A communication method, consumable chip and consumable

Abstract

This application provides a communication method, a consumable chip, and consumables. The method includes: receiving a first instruction sent by an image forming apparatus, the first instruction including first duration information, the first instruction being used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low-voltage condition lasting for a first duration on a data bus; and generating a low-voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus, the second duration being longer than the first duration, the second duration including the first duration and a delay duration. This application establishes a delay trust mechanism between the image forming apparatus and the consumable chip, determining the legitimacy of the consumables based on the presence of a low-level signal with a delay duration, thus avoiding interference from third-party devices during communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a communication method, a consumable chip, and consumables. Background Technology

[0002] To enrich the features of image forming apparatuses, they are often used in conjunction with peripheral consumables. When consumables are used in an image forming apparatus, the apparatus often needs to authenticate their origin. These consumables typically include a chip for authentication, and the image forming apparatus communicates with this chip to authenticate it—that is, to authenticate the consumable—through information exchange between them.

[0003] An existing authentication method for a consumable chip involves an image forming apparatus sending a first instruction to the consumable chip, which instructs the consumable chip to pull low on the data bus for a specified duration. If the image forming apparatus detects a low-level signal for the specified duration on the data bus, authentication is successful; otherwise, authentication fails.

[0004] However, if a third-party device receives the first instruction from the image forming apparatus, it can also pull the data bus low for a specified duration, causing the image forming apparatus to mistakenly identify the third-party device as legitimate and thus authenticate it. Therefore, the above-mentioned solution in the prior art is easily interfered with by third-party devices, leading to misjudgment by the image forming apparatus.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section of this application is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of this application, and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, this application provides a communication method, a consumable chip, and consumables to help solve the problem that the prior art is easily interfered with by third-party devices during the authentication process of consumables, leading to misjudgment by the image forming apparatus.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a consumable chip, the consumable chip being used to communicate with an image forming apparatus via a clock bus and a data bus, the method comprising:

[0008] The image forming apparatus receives a first instruction, the first instruction including first duration information, the first instruction being used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus for a continuous first duration;

[0009] A low voltage condition is generated on the data bus for a second duration, the second duration being longer than the first duration, and the second duration including the first duration and a delay duration.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the delay durations corresponding to the first instructions sent multiple times by the image forming apparatus are different.

[0011] In one possible implementation, generating a low-voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus includes:

[0012] After a high-level signal is detected on the clock bus, a low-voltage condition is generated on the data bus.

[0013] When a low-level signal is detected on the clock bus, the generation of a low-voltage condition on the data bus is stopped.

[0014] Specifically, after the image forming apparatus sends the first instruction to the consumable chip, the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming apparatus; after the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming apparatus for a third duration, the clock bus is released, and the third duration is approximately the same as the second duration.

[0015] In one possible implementation, generating a low-voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus includes:

[0016] Upon receiving the first instruction from the image forming apparatus, a low voltage condition is generated on the data bus, and timing begins via the first clock unit.

[0017] When the timing duration of the first clock unit reaches the second duration, the generation of a low voltage condition on the data bus is stopped.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the first clock unit is different from the second clock unit that generates the clock signal on the clock bus.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first instruction further includes service request information, and after receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus, the method further includes:

[0020] Send service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming apparatus.

[0021] In one possible implementation, receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus includes: receiving an encrypted first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus; decrypting the encrypted first instruction to obtain first instruction information and service request information;

[0022] Sending service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming apparatus includes: determining service response information corresponding to the service request information based on the service request information; encrypting the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information; and sending the encrypted service response information to the image forming apparatus.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the step of determining service response information corresponding to the service request information based on the service request information; encrypting the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information; and sending the encrypted service response information to the image forming apparatus includes:

[0024] Before generating a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus, service response information corresponding to the service request information is determined based on the service request information; the service response information is encrypted to obtain encrypted service response information; after generating a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus, the encrypted service response information is sent to the image forming apparatus.

[0025] or,

[0026] After generating a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus, service response information corresponding to the service request information is determined based on the service request information; the service response information is encrypted to obtain encrypted service response information; and the encrypted service response information is sent to the image forming apparatus.

[0027] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus being used to communicate with a consumable chip via a clock bus and a data bus, the method comprising:

[0028] Send a first instruction to the consumable chip, the first instruction including first duration information, the first instruction being used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus for a continuous first duration;

[0029] Detect the duration of the low level on the data bus;

[0030] If the low-level duration is the first duration, then the authentication of the consumable chip will not pass;

[0031] If the low-level duration is a second duration, then the consumable chip is certified, wherein the second duration is longer than the first duration.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0033] After sending the first instruction to the consumable chip, the clock bus is pulled high;

[0034] After the clock bus is pulled high for a third duration, the clock bus is released.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first instruction further includes service request information, and after sending the first instruction to the consumable chip, the method further includes:

[0036] Receive the service response information sent by the consumable chip that corresponds to the service request information.

[0037] In one possible implementation, sending the first instruction to the consumable chip includes: sending an encrypted first instruction to the consumable chip;

[0038] Receiving the service response information corresponding to the service request information sent by the consumable chip includes: receiving encrypted service response information corresponding to the service request information sent by the consumable chip; and decrypting the encrypted service response information to obtain the service response information.

[0039] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a consumable chip for communicating with an image forming apparatus via a clock bus and a data bus, the consumable chip comprising:

[0040] A first controller is configured to perform the method described in any of the first aspects.

[0041] One possible implementation also includes:

[0042] A storage unit is used to store the first duration, the delay duration, and / or the delay duration coefficient, wherein the delay duration coefficient is used to calculate the delay duration.

[0043] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a consumable, including the consumable chip described in any of the third aspects.

[0044] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide an image forming apparatus for communicating with a consumable chip via a clock bus and a data bus, the image forming apparatus comprising:

[0045] A second controller is configured to perform the method described in any of the second aspects.

[0046] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide an image forming system, including:

[0047] The consumables mentioned in the fourth aspect;

[0048] The image forming apparatus described in the fifth aspect;

[0049] The consumable is installed on the image forming apparatus, such that the consumable chip and the image forming apparatus are connected via a clock bus and a data bus.

[0050] This application embodiment establishes a delay trust mechanism between the image forming apparatus and the consumable chip, and determines whether the consumable is legitimate based on the presence of a low-level signal with a delay duration, thereby avoiding interference from third-party devices during communication. Attached Figure Description

[0051] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments 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.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 2 A signal timing diagram provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 4 Another signal timing diagram provided in this application embodiment;

[0056] Figure 5A Another signal timing diagram provided in this application embodiment;

[0057] Figure 5B Another signal timing diagram provided in this application embodiment;

[0058] Figure 6 A structural block diagram of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 7 A structural block diagram of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 8 A structural block diagram of a consumable provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0062] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0064] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0065] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0066] See Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and consumables. The image forming apparatus is the part of the image forming system that performs the image forming operation, and the consumables are replaceable parts of the image forming system. For example, when the image forming apparatus is an inkjet printer, laser printer, 3D printer, label printer, or dot matrix printer, the corresponding consumables are ink cartridges, toner cartridges, drum units, toner cartridges, ribbon cartridges, etc.

[0067] One possible implementation is that the consumable has a separate structure, including a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge that are detachable from each other. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a charging roller, while the developing cartridge includes a developer container, a developing roller, and a developer delivery element. Another possible implementation is that the consumable has an integrated structure, for example, including a developer container, a developing roller, a developer delivery element, a photosensitive drum, and a charging roller. Further, the consumable may also include only a housing and a developer container. It should be noted that the consumable may also be the aforementioned developing cartridge or drum cartridge. The aforementioned developer container is used to hold a developer such as toner, and the developer delivery element is a component such as a toner delivery roller or a toner delivery screw used for stirring and / or delivering toner. Of course, the aforementioned developing cartridge may also include only the aforementioned developer container, which is not limited here. Furthermore, the aforementioned developing cartridge may also include only the aforementioned developer container and developer delivery element, which is not limited here.

[0068] To facilitate the management and authentication of consumables, consumable chips are typically installed on them. When the consumables are installed on the image forming apparatus, the consumable chip and the image forming apparatus can communicate with each other via a communication link. Specifically, this communication link may include a clock bus and a data bus, such as an I2C clock bus and an I2C data bus. The clock bus is used to transmit clock signals, and the data bus is used to transmit data signals.

[0069] In some possible implementations, the image forming apparatus can send various types of requests (or commands) to the consumable chip via the aforementioned communication link. Upon receiving the request (or command), the consumable chip can respond to it. Specifically, the request may include a request for data (i.e., a "read" request), such as identification and / or authentication information; or, the request may include a "write" request, i.e., writing relevant data into the consumable chip; or, the request may include a data processing request, i.e., performing relevant data processing actions.

[0070] It should be pointed out that, in Figure 1 For ease of description, the consumables are shown as being located outside the image forming apparatus; however, in some possible implementations, the consumables may be housed inside the image forming apparatus. Additionally, a storage unit may be provided in the consumable chip to store information about the consumables, such as version, production date, manufacturer identification, type, color, capacity, and usage of the imaging material (toner, ink), etc., which will not be elaborated further in this embodiment.

[0071] Typically, image forming apparatuses require the authentication of consumable chips to verify the legitimacy of the consumables. One method for authenticating consumable chips in related technologies is as follows:

[0072] The image forming apparatus sends a first instruction to the consumable chip, which instructs the consumable chip to pull low on the data bus for a specified duration. For example, in... Figure 2 In the application scenario shown, the specified duration is T'. After the consumable chip receives the first instruction, it parses the first instruction to obtain the specified duration T', and then pulls the data bus low for the specified duration T' within the time period t1-t2. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can detect the low-level signal on the data bus. If the image forming apparatus detects a low-level signal for the specified duration T' on the data bus, it indicates that the consumable is a legitimate device, and authentication is successful; otherwise, it indicates that the consumable is an illegitimate device, and authentication fails.

[0073] However, in the aforementioned authentication method for consumable chips, if a third-party device receives the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus, it can also pull the data bus low for a specified duration, causing the image forming apparatus to mistakenly identify the third-party device as a legitimate device and thus authenticate it. Therefore, the above-mentioned scheme in the related technology is easily interfered with by third-party devices, leading to misjudgment by the image forming apparatus.

[0074] To address the aforementioned issues, this application embodiment establishes a delay trust mechanism between the image forming apparatus and the consumable chip. The mechanism determines the legitimacy of the consumable based on the presence of a low-level signal with a delay duration, thereby avoiding interference from third-party devices during communication.

[0075] See Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to... Figure 1 The image forming system shown, such as Figure 3 As shown, it mainly includes the following steps.

[0076] Step S301: The image forming apparatus sends a first instruction to the consumable chip.

[0077] In this embodiment of the application, when the image forming apparatus needs to authenticate the consumable (e.g., after the image forming apparatus is powered on; after the consumable is loaded into the image forming apparatus; after the image forming apparatus receives an authentication command input by the user, etc.), a first instruction containing a first duration information can be sent to the consumable chip associated with the consumable. The first instruction is used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus for a duration of a first duration, which is a specified duration of the image forming apparatus.

[0078] In a specific implementation, the image forming apparatus can send the first instruction to the consumable chip via a data bus. Of course, in other circuit connection relationships, the image forming apparatus can also send the first instruction to the consumable chip via other communication links.

[0079] For example, in Figure 4 In the application scenario shown, the first duration is T, which means that the image forming device instructs the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus for a duration of the first duration T.

[0080] Step S302: The consumable chip generates a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration, which is longer than the first duration.

[0081] Specifically, after the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus, it can generate a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration, causing the data bus to generate a low-level signal for a second duration, which is longer than the first duration. In other words, after receiving the first instruction from the image forming apparatus, the consumable chip ignores the first duration specified in the first instruction and pulls the data bus low for the second duration. For ease of explanation, the second duration is divided into the first duration and a delay duration. That is, in addition to pulling the data bus low for the first duration as instructed by the first instruction, a delay duration is also added, making the total duration for which the consumable chip pulls the data bus low the first duration plus the delay duration, i.e., the second duration.

[0082] In one possible implementation, after the image forming apparatus sends a first instruction to the consumable chip, the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming apparatus for a third duration, which is approximately the same as the second duration, and then released. This release means the clock bus returns to a state where the clock signal alternates between low and high levels. Therefore, the consumable chip can determine the second duration by referring to the clock signal on the clock bus. Specifically, the consumable chip can monitor the level signal on the clock bus in real time. When a high-level signal is detected on the clock bus, it begins generating a low-voltage condition on the data bus; when a low-level signal is detected on the clock bus, it stops generating the low-voltage condition on the data bus, resulting in a low-voltage condition on the data bus lasting for the second duration.

[0083] For example, the image forming apparatus sends a first instruction to the consumable chip at time t1 and simultaneously pulls the clock bus high. The first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus indicates a first duration of T. After receiving the first instruction from the image forming apparatus, the consumable chip begins generating a low-voltage condition on the data bus. After pulling the clock bus high for the first duration T (from time t1 to time t2), the image forming apparatus continues to pull the clock bus high until it releases the clock bus at time t3. That is, after pulling the clock bus high for the first duration T, the image forming apparatus continues to pull the clock bus high for a delay of aT (from time t2 to time t3), making the total high-voltage duration of the clock bus T + aT, i.e., the third duration. Furthermore, when the consumable chip detects the falling edge of the clock signal at time t3, it begins to release the data bus and stops generating a low-voltage condition on the data bus, resulting in a low-voltage condition on the data bus lasting for a duration of t1-t3, i.e., a low-voltage condition lasting for a second duration.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the consumable chip can determine the second duration through its own timing function. Specifically, when the consumable chip receives a first instruction from the image forming apparatus, it begins to generate a low-voltage condition on the data bus and starts timing through a first clock unit; when the timing duration of the first clock unit reaches the second duration, it stops generating the low-voltage condition on the data bus, so that a low-voltage condition lasting for the second duration is generated on the data bus.

[0085] As mentioned above, in some application scenarios, after the image forming apparatus sends the first instruction to the consumable chip, the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming apparatus. Therefore, during this period, the consumable chip cannot perform timing based on the clock signal on the clock bus. To address this issue, an independent clock unit can be set up for the consumable chip to perform timing. For ease of distinction, the clock unit that provides independent timing function for the consumable chip is called the "first clock unit"; the clock unit in the image forming apparatus that generates the clock signal on the clock bus is called the "second clock unit". It can be understood that the consumable chip performs timing based on the independently set first clock unit and will not be affected by changes in the operating state of the clock bus. In specific implementations, the first clock unit can be a timer set inside the consumable chip, which is configured specifically to provide timing for the consumable chip. Of course, the first clock unit can also be set outside the consumable chip, and the consumable chip communicates with the first clock unit through a communication interface to determine the timing duration.

[0086] Understandably, in a scheme where "the consumable chip determines the second duration through its own timing function," the consumable chip first needs to know the magnitude of the second duration (e.g., 200ms, 300ms, etc.). In one possible implementation, the consumable chip can determine the magnitude of the second duration based on the data stored in the memory cell.

[0087] Specifically, a second duration can be stored in the storage unit of the consumable chip. After receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus, the consumable chip can read the second duration from the storage unit to determine the duration (second duration) for generating the low-voltage condition on the data bus. Alternatively, a delay duration can be stored in the storage unit of the consumable chip. After receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus, the consumable chip can read the delay duration from the storage unit and determine the duration (second duration = first duration + delay duration) for generating the low-voltage condition on the data bus based on the first duration specified in the first instruction and the delay duration. Alternatively, a delay duration coefficient 'a' can be stored in the storage unit of the consumable chip. After receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus, the consumable chip can read the delay duration coefficient 'a' from the storage unit, determine the delay duration 'aT' based on the first duration 'T' specified in the first instruction and the delay duration coefficient 'a', and then determine the duration (second duration = first duration 'T' + delay duration 'aT') for generating the low-voltage condition on the data bus based on the first duration 'T' and the delay duration 'aT'.

[0088] It is understandable that if the delay duration aT is too long, it may lead to low communication efficiency between the image forming apparatus and the consumable chip. Therefore, the delay duration aT should not be too long. Typically, a∈(0,0.2). In some possible implementations, to improve the reliability of verification, the delay duration corresponding to the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus multiple times is different. For example, after the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus for the first time, the corresponding delay duration is 0.1T; after the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus for the second time, the corresponding delay duration is 0.2T, and so on.

[0089] It should be noted that the "high level" and "low level" involved in the embodiments of this application are a pair of relative concepts. As long as the "high level" is higher than the "low level" and the two signals can be distinguished during signal transmission, it is acceptable. For example, the high level can be between 3-6V and the low level can be between 0-1V.

[0090] Furthermore, after the second duration, the consumable chip can release the data bus, enabling normal information exchange between the image forming apparatus and the consumable chip.

[0091] Step S303: The image forming apparatus detects the duration of the low level on the data bus.

[0092] Specifically, after sending the first instruction to the consumable chip, the image forming apparatus can detect the duration of the low level on the data bus in real time to determine whether the expected response signal has been received. As described above, the expected response signal is a low-level signal lasting for a second duration.

[0093] Step S304: If the low level duration is a first duration, the image forming apparatus fails to authenticate the consumable chip; if the low level duration is a second duration, the image forming apparatus passes the authentication of the consumable chip.

[0094] Specifically, if the consumable associated with the consumable chip is an illegitimate device, the consumable chip generates a low-voltage condition on the data bus for a sustained first duration according to the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus. Correspondingly, the low-level condition detected by the image forming apparatus on the data bus is the first duration, thus failing the authentication of the consumable chip.

[0095] If the consumable associated with the consumable chip is a legitimate device, then according to the delay trust mechanism agreed upon with the image forming apparatus, the consumable chip generates a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration. Correspondingly, the low-level duration detected by the image forming apparatus on the data bus is the second duration, thereby authenticating the consumable chip.

[0096] In this embodiment, a delay trust mechanism is established between the image forming apparatus and the consumable chip. The validity of the consumable is determined based on the presence of a low-level signal with a delay duration, thereby avoiding interference from third-party devices during communication.

[0097] It should be pointed out that, Figure 4 The signal timing diagram shown is only an ideal case. In practical applications, there may be a certain time difference between the consumable chip receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus and the generation of a low voltage condition on the data bus; and there may also be a certain time difference between the consumable chip determining that it needs to stop generating a low voltage condition on the data bus and the complete release of the data bus. Therefore, the second duration for the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus may be approximately equal to the third duration for the clock bus to be pulled high by the image forming apparatus, that is, it is not strictly equal to the third duration, and it should also fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0098] For example, in Figure 5AIn the application scenario shown, the image forming apparatus sends a first instruction to the consumable chip at time t1 and simultaneously pulls the clock bus high. The first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus indicates a first duration of T. After receiving the first instruction, the consumable chip parses it. After parsing (e.g., 1-2 ms), it starts generating a low-voltage condition on the data bus at time t1'. After pulling the clock bus high for the first duration T (from time t1 to time t2), the image forming apparatus continues to pull the clock bus high until it releases the clock bus at time t3. That is, after pulling the clock bus high for the first duration T, the image forming apparatus continues to pull the clock bus high for a delay of aT (from time t2 to time t3), making the total high-time of the clock bus T+aT, i.e., the second duration. Furthermore, when the consumable chip detects the falling edge of the clock signal at time t3, it begins to release the data bus. This process still requires a certain amount of time (e.g., 2 ms) so that the consumable chip releases the data bus at time t3'.

[0099] Understandably, in this application scenario, the duration for which the consumable chip generates a low-voltage condition on the data bus is t1'-t3'. Because the durations t1-t1' and t3-t3' are affected by various factors (the consumable chip's data processing capability, data processing volume, etc.), the durations t1-t1' and t3-t3' cannot be completely determined. Consequently, the duration t1'-t3' for the consumable chip to generate a low-voltage condition on the data bus is not exactly equal to the duration t1-t3 for the image forming device to pull the clock bus high; that is, the duration t1'-t3' is approximately equal to the duration t1-t3.

[0100] Therefore, the "generating a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus" involved in the embodiments of this application should include the case of being approximately equal to the second duration. In specific implementations, in order to quantify "approximately equal to the second duration," a second duration threshold can be set. When it falls within the range of (second duration - second duration threshold, second duration + second duration threshold), it is considered to be approximately equal to the second duration. Those skilled in the art can set the size of the second duration threshold based on experience, and the embodiments of this application do not impose specific limitations on this.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the image forming apparatus further includes service request information in the first instruction sent to the consumable chip. This service request information instructs the consumable chip to provide corresponding service response information. Therefore, after receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus, the method further includes sending service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming apparatus.

[0102] Furthermore, to enhance the security of information exchange between the image forming apparatus and the consumable chip, the two devices can transmit information via encrypted messages. Specifically, the consumable chip sending a first instruction to the image forming apparatus includes: the consumable chip sending an encrypted first instruction to the image forming apparatus; and the consumable chip decrypting the encrypted first instruction to obtain the first instruction information and the service request information. It is understandable that when the image forming apparatus and the consumable chip can transmit information via encrypted messages, the time required to parse the first instruction will increase. Figure 5A The time difference between t1 and t1' will increase.

[0103] In addition, sending service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming apparatus includes: determining the service response information corresponding to the service request information based on the service request information; encrypting the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information; and sending the encrypted service response information to the image forming apparatus.

[0104] In one possible implementation, the consumable chip can encrypt the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information after generating a low-voltage condition for a second duration on the data bus. For example, in Figure 5A In the application scenario shown, after time t3', the consumable chip's service response information is encrypted, and the encryption is completed at time t4', obtaining the encrypted service response information. This encrypted service response information is then sent to the image forming apparatus. It can be understood that... Figure 5A In the application scenario shown, the duration for generating the low voltage condition on the data bus is t1'-t3'.

[0105] In one possible implementation, the consumable chip can encrypt the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information before generating a low-voltage condition lasting a second duration on the data bus. For example, in Figure 5B In the application scenario shown, after time t1', the consumable chip's service response information is encrypted, and encryption is completed at time t2', obtaining the encrypted service response information. Then, a low-voltage condition lasting for a second duration is generated on the data bus; after time t3', the encrypted service response information is sent to the image forming apparatus. It can be understood that... Figure 5B In the application scenario shown, the duration for generating the low voltage condition on the data bus is t2'-t3'.

[0106] contrast Figure 5A and Figure 5B It can be observed that, Figure 5B The duration of the low-voltage condition on the data bus, t2'-t3', is slightly less than... Figure 5A The term "low voltage condition duration t1'-t3' on the data bus" is used. However, these durations are approximately equal to the second duration defined in the embodiments of this application.

[0107] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides a consumable chip.

[0108] See Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the consumable chip includes a first controller, which is configured to perform some or all of the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0109] See Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown, the consumable chip is in Figure 6 In addition to the above embodiments, a storage unit is also included, which is used to store the second duration, the delay duration, and / or the delay duration coefficient. Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides a consumable.

[0110] See Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of a consumable provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 As shown, the consumable includes the consumable chip described in the above embodiments.

[0111] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides an image forming apparatus.

[0112] See Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes a second controller configured to perform some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0113] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides an image forming system. This image forming system includes the consumables and image forming apparatus described in the above embodiments, wherein the consumables are mounted on the image forming apparatus, and the consumable chip and the image forming apparatus are communicatively connected via a clock bus and a data bus.

[0114] It should be noted that the specific details of the consumable chip, consumable, image forming apparatus and system embodiments involved in this application can be found in the description of the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0115] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium may store a program, wherein when the program runs, it can control the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to execute some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments. Specifically, the computer-readable storage medium may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0116] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer program product containing executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] Those skilled in the art will clearly 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.

[0120] In the several embodiments provided in this application, any function, if implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0121] 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. A communication method applied to a consumable chip, the consumable chip being used to communicate with an image forming apparatus via a clock bus and a data bus, characterized in that, The method includes: The image forming apparatus receives a first instruction, the first instruction including first duration information, the first instruction being used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus for a continuous first duration; A low voltage condition is generated on the data bus for a second duration, the second duration being longer than the first duration, and the second duration including the first duration and a delay duration.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The delay durations corresponding to the first instructions sent multiple times by the image forming apparatus are different.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Generating a low-voltage condition for a second duration on the data bus includes: After a high-level signal is detected on the clock bus, a low-voltage condition is generated on the data bus. When a low-level signal is detected on the clock bus, the generation of a low-voltage condition on the data bus is stopped. Specifically, after the image forming apparatus sends the first instruction to the consumable chip, the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming apparatus; after the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming apparatus for a third duration, the clock bus is released, and the third duration is approximately the same as the second duration.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Generating a low-voltage condition for a second duration on the data bus includes: Upon receiving the first instruction from the image forming apparatus, a low voltage condition is generated on the data bus, and timing begins via the first clock unit. When the timing duration of the first clock unit reaches the second duration, the generation of a low voltage condition on the data bus is stopped.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first clock unit is different from the second clock unit that generates clock signals on the clock bus.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first instruction also includes service request information. After receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus, the method further includes: Send service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming apparatus.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus includes: receiving the encrypted first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus; decrypting the encrypted first instruction to obtain first instruction information and service request information; Sending service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming apparatus includes: determining service response information corresponding to the service request information based on the service request information; encrypting the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information; and sending the encrypted service response information to the image forming apparatus.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step is to determine the service response information corresponding to the service request information based on the service request information; The service response information is encrypted to obtain encrypted service response information; Sending the encrypted service response information to the image forming apparatus includes: Before generating a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus, service response information corresponding to the service request information is determined based on the service request information; the service response information is encrypted to obtain encrypted service response information; after generating a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus, the encrypted service response information is sent to the image forming apparatus. or, After generating a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus, service response information corresponding to the service request information is determined based on the service request information; the service response information is encrypted to obtain encrypted service response information; and the encrypted service response information is sent to the image forming apparatus.

9. A consumable chip for communicating with an image forming apparatus via a clock bus and a data bus, characterized in that, The consumable chip includes: A first controller is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The consumable chip according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A storage unit is used to store the first duration, the delay duration, and / or the delay duration coefficient, wherein the delay duration coefficient is used to calculate the delay duration.

11. A consumable, characterized in that, Includes the consumable chip as described in claim 9 or 10.

Images