the processing box chip of the processing box 100 is valid, the engine control unit 102 then compares the response information replied by the processing box 100 with the affinity comparison information, thereby determining whether a processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event based on the comparison result.

[0070] The third determination method is as follows: When the image forming apparatus 10 includes multiple processing boxes 100, the engine control unit 102 compares the response information sent by the processing box chip of each processing box 100 with the bond comparison information to obtain multiple comparison results. When the multiple comparison results are all the same and the multiple response information is determined to be valid through the first method, it is determined that at least one processing box 100 has not been replaced. When the multiple comparison results are all the same and the multiple response information is determined to contain invalid response information through the first method, it is determined that at least one processing box 100 has been replaced. When the multiple comparison results are different, it is determined that at least one processing box 100 has been replaced. In some embodiments, the engine control unit 102 may also first determine whether the response information replied by the processing box chip of the processing box 100 is valid. When the response information replied by the processing box 100 is valid, it then compares the response information replied by the processing box chip of the processing box 100 with the bond comparison information, thereby determining whether at least one processing box 100 has been replaced based on the comparison results. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is equipped with four processing boxes 100. The response information returned by the processing box chip of each processing box 100 is 0x2f, 0x2f, 0x4e, and 0x2f, respectively. The engine control unit 102 can compare the response information with the bond comparison information 0x2f, and the comparison results are the same, the same, different, and the same. Then, based on the third determination method, it is determined that at least one processing box 100 has been replaced.

[0071] The fourth determination method is as follows: When the image forming apparatus 10 includes multiple processing boxes 100, the engine control unit 102 compares multiple response messages sent by the processing box chip of each of the multiple processing boxes 100 to obtain at least one comparison result. When all at least one comparison result is the same, it is determined whether the response message sent by the processing box chip of each of the multiple processing boxes 100 is the same as the bond comparison information. If they are the same and the multiple response messages are determined to be valid through the first method, it is determined that at least one processing box 100 has not been replaced. If the response message sent by the processing box chip of each of the multiple processing boxes 100 is the same as the bond comparison information and the multiple response messages are determined to contain invalid response information through the first method, it is determined that at least one processing box 100 has been replaced. When at least one comparison result is different, it is determined that at least one processing box 100 has been replaced. In some embodiments, the engine control unit 102 may first determine whether the response information replied by the processing chip of the processing box 100 is valid. When the response information replied by the processing chip of the processing box 100 is valid, the engine control unit 102 then compares multiple response information, thereby determining whether at least one processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event based on the comparison results. Further, it should be noted that the engine control unit 102 may compare multiple response information sent by the processing chip of each of the multiple processing boxes 100 to obtain at least one comparison result. Specifically, this can be achieved by directly comparing all the multiple response information to obtain one comparison result, or by comparing multiple response information pairwise to obtain multiple comparison results, etc. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is equipped with four processing boxes 100. The response information returned by the processing box chip of each processing box 100 is 0x2f, 0x2f, 0x4e, and 0x2f, respectively. The engine control unit 102 compares the four response information. If the comparison result is not completely the same, then it is determined that at least one processing box 100 has been replaced based on the comparison result.

[0072] Example 5

[0073] In Embodiment 4, when the engine control unit 102 determines that at least one processing box 100 has been replaced, the engine control unit 102 generates and sends a bond information write instruction to the processing box chip of the processing box 100.

[0074] Specifically, in one embodiment, when at least one processing box 100 in the image forming apparatus 10 is replaced, the engine control unit 102 generates a tether information write instruction. This tether information write instruction includes second verification information and first tether information. Subsequently, the engine control unit 102 sends the first tether information write instruction to the processing box chip of at least one processing box 100 in the image forming apparatus 10. After receiving the tether information write instruction, the processing box chip of each processing box 100 stores the second verification information and the first tether information. In another embodiment, after receiving the tether information write instruction, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 stores the second verification information and / or the first tether information in an external device connected to the processing box chip of the processing box 100. In another embodiment, the bond information writing instruction includes first bond information. After receiving the bond information writing instruction, the processing box chip of each processing box 100 stores the first bond information or stores the first bond information in an external device connected to the processing box chip of the processing box 100. The second verification information is pre-stored in the processing box chip of the processing box 100 or in an external device connected to the processing box chip of the processing box 100.

[0075] When the processing chip of the processing box 100 or an external device connected to the processing chip of the processing box 100 stores the first affinity information and the second verification information, after receiving the affinity information acquisition command sent by the engine control unit 102, the processing chip of the processing box 100 can send response information to the engine control unit 102. The response information includes the first affinity information. Specifically, the affinity information acquisition command sent by the engine control unit 102 to the processing chip of the processing box 100 includes the first verification information. After receiving the affinity information acquisition command, the processing chip of the processing box 100 determines whether the first verification information in the affinity information acquisition command is equal to the stored second verification information. When the first verification information is equal to the second verification information, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including the first affinity information to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification information is not equal to the second verification information, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0076] In one embodiment, when the engine control unit 102 sends a bond information write command to a processing chip installed on each of at least one processing box 100, after receiving the bond information write command, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends a verification response message to the engine control unit 102. The engine control unit 102 can determine, based on the verification response message, whether the first bond information included in the bond information write command has been correctly written to the processing chip of the processing box 100 or an external device connected to the processing chip of the processing box 100. Specifically, after receiving the bond information write command, the processing chip of the processing box 100 can send verification response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102 on its own. Alternatively, after receiving the bond verification read command sent by the engine control unit 102, it can send verification response information to the engine control unit 102 based on the bond verification read command. Furthermore, the bond verification read command can include third verification information. The processing chip of the processing box 100 determines whether the third verification information is equal to the second verification information. If they are equal, it sends verification response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102. If they are not equal, it returns verification response information including error information. Of course, the processing chip of the processing box 100 can also directly respond to the bond verification read command sent by the engine control unit 102 and send verification response information to the engine control unit 102. The engine control unit 102 can determine, based on the verification response information sent by the processing box 100, whether the first bond information included in the bond information writing instruction has been correctly written into the processing box chip of the processing box 100 or an external device connected to the processing box chip of the processing box 100.

[0077] In another embodiment, after receiving the bond information writing instruction and obtaining the first bond information and the second verification information bond information, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 does not store it directly. Instead, it performs conversion processing on at least one of the first bond information and the second verification information, and stores the first bond conversion information and the second verification conversion information obtained after conversion.

[0078] For example, after receiving the bond information write command sent by the engine control unit 102, the processing chip of the processing box 100 converts the first bond information in the bond information write command into first bond conversion information according to a first preset rule, and converts the second verification information in the bond information write command into second verification conversion information according to a second preset rule. Finally, the processing chip of the processing box 100 stores the first bond conversion information and the second verification conversion information based on the bond information write command.

[0079] When the processing chip of the processing box 100 receives the bond information acquisition command sent by the engine control unit 102, it converts the stored second verification conversion information into second verification information and determines whether the first verification information and the second verification information in the bond information acquisition command are equal. Subsequently, when the first verification information and the second verification information are equal, the processing chip of the processing box 100 converts the first bond conversion information into first bond information and sends response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification information and the second verification information are not equal, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0080] For example, after receiving the bond information write instruction sent by the engine control unit 102, the processing chip of the processing box 100 converts the first bond information in the bond information write instruction into first bond conversion information according to the first preset rule. Finally, the processing chip of the processing box 100 stores the first bond conversion information and the second verification information based on the bond information write instruction. Specifically, the second verification information is stored in a second preset storage device based on the bond information write instruction, wherein the second preset storage device may be located in the processing chip or in an external device connected to the processing chip; the first bond conversion information is stored in a first preset storage device based on the bond information write instruction, wherein the first preset storage device may be located in the processing chip or in an external device connected to the processing chip.

[0081] When the processing chip of the processing box 100 receives the bond information acquisition command sent by the engine control unit 102, it determines whether the first verification information and the second verification information in the bond information acquisition command are equal. Subsequently, when the first verification information and the second verification information are equal, the processing chip of the processing box 100 converts the first bond conversion information into the first bond information and sends response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification information and the second verification information are not equal, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0082] For example, after receiving the bond information write command sent by the engine control unit 102, the processing chip of the processing box 100 converts the second verification information in the bond information write command into second verification conversion information according to the second preset rule. Finally, the processing chip of the processing box 100 stores the first bond information and the second verification conversion information based on the bond information write command. Specifically, the second verification conversion information is stored in a second preset storage device based on the bond information write command, wherein the second preset storage device may be located in the processing chip or in an external device connected to the processing chip; the first bond information is stored in a first preset storage device based on the bond information write command, wherein the first preset storage device may be located in the processing chip or in an external device connected to the processing chip.

[0083] In one embodiment, when the processing box chip of the processing box 100 receives the bond information value acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102, it converts the stored second verification conversion information into second verification information and determines whether the first verification information and the second verification information in the bond information acquisition instruction are equal. Subsequently, when the first verification information and the second verification information are equal, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification information and the second verification information are not equal, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0084] In another embodiment, after the processing box chip of the processing box 100 receives the bond information value acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102, it converts the first verification information in the bond information acquisition instruction into first verification conversion information according to a second preset rule, and determines whether the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information are equal. Subsequently, when the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information are equal, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information are not equal, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0085] Example 6

[0086] In Embodiment 4, when the engine control unit 102 determines that at least one processing box 100 has been replaced, the engine control unit 102 generates and sends a bond information write instruction to the processing box chip of the processing box 100.

[0087] Specifically, in one embodiment, when at least one processing box 100 in the image forming apparatus 10 is replaced, the engine control unit 102 generates a bond information write instruction. This bond information write instruction includes first bond information. Subsequently, the engine control unit 102 sends the first bond information write instruction to the processing box chip of at least one processing box 100 in the image forming apparatus 10. Upon receiving the bond information write instruction, each processing box chip of the processing box 100 stores the first bond information. In another embodiment, after receiving the bond information write instruction, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 stores the first bond information in an external device connected to the processing box chip of the processing box 100. Second verification information may be pre-stored in the processing box chip of the processing box 100 or in the external device connected to the processing box chip of the processing box 100.

[0088] When the processing chip of the processing box 100 or an external device connected to the processing chip of the processing box 100 stores the first affinity information and the second verification information, after receiving the affinity information acquisition command sent by the engine control unit 102, the processing chip of the processing box 100 can send response information to the engine control unit 102. The response information includes the first affinity information. Specifically, the affinity information acquisition command sent by the engine control unit 102 to the processing chip of the processing box 100 includes the first verification information. After receiving the affinity information acquisition command, the processing chip of the processing box 100 determines whether the first verification information in the affinity information acquisition command is equal to the stored second verification information. When the first verification information is equal to the second verification information, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including the first affinity information to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification information is not equal to the second verification information, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0089] It should be noted that the processing chip of the processing box 100 or an external device connected to the processing chip of the processing box 100 may also pre-store the second verification conversion information, wherein the second verification conversion information is obtained by converting the second verification information according to the second preset rule. Then, when the processing chip of the processing box 100 receives the bond information acquisition instruction including the first verification information sent by the engine control unit 102, it can perform subsequent operations in the following two ways:

[0090] Method 1: The stored second verification conversion information is converted into second verification information, and it is determined whether the first verification information and the second verification information in the bond information acquisition instruction are equal. Subsequently, when the first verification information and the second verification information are equal, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 converts the first bond conversion information into first bond information and sends response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification information and the second verification information are not equal, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0091] Method 2: The first verification information in the bond information acquisition command is converted into first verification conversion information according to a second preset rule, and it is determined whether the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information are equal. Subsequently, when the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information are equal, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information are not equal, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0092] In one embodiment, when the engine control unit 102 sends a bond information write command to a processing chip installed on each of at least one processing box 100, after receiving the bond information write command, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends a verification response message to the engine control unit 102. The engine control unit 102 can determine, based on the verification response message, whether the first bond information included in the bond information write command has been correctly written to the processing chip of the processing box 100 or an external device connected to the processing chip of the processing box 100. Specifically, after receiving the bond information write command, the processing chip of the processing box 100 can send verification response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102 on its own. Alternatively, after receiving the bond verification read command sent by the engine control unit 102, it can send verification response information to the engine control unit 102 based on the bond verification read command. Furthermore, the bond verification read command can include third verification information. The processing chip of the processing box 100 determines whether the third verification information is equal to the second verification information. If they are equal, it sends verification response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102. If they are not equal, it returns verification response information including error information. Of course, the processing chip of the processing box 100 can also directly respond to the bond verification read command sent by the engine control unit 102 and send verification response information to the engine control unit 102. The engine control unit 102 can determine, based on the verification response information sent by the processing box 100, whether the first bond information included in the bond information writing instruction has been correctly written into the processing box chip of the processing box 100 or an external device connected to the processing box chip of the processing box 100.

[0093] In another embodiment, after receiving the bond information writing instruction and obtaining the first bond information, the processing box chip of the processing box 100 does not directly store it, but performs conversion processing on the first bond information and stores the first bond conversion information obtained after conversion.

[0094] For example, after receiving the bond information write command sent by the engine control unit 102, the processing chip of the processing box 100 converts the first bond information in the bond information write command into first bond conversion information according to the first preset rule. Finally, the processing chip of the processing box 100 stores the first bond conversion information based on the bond information write command. Specifically, the first bond conversion information is stored in a first preset storage device based on the bond information write command. The first preset storage device can be located in the processing chip or in an external device connected to the processing chip.

[0095] When the processing chip of the processing box 100 receives the bond information acquisition command sent by the engine control unit 102, it determines whether the first verification information and the second verification information in the bond information acquisition command are equal. Subsequently, when the first verification information and the second verification information are equal, the processing chip of the processing box 100 converts the first bond conversion information into the first bond information and sends response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification information and the second verification information are not equal, the processing chip of the processing box 100 sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102.

[0096] Example 7

[0097] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 In the first embodiment shown, step S103, the engine control unit 102 controls the image forming device 10 to perform a preset image forming preparation operation based on whether at least one processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event, including:

[0098] When at least one processing box 100 has not been replaced, the engine control unit 102 controls the image forming device 10 to perform a first image forming preparation operation.

[0099] In one embodiment, after the engine control unit 102 controls the image forming device 10 to perform a first image forming preparation operation, upon receiving image forming data, the engine control unit 102 can control the image forming device 10 to perform a printing process based on the image forming data. That is, after the image forming device 10 completes the execution of the first image forming preparation operation, the image forming device 10 can immediately perform the image forming operation.

[0100] In one embodiment, the first image formation preparation operation includes setting print settings data, cleaning the transfer belt, setting the fixing temperature to a suitable level, starting the motor in advance and waiting for the rotation speed to stabilize, and pre-stressing the paper to a designated position. After the engine control unit 102 controls the image forming device 10 to complete the print preparation process, i.e., after completing the execution of the first image formation preparation process, it can proceed to the process of waiting for the print data to be sent. Subsequently, when the engine control unit 102 receives the print data, it can immediately start printing within a short period of time.

[0101] In one embodiment, after the data control unit 101 completes startup in S201, the engine control unit 102 further determines whether at least one processing cartridge 100 is matched with the image forming apparatus 10, and determines whether a replacement event has occurred with at least one processing cartridge 100. When at least one processing cartridge 100 is matched with the image forming apparatus 10 and a replacement event has occurred with at least one processing cartridge 100, the engine control unit 102 also obtains the remaining amount of developer corresponding to the processing cartridge 100. Subsequently, when the remaining amount of developer is lower than a preset value, the engine control unit 102 determines that no color correction operation is required; when the remaining amount of developer is not lower than the preset value, the engine control unit 102 determines that a color correction operation is required. When at least one processing cartridge 100 is matched with the image forming apparatus 10 and no replacement event has occurred with at least one processing cartridge 100, the engine control unit 102 controls the image forming apparatus 10 to enter a state of waiting to receive image forming data. The method by which the engine control unit 102 determines whether at least one processing cartridge 100 is matched with the image forming apparatus 10 and whether a replacement event has occurred with at least one processing cartridge 100 after the data control unit 101 completes startup will be described in subsequent embodiments.

[0102] When at least one processing cartridge 100 is replaced and the image forming apparatus 10 includes a processing cartridge 100, the engine control unit 102 controls the image forming apparatus 10 not to perform the first image forming preparation operation. The engine control unit 102 can directly control the image forming apparatus 10 to perform the printing process.

[0103] In one embodiment, after the data control unit 101 completes startup in S201, the engine control unit 102 further determines whether at least one processing cartridge 100 is matched with the image forming apparatus 10, and determines whether a replacement event has occurred for at least one processing cartridge 100. When at least one processing cartridge 100 is matched with the image forming apparatus 10 and a replacement event has occurred for at least one processing cartridge 100, the engine control unit 102 further obtains the remaining amount of developer corresponding to the processing cartridge 100. Subsequently, when the remaining amount of developer is lower than a preset value, the engine control unit 102 determines that no color correction operation is required; when the remaining amount of developer is not lower than the preset value, the engine control unit 102 determines that a color correction operation is required.

[0104] When at least one processing box 100 is replaced and the image forming apparatus 10 includes a plurality of processing boxes 100, the engine control unit 102 controls the image forming apparatus 10 to perform a second image forming preparation operation including a color correction preparation step.

[0105] In one embodiment, the second image formation preparation operation includes: performing a color correction preparation step.

[0106] Specifically, when the processing cartridge 100 is replaced, the gap between the processing cartridge 100 and the image forming device 10 may physically shift, resulting in a deviation in the image formed by the image forming device 10. Therefore, when the processing cartridge 100 is replaced, the engine control unit 102 can correct the internal data of the image forming device 10 through a color correction preparation process to realign the printed image and eliminate the shift between the processing cartridge 100 and the image forming device 10.

[0107] In one embodiment, the color correction preparation process includes loading color correction data and cleaning the transfer belt in the image forming apparatus 10. After the color correction preparation process is completed, once it is determined that a color correction operation needs to be performed, the color correction operation can be started immediately within a short period of time.

[0108] In another embodiment, the processing cartridge 100 is the aforementioned developer container and imaging assembly used in conjunction with each other. Optionally, the second image formation preparation operation further includes resetting the concentration sensor control voltage, i.e., the voltage gain of the concentration sensor.

[0109] Specifically, the imaging component is equipped with a concentration sensor, which detects the mass ratio of toner to carrier (usually iron oxide) to derive an output voltage. This output voltage characterizes the mass ratio between toner and carrier. The specific operation for resetting the concentration sensor control voltage is as follows: the engine control unit 102 reads the concentration sensor control voltage recorded in the processing cartridge chip and sets this control voltage to the concentration sensor. Each processing cartridge chip only records the concentration sensor control voltage for the color corresponding to that processing cartridge. After resetting the concentration sensor control voltage, the engine control unit 102 obtains a concentration sensor control voltage that matches the processing cartridge 100 after the replacement event.

[0110] Optionally, the second image formation preparation operation also includes: clearing the target voltage calculation parameter of the toner supply control in the engine control unit 102.

[0111] Specifically, the target voltage for toner supply control is defined as the optimal output level of the concentration sensor's output voltage under a standard toner-to-carrier ratio. The target voltage for toner supply control can be determined by the following parameters: lifetime correction parameters, target voltage correction parameters, and color correction target coefficient parameters. Of course, those skilled in the art can also select other target voltage-related parameters for toner supply control based on actual conditions.

[0112] Optionally, the second image formation preparation operation may also include: applying a relatively long stirring action to the toner and carrier in the imaging component.

[0113] Specifically, the developing chamber of the imaging assembly is equipped with a screw for stirring the toner. The relatively long stirring action includes: driving the main motor to rotate, which in turn drives the aforementioned screw to apply a stirring action of time t3 to the toner and carrier in the imaging assembly, so as to prevent the toner and carrier from clumping, to make the toner and carrier triboelectrically charged, and to make the toner and carrier evenly distributed in the developer transport channel.

[0114] It should be noted that when no cartridge replacement event occurs, a relatively short stirring action is applied to the toner and carrier in the imaging component, specifically a stirring action of duration t4, where t3 is greater than t4. In one embodiment, a first image formation preparation step is included before the printing process. This first image formation preparation step includes setting print settings data, cleaning the transfer belt, adjusting the fixing temperature to a suitable level, starting the motor in advance and waiting for the rotation speed to stabilize, pre-stressing the paper to a designated position, and applying a relatively short stirring action to the toner and carrier in the imaging component. Once the print preparation step is completed, i.e., after the engine control unit 102 controls the image forming device 10 to complete the execution of the first image formation preparation step, printing can begin immediately within a short time after receiving the print data.

[0115] Example 8

[0116] In one embodiment, as... Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, after the data control unit 101 completes startup in step S201, the engine control unit 102 further determines whether at least one processing box 100 matches the image forming apparatus 10. If the engine control unit 102 determines that at least one processing box 100 matches the image forming apparatus 10, it performs subsequent operations. If the engine control unit 102 determines that at least one processing box 100 does not match the image forming apparatus 10, it reports an error.

[0117] In one embodiment, Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method provided in this application is shown below. Figure 5 This illustrates a specific implementation of the engine control unit 102 determining whether at least one processing box 100 is matched with the image forming device 10. For example... Figure 5 The control methods shown include:

[0118] S201, Data Control Unit 101 completes startup.

[0119] After S201 completes the startup, the data control unit 101 sends a startup completion notification to the engine control unit 102.

[0120] S203 After receiving the start-up completion notification, the engine control unit 102 sends an integrity data acquisition command to the data control unit 101.

[0121] S204: After receiving the integrity data acquisition instruction, the data control unit 101 sends the integrity data acquisition instruction to at least one processing box 100.

[0122] S205: After receiving a complete data acquisition instruction, each of the at least one processing box 100 sends the complete data corresponding to the processing box chip of that processing box 100 to the data control unit 101 based on the complete data acquisition instruction.

[0123] In one embodiment, the complete data includes the design capacity, remaining capacity, serial number, color information, manufacturer information, model information, and binding information of the processing box 100.

[0124] S206: The data control unit 101 verifies the complete data sent by the processing chip of each processing box 100 in at least one processing box 100 according to the complete data received in S205, and obtains the integrity verification result of the processing chip of each processing box 100 in at least one processing box 100.

[0125] S207: The data control unit 101 sends at least a portion of the integrity verification results of the processing box chips installed on each of the at least one processing box 100 to the engine control unit 102. And / or, the data control unit 101 sends at least a portion of the complete data of the processing box chips installed on each of the at least one processing box 100 to the engine control unit 102.

[0126] S208: The engine control unit 102 determines, based on at least some of the results and at least some of the data received in S207, whether at least one processing box 100 is compatible with the image forming device. And / or the engine control unit 102 determines, based on at least some of the results and at least some of the data received in S207, whether a replacement event has occurred for at least one processing box 100.

[0127] In one embodiment, it is determined whether at least one processing box 100 matches the image forming apparatus by judging whether the data structure of at least a portion of the integrity data of the processing box chip of the received at least one processing box 100 conforms to the requirements of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 requires that the serial number used to represent the processing box 100 be 8 bits of data, while the serial number of the processing box chip that represents the processing box 100 is 4 bits of data. In this case, it can be determined that the processing box 100 does not match the image forming apparatus 10.

[0128] In one embodiment, it can be determined whether at least one processing box is matched with the image forming apparatus 10 by judging whether the attributes corresponding to the processing box chip of the received at least one processing box 100 meet expectations. For example, when the manufacturer identification data of the image forming apparatus 10 indicates manufacturer A, and the manufacturer identification data of the processing box chip of the processing box 100 indicates manufacturer B, it is determined that the processing box 100 is not matched with the image forming apparatus 10.

[0129] In one embodiment, it can be determined whether at least one processing box 100 matches the image forming apparatus 10 by judging whether the placement position of the received at least one processing box 100 in the image forming apparatus 10 is as expected. For example, if it is determined that the color identification data of the processing box chip of the processing box 100 indicates black K, and the channel in which the processing box 100 is placed is cyan C, that is, the processing box 100 is placed on the wrong channel of the image forming apparatus 10, then it is determined that the processing box 100 does not match the image forming apparatus 10.

[0130] In one embodiment, other information can also be used to determine whether at least one processing box 100 is matched with the image forming apparatus 10. For example, if the user ID identification data of the image forming apparatus 10 indicates A and the user ID identification data of the processing box chip of the processing box 100 indicates B, then it is determined that the processing box 100 is not matched with the image forming apparatus 10.

[0131] In one embodiment, determining whether at least one processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event by judging the integrity data of the processing box chip of at least one processing box 100 received includes: determining the judgment result of whether the processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event before the data control unit 101 completes startup; if the judgment result is that the processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event before the data control unit 101 completes startup, then it is determined that the processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event; if the judgment result is that the processing box 100 has not undergone a replacement event before the data control unit 101 completes startup, then the determination of whether the processing box 100 has undergone a replacement event is based on the bond information described in the foregoing embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0132] Example 9

[0133] This application also provides a processing cartridge chip, which is mounted on a processing cartridge 100 provided in any embodiment of this application. The processing cartridge 100 is detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus 10. The processing cartridge chip includes a control unit, which can be used to execute the control method performed by the processing cartridge chip in any embodiment of this application.

[0134] This application also provides a processing box chip, which is installed in the processing box 100 provided in any embodiment of this application. The processing box 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus 10 provided in any embodiment of this application, and at least one processing box 100 is installed on the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a data control unit 101 and an engine control unit 102. The processing box chip can communicate with the data control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 respectively.

[0135] Specifically, the processing cartridge chip includes a communication interface and a control unit. The communication interface is used by the processing cartridge 100 to communicate with the data control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 when the processing cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0136] The control unit is configured to send response information to the engine control unit 102 after the engine control unit 102 has started but before the data control unit 101 has started. The response information is used to determine whether at least one processing box 100 has been replaced. The determination result of whether at least one processing box 100 has been replaced is used to determine whether to perform a preset image forming preparation operation before the data control unit 101 has started. The method by which the response information is used to determine the result of whether at least one processing box 100 has been replaced is as described in the aforementioned embodiment.

[0137] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive a bond information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102 after the engine control unit 102 has started but before the data control unit 101 has started. This bond information acquisition instruction includes first verification information. If the bond information acquisition instruction passes verification based on the first verification information, preset bond information is acquired, and response information containing the preset bond information is sent to the engine control unit 102. If the verification of the bond information acquisition instruction fails based on the first verification information, response information including error information is sent to the engine control unit 102. The response information is used to determine whether at least one processing box has undergone a replacement event after the engine control unit 102 starts but before the data control unit 101 starts. The determination result of whether at least one processing box has undergone a replacement event is used to determine whether a preset image formation preparation operation should be performed before the data control unit 101 has started. It should be further noted that the preset bond information can be the same as the bond information stored in the first preset storage device, or it can be converted information obtained by converting the bond information stored in the first preset storage device according to preset rules.

[0138] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive a bond information writing instruction including first bond information; and store the first bond information in a first preset storage device based on the bond information writing instruction.

[0139] In one embodiment, the first preset storage device pre-stores the second verification information or the second verification conversion information.

[0140] In one embodiment, the control unit is used to acquire second verification information. After the engine control unit 102 completes startup but before the data control unit 101 completes startup, it receives a bond information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102. The bond information acquisition instruction includes first verification information. When the first verification information equals the second verification information, the first bond information is acquired, and response information including the first bond information is sent to the engine control unit 102. When the first verification information does not equal the second verification information, response information including error information is sent to the engine control unit 102. The first bond information is stored in a first preset storage device, and the second verification information is stored in a second preset storage device.

[0141] The control unit is also used to receive a bond information writing instruction including first bond information and second verification information, store the second verification information in a second preset storage device based on the bond information writing instruction, and store the first bond information in a first preset storage device based on the bond information writing instruction.

[0142] In one embodiment, the control unit is used to acquire second verification information. After the engine control unit 102 completes startup but before the data control unit 101 completes startup, it receives a bond information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102. The bond information acquisition instruction includes first verification information. When the first verification information equals the second verification information, it acquires first bond conversion information and sends response information to the engine control unit 102, including first bond information obtained by conversion based on the first bond conversion information according to a first preset rule. When the first verification information does not equal the second verification information, it sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102. The first bond conversion information is stored in a first preset storage device, and the second verification information is stored in a second preset storage device.

[0143] The control unit is also used to receive a bond information writing instruction including first bond information and second verification information, convert the first bond information according to a first preset rule to obtain first bond conversion information, and store the second verification information in a second preset storage device based on the bond information writing instruction; and store the first bond conversion information in the first preset storage device based on the bond information writing instruction.

[0144] In one embodiment, the control unit is used to acquire second verification conversion information. After the engine control unit 102 completes startup but before the data control unit 101 completes startup, it receives a bond information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102. The bond information acquisition instruction includes first verification information. The control unit converts the second verification conversion information into second verification information according to a fourth preset rule. When the second verification information equals the first verification information, it acquires the first bond conversion information and sends response information to the engine control unit 102, including the first bond information obtained by converting the first bond conversion information according to a third preset rule. When the second verification information does not equal the first verification information, it sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102. Alternatively, the control unit is used to obtain second verification conversion information from the second preset storage device. After the engine control unit 102 completes startup but before the data control unit 101 completes startup, it receives a bond information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102. The bond information acquisition instruction includes first verification information. The first verification information is converted into first verification conversion information according to a second preset rule. When the second verification conversion information equals the first verification conversion information, the control unit sends response information to the engine control unit 102, including first bond information obtained by conversion according to a third preset rule based on the first bond conversion information. When the second verification conversion information does not equal the first verification conversion information, the control unit sends response information including error information to the engine control unit 102. The first bond conversion information is stored in the first preset storage device, and the second verification conversion information is stored in the second preset storage device.

[0145] The control unit is also configured to receive a bond information writing instruction including first bond information and second verification information, convert the first bond information according to a first preset rule to obtain first bond conversion information, convert the second verification information according to a second preset rule to obtain second verification conversion information, and store the second verification conversion information in a second preset storage device based on the bond information writing instruction; and store the first bond conversion information in the first preset storage device based on the bond information writing instruction.

[0146] In one embodiment, the control unit is used to acquire second verification conversion information. After the engine control unit 102 completes startup but before the data control unit 101 completes startup, it receives a binding information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102. The binding information acquisition instruction includes first verification information. The second verification conversion information is converted into second verification information according to a fourth preset rule. When the second verification information is equal to the first verification information, the first binding information is acquired, and a response message including the first binding information is sent to the engine control unit 102. When the second verification information is not equal to the first verification information, a response message including error information is sent to the engine control unit 102. Alternatively, the control unit... The unit is used to obtain second verification conversion information from the second preset storage device. After the engine control unit 102 completes startup but before the data control unit 101 completes startup, it receives a bond information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102. The bond information acquisition instruction includes first verification information. The first verification information is converted into first verification conversion information according to the second preset rule. When the second verification conversion information is equal to the first verification conversion information, the first bond information is acquired, and a response message including the first bond information is sent to the engine control unit 102. When the second verification conversion information is not equal to the first verification conversion information, a response message including error information is sent to the engine control unit 102. The first bond information is stored in the first preset storage device, and the second verification conversion information is stored in the second preset storage device.

[0147] The control unit is also configured to receive a bond information writing instruction including first bond information and second verification information, convert the second verification information according to a second preset rule to obtain second verification conversion information, and store the second verification conversion information in a second preset storage device based on the bond information writing instruction; and store the first bond information in the first preset storage device based on the bond information writing instruction.

[0148] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to send verification response information to the engine control unit 102 after receiving the bond write instruction. The verification response information is used to determine whether the first bond information in the bond write instruction is correctly written to the processing box chip.

[0149] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to receive a bond verification read instruction including third verification information after receiving the bond write instruction, and to feed back verification response information to the engine control unit 102 based on the bond verification read instruction. The verification response information is used to determine whether the first bond information in the bond write instruction is correctly written to the processing box chip.

[0150] It should be noted that the aforementioned first preset storage device can be disposed on the processing cartridge chip or on an external device connected to the processing cartridge chip; the aforementioned second preset storage device can be disposed on the processing cartridge chip or on an external device connected to the processing cartridge chip. The aforementioned first preset storage device and the aforementioned second preset storage device can be the same or different. For example, they can be one storage unit disposed on the processing cartridge chip or two different storage units, or one storage unit disposed on an external device connected to the processing cartridge chip or two different storage units, or two storage units disposed on the processing cartridge chip and the external device connected to the processing cartridge chip respectively, that is, one is disposed on the processing cartridge chip and the other is disposed on the external device connected to the processing cartridge chip.

[0151] In one embodiment, the control unit receives a complete data acquisition instruction from the processing box chip and sends complete data to the data control unit 101 based on the complete data acquisition instruction. The complete data is used to determine whether at least one processing box is compatible with the image forming device after the data control unit 101 completes startup, and / or the complete data is used to determine whether at least one processing box has undergone a replacement event. The time interval between the processing box chip receiving the complete data acquisition instruction and sending the complete data to the data control unit 101 is t1, and the time interval between receiving the tether information acquisition instruction and sending response information to the engine control unit 102 is t2, where t1 is greater than t2. Therefore, the time required for the engine control unit 102 to acquire tether information from the processing box chip of the processing box 100 is less than the time required for the data control unit 101 to acquire the complete data of the processing box chip of the processing box 100. That is, after the engine control unit 102 completes startup, it can determine earlier whether to initiate the first image forming preparation or color correction preparation process, thereby shortening the first-page output time of the image forming device 10 and providing convenience to the user. The integrity data is stored in a fourth preset storage device, which can be located on the processing cartridge chip or on an external device connected to the processing cartridge chip. It should be noted that the fourth preset storage device can be the same storage unit as the first and second preset storage devices, or it can be any one of the first and second preset storage devices, or it can be three different storage units. For specific details on its location, please refer to the description in "The first and second preset storage devices can be the same or different," which will not be repeated here.

[0152] In one embodiment, when the determination result of whether at least one processing box has been replaced is that no replacement event has occurred, the determination result of whether at least one processing box has been replaced, as determined by the data control unit 101, is used to determine whether to perform the first image forming preparation operation before the data control unit 101 completes startup. When the determination result of whether at least one processing box has been replaced is that a replacement event has occurred, the determination result of whether at least one processing box has been replaced, as determined by the data control unit 101, is used to determine whether to control the image forming apparatus 10 to perform a second image forming preparation operation including a color correction preparation step or not to perform the first image forming preparation operation before the data control unit 101 completes startup.

[0153] Example 10

[0154] This application also provides a processing cartridge 100, including a housing, a developer container, and a processing cartridge chip provided in any embodiment of this application. The developer container is located within the housing and is used to contain developer.

[0155] In one embodiment, the processing cartridge 100 further includes a developer delivery element for delivering developer.

[0156] In one embodiment, the processing cartridge 100 further includes a photosensitive drum and a charging roller. The charging roller is used to charge the photosensitive drum.

[0157] This application also provides a processing cartridge 100, including a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, and a processing cartridge chip provided in any embodiment of this application. The charging roller is used to charge the photosensitive drum.

[0158] This application also provides a processing box chipset, including a plurality of processing box chips as provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0159] This application also provides a processing box assembly, including at least two processing boxes 100. Each processing box 100 is equipped with a processing box chip provided in any embodiment of this application.

[0160] Example 11

[0161] This application embodiment also provides a control device, which communicates with the data control unit 101 and engine control unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 10 via a communication interface. The control device includes:

[0162] The first sending unit is used to send response information to the engine control unit 102 after the engine control unit 102 has completed startup and before the data control unit 101 has completed startup. The response information is used to determine whether at least one processing box 100 has experienced a replacement event. The determination result of whether at least one processing box 100 has experienced a replacement event is used to determine whether to perform a preset image forming preparation operation before the data control unit 101 has completed startup.

[0163] In one embodiment, the aforementioned control device further includes:

[0164] The first acquisition unit is used to acquire the second verification information or the second verification conversion information, wherein the second verification conversion information is obtained by converting the second verification information according to the second preset rule;

[0165] The first receiving unit receives the bond information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit 102 after the engine control unit 102 has completed startup and before the data control unit 101 has completed startup. The bond information acquisition instruction includes the first verification information.

[0166] Specifically, the first sending unit is used to obtain the first bond information and send response information including the first bond information to the engine control unit 102 when the first verification information is equal to the second verification information; and to send response information including error information to the engine control unit 102 when the first verification information is not equal to the second verification information.

[0167] In one embodiment, the aforementioned control device further includes:

[0168] The first comparison unit is used to compare the first verification information and the second verification information to determine whether the first verification information is equal to the second verification information.

[0169] In one embodiment, the aforementioned control device further includes:

[0170] The first conversion unit is used to convert the second verification conversion information into the second verification information.

[0171] In one embodiment, the aforementioned control device further includes:

[0172] The second conversion unit is used to convert the first verification information into first verification conversion information according to the second preset rule;

[0173] The second comparison unit is used to compare the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information. Based on whether the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information are equal, it determines whether the first verification information is equal to the second verification information. Specifically, when the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information are equal, it can be determined that the first verification information is equal to the second verification information. When the first verification conversion information and the second verification conversion information are not equal, it can be determined that the first verification information is not equal to the second verification information.

[0174] In one embodiment, the aforementioned control device further includes:

[0175] The second acquisition unit is used to acquire the first bond conversion information, which is obtained by converting the first bond information according to the first preset rule;

[0176] The second conversion unit is used to convert the first bond conversion information into the first bond information.

[0177] In one embodiment, the aforementioned control device further includes:

[0178] The second receiving unit is used to receive a bond information writing instruction including the first bond information, and to store the first bond information or the first bond conversion information based on the bond information writing instruction.

[0179] In one embodiment, the aforementioned control device further includes:

[0180] The third receiving unit is used to receive a bond information writing instruction including first bond information and second verification information, and to store the first bond information or first bond conversion information based on the bond information writing instruction.

[0181] In one embodiment, the aforementioned control device further includes:

[0182] The feedback unit is used to send verification response information to the engine control unit 102 after the receiving unit receives the bond writing command. The verification response information is used to determine whether the first bond information in the bond writing command is correctly written to the processing box chip.

[0183] Specifically, when the first bond information is correctly written to the processing box chip, the feedback unit provides feedback on the first bond information or returns an indication that the first bond information has been correctly written.

[0184] It should be noted that the first transmitting unit, the first acquiring unit, the first receiving unit, the first comparing unit, the first conversion unit, the second conversion unit, the second comparing unit, the second acquiring unit, the second conversion unit, the second receiving unit, the third receiving unit, and the feedback unit can be implemented using software or hardware.

[0185] In one possible implementation, at least one of the first transmitting unit, the first acquiring unit, the first receiving unit, the first comparing unit, the first converting unit, the second converting unit, the second comparing unit, the second acquiring unit, the second converting unit, the second receiving unit, the third receiving unit, and the feedback unit can be an external module electrically connected to the processing box chip, other than the processing box chip. That is, the aforementioned processing box 100 includes the processing box chip and an external module electrically connected to the processing box chip.

[0186] Specifically, the first comparison unit and the second comparison unit are used to acquire information and compare whether the acquired information is consistent. For example, they include an input unit, a logic comparison circuit, and an output unit. The logic comparison circuit can be composed of logic units such as AND gates, OR gates, NOT gates, flip-flops, etc. Those skilled in the art can select appropriate circuit units according to actual needs. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0187] Specifically, the first conversion unit and the second conversion unit are used to acquire information, perform arithmetic and logical conversions on the acquired information, and output the converted information. The first conversion unit and the second conversion unit include, for example, an input unit, an arithmetic circuit, and an output unit. The arithmetic circuit can be composed of units such as logic gate circuits (AND gate circuits, OR gate circuits, NOT gate circuits, etc.), combinational logic circuits (multiplexers, decoders, encoders, etc.), arithmetic circuits (adders, etc.), flip-flops, etc. Those skilled in the art can select appropriate circuit units according to actual needs. This application embodiment does not limit this. The first comparison unit and the second comparison unit can be the same unit or two separate units.

[0188] Specifically, the first acquisition unit, the first receiving unit, the second acquisition unit, the second receiving unit, the first sending unit, the third receiving unit, and the feedback unit are used to receive and send information. The first acquisition unit, the first receiving unit, the second acquisition unit, the second receiving unit, the first sending unit, the third receiving unit, and the feedback unit can be the same communication interface or multiple communication interfaces. The aforementioned control device communicates with the data control unit 101 and the engine control unit 102 of the image forming device 10 through the communication interface.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the first transmitting unit, the first acquiring unit, the first receiving unit, the first comparing unit, the first converting unit, the second converting unit, the second comparing unit, the second acquiring unit, the second converting unit, the second receiving unit, the third receiving unit, and the feedback unit may not be other units of an external module electrically connected to the processing box chip, but may be built into the control unit of the processing box chip.

[0190] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned first transmitting unit, first acquiring unit, first receiving unit, first comparing unit, first conversion unit, second conversion unit, second comparing unit, second acquiring unit, second conversion unit, second receiving unit, third receiving unit, and feedback unit are included in the control unit of the processing box chip.

[0191] It should be noted that the specific content involved in the embodiments of this application can be found in the description above, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0192] Example 12

[0193] Corresponding to Embodiment Eleven above, this application also provides a processing box.

[0194] This is a schematic diagram of a processing box provided in an embodiment of this application. The processing box includes a housing; a developer container located inside the housing for containing developer; and a control device as described in the foregoing embodiment.

[0195] It should be noted that the specific details of the control device can be found in the description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0196] Example 13

[0197] Corresponding to Embodiment 11 above, this application also provides a control method applied to the control device described in the above embodiments. The control method includes the following steps:

[0198] After the engine control unit 102 completes startup, but before the data control unit 101 completes startup, a response message is sent to the engine control unit 102. The response message is used to determine whether at least one processing box has been replaced. The result of determining whether at least one processing box has been replaced is used to determine whether to perform a preset image formation preparation operation before the data control unit 101 completes startup.

[0199] In one embodiment, sending response information to the engine control unit 102 includes: receiving a bond information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit, wherein the bond information acquisition instruction includes first verification information;

[0200] The command to retrieve bond information is verified based on the first verification information;

[0201] Based on the result of verifying the bond information acquisition command, a response message is sent to the engine control unit 102.

[0202] In one embodiment, based on the result of verifying the bond information acquisition command, response information is sent to the engine control unit 102, including:

[0203] The first verification information is verified, and after successful verification, a response information including preset bond information is sent to the engine control unit 102.

[0204] If the verification fails, send a response message including error information.

[0205] In one embodiment, verifying the bond information acquisition instruction based on the first verification information includes:

[0206] Determine whether the first verification information and the second verification information are equal;

[0207] Based on the result of verifying the bond information acquisition command, a response message is sent to the engine control unit 102, including:

[0208] When the result indicates that the first verification information is equal to the second verification information, a response message including the first entanglement information is sent to the engine control unit 102;

[0209] When the first verification information is not equal to the second verification information, a response information including error information is sent to the engine control unit 102.

[0210] In one embodiment, the control method further includes:

[0211] Receive the instruction to write bond information, which includes the first bond information;

[0212] According to the bond information writing instruction, a verification response message is sent to the engine control unit 102. The verification response message is used to determine whether the first bond information has been correctly written to the processing box chip.

[0213] In one embodiment, the bond information writing instruction further includes second verification information;

[0214] According to the bond information writing instruction, sending verification response information to the engine control unit 102 includes: receiving the bond information acquisition instruction sent by the engine control unit, the bond information acquisition instruction including the first verification information;

[0215] Determine whether the first verification information is equal to the second verification information;

[0216] When the first verification information is equal to the second verification information, a response message including the first bond information is sent to the engine control unit 102;

[0217] When the first verification information is not equal to the second verification information, a response information including error information is sent to the engine control unit 102.

[0218] In one embodiment, the result of determining whether at least one processing box replacement event has occurred is used to determine whether a preset image forming preparation operation should be performed before the data control unit 101 is started, including:

[0219] The determination that at least one processing box has not been replaced is used to determine that the image forming apparatus shall perform a first image forming preparation operation before the data control unit 101 is started; or, the determination that at least one processing box has been replaced is used to determine that the image forming apparatus shall perform a second image forming preparation operation including a color correction preparation step before the data control unit 101 is started.

[0220] In one embodiment, when the determination result of whether at least one processing box has been replaced is that a replacement event has occurred, the determination result of whether at least one processing box has been replaced is used to determine whether to control the image forming device to perform a second image forming preparation operation before the data control unit 101 completes startup. The second image forming preparation operation includes one or more of the following: resetting the concentration sensor control voltage, clearing the calculation parameters of the powder supply control target voltage, and applying a stirring action to the developer in the processing box for a duration of t3.

[0221] When the determination result of whether at least one processing cartridge has been replaced is that no replacement event has occurred, the determination result of whether at least one processing cartridge has been replaced is used to determine whether to execute a first image formation preparation operation, including applying a stirring action to the developer in the processing cartridge for a duration of t4, before the data control unit 101 completes startup, where t3 > t4. In the foregoing embodiments, the method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described. To implement the functions of the methods provided by the embodiments of this application, the device or apparatus that performs the above method, such as an engine control unit, a processing cartridge chip, etc., may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a certain function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. It should be understood that the division of the various modules in the device is only a logical functional division; in actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, these modules can be implemented entirely in software through calls from processing components; they can also be implemented entirely in hardware; or some modules can be implemented by calling software through processing components, while others can be implemented in hardware.

[0222] In embodiments of the above methods, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated.

[0223] For example, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic device provided in this application, which can be used to perform any of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments of this application. Figure 6 As shown, this application provides an electronic device comprising: at least one processor 2001 and a memory 2002; wherein the memory 2002 stores computer instructions, and the at least one processor 2001 can execute the computer instructions. When the processor 2001 executes the computer instructions, the processor 2001 can be used to perform steps in any of the methods executed by the engine control unit, processing box chip, or data control unit in the foregoing embodiments of this application. In one embodiment, the processor 2001 can communicate via a communication interface 2003, for example, sending and receiving various information and instructions.

[0224] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions. When a processor executes the computer instructions, the processor can be used to perform any of the methods executed by the engine control unit, processing box chip, or data control unit as described in the foregoing embodiments of this application.

[0225] This application also provides a semiconductor for executing instructions, the semiconductor being used to perform any of the methods executed by the engine control unit, processing box chip, or data control unit as described above.

[0226] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored in a storage medium. At least one processor can read the computer program from the storage medium. When the at least one processor executes the computer program, it can implement any of the methods executed by the engine control unit, processing box chip, or data control unit as described above in this application.

[0227] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program performs the steps of the above-described method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0228] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A control method, characterized in that, A control device for communicating with an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including a data control unit, an engine control unit, and at least one processing box, wherein both the engine control unit and the data control unit are capable of communicating with the control device, the control method comprising: Receive the bond information acquisition command sent by the engine control unit; A response message is sent to the engine control unit, the response message being used to determine whether a replacement event has occurred for the at least one processing box; the determination result of whether a replacement event has occurred for the at least one processing box is used to determine whether a preset image formation preparation operation should be performed before the data control unit completes startup; wherein, when a replacement event has occurred for the at least one processing box, and when no replacement event has occurred for the at least one processing box, the preset image formation preparation operation performed by the image forming device is different.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bond information acquisition instruction includes first verification information; the sending of response information to the engine control unit includes: The instruction to obtain the bond information is verified based on the first verification information. Based on the result of verifying the bond information acquisition command, a response message is sent to the engine control unit.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of sending response information to the engine control unit based on the result of verifying the bond information acquisition instruction includes: After the first verification information is successfully verified, a response message including the first bond information is sent to the engine control unit. If the verification fails, send a response message including error information.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of verifying the bond information acquisition instruction based on the first verification information includes: Determine whether the first verification information and the second verification information are equal; Wherein, when the verification result indicates that the first verification information is equal to the second verification information, the response information includes the first entanglement information; When the verification result indicates that the first verification information and the second verification information are not equal, the response information includes error information.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a bond information writing instruction, wherein the bond information writing instruction includes first bond information; A verification response message is sent to the engine control unit, the verification response message being used to determine whether the first entanglement information is correctly written into the processing box chip or an external device connected to the processing box chip.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Sending verification response information to the engine control unit includes: Receive a bond verification read instruction, wherein the bond verification read instruction includes third verification information; Determine whether the third verification information is equal to the second verification information; If they are equal, a verification response message including the first bond information is sent to the engine control unit; if they are not equal, a verification response message including error information is sent to the engine control unit.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive complete data acquisition command; Based on the complete data acquisition instruction, complete data is sent to the data control unit, wherein the complete data is used to determine whether the at least one processing box is matched with the image forming device after the data control unit completes startup and / or the complete data is used to determine whether a replacement event has occurred for at least one processing box.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The determination result of whether at least one processing box has undergone a replacement event is used to determine whether to execute a preset image formation preparation operation before the data control unit completes startup, including: The determination result of at least one processing box not being replaced is used to determine whether to perform the first image formation preparation operation before the data control unit completes startup; the determination result of at least one processing box being replaced is used to determine whether to perform the second image formation preparation operation before the data control unit completes startup.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, When a replacement event occurs in the at least one processing box and the at least one processing box is a single processing box, the image forming apparatus does not perform the first image forming preparation operation.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, When no replacement event occurs in any of the at least one processing box, the image forming apparatus performs a first image forming preparation operation.

11. The method according to claims 1-7, characterized in that, When the at least one processing box is multiple processing boxes; the determination result of the at least one processing box replacement event is used to determine to perform a second image forming preparation operation, including a color correction preparation step, before the data control unit completes startup.

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first image formation preparation operation includes at least one of the following: applying a stirring action to the developer in the processing cartridge for a duration of t4, printing setting data, cleaning the transfer belt, setting the fixing temperature to a suitable temperature, starting the motor in advance and waiting for the rotation speed to stabilize, and pre-stressing the paper to a designated position; the second image formation preparation operation includes at least one of the following: a color correction preparation process, resetting the density sensor control voltage, clearing the calculation parameters of the toner supply control target voltage, and applying a stirring action to the developer in the processing cartridge for a duration of t3. When the first image formation preparation operation includes a stirring action of duration t4 on the developer in the processing cassette and the second image formation preparation operation includes a stirring action of duration t3 on the developer in the processing cassette, t3 > t4.

13. The method according to claim 8 or 12, characterized in that, The execution time of the first image formation preparation operation is shorter than the execution time of the second image formation preparation operation.

14. The method according to claim 8 or 12, characterized in that, After the first image forming preparation operation is completed, the image forming device performs the printing process in a short period of time; When the second image forming preparation operation includes a color correction preparation step, the image forming device begins the color correction operation within a short period of time after the execution of the color correction preparation step is completed.

15. A control device, characterized in that, The control device can communicate with both the data control unit and the engine control unit of the image forming apparatus, and the control device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-14.

16. A processing box, characterized in that, The processing box includes: case; A developer container, located within the housing, is used to contain the developer; and The control device as claimed in claim 15; Alternatively, the processing box may include: Photosensitive drum; A charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum; and The control device according to claim 15.

Images