An image forming control method, device, storage medium and security audit system

Abstract

The application provides an image forming control method, device, storage medium and security audit system, and relates to the technical field of image forming. The image forming control method comprises the following steps: reading unique identification information of a consumable chip; judging whether a consumable replacement event has occurred; and generating audit information of the consumable replacement event when the consumable replacement event has occurred. The consumable replacement event is recorded through the audit information, and when the user uses compatible consumables and problems such as print quality decline, paper jamming and abnormal wear of key parts occur, the user can know the influence of non-genuine consumables on the original image forming device, the after-sales personnel can find the cause of the problem more quickly, targeted maintenance and replacement can be carried out, the original image forming device can be effectively protected, and the user's right to use can be maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of image forming technology, and in particular to an image forming control method, apparatus, storage medium, and security audit system. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of electronic science and technology, image forming apparatuses have become increasingly sophisticated, but as a type of computer peripheral, they are still widely used. Common image forming apparatuses include, but are not limited to, printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, or multifunction printers that combine the functions of the above.

[0003] Consumables used in image forming devices, such as toner cartridges and drum units, store toner and ink. Currently, some users, in an effort to save on consumable costs, purchase cheaper, low-quality non-original consumables after running out of genuine ones and install them on their original image forming devices. Because these inferior non-original or compatible consumables are not fully compatible with the original image forming device, and compatible toners are prone to sticking, print quality cannot be effectively guaranteed. Furthermore, non-original consumables may cause paper jams, abnormal damage to critical components, and a shortened overall lifespan for the original image forming device. This not only indirectly increases user costs but also leads to waste and environmental pollution. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems in existing technologies where poorly made non-original or compatible consumables are installed on original image forming devices, which cannot effectively guarantee the quality of printed images and may lead to paper jams, abnormal damage to key components, and a shortened overall lifespan of the original image forming device.

[0005] This application provides an image forming control method, including:

[0006] Read the unique identification information of the consumable chip;

[0007] Determine whether a consumable replacement event has occurred;

[0008] When the consumable replacement event occurs, audit information for the consumable replacement event is generated.

[0009] In one implementation, the audit information includes at least one of the following: the specific time of the consumable replacement event, the consumable model, the brand information of the consumable supplier, the printable quantity, the paper jam rate, and the image quality.

[0010] In one implementation, the source is traced based on the audit information of the consumable replacement event, indicating the possible wear and tear of the imaging component of the image forming apparatus.

[0011] In one implementation, determining whether a consumable replacement event has occurred includes:

[0012] Store the unique identification information of the original consumable chip, and detect whether the unique identification information of the consumable chip matches the unique identification information of the original consumable chip.

[0013] In one implementation, the method includes: at preset intervals, and / or when the image forming device opens or closes its cover, and / or when the device is powered on to detect consumables, reading the unique identification information of the consumable chip and determining whether a consumable replacement event has occurred.

[0014] In one embodiment, determining whether a consumable replacement event has occurred includes: reading the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip, and detecting whether the difference between the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip and the number of printed pages previously read is within a predetermined range.

[0015] This application also provides an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0016] The reading module is used to read the unique identification information of the consumable chip;

[0017] The judgment module is used to determine whether a consumable replacement event has occurred.

[0018] The audit generation module is used to generate audit information for the consumable replacement event when the consumable replacement event occurs.

[0019] In one implementation, the audit information includes at least one of the following: the specific time of the consumable replacement event, the consumable model, the brand information of the consumable supplier, the printable quantity, the paper jam rate, and the image quality.

[0020] In one implementation, it includes:

[0021] The traceability module traces the source based on the audit information of the consumable replacement event;

[0022] The display panel module indicates potential wear and tear on the imaging components of the image forming apparatus.

[0023] In one implementation, it includes:

[0024] The storage module stores the unique identification information of the original consumable chip;

[0025] The determination of whether a consumable replacement event has occurred includes detecting whether the unique identification information of the consumable chip matches the unique identification information of the original consumable chip.

[0026] In one implementation, the method includes: at preset intervals, and / or when the image forming device opens or closes its cover, and / or when the device is powered on to detect consumables, reading the unique identification information of the consumable chip and determining whether a consumable replacement event has occurred.

[0027] In one implementation, the determination module determines whether a consumable replacement event has occurred by: reading the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip through the reading module, and detecting whether the difference between the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip and the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip previously read is within a predetermined range.

[0028] This application also provides a security audit system that performs the method described in any of the above-described methods.

[0029] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the method described in any of the above-described embodiments.

[0030] This application's image forming control method, apparatus, storage medium, and security audit system read the unique identification information of the consumable chip; determine whether a consumable replacement event has occurred; and when a consumable replacement event occurs, generate audit information for the event. By recording consumable replacement events through audit information, when users experience decreased print quality, paper jams, or abnormal wear of key components while using compatible consumables, users are informed of the impact of non-original consumables on the original image forming apparatus. This facilitates after-sales personnel in quickly identifying the cause of the problem and carrying out targeted repairs and replacements, effectively protecting the original image forming apparatus and safeguarding user rights. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of 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.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an image forming control method in one embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of yet another image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application.

[0037] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0038] Consumables used in image forming devices, such as toner cartridges and drum units, store toner and ink. Currently, some users, in an effort to save on consumable costs, purchase cheaper, low-quality non-original consumables after running out of genuine ones and install them on their original image forming devices. Because these inferior non-original or compatible consumables are not fully compatible with the original image forming device, and compatible toners are prone to sticking, print quality cannot be effectively guaranteed. Furthermore, non-original consumables may cause paper jams, abnormal damage to critical components, and a shortened overall lifespan for the original image forming device. This not only indirectly increases user costs but also leads to waste and environmental pollution.

[0039] Therefore, this application provides an image forming control method, apparatus, storage medium, and security audit system that reads the unique identification information of the consumable chip; determines whether a consumable replacement event has occurred; and when a consumable replacement event occurs, generates audit information for the consumable replacement event. By recording consumable replacement events through audit information, when users experience issues such as decreased print quality, paper jams, or abnormal wear of key components while using compatible consumables, users are informed of the impact of non-original consumables on the original image forming apparatus. This facilitates maintenance personnel in quickly identifying the cause of the problem and carrying out targeted repairs and replacements, effectively protecting the original image forming apparatus and safeguarding user rights.

[0040] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of an image forming control method according to an embodiment of the present application, including:

[0041] S101: Read the unique identification information of the consumable chip;

[0042] Specifically, the unique identification information of the consumable chip can be read through the firmware, software, hardware circuitry of the image forming apparatus, or external devices and systems connected to the image forming apparatus. This application embodiment does not limit the method of reading the unique identification information of the consumable chip. The unique identification information is information indicating the uniqueness of the consumable chip, including but not limited to a serial number. The consumable chip includes information for storing toner levels, image forming parameters, etc. Image forming apparatuses include, but are not limited to, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and multi-functional peripherals that perform the above functions in a single device.

[0043] S102: Determine whether a consumable replacement event has occurred;

[0044] Specifically, the system can detect whether a consumable component has been removed or inserted through the firmware, software, hardware circuitry, sensors, or external devices and systems connected to the image forming apparatus. If a removal or insertion action is detected, and the unique identification information of the consumable chip does not match the unique identification information of the original consumable chip stored in the system, then a consumable replacement event is determined to have occurred. If no removal or insertion action is detected, or if a removal or insertion action is detected but the unique identification information of the consumable chip matches the unique identification information of the original consumable chip stored in the system, then no consumable replacement event is determined to have occurred. Additionally, if the toner cartridge in the consumable has been opened, this can be detected. The user may have only replaced the toner without replacing the consumable casing, which will also be considered a consumable replacement event. The unique identification information of the original consumable chip can be stored in the image forming apparatus's storage module, or in an external storage module or system connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0045] In one possible implementation, determining whether a consumable replacement event has occurred may further include: reading the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip, and detecting whether the difference between the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip and the number of printed pages previously read is within a predetermined range.

[0046] Specifically, it can be set to record the number of pages printed when the image forming apparatus completes a printing job. The image forming apparatus reads and stores this number of pages. Before the next printing job, for example, when the power is turned on, the number of pages printed is read, and it is checked whether the difference between the number of pages printed when the power is turned on and the number of pages printed that the image forming apparatus reads and stores is within a predetermined error range. If the difference is within the predetermined error range, it is determined that no consumable replacement event has occurred; otherwise, if the difference is not within the predetermined error range, it is determined that a consumable replacement event has occurred.

[0047] S103: When a consumable replacement event occurs, generate audit information for the consumable replacement event.

[0048] Specifically, when a consumable replacement event occurs, audit information about the consumable replacement event can be generated and provided to the user or maintenance personnel through the firmware, software, hardware circuits of the image forming apparatus, or external devices and systems connected to the image forming apparatus.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the unique identification information of the consumable chip can be read and it can be determined whether a consumable replacement event has occurred when the image forming device opens or closes its cover and / or the device is powered on to detect consumables at preset intervals. This can save resources and energy compared to continuously performing reading and judgment operations.

[0050] The image forming control method of this application reads the unique identification information of the consumable chip; determines whether a consumable replacement event has occurred; and generates audit information to record the consumable replacement event. When users experience issues such as decreased print quality, paper jams, or abnormal wear of key components while using compatible consumables, the method informs users of the impact of non-original consumables on the original image forming device. This facilitates maintenance personnel in quickly identifying the cause of the problem and carrying out targeted repairs and replacements, effectively protecting the original image forming device.

[0051] The image forming control method in this application embodiment generates audit information for consumable replacement events, including at least one of the following: the specific occurrence time of the consumable replacement event, the consumable model, the brand information of the consumable supplier, the printable quantity, the paper jam rate, and the image quality.

[0052] By tracing the source of consumable replacement events based on audit information, potential wear and tear of the imaging components of the image forming apparatus can be identified.

[0053] Specifically, during the R&D phase, the system collects and stores the corresponding relationships between various compatible consumable brands and models, the imaging components of the image forming apparatus that are most likely to experience damage, and the specific problems that may arise. This information is stored in the image forming apparatus or a storage module connected to it. Then, based on the compatible consumable brands and models in the audit information, the system determines which imaging components of the image forming apparatus are most likely to experience damage and displays this information on the display panel module. Furthermore, while indicating potential damage, the system provides corresponding solutions. The relationship can also include solutions. For example, for simple solutions that can be easily resolved by the user, the solution can be directly presented. For more complex and cumbersome problems requiring professional assistance, the solution is presented along with a prompt for the user to contact the image forming apparatus manufacturer or maintenance personnel.

[0054] Furthermore, when it is not possible to directly detect the brand and model of compatible consumables, it is also possible to detect the wear and tear on the imaging components of the original image forming device after the user has used compatible consumables and caused damage to them. This will help identify the brand and / or model of compatible consumables that the user is most likely to be using, provide information on the specific problems with the imaging components of the image forming device and the brand and / or model of compatible consumables that the user is most likely to be using, and offer corresponding solutions.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the above-mentioned tracing based on audit information of consumable replacement events can also be carried out manually by maintenance personnel for tracing and repair.

[0056] refer to Figure 2 This application also provides an image forming apparatus 200, including: a reading module 201 for reading the unique identification information of a consumable chip; a judging module 202 for judging whether a consumable replacement event has occurred; and an audit generation module 203 for generating audit information of the consumable replacement event when a consumable replacement event has occurred.

[0057] The reading module 201 is used to read the unique identification information of the consumable chip. Specifically, the unique identification information of the consumable chip can be read through the firmware, software, hardware circuitry of the image forming apparatus 200, or through external devices or systems connected to the image forming apparatus 200. This embodiment does not limit the method of reading the unique identification information of the consumable chip. The unique identification information is information indicating the uniqueness of the consumable chip, including but not limited to a serial number. The consumable chip includes information for storing toner quantity, image forming parameters, etc. The image forming apparatus 200 includes, but is not limited to, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and multi-functional peripherals that perform the above functions in a single device.

[0058] The determination module 202 is used to determine whether a consumable replacement event has occurred. Specifically, it can detect whether a removal or insertion action has occurred for the consumable component through the firmware, software, hardware circuitry, sensors, or external devices or systems connected to the image forming apparatus 200. If a removal or insertion action is detected, and the unique identification information of the consumable chip does not match the unique identification information of the original consumable chip stored in the memory, then a consumable replacement event is determined to have occurred. If no removal or insertion action is detected, or if a removal or insertion action is detected, but the unique identification information of the consumable chip matches the unique identification information of the original consumable chip stored in the memory, then no consumable replacement event is determined to have occurred. Additionally, if the toner cartridge in the consumable has been opened, this can be detected. The user may have only replaced the toner without replacing the consumable casing, which will also be determined as a consumable replacement event. The unique identification information of the original consumable chip can be stored in the storage module of the image forming apparatus 200, or in an external storage module or system connected to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the determination module 202, which determines whether a consumable replacement event has occurred, may further include: reading the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip by the reading module 201, and detecting whether the difference between the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip and the number of printed pages previously read is within a predetermined range.

[0060] Specifically, it can be set to record the number of pages printed when the image forming apparatus completes a printing job. The image forming apparatus reads and stores this number of pages. Before the next printing job, for example, when the power is turned on, the number of pages printed is read, and it is checked whether the difference between the number of pages printed when the power is turned on and the number of pages printed that the image forming apparatus reads and stores is within a predetermined error range. If the difference is within the predetermined error range, it is determined that no consumable replacement event has occurred; otherwise, if the difference is not within the predetermined error range, it is determined that a consumable replacement event has occurred.

[0061] The audit generation module 203 is used to generate audit information for a consumable replacement event when such an event occurs. Specifically, when the consumable replacement event occurs, audit information for the consumable replacement event can be generated and provided to the user or maintenance personnel through the firmware, software, hardware circuitry of the image forming apparatus 200, or external devices or systems connected to the image forming apparatus 200.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the reading module 201 can be set to read the unique identification information of the consumable chip at preset intervals and / or when the image forming device opens or closes its cover and / or when the device is powered on to detect consumables, and the judgment module 202 can determine whether a consumable replacement event has occurred. Compared to continuously performing reading and judgment operations, this can save resources and energy.

[0063] The image forming apparatus 200 of this application includes a reading module 201 for reading the unique identification information of the consumable chip; a judgment module 202 for determining whether a consumable replacement event has occurred; and an audit generation module 203 for generating audit information to record the consumable replacement event. When users experience decreased print quality, paper jams, or abnormal wear of key components while using compatible consumables, the system informs users of the impact of non-original consumables on the original image forming apparatus. This facilitates maintenance personnel in quickly identifying the cause of the problem and performing targeted repairs and replacements, effectively protecting the original image forming apparatus.

[0064] In the image forming apparatus 200 of this application embodiment, the audit generation module 203 generates audit information for consumable replacement events, including: the specific occurrence time of the consumable replacement event, the consumable model, the brand information of the consumable supplier, the printable quantity, the paper jam rate, and at least one of the image quality.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 The image forming apparatus 200 also includes a traceability module 204 and a display panel module 205. The traceability module 204 traces the source based on the audit information of the consumable replacement event generated by the audit generation module 203, and the display panel module 205 displays the possible wear and tear of the imaging components of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0066] Specifically, during the R&D phase, the system collects and stores the corresponding relationships between various compatible consumable brands, models, and which imaging components of the image forming apparatus 200 are most likely to experience damage, along with the specific problems that may arise. This information is stored in the image forming apparatus 200 or a storage module connected to it. Then, the traceability module 204, based on the compatible consumable brands and models in the audit information, determines which imaging components of the image forming apparatus 200 are most likely to experience damage and displays the potential damage status of these components on the display panel module 205. Furthermore, while indicating potential damage, the system also provides corresponding solutions. The relationships can include solutions; for example, simple solutions that can be easily resolved by the user can be directly presented, while more complex solutions requiring professional assistance will be provided along with prompts for the user to contact the image forming apparatus manufacturer or maintenance personnel.

[0067] Furthermore, when the brand and model of compatible consumables cannot be directly detected, the traceability module 204 can also detect the wear and tear on the imaging component of the original image forming apparatus after the user has used compatible consumables and caused damage to it. It can then identify the brand and / or model of compatible consumables that the user is most likely to use, and provide the image forming apparatus 200 with information on the specific problems caused to the imaging component and the brand and / or model of compatible consumables that the user is most likely to use. It can also provide corresponding solutions.

[0068] In its specific implementation, this application also provides a security audit system, which, when executed, may include some or all of the steps provided in the embodiments of this application, which will not be elaborated upon here. This security audit system may be in the form of software, hardware, web links, etc.

[0069] In a specific implementation, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer storage medium may store a program, and the program, when executed, may include some or all of the steps provided in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0070] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the simultaneous existence of A and B, or the existence of B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of electronic hardware and software. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0073] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the protection scope of this application. The protection scope of this application should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An image forming control method, characterized in that, include: Read the unique identification information of the consumable chip; Determine whether a consumable replacement event has occurred; When the aforementioned consumable replacement event occurs, audit information for the consumable replacement event is generated; The audit information includes at least one of the following: the specific time of the consumable replacement event, the consumable model, the brand information of the consumable supplier, the printable quantity, the paper jam rate, and the image quality. Based on the audit information of the aforementioned consumable replacement events, the source is traced to indicate the possible wear and tear of the imaging components of the image forming apparatus, including: Based on the correspondence between compatible consumable brands, consumable models, which imaging components of the image forming apparatus may be damaged, and the specific problems that may arise, which is pre-stored in the image forming apparatus or in a storage module connected to the image forming apparatus, the possible damage to the imaging components of the image forming apparatus is determined, and the possible damage to the imaging components of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display panel module.

2. The image forming control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of whether a consumable replacement event has occurred includes: Store the unique identification information of the original consumable chip, and detect whether the unique identification information of the consumable chip matches the unique identification information of the original consumable chip.

3. The image forming control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, include: Every preset time interval, and / or when the image forming device opens or closes its cover, and / or when the device is powered on to detect consumables, the unique identification information of the consumable chip is read and it is determined whether a consumable replacement event has occurred.

4. The image forming control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of whether a consumable replacement event has occurred includes: Read the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip, and check whether the difference between the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip and the number of printed pages previously read is within a predetermined range.

5. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, include: The reading module is used to read the unique identification information of the consumable chip; The judgment module is used to determine whether a consumable replacement event has occurred. An audit generation module is used to generate audit information for the consumable replacement event when the consumable replacement event occurs. The audit information includes at least one of the following: the specific time of the consumable replacement event, the consumable model, the brand information of the consumable supplier, the printable quantity, the paper jam rate, and the image quality. Based on the audit information of the aforementioned consumable replacement events, the source is traced to indicate the possible wear and tear of the imaging components of the image forming apparatus, including: Based on the correspondence between compatible consumable brands, consumable models, which imaging components of the image forming apparatus may be damaged, and the specific problems that may arise, which is pre-stored in the image forming apparatus or in a storage module connected to the image forming apparatus, the possible damage to the imaging components of the image forming apparatus is determined, and the possible damage to the imaging components of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display panel module.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, include: The storage module stores the unique identification information of the original consumable chip; The determination of whether a consumable replacement event has occurred includes detecting whether the unique identification information of the consumable chip matches the unique identification information of the original consumable chip.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, include: Every preset time interval, and / or when the image forming device opens or closes its cover, and / or when the device is powered on to detect consumables, the unique identification information of the consumable chip is read and it is determined whether a consumable replacement event has occurred.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The determination module determines whether a consumable replacement event has occurred, including: The reading module reads the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip and checks whether the difference between the number of printed pages stored in the consumable chip and the number of printed pages previously read is within a predetermined range.

9. A security auditing system, characterized in that, Perform the method according to any one of claims 1-4.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, it controls the device on which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-4.

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