Information processing apparatus, consumable, control method, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an information processing device, consumables, a control method and an image forming device.The data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumables is determined by the information processing device, and the image forming device obtains a first communication rate determined by the information processing device; the data transmission rate with the consumables is adjusted according to the first communication rate, so that the probability of successful communication between the consumables and the image forming device can be improved.

Description

[0001] The present invention claims the priority of the Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office on December 28, 2023, with application number 202311843970.3 and invention name “Control device, consumables, control method and image forming device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into the present invention. [Technical field]

[0002] The present application relates to the field of image forming technology, and in particular to an information processing device, consumables, a control method and an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0003] With the development of printing imaging technology, image forming devices such as printers, copiers, fax machines, word processors, etc. have been widely used. Image forming devices are equipped with replaceable items (such as ink, toner, etc.) for accommodating imaging materials (such as ink, toner, etc.) for users to replace, namely consumables (imaging cartridges), wherein the consumables are usually provided with consumable chips.

[0004] In the prior art, after the image forming device communicates with the consumable chip, the image forming device usually obtains imaging control parameters from the consumable chip for subsequent imaging control. However, the inventors have found that the contacts of the consumable chip have increased contact impedance due to scratches caused by plugging and unplugging during use, surface oxidation, and other factors, which in turn leads to poor contact with the image forming device, thereby reducing the probability of successful communication between the consumable and the image forming device. Repeated retries will result in long printing output time, causing inconvenience to users. [Summary of the invention]

[0005] In view of this, the present application provides an information processing device, consumables, a control method and an image forming device to increase the probability of successful communication between the consumables and the image forming device.

[0006] The first aspect of the present application provides an information processing device, including:

[0007] An acquiring unit, used for acquiring first variable data of a consumable;

[0008] a determining unit, configured to determine a first communication rate based on the first variable data, the first communication rate being used to determine a data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumable material, so that the data transmission rate is related to a degree of change of the first variable data;

[0009] A sending unit is used to send the first communication rate to the image forming device.

[0010] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the determining unit is specifically configured to use a communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data as the first communication rate.

[0011] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the determining unit is specifically used to determine the data interval to which the first variable data belongs;

[0012] A communication rate having a preset correspondence with the data interval is used as the first communication rate.

[0013] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the determining unit is specifically used to determine the degree of change of the first variable data;

[0014] The sending unit is further configured to send the value of the change degree of the first variable data to the image forming device.

[0015] In an optional or preferred embodiment, a difference between a value of a change degree of the first variable data and a ratio of the first variable data to an original total amount of the first variable data is within a preset range.

[0016] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the acquisition unit is specifically configured to acquire the first variable data from the image forming device.

[0017] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the sending unit is further used to feed back second variable data to the image forming device when a variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device is obtained, wherein the second variable data is used to obtain the first variable data.

[0018] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the first variable data includes the number of printed pages, and the difference between the value of the degree of change of the first variable data and the ratio of the number of printed pages to the life of the consumables is within a preset range.

[0019] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the value of the degree of change of the first variable data is the same as the ratio of the number of printed pages to the life of the consumables.

[0020] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the acquisition unit is further used to acquire the verification variable data sent by the image forming device;

[0021] The determining unit is further configured to determine a first verification communication rate based on the verification variable data, wherein the first verification communication rate is different from the first communication rate;

[0022] The sending unit is further configured to send the verifiable first communication rate to the image forming device.

[0023] The second aspect of the present application also provides an information processing method, the method comprising:

[0024] Acquire first variable data of consumables;

[0025] determining a first communication rate based on the first variable data, the first communication rate being used to determine a data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumables, so that the data transmission rate is related to a degree of change of the first variable data;

[0026] The first communication rate is transmitted to the image forming device.

[0027] In an optional or preferred embodiment, determining the first communication rate based on the first variable data includes: using a communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data as the first communication rate.

[0028] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the step of using a communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data as the first communication rate includes:

[0029] Determine the data interval to which the first variable data belongs;

[0030] A communication rate having a preset correspondence with the data interval is used as the first communication rate.

[0031] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0032] determining a degree of change of the first variable data;

[0033] The value of the degree of change of the first variable data is transmitted to the image forming device.

[0034] In an optional or preferred embodiment, a difference between a value of a change degree of the first variable data and a ratio of the first variable data to an original total amount of the first variable data is within a preset range.

[0035] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the obtaining of first variable data of the consumable includes:

[0036] The first variable data is received from the image forming device.

[0037] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0038] When a variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device is acquired, second variable data is fed back to the image forming device, wherein the second variable data is used to obtain the first variable data.

[0039] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the first variable data includes the number of printed pages, and the difference between the value of the degree of change of the first variable data and the ratio of the number of printed pages to the life of the consumables is within a preset range.

[0040] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the value of the degree of change of the first variable data is the same as the ratio of the number of printed pages to the life of the consumables.

[0041] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0042] receiving verification variable data sent by the image forming device;

[0043] determining a first verifying communication rate based on the verifying variable data, the first verifying communication rate being different from the first communication rate;

[0044] The verifying first communication rate is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

[0045] The third aspect of the present application also provides a consumable material, including:

[0046] case;

[0047] a developer containing portion, located in the housing, for containing the developer; and

[0048] The information processing device as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0049] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the consumables further include:

[0050] The developer conveying element is used for conveying the developer.

[0051] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the consumables further include:

[0052] Photosensitive drum;

[0053] A charging roller is used for charging the photosensitive drum.

[0054] The fourth aspect of the present application also provides a consumable material, including:

[0055] Photosensitive drum;

[0056] a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum; and

[0057] The information processing device as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0058] A fifth aspect of the present application further provides a data transmission control method, which is applied to an image forming device, where consumables are detachably installed on the image forming device, and the method comprises:

[0059] Acquire a first communication rate, where the first communication rate is determined based on first variable data of the consumable;

[0060] verifying the first communication rate;

[0061] If the first communication rate verification succeeds, a data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumable is set according to the first communication rate so that the data transmission rate is related to a degree of change of the first variable data of the consumable.

[0062] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the verifying the first communication rate includes:

[0063] Acquire first variable data of the consumable;

[0064] Determining a theoretical communication rate according to the first variable data;

[0065] When the difference between the first communication rate and the theoretical communication rate is within a preset range, the first communication rate passes the verification.

[0066] In an optional or preferred embodiment, determining the theoretical communication rate according to the first variable data includes:

[0067] A communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data is used as the theoretical communication rate.

[0068] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the method of using a communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data as the theoretical communication rate includes:

[0069] Determine the data interval to which the first variable data belongs;

[0070] A communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the data interval is used as the theoretical communication rate.

[0071] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0072] controlling the image forming device to communicate with the consumables at a third communication rate, wherein the third communication rate is different from the first communication rate;

[0073] When the image forming device fails to communicate with the consumable at the third communication rate, controlling the image forming device to communicate with the consumable at the first communication rate;

[0074] When the image forming apparatus successfully communicates with the consumables at the third communication rate, the third communication rate is set as a data transmission rate between the image forming apparatus and the consumables.

[0075] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0076] determining whether the data transmission rate between the image forming device and the plurality of the loaded consumables is the same;

[0077] If they are not the same, communication with all the consumables is performed at the minimum data transmission rate among the corresponding data transmission rates of the multiple consumables.

[0078] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0079] sending verification variable data to the consumable;

[0080] receiving a verifiable first communication rate determined by the consumable based on the verifiable variable data;

[0081] Verifying the verifiable first communication rate;

[0082] If the first communication rate and the verifying first communication rate are verified successfully, a data transmission rate between the image forming apparatus and the consumables is set according to the first communication rate.

[0083] A sixth aspect of the present application further provides an image forming device, comprising:

[0084] A controller, wherein the controller is used to execute the method described in any one of the fifth aspects.

[0085] A controller for executing any technical solution of the present invention.

[0086] According to the scheme provided in the present application, the data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumables is determined by the information processing device based on the first variable data, so that the data transmission rate is related to the degree of change of the first variable data. After obtaining the first communication rate sent by the information processing device, the image forming device adjusts the data transmission rate with the consumables according to the first communication rate, which can increase the probability of successful communication between the consumables and the image forming device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0087] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0088] Figure 1 A structural block diagram of an image forming system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of another image forming system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of another image forming system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] Figure 6 A flowchart of an information processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 7 A flowchart of another information processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 8 A flowchart of another information processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] Fig. 9 A flowchart of another information processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] Fig.10 A flowchart of a data transmission control method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Fig.11 A flowchart of another data transmission control method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] Fig.12 A flowchart of another data transmission control method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] Fig.13 A flowchart of another data transmission control method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] Fig.14 A flowchart of another data transmission control method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] Fig.17 A schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] Fig.18 A schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] Fig.19A schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] Fig. 20 A structural block diagram of an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Specific implementation method]

[0108] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present application, the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0109] It should be clear that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0110] Unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0111] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms "a", "above", and "the" used in the embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates other meanings.

[0112] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0113] See also Figure 1 , is a structural block diagram of an image forming system provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system includes an image forming device and consumables. The image forming device is a part of the image forming system that performs image forming operations, and the consumables are replaceable accessories in the image forming system. For example, when the image forming device is an inkjet printer, a laser printer, a 3D printer, a label printer, or a dot matrix printer, the consumables are ink cartridges, toner cartridges, toner cartridges, toner cartridges, ribbon cartridges, etc.

[0114] One possible implementation is that the consumables are of a split structure, including a drum box and a developer box that are detachable from each other, wherein the drum box includes a photosensitive drum and a charging roller, and the developer box includes a developer container, a developer roller, and a developer conveying element. Another possible implementation is that the consumables are of an integrated structure, for example, the consumables include a developer container, a developer roller, a developer conveying element, a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, etc.

[0115] Furthermore, the consumables may also include only a shell and a developer containing portion. It is additionally noted that the consumables may also be the aforementioned developer box or drum box. The aforementioned developer containing portion is used to contain developers such as toner, and the developer conveying element is a component such as a powder feeding roller, a powder feeding screw, etc., for stirring and / or conveying toner. Of course, the aforementioned developer box may also include only the aforementioned developer containing portion, which is not limited here. Furthermore, the aforementioned developer box may also include only the aforementioned developer containing portion and the developer conveying element, which is not limited here.

[0116] In a possible implementation, the consumables may also include a powder cartridge and / or an imaging component. The powder cartridge is used to deliver toner to the imaging component when the toner contained in the imaging component is insufficient so that the image forming device forms an image based on the toner delivered by the imaging component. When the consumable is a powder cartridge, the consumable may include only a housing and a developer container, or may include a housing, a developer container, and a developer delivery element, which is not limited in this application. When the consumable is an imaging component, the consumable may include a housing, a developer container, a developer delivery unit, a charging roller, a photosensitive drum, etc. A developer transmission channel is provided between the developer container and the imaging component, which is not limited in this embodiment of the application.

[0117] It should be pointed out that the consumables mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may also be other components, parts, units (such as paper boxes, etc.) in the image forming device that are easily damaged and need to be replaced, which also belong to the technical solutions corresponding to the consumables protected by this application.

[0118] In order to facilitate the management of consumables, consumables are also used in conjunction with consumable chips, which are electronic devices with storage functions. The consumable chips may also include other components such as chip control units (e.g., microcontroller units (MCU)). In one embodiment, the consumable chip may be installed on the consumables, and the consumable chip may be installed on the consumables before the consumables leave the factory, or may be installed on the consumables by the user after the consumables leave the factory. In another embodiment, the consumable chip does not need to be installed on the consumables, but is fixed to the image forming device by a mounting member or an adhesive. When the image forming device uses the consumables, the contact contacts of the consumable chip are electrically contacted with the contact terminals corresponding to the image forming device, thereby realizing the electrical connection between the consumable chip and the image forming device. When the image forming device does not use consumables (the consumables are not in working state), the contact contacts of the consumable chip may be in contact or not in contact with the contact terminals corresponding to the image forming device. For example, when the consumables are installed in the image forming device but are not used, or when the consumables are taken out of the image forming device. It should be noted that when the consumables are of the aforementioned split structure including a drum box and a developer box that are detachable from each other, the drum box and the developer box are usually equipped with consumable chips respectively.

[0119] When the consumables are installed on the image forming device, the consumables chip is connected to the image forming device for communication. The communication connection can be a communication connection through a contact, an antenna or a coil, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that the consumables chip stores information including raw data, and the raw data is information related to the image forming system. For example, the raw data may include at least one of the following categories: 1) imaging control related parameters, such as: printing engine control parameter information, specifically high voltage control parameters, fixing temperature parameters, paper feed speed control parameters, etc. When the image forming device is a color printer, it also includes color calibration parameter information or calibration patterns; 2) consumables related parameters, such as: various proportional factors for calculating toner consumption; or basic attribute information of consumables, wherein the basic attribute information of consumables may specifically be information such as the model of the consumables, the serial number of the consumables, and the capacity and life of the consumables. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can also design the consumables chip to store other types of raw data according to actual needs, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0120] In some possible implementations, the information processing device described in the embodiments of the present application is a consumable chip or a consumable chipset. When the consumable chip is electrically connected to the image forming device, the consumable chip can communicate with the image forming device, and the consumable chip can provide information related to the consumable to the image forming device, so that the image forming device can obtain basic information about the consumable, such as the manufacturer, the type, color, capacity and usage of the recording material (toner, ink), etc. In addition, during the image forming operation, the image forming device can also write the update information of the consumable (for example, the usage of the developer) into the consumable chip. In one embodiment, the consumable chip includes a substrate and a plurality of contact contacts, and the plurality of contact contacts are arranged on the substrate, and each contact contact is respectively used to be electrically connected to a plurality of contact terminals arranged on the image forming device, thereby realizing the communication between the image forming device and the consumable chip, wherein the plurality of contact contacts may include a power contact VCC, a ground contact GND, a data line contact SDA, and a clock line contact SCL. In another embodiment, the consumable chip in the embodiment of the present application may further include an adapter plate in addition to the substrate, wherein the adapter plate is electrically connected to the substrate, and at least part of the aforementioned plurality of contact points may be disposed on the adapter plate. Figure 2, the second communication interface 111 of the consumable chip 110 can be electrically connected to the first communication interface 104 of the image forming device 100, thereby being electrically connected to the processor 101 of the image forming device 100 through the first communication interface 104. In one embodiment, the above-mentioned first communication interface 104 and the second communication interface 111 can be I2C interfaces respectively. The second power supply interface 112 of the consumable chip 110 can be electrically connected to the first power supply interface 105 of the image forming device 100, so that the image forming device 100 can power the consumable chip 110 through the first power supply interface 105 and the second power supply interface 112. In one embodiment, the information processing device described in the present application includes a first consumable chip and a second consumable chip. In some embodiments, see Figure 3 , the first consumable chip 110 (the first consumable chip is Figure 2The first consumable chip 110 is a consumable chip in the image forming device 100 and is communicatively connected with the second consumable chip 120. When the image forming device 100 and the first consumable chip 110 communicate, the image forming device 100 acts as a host to send instructions to the first consumable chip 110, and the first consumable chip 110 acts as a slave to respond to the instructions sent by the host. When the first consumable chip 110 and the second consumable chip 120 communicate, the first consumable chip 110 acts as a host to send instructions to the second consumable chip 120, and the second consumable chip 120 acts as a slave to respond to the instructions sent by the first consumable chip 110. Among them, the instructions sent by the first consumable chip 110 to the second consumable chip 120 can be generated by the first consumable chip 110, or the first consumable chip 110 can forward the instructions sent by the image forming device 100. At this time, the first consumable chip 110 determines who should process the instructions sent by the image forming device 100, and when it is determined that the instructions should be processed by the second consumable chip 120, the instructions are forwarded to the second consumable chip 120. The third communication interface 113 of the first consumable chip 110 can be electrically connected to the fourth communication interface 121 of the second consumable chip 120. In one embodiment, the third communication interface 113 and the fourth communication interface 121 can be wired communication interfaces, preferably I2C interfaces, or optical, infrared or other appropriate information transmission path interfaces. In some embodiments, a switch controlled by the first consumable chip is provided in the communication link between the first consumable chip and the second consumable chip and the image forming device. When the first consumable chip determines that the first consumable chip needs to communicate with the image forming device at the current stage, the communication link between the first consumable chip and the image forming device is connected by the switch, or the communication link between the first consumable chip and the image forming device is kept connected. When the first consumable chip determines that the second consumable chip needs to communicate with the image forming device at the current stage, the communication link between the second consumable chip and the image forming device is connected by the switch. When the first consumable chip determines that the second consumable chip does not need to communicate with the image forming device at the current stage, the communication link between the second consumable chip and the image forming device is disconnected by the switch. The information processing device described in the embodiment of the present application may include a chipset, and the chipset includes a first consumable chip 110 and a second consumable chip 120 .

[0121] In some possible implementations, the information processing device described in the present application includes the aforementioned consumable chip or consumable chipset, and an auxiliary circuit module. The consumable chip is connected to the auxiliary circuit module, and can be connected through a wired communication interface, or can be connected through an optical, infrared or other appropriate information transmission path interface. The auxiliary circuit module is used to implement some functions of the consumable chip, or additional functions. The auxiliary circuit can respond to the indication of the consumable chip, or be enabled by a signal other than the instruction of the consumable chip, to provide the consumable chip or the main device with corresponding data information or waveform information and other information. The auxiliary circuit module may include logic units such as AND gates, OR gates, NOT gates, triggers, etc., and may also include circuit units of devices such as FPGA, MCU, DSP, etc. Those skilled in the art can design the auxiliary circuit module according to actual needs. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the composition and specific functions of the auxiliary circuit module.

[0122] It should be noted that when the image forming device can be installed with multiple consumables, each consumable is provided with an information processing device, or some of the consumables are provided with an information processing device. That is, there can be a one-to-one relationship between the consumables and the information processing device. For example, the image forming device can be installed with 6 consumables, and each of the 6 consumables is provided with an information processing device. There can also be a one-to-many relationship between the consumables and the information processing device. For example, the image forming device can be installed with 6 consumables, and one of the consumables is provided with an information processing device, and the information processing device processes the information between the 6 consumables and the image forming device. For example, the information processing device stores the information corresponding to the 6 consumables. For another example, the information processing device provides the image forming device with the information corresponding to the 6 consumables. For another example, the information processing device receives the information corresponding to the 6 consumables sent by the image forming device, etc.

[0123] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus includes an image forming control unit and an image forming unit, wherein the image forming control unit is used to control the image forming apparatus as a whole, and the image forming unit is used to form an image on a conveyed paper based on image data under the control of the image forming control unit.

[0124] The image forming control unit may be a system on chip (SoC), which is a miniature system composed of components of multiple systems and is configured to control the imaging processing operations of the image forming device, such as linear correction, noise reduction, bad pixel removal, detail enhancement, etc., to improve the quality of image output. The image forming control unit is also used to perform processing operations related to data transmission and reception, command transmission and reception, and engine control of printing images, such as transmitting and receiving data, printing engine control commands, status, etc. through an interface unit (including but not limited to a USB port, a wired network port, a wireless network port, or other interfaces, etc.).

[0125] See also Figure 4 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the image forming part of the image forming device may include: a developer containing part 11, a developing part 12, a developer conveying element 13, a photosensitive part 14, a transfer part 15 and a fixing assembly 5, etc. The paper to be printed moves in the paper feeding direction, and after successively undergoing the powder feeding operation of the developer conveying element 13 and the developing operation of the developing part 12, it reaches the clamping area between the photosensitive part 14 and the transfer part 15 for transfer, and then passes through the fixing assembly 5 for fixing to complete the image forming operation, wherein the developer containing part 11 is used to contain the developer, and the developer can be materials such as toner and carbon powder; the developing part 12 includes: a developing roller, etc.; the developer conveying element 13 includes: a powder feeding roller, etc.; the photosensitive part 14 includes: a photosensitive drum (OPC, Organic Photo Conductor) and a charging roller, etc., wherein the charging roller is used to charge the photosensitive drum.

[0126] Usually, the image forming device is detachably mounted with at least one consumable material. Figure 4 As an example, the image forming device shown in FIG. 1 is detachably mounted with four consumables (respectively Figure 2 The consumables 1, 2, 3 and 4 shown are used to provide four colors of developers, namely black K, cyan C, magenta M and yellow Y, to the image forming device respectively. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of consumables installed in the image forming device may be increased or decreased, for example, to 5 or 6 or even more or less, etc., and the present application does not limit this.

[0127] During actual use, the contact impedance of the consumable chip will increase due to scratches caused by plugging and unplugging, surface oxidation and other factors during use, resulting in poor contact between the consumable chip and the imaging device, and thus reducing the probability of successful communication between the consumable chip and the image forming device; and when the image forming device fails to successfully communicate with the consumable, it will continue to try to communicate with the consumable until the image forming device can successfully communicate with the consumable, or if it still cannot successfully communicate with the consumable within a certain number of retries, the image forming device reports a fault; but the above-mentioned repeated retry process will result in a long recognition time, and then a long printing output time, causing inconvenience to the user.

[0128] In the process of analyzing the problem, the inventors found that the probability of successful identification of consumables is related to the communication rate between the image forming device and the consumable chip, and the current communication rate between the image forming device and the consumables will not change.

[0129] To this end, embodiments of the present application provide an information processing device, an information processing method, a data transmission control method, consumables, an image forming device, an image forming system, and a computer-readable storage medium, which can improve the communication success rate between the consumables and the image forming device.

[0130] Embodiment 1

[0131] Some embodiments of the present application provide an information processing device, which has a corresponding relationship with consumables. For example, the information processing device is set on the consumables, and the consumables are detachably installed on the image forming device. Schematically, the information processing device can be entirely set inside the consumable chip, or it can be a third-party device that is entirely set outside the consumable chip, or it can be partially set inside the consumable chip and partially set outside the consumable chip.

[0132] In some embodiments, see Figure 5 The information processing device includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit and a sending unit, wherein the sending unit is used to provide communication information to the image forming device, wherein the communication information includes a first communication rate, and the first communication rate is used to determine a data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumables.

[0133] According to the scheme provided in the above embodiment, the data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumables is determined by the information processing device of the consumables. After obtaining the first communication rate sent by the information processing device, the image forming device adjusts the data transmission rate with the consumables according to the first communication rate, thereby increasing the probability of successful communication between the consumables and the image forming device.

[0134] For example, when the information processing device is integrally arranged inside the consumable chip, the first communication rate is used to determine the data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumable chip. The image forming device adjusts the data transmission rate with the consumable chip according to the acquired first communication rate, which can increase the probability of successful communication between the consumable chip and the image forming device. The consumable chip can be fixedly or detachably arranged on the consumable, or fixedly or detachably arranged on the image forming device. Furthermore, when the image forming device can accommodate multiple consumables, the consumable chip and the consumables can be in a one-to-one correspondence or a one-to-many relationship.

[0135] For example, the information processing device is a consumable chipset, see Figure 3The consumable chipset includes a first consumable chip 110 and a second consumable chip 120. The second consumable chip 120 is used to determine a first communication rate, and send the first communication rate to the image forming device through the first consumable chip 110. The image forming device adjusts the data transmission rate with the first consumable chip 110 according to the acquired first communication rate, which can improve the probability of successful communication between the first consumable chip 110 or the consumable chipset and the image forming device. Alternatively, the first consumable chip 110 controls the switch between the second consumable chip 120 and the image forming device to be turned on, so that the second consumable chip 120 can send the first communication rate to the image forming device. If the switch remains turned on, the image forming device adjusts the data transmission rate with the first consumable chip 110 and / or the second consumable chip 120 according to the acquired first communication rate, which can correspondingly improve the probability of successful communication with the first consumable chip 110 and / or the second consumable chip 120. Among them, the consumable chipset can be set on the consumable or the image forming device in whole or in part. For example, the first consumable chip 110 and the second consumable chip 120 are both disposed on the consumable. For another example, the first consumable chip 110 is disposed on the consumable, and the second consumable chip 120 is disposed on the image forming device. Further, when the image forming device can accommodate multiple consumables, the first consumable chip 110 and the consumables can be in a one-to-one correspondence, and the second consumable chip 120 and the consumables can be in a one-to-one correspondence or a one-to-many relationship.

[0136] For another example, when the image forming device can accommodate multiple consumables, for some consumables, the information processing device is integrally arranged inside the consumable chip, and for another part of the consumables, the information processing device is a consumable chip set.

[0137] It is understood that the target device for data transmission with the image forming device will be different depending on the implementation of the information processing device. For example, when the information processing device is integrally arranged inside the consumable chip, the target device for data transmission with the image forming device is the consumable chip. Adjusting the data transmission rate with the consumable according to the first communication rate is actually adjusting the data transmission rate with the target device.

[0138] In some embodiments, the information processing device further includes an acquisition unit and a determination unit, wherein the acquisition unit is used to acquire the first variable data of the consumables, and the determination unit is used to determine the first communication rate according to the first variable data. The specific manner in which the acquisition unit is used to acquire the first variable data of the consumables may be to directly read the first variable data from the information processing device or the consumables chip or other storage device, or to read the associated data of the first variable data from the information processing device or other consumables chip or other storage device, and convert the first variable data based on the associated data of the first variable data, or to acquire the first variable data sent by the image forming device, specifically, the first variable data sent by the image forming device may be directly received, or may be acquired from an external device such as a transferor, that is, the external device such as the transferor first receives the first variable data sent by the image forming device, and then the acquisition unit acquires the first variable data from the external device such as the transferor. Among them, the first variable data is associated with the degree of use of the consumables. For example, the first variable data may be rewritten or changed according to the degree of use of the consumables during the image forming operation performed by the image forming device, and / or the first variable data may also be rewritten or changed according to the degree of use of the consumables of the consumables in the preparation operation of the image forming device for performing the image forming operation. In one embodiment, the information processing device pre-stores the first variable data or the data converted from the first variable data based on the algorithm according to the preset rules or the information processing device pre-stores. For example, when the information processing device is set as a whole inside the consumable chip, the first variable data or the converted data can be stored in the consumable chip. For example, when the information processing device is a consumable chip set, and the consumable chip set includes a first consumable chip 110 and a second consumable chip 120, the first variable data or the converted data can be pre-stored in the first consumable chip 110 or the second consumable chip 120. In one embodiment, the image forming device sends the first variable data to the information processing device. Optionally, if the first variable data is sent by the image forming device to the information processing device, before the image forming device sends the first variable data to the information processing device, the acquisition unit is also used to obtain the second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device, and the sending unit of the information processing device feeds back the second variable data to the image forming device, wherein the second variable data is the data pre-stored by the information processing device or other consumable chips or other storage devices, or the second variable data is converted by the information processing device based on the associated data of the pre-stored second variable data. The image forming device rewrites or changes the second variable data based on the image forming operation and / or based on the preparation operation, obtains the first variable data based on the rewriting or change of the second variable data, and sends the first variable data to the information processing device.

[0139] Regarding the specific method in which the acquisition unit acquires the second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device, the second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device can be directly received, or it can be acquired from an external device such as a relay, that is, the external device such as the relay first receives the second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device, and then the acquisition unit acquires the second variable data acquisition request from the external device such as the relay.

[0140] The information represented by the second variable data is described in detail below. The information represented by the second variable data may represent the consumption amount of the consumables or the remaining amount of the consumables.

[0141] In one embodiment, when the consumable includes a developer containing portion, the second variable data may be associated with the developer usage level of the consumable. Exemplarily, the second variable data may be the developer consumption, the developer remaining amount, or any one of the parameters directly indicating the developer usage level, such as the number of printed pages, the number of remaining printable pages, etc., obtained by converting the developer consumption or the developer remaining amount. The second variable data may also not be equal to the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the developer usage level, but may be consistent with the change trend of the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the developer usage level, that is, it increases with the increase of the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the developer usage level or decreases with the decrease of the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the developer usage level. Specifically, the second variable data may be rewritten or changed according to the developer usage level in the consumable during the image forming device performing the image forming operation, and the second variable data may also be rewritten or changed according to the developer usage level in the consumable during the preparation operation of the image forming device for performing the image forming operation, and the aforementioned preparation operation includes but is not limited to a color correction operation, a preheating operation, etc. Among them, in the color correction operation, the image forming device first forms a specified toner image on the transfer belt, and then uses a detection device such as a CTD sensor (Color Toner Density Sensor, referred to as CTD sensor, color toner density sensor) to detect the toner image on the transfer belt, and then performs color correction according to the detection result. In the preheating operation, the image forming device drives at least one of the OPC (Organic Photoconductor, photosensitive drum), developing roller, powder feeding roller, and stirring frame in the image forming device to start idling, so that the image forming device is heated to a specific temperature. It can be understood that the developer consumption will occur in the execution of the image forming operation and in the preparation operation for the execution of the image forming operation.

[0142] In one embodiment, when the consumables include OPC (Organic Photoconductor, photosensitive drum), the second variable data is associated with the OPC usage level of the consumables. Exemplarily, the second variable data can be the OPC rotation distance, the OPC remaining rotation distance, or any one of the parameters directly indicating the OPC usage level, such as the number of printed pages, the number of remaining printable pages, etc., calculated based on the OPC rotation distance or converted from the remaining rotation distance. The second variable data may not be equal to the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the OPC usage level, but it is consistent with the change trend of the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the OPC usage level, that is, it increases with the increase of the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the OPC usage level or decreases with the decrease of the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the OPC usage level. Specifically, the second variable data can be rewritten or changed according to the OPC usage level during the image forming device performing the image forming operation. The second variable data can also be rewritten or changed according to the OPC usage level in the preparation operation of the image forming device for performing the image forming operation. The aforementioned preparation operation includes but is not limited to color correction operation, preheating operation, etc. It is understood that the rotation consumption of the OPC is generated in the execution of the image forming operation and in the preparation operation for the execution of the image forming operation.

[0143] In one embodiment, the second variable data is associated with the usage level of a consumable chip used in conjunction with the consumable. For example, the second variable data is any one of the parameters directly indicating the usage level of the consumable chip, such as the number of times the consumable chip is powered on, the theoretical remaining number of power-ons, the theoretical remaining power-on time, and the cumulative power-on time. The second variable data may not be equal to the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the usage level of the consumable chip, but may be consistent with the changing trend of the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the usage level of the consumable chip, that is, it increases with the increase of the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the usage level of the consumable chip or decreases with the decrease of the aforementioned parameter directly indicating the usage level of the consumable chip.

[0144] In one embodiment, the second variable data is associated with the consumption of at least two of the developer, OPC and the consumable chip, or the second variable data is associated with the remaining amount of at least two of the developer, OPC and the consumable chip. Exemplarily, the second variable data increases both with the increase of the number of printed pages and with the increase of the number of times the consumable chip is powered on.

[0145] It can be understood that the parameter information such as the aforementioned developer consumption, the aforementioned number of printed pages, the aforementioned OPC rotation distance, the aforementioned number of power-on times of the consumable chip and the cumulative power-on time of the consumable chip, which have larger values ​​as the consumables are used more, is the consumption; the parameter information such as the aforementioned remaining developer amount, the aforementioned remaining number of printable pages, the aforementioned remaining OPC rotation distance, the aforementioned theoretical remaining number of power-on times, the aforementioned theoretical remaining power-on time, which have smaller values ​​as the consumables are used more, is the remaining amount.

[0146] It should be noted that the second variable data can reflect the degree of use of the consumables. When the developer in the consumables is not replenished and replaced, or the OPC in the consumables is not replaced, or the consumable chip used in conjunction with the consumables is not replaced, the corresponding second variable data generally changes in the same fixed direction, that is, the second variable data becomes larger as the degree of use of the consumables increases, or the second variable data becomes smaller as the degree of use of the consumables increases.

[0147] Of course, the second variable data can also be associated with other parameters that can represent the degree of consumables usage, for example, it can be associated with consumables abnormal statistical data. Further, the consumables abnormal statistical data can be the number of communication failures between the image forming device and the consumable chip, or the number of successful communication but failed information processing. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this, and it only needs that the second variable data can reflect the degree of consumables usage.

[0148] The information represented by the first variable data can refer to the detailed description of the information represented by the second variable data. Since the first variable data can be obtained from the second variable data, the information represented by the first variable data can be consistent with the information represented by the second variable data. For example, both represent the developer consumption. After the acquisition unit of the information processing device receives the second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device, the sending unit of the information processing device feeds back the second variable data representing the developer consumption to the image forming device. The image forming device generates developer consumption based on the image forming operation and / or based on the preparation operation, and then adds the generated developer consumption increment to the second variable data to obtain the first variable data representing the new developer consumption, and sends the first variable data to the information processing device. The information represented by the first variable data may also be inconsistent with the information represented by the second variable data. Specifically, when there is a mapping relationship between different representation information, different representation information can be converted to each other. For example, the first variable data is the developer consumption, and the second variable data is the number of printed pages. The developer consumption has a mapping relationship with the number of printed pages. After the acquisition unit of the information processing device receives the second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device, the sending unit of the information processing device feeds back the second variable data representing the developer consumption to the image forming device. The image forming device generates developer consumption based on the image forming operation or the preparation operation, and then adds the generated developer consumption increment to the second variable data, and obtains the first variable data representing the new number of printed pages based on the mapping relationship between the developer consumption information and the number of printed pages, and sends the first variable data to the information processing device.

[0149] A determining unit is used to determine a first communication rate based on first variable data.

[0150] It should be noted that the determining unit determines the first communication rate based on the first variable data, which may include the following understandings:

[0151] First: after the acquisition unit acquires the first variable data, the determination unit determines the first communication rate based on the first variable data;

[0152] Second: after the acquisition unit acquires the first variable data, the determination unit determines the first communication rate according to a preset rule, and the present application does not specifically limit the preset rule.

[0153] The first way of understanding is explained below.

[0154] In some embodiments, the determining unit determines the first communication rate directly based on the first variable data.

[0155] Exemplarily, the determining unit directly determines the first communication rate based on the first variable data in the following implementations:

[0156] Mode a: The determination unit divides the value of the first variable data into intervals, different intervals of the value of the first variable data correspond to different first communication rates, and the first communication rate is determined according to the interval corresponding to the value of the first variable data.

[0157] Exemplarily, when the first variable data is the accumulated power-on time, the consumable chip records its own accumulated power-on time, and uses different first communication rates in different time periods. Exemplarily, the accumulated power-on time can be divided into three time periods as shown in the following table, and different first communication rates correspond to different time periods; the corresponding first communication rate can be selected according to the current accumulated power-on time period.

[0158] Power-on cumulative time period First communication rate 0~100 hours 400K 100~500 hours 200K 500 hours~life 100K

[0159] Exemplarily, when the number of printed pages is used as the first variable data, different first communication rates are used in different intervals of the number of printed pages. For example, the number of remaining printable pages can be divided into three intervals as shown in the following table, and different first communication rates correspond to different intervals; the corresponding first communication rate can be selected according to the current number of remaining printable pages.

[0160] Number of pages printed First communication rate 0~5000 pages 400K 5001~10000 pages 200K 10001~15000 pages 100K

[0161] Mode b: determining the first communication rate through a calculation formula based on the first variable data.

[0162] Exemplarily, the first communication rate may be calculated using the following formula (1):

[0163] First communication rate = ((theoretical life time - cumulative power-on time) / theoretical life time) * theoretical communication rate (1);

[0164] However, the first communication rate calculated by formula (1) cannot approach 0 infinitely. When the calculated first communication rate is less than the minimum communication rate, the information processing device uses the minimum communication rate as the first communication rate.

[0165] Exemplarily, when the first variable data is the remaining developer amount, the determination unit is further used to determine the first communication rate according to the remaining developer information. The remaining developer information is usually the remaining developer ratio or the remaining developer amount of the current consumables, which can generally be obtained by subtracting the current developer consumption from the total developer amount, or can be directly obtained by pre-stored data in the memory; Exemplarily, the first communication rate can be calculated using the following formula (2):

[0166] First communication rate = (remaining developer amount / total developer amount) * theoretical communication rate (2); the aforementioned theoretical communication rate is usually the maximum reliable communication rate supported by the image forming device and the target device when the contact between the image forming device and the target device is stable and reliable, that is, when the consumables are not used and the first variable data has not changed, the maximum reliable communication rate supported by the image forming device and the target device.

[0167] Exemplarily, when the first variable data is the number of remaining printable pages, the determination unit may determine the first communication rate according to the number of remaining printable pages. Exemplarily, the first communication rate may be calculated using the following formula (3):

[0168] First communication rate = (number of remaining printable pages / theoretical total number of printable pages of consumable chip) * theoretical communication rate (3);

[0169] Among them, the total number of pages theoretically printed by the consumable chip is usually the total number of pages theoretically supported by the consumable chip for printing. Those skilled in the art can determine the total number of pages theoretically supported by the consumable chip for printing according to any well-known method, which will not be repeated here.

[0170] In some embodiments, the determination unit is specifically configured to first determine a value of a change degree of the first variable data, and then determine the first communication rate based on the value of the change degree of the first variable data.

[0171] In some implementations, the determining unit is specifically configured to first determine a change degree of the first variable data, and then determine the first communication rate based on the change degree of the first variable data.

[0172] Method c, the determination unit divides the value of the degree of change of the first variable data into intervals, different intervals of the value of the degree of change of the first variable data correspond to different first communication rates, and the first communication rate is determined according to the interval corresponding to the value of the first variable data, that is, the communication rate that has a preset corresponding relationship with the value of the degree of change of the first variable data is used as the first communication rate.

[0173] Exemplarily, when the first variable data is the number of pages printed, the number of pages printed is compared with the theoretical total number of pages printed to obtain the ratio of the first variable data to the original total amount of the first variable data, that is, the value of the degree of change of the first variable data, and different first communication rates are used in different ratio intervals. For example, the ratio can be divided into three intervals as shown in the following table, and different first communication rates correspond to different intervals; the corresponding first communication rate can be selected according to the currently calculated ratio.

[0174] Number of pages printed / theoretical total number of pages printed First communication rate [0％,30％) 400K [30％,60％) 200K [60％,100％] 100K

[0175] Mode d: determining the first communication rate through a calculation formula based on the value of the degree of change of the first variable data.

[0176] Exemplarily, when the first variable data is the remaining amount of developer, based on the aforementioned method for calculating the degree of change of the first variable data, the value of the remaining amount of developer is set to A, the value of the total capacity of the developer is set to B, the value of the degree of change of the first variable data is determined based on A / B, and the value of the degree of change of the first variable data is set to C. The first communication rate can be calculated using the following formula (3):

[0177] First communication rate = C * theoretical communication rate (3);

[0178] However, in practice, the first communication rate cannot approach 0 infinitely. After the calculated first communication rate is less than the minimum communication rate, the information processing device uses the minimum communication rate as the first communication rate.

[0179] The second way of understanding is explained below.

[0180] The determination unit may determine the first communication rate not based on the first variable data. For example, the acquisition unit triggers the determination unit to determine the first communication rate using a preset rule after acquiring the first variable data. Exemplarily, the determination unit determines the first communication rate based on the associated data of the first variable data, such as determining the first communication rate based on other data with an error within a preset range with the first variable data, such as determining the first communication rate based on the conversion data of the first variable data; Exemplarily, the information processing device predetermines the predetermined communication rate based on the associated data of the first variable data or other rules before the acquisition unit acquires the first variable data, triggers the determination unit after the acquisition unit acquires the first variable data, and determines the predetermined communication rate as the first communication rate after the acquisition unit acquires the first variable data. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application only needs to ensure that the first communication rate corresponds to the first variable data, and the specific manner in which the determination unit determines the first communication rate based on the first variable data is not limited.

[0181] Based on the above two understandings, the information processing device uses the communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data as the first communication rate.

[0182] The determination of the change degree of the first variable data by the determination unit is described in detail below.

[0183] The degree of change of the first variable data refers to the degree of change of the first variable data relative to the original total amount, and the original total amount of the first variable data is used to indicate the maximum degree to which the first variable data can change. For example, the original total amount of the developer consumption of the consumable and the remaining developer of the consumable is the total developer capacity of the consumable; the original total amount of the OPC rotation distance and the remaining OPC rotation distance is the total OPC rotation distance; the original total amount of the number of pages printed by the consumable and the remaining printable pages of the consumable is the theoretical total number of pages that the consumable can support printing, that is, the life of the consumable; the original total amount of the number of power-ons of the consumable chip and the theoretical remaining power-on times is the total power-on times of the consumable chip; the original total amount of the power-on accumulated time of the consumable chip and the theoretical remaining power-on time is the theoretical life time of the consumable chip. When the first variable data is associated with the consumption of at least two of the developer, OPC and consumable chip, the original total amount of the first variable data can be determined based on the original total amount corresponding to the consumption of any one of the at least two, or can be determined based on the original total amounts corresponding to the consumption of the at least two. When the first variable data is associated with the remaining amount of at least two of the developer, OPC and consumable chip, the original total amount of the first variable data can be determined based on the original total amount corresponding to the remaining amount of any one of the at least two, or can be determined based on the original total amount corresponding to the remaining amounts of the at least two. It should be noted that when the first variable data is associated with the consumption, the closer the value of the first variable data is to the original total amount, the greater the degree of change of the first variable data is. When the first variable data is associated with the remaining amount, the closer the value of the first variable data is to 0, the greater the degree of change of the first variable data is. Specifically, the determination unit can represent the value of the degree of change of the first variable data based on the ratio. When the first variable data is related to the consumption, the larger the ratio is, the greater the degree of change of the first variable data is. When the first variable data is related to the remaining amount, the smaller the ratio is, the greater the degree of change of the first variable data is. For example, assuming that the value of the first variable data is A and the value of the original total amount of the first variable data is B, the determination unit can determine the value of the degree of change of the first variable data based on A / B. When the first variable data is associated with the remaining amount of at least two of the developer, OPC and consumable chip, the change degree of the first variable data can be determined based on the smaller ratio of the ratios of the first variable data and the original total amounts corresponding to the remaining amounts of the at least two. For example, assuming that the value of the first variable data is A, and the original total amounts corresponding to the remaining amounts of the at least two are C and D, respectively, where A / C is greater than A / D, the determination unit can determine the value of the change degree of the first variable data based on A / D. When the first variable data is associated with the consumption of at least two of the developer, OPC and consumable chip, the change degree of the first variable data can be determined based on the larger ratio of the ratios of the first variable data and the original total amounts corresponding to the consumption of the at least two.In a specific implementation, the information processing device may determine a value that is within a preset range from the ratio of the first variable data to the original total amount of the first variable data as the value of the degree of change of the first variable data. For example, the first variable data is A, the value of the original total amount of the first variable data is B, and the preset difference is E. The value of the degree of change of the first variable data may be determined as any value in the interval [A / BE, A / B+E]. Preferably, the information processing device may determine a value that is equal to the ratio of the first variable data to the original total amount of the first variable data as the value of the degree of change of the first variable data. Of course, the determination unit may also determine the value of the degree of change of the first variable data in other ways, for example, based on the associated data of the value of the first variable data and the associated data of the original total amount of the first variable data; or, based on the corresponding relationship between the value of the first variable data and the value of the degree of change of the first variable data; or, based on the relationship between the value of the first variable data and the original total amount of the first variable data, based on other preset algorithms, and it is only necessary to make the value of the degree of change of the first variable data the same as the ratio of the first variable data to the original total amount of the first variable data. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the way in which the determination unit determines the value of the degree of change of the first variable data.

[0184] The sending unit is used to send the first communication rate to the image forming device.

[0185] After the information processing device determines the first communication rate, the first communication rate can be sent to the image forming device. The first communication rate is used to determine the data transmission rate between the image forming device and the target device. Specifically, the first communication rate can be used to determine the transmission rate of specific data between the image forming device and the target device, or the transmission rate of data in a specific time period between the image forming device and the target device, or the transmission rate of all data between the image forming device and the target device, until the next time the determination unit of the information processing device re-determines a new first communication rate.

[0186] Since the factors that lead to communication failure with the image forming device gradually accumulate during the entire life cycle of the consumables, there will be different probabilities of successful communication at different stages of consumable use. At the same time, the probability of successful communication is related to the communication rate at which the image forming device initiates communication. Therefore, the solution provided in the above embodiment associates the first communication rate with data reflecting the degree of use of the consumables. The information processing device can determine the first communication rate based on the use of the consumables, which can further improve the probability of successful communication between the image forming device and the target device.

[0187] Regarding the specific method of the sending unit sending the first communication rate to the image forming device, the sending unit may send the first communication rate directly to the image forming device, or the sending unit may forward the first communication rate to the image forming device through an external device such as a repeater, that is, the sending unit first sends the first communication rate to an external device such as a repeater, and then the external device sends the first communication rate to the image forming device.

[0188] In some embodiments, there are multiple ways for the sending unit of the information processing device to directly or indirectly transmit the first communication rate to the image forming device, such as through data frame transmission or by the information processing device occupying the communication line.

[0189] For example, the information processing device is set inside the consumable chip, and the consumable chip is connected to the image forming device through an integrated circuit bus (Inter-Integrated Circuit, IIC). There are two signal lines in the IIC, namely the bidirectional data line SDA and the clock line SCL; in the data frame transmission method, after the information processing device is powered on or receives the first communication rate acquisition request sent by the image forming device, the information processing device encapsulates the information including the first communication rate into a protocol-parseable data frame, and transmits it to the image forming device through the bidirectional data line SDA. The use of this transmission method is not limited by time. When the image forming device needs the first communication rate, it can send a corresponding request to the information processing device, and the communication is flexible.

[0190] In the method of occupying the communication line, the determination unit in the information processing device can calculate the corresponding occupation time according to the first communication rate. For example, when the first communication rate of the consumable chip is 400K, the time T that the consumable chip needs to occupy the clock line SCL is 10ms; when the bus is idle, the clock line SCL is pulled high. When the consumable chip is powered on, the control module of the sending unit controls the chip pin voltage connected to the clock line SCL to be pulled low and lasts for the corresponding occupation time. The image forming device converts the first communication rate by monitoring the time that the consumable chip occupies the clock line SCL. Using this transmission method can make data transmission simpler, faster and more reliable.

[0191] In some embodiments, when the sending unit of the information processing device transmits the first communication rate, in addition to transmitting the first communication rate, it can also simultaneously transmit identification information of the information processing device or the consumable chip, which can be the serial ID number of the consumable chip, the consumable chip address, or the coded information representing the location of the corresponding consumable. That is, the image forming device can know which consumable corresponds to the first communication rate, and the specific content of the identification information is not further limited.

[0192] The sending unit is further configured to send the value of the change degree of the first variable data to the image forming device.

[0193] After the determination unit determines the value of the change degree of the first variable data, the sending unit may be configured to send the value of the change degree of the first variable data to the image forming device.

[0194] It should be noted that the sending unit sends the communication information and the value of the degree of change of the first variable data to the image forming device in a manner that the sending unit directly sends the communication information and the value of the degree of change of the first variable data to the image forming device; or the sending unit first sends the communication information and the value of the degree of change of the first variable data to an external device such as a repeater, and then forwards it to the image forming device via the external device such as the repeater.

[0195] In the embodiment of the present application, the sending unit, the obtaining unit, and the determining unit in the information processing device can be implemented by software or by hardware.

[0196] In one possible implementation, at least one of the sending unit, the acquiring unit, and the determining unit may be an external module outside the consumable chip and electrically connected to the consumable chip, and the other units are built into the chip control unit of the consumable chip, that is, the aforementioned consumable includes a consumable chip and an external module electrically connected to the consumable chip.

[0197] Specifically, the sending unit, the acquisition unit, and the determination unit can be circuit units including devices such as FPGA, MCU, DSP, etc. The sending unit can also realize its function by building a specific waveform generator circuit, and the acquisition unit and the determination unit can also realize the corresponding functions by building a digital logic calculator. This application does not further limit the specific implementation form of each unit.

[0198] In a possible implementation, the sending unit, the obtaining unit, and the determining unit are all included in the consumable chip.

[0199] In a possible implementation, the sending unit, the acquiring unit, and the determining unit are included in a chip control unit of the first chip.

[0200] In a possible implementation, the sending unit, the acquiring unit, and the determining unit are other modules provided on the consumables that are different from the consumable chips, and this application does not limit this.

[0201] In a possible implementation, the sending unit, the acquiring unit, and the determining unit are respectively arranged on two or more different consumable chips that can communicate with each other. Preferably, the sending unit and the acquiring unit are arranged on the first consumable chip, and the determining unit is arranged on the second consumable chip. After the acquiring unit of the first consumable chip acquires the first variable data of the consumable chip, the first variable data or the parsed data of the first variable data is forwarded to the second consumable chip. The determining unit of the second consumable chip determines the first communication rate according to the first variable data or the parsed data of the first variable data, and sends the first communication rate to the first consumable chip. The sending unit of the first consumable chip outputs the first communication data to the image forming device. Of course, those skilled in the art can also arrange the sending unit, the acquiring unit, and the determining unit on different consumable chips in other ways, and this application does not limit this.

[0202] It should be pointed out that the specific contents involved in the embodiments of the present application can be found in the above description, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0203] Embodiment 2

[0204] The embodiment of the present application provides an information processing device based on the embodiment 1. Compared with the information processing device provided in the embodiment 1, the acquisition unit is further used to receive the verification variable data sent by the image forming device;

[0205] The aforementioned determination unit is further used to determine the verifiable first communication rate based on the verifiable variable data;

[0206] The aforementioned sending unit is further used to send the verifying first communication rate to the image forming device.

[0207] It should be noted that the specific manner in which the determination unit in Example 2 of the present application determines the verifiable first communication rate based on the verifiable variable data can refer to the specific manner in which the determination unit in Example 1 determines the first communication rate based on the first variable data. The specific implementation manner in which the sending unit sends the verifiable first communication rate to the image forming device can refer to the specific implementation manner in which the sending unit in Example 1 sends the first communication rate to the image forming device. In Example 2 of the present application, the verifiable first communication rate is different from the first communication rate described in Example 1, and the verifiable variable data sent by the image forming device is also different from the first variable data. The information processing device obtains the verifiable variable data sent by the image forming device, determines the verifiable first communication rate based on the verifiable variable data, and sends the verifiable first communication rate different from the first communication rate to the image forming device. This proves that the information processing device can output different communication rates in response to changes in the variable data, provide a reliable communication rate in subsequent communications, and is a trustworthy device.

[0208] Embodiment 3

[0209] See also Figure 6 , is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present application. The following control method is applied to an information processing device that communicates with an image forming device. The information processing method includes the following execution steps:

[0210] S601: Acquire first variable data of consumables;

[0211] For details about the first variable data, please refer to the aforementioned embodiment 1, which will not be repeated here. Regarding the specific way in which the information processing device obtains the first variable data of the consumables, it can be directly read from the information processing device or other consumable chips or other storage devices, or it can be read from the information processing device or other consumable chips or other storage devices. The associated data of the first variable data is converted based on the associated data of the first variable data, or it can be obtained by obtaining the first variable data sent by the image forming device. Specifically, the first variable data sent by the image forming device can be directly received, or it can be obtained from an external device such as a relay, that is, the external device such as the relay first receives the first variable data sent by the image forming device, and then the acquisition unit obtains the first variable data from the external device such as the relay.

[0212] S602: Determine a first communication rate according to first variable data;

[0213] For details about how the information processing device determines the first communication rate based on the first variable data, please refer to the details about how the determination unit determines the first communication rate based on the first variable data in the first embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0214] S603: Send the first communication rate to the image forming apparatus.

[0215] For details about how the information processing device sends the first communication rate to the image forming device, reference may be made to the details about how the sending unit sends the first communication rate to the image forming device in the first embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0216] In some embodiments, the information processing device provides communication information to the image forming device;

[0217] The communication information includes a first communication rate, which is a communication rate with a higher probability of successful communication between the current consumable and the image forming device, so as to determine the data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumable chip.

[0218] Furthermore, the communication information also includes identification information of the consumables, that is, when the information processing device sends the first communication rate, it can also provide identification information of the consumables, so that the image forming device can correspond the acquired first communication rate with the consumable information, thereby facilitating subsequent communication with different consumables at different communication rates.

[0219] In addition, there are many ways to provide the first communication rate to the image forming device, such as through data frame transmission or by occupying a communication line. The specific implementation method is the same as the method in which the aforementioned consumable chip or information processing device transmits it to the image forming device, and will not be repeated here.

[0220] In some embodiments, before sending the first communication rate to the image forming device, the information processing device also obtains first variable data of the consumables and determines the first communication rate based on the first variable data; the introduction of the first variable data can be found in Example 1 and will not be repeated here; the method of determining the first communication rate based on the first variable data is the same as the method described in Example 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0221] In some embodiments, when the information processing device obtains a first variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device, it feeds back first variable data to the image forming device; wherein the first variable data is used to determine whether the information processing device or the corresponding consumables, or the first communication rate provided by the information processing device is legal.

[0222] Before the image forming device communicates with the consumable chip according to the first communication rate, the first communication rate provided by the consumable chip can be verified for legitimacy. Since the first communication rate is associated with the first variable data, the image forming device can obtain the first variable data from the consumable chip, and then determine whether the first communication rate provided by the consumable chip is legal based on the association between the first variable data and the first communication rate. This can further improve the probability of successful communication between the consumable chip and the image forming device.

[0223] Embodiment 4

[0224] See also Figure 7 , is a flow chart of an information processing method of an embodiment of the present application. The following control method is applied to an information processing device that communicates with an image forming device. On the basis of embodiment three, the information processing method of embodiment five includes the following execution steps: S604: Obtain a second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device.

[0225] Regarding the specific method for the information processing device to obtain the second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device, the second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device can be directly received, or it can be obtained from an external device such as a relay, that is, the external device such as the relay first receives the second variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device, and then the information processing device obtains the second variable data acquisition request from the external device such as the relay.

[0226] S605: Feedback the second variable data to the image forming apparatus.

[0227] For the specific content of the second variable data, please refer to the specific description of the second variable data in the first embodiment, which will not be repeated in this fifth embodiment.

[0228] It should be noted that the information processing device can feed back the second variable data to the image forming device in the form of either directly sending the second variable data to the image forming device or first sending the second variable data to an external device such as a relay and then forwarding it to the image forming device via the external device such as the relay.

[0229] After the image forming device obtains the second variable data fed back by the information processing device, the image forming device rewrites or changes the second variable data based on the image forming operation or based on the preparation operation, obtains the first variable data based on the rewriting or change of the second variable data, and sends the first variable data to the information processing device.

[0230] Steps S604 to S605 are executed before S601 .

[0231] Embodiment 5

[0232] See also Figure 8 , is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present application. The following control method is applied to an information processing device that communicates with an image forming device. Based on the third embodiment, the information processing method according to the fifth embodiment includes the following execution steps:

[0233] S606: Determine the change degree of the first variable data.

[0234] The manner in which the information processing device determines the degree of change of the first variable data can refer to the specific manner in which the determination unit determines the degree of change of the first variable data in the first embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0235] It should be noted that step S606 can be a sub-step of step S602, that is, the information processing device first determines the degree of change of the first variable data, and then determines the first communication rate based on the degree of change of the first variable data. Step S606 can also be independent of step S602.

[0236] S607: Send the value of the change degree of the first variable data to the image forming device.

[0237] Step S607 can be performed simultaneously with step S603, that is, the information processing device simultaneously sends the first communication rate and the value of the change degree of the first variable data to the image forming device through the same data frame. Step S607 can also be performed before or after step S603.

[0238] Embodiment 6

[0239] Some embodiments of the present application also provide an information processing method, which is applied to an information processing device.

[0240] See also Fig. 9 Compared with the information processing method provided in the third embodiment, the information processing method provided in the sixth embodiment further includes:

[0241] S901: Acquire verification variable data sent by the image forming device;

[0242] Regarding the specific method for the information processing device to obtain the verification variable data sent by the image forming device, the verification variable data sent by the image forming device can be directly received, or it can be obtained from an external device such as a relay, that is, the external device such as the relay first receives the verification variable data sent by the image forming device, and then the information processing device obtains the verification variable data from the external device such as the relay.

[0243] S902: Determine a first authenticating communication rate based on authenticating variable data.

[0244] The specific manner in which the information processing device determines the first communication rate based on the verifying variable data can refer to the specific content of the determination unit determining the first communication rate based on the first variable data in the first embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0245] S903: Determine a verifiable first communication rate based on the verifiable variable data.

[0246] The verifying first communication rate is different from the first communication rate.

[0247] Regarding the specific method of the information processing device providing the verifiable first communication rate to the image forming device, it can be that the information processing device directly sends the verifiable first communication rate to the image forming device, or it can be that the information processing device forwards the verifiable first communication rate to the image forming device through an external device such as a repeater, that is, the information processing device first sends the verifiable first communication rate to an external device such as a repeater, and then the external device sends the verifiable first communication rate to the image forming device.

[0248] S904: Determine the degree of change of the verification variable data.

[0249] The specific method for the information processing device to determine the degree of change of the verification variable data is the same as the specific method for the information processing device to determine the degree of change of the first variable data. Please refer to the specific content of the determination unit determining the degree of change of the first variable data in Example 1, which will not be repeated here.

[0250] It should be noted that step S904 may be a sub-step of step S902, that is, the information processing device first determines the degree of change of the verifying variable data, and then determines the verifying first communication rate based on the degree of change of the verifying variable data. Step S904 may also be independent of step S902.

[0251] S905: Provide the value of the degree of change of the verifying variable data to the image forming device. Regarding the specific manner in which the information processing device provides the verifying first communication rate to the image forming device, the information processing device may directly send the verifying first communication rate to the image forming device, or the information processing device may forward the verifying first communication rate to the image forming device through an external device such as a relay, that is, the information processing device first sends the verifying first communication rate to an external device such as a relay, and then the external device sends the verifying first communication rate to the image forming device.

[0252] It should be noted that step S905 can be performed simultaneously with step S903, that is, the information processing device simultaneously sends the verifiable first communication rate and the value of the change degree of the verifiable variable data to the image forming device through the same data frame. Step S905 can also be performed before or after step S903.

[0253] Through steps S901 to S905, the image forming device further confirms whether the information processing device meets expectations. That is, when the information processing device cannot correctly execute steps S901 to S905, it means that the information processing device cannot correctly execute the preset operation or cannot correctly adjust the communication rate between the image forming device and the information processing device according to the change of variable data, which may cause abnormalities in the subsequent communication process. The image forming device can confirm that the information processing device does not meet expectations.

[0254] It should be noted that steps S901 to S905 may be executed before steps S601 to S607, and steps S901 to S705 may also be executed after steps S601 to S607.

[0255] It should be noted that the contents of the above embodiments 3 to 6 can be combined with each other. For example, embodiments 3 to 6 can all be combined to form one embodiment. For example, embodiment 3 can be combined with at least one of embodiments 4 to 6 to obtain one embodiment.

[0256] Embodiment 7

[0257] like Fig.10 As shown, some embodiments of the present application further provide a data transmission control method, the following control method is executed by a controller of an image forming device, the image forming device is detachably equipped with consumables, and the data transmission control method includes the following steps:

[0258] S1001: Acquire a first communication rate provided by an information processing device;

[0259] The information processing device can provide the first communication rate to the image forming device directly, or provide the first communication rate to the image forming device through indirect methods such as data forwarding; specifically, there are many ways to obtain the first communication rate provided by the information processing device, which can be receiving and parsing data frames sent by the information processing device, or detecting the length of time the information processing device occupies the communication line and parsing it.

[0260] Still taking the example of the information processing device and the image forming device being connected via the IIC bus; the image forming device may include a timing unit and a detection unit. In obtaining the first communication rate by detecting the length of time the information processing device occupies the communication line and analyzing it, the controller controls the image forming device to power on the information processing device. The detection unit is used to obtain the signal on the clock line SCL. When it is detected that the information processing device generates a first preset specific signal (such as a falling edge) on the clock line SCL, it proves that the information processing device occupies the clock line SCL. At this time, the timing unit starts. When it is detected that the information processing device generates a second preset specific signal (such as a rising edge) on the clock line SCL, it proves that the information processing device releases the clock line SCL. At this time, the timing unit stops. The time that the information processing device sets the clock line SCL to a low level is the occupancy time. The occupancy time can be calculated by the difference between the stop time and the start time of the timing unit.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first preset specific signal may be a low level, and the second preset specific signal may be a high level, as long as it can reflect that the information processing device occupies or releases the clock line SCL. The specific forms of the first preset specific signal and the second preset specific signal are not limited here.

[0262] Furthermore, in some embodiments, there may be multiple signal transitions between the first preset specific signal and the second preset specific signal, and the image forming device may distinguish between the preset specific signal and the common signal transitions by agreement with the information processing device or in other ways.

[0263] In addition, a timeout period (i.e., a first preset time) can be set in advance, which can be counted from the time the information processing device is powered on. When the detection unit does not detect the first preset specific signal (such as a falling edge) generated by the information processing device on the clock line SCL within the first preset time after the information processing device is powered on, then it is considered that the information processing device communicating with the image forming device is illegal and is an illegal chip, and the image forming device needs to be controlled and cannot be used.

[0264] In the process of receiving and parsing the data frame sent by the information processing device to obtain the first communication rate, the controller controls the image forming device to power on the information processing device (which can be direct power supply or indirect power supply), and controls the image forming device to send a communication information acquisition request to the information processing device; after the information processing device obtains and parses the communication information acquisition request, it encapsulates the corresponding communication information and sends it to the image forming device, and the communication information sent includes the first communication rate; the image forming device receives and parses the communication information sent by the information processing device to obtain the first communication rate. Further, before obtaining the first communication rate of the information processing device, the image forming device does not know at what communication rate to communicate with the target device; in order to increase the probability of successful communication between the image forming device and the target device, the image forming device can be controlled to communicate with the target device at a lower communication rate (i.e., the second communication rate, where the second communication rate is less than or equal to the first communication rate), and after obtaining the first communication rate, the image forming device is controlled to adjust the communication rate with the target device from the second communication rate to the first communication rate.

[0265] Alternatively, the controller controls the image forming device to power on the information processing device, and the information processing device directly sends communication information to the image forming device after power-on, and the sent communication information includes a first communication rate; the image forming device receives and parses the communication information sent by the information processing device to obtain the first communication rate.

[0266] Furthermore, a timeout period (i.e., a second preset time and a third preset time) can also be set. When no communication information is received from the information processing device within the second preset time after a communication information acquisition request is sent to the information processing device, or within the third preset time after the image forming device is controlled to power on the information processing device, the information processing device communicating with the image forming device is considered to be illegal and an illegal chip, and the image forming device needs to be controlled and cannot be used.

[0267] After the image forming device obtains the first communication rate sent by the information processing device, it can enter S1002;

[0268] S1002: Control the image forming apparatus to communicate with the target apparatus at a first communication rate.

[0269] In some embodiments, after acquiring the first communication rate sent by the information processing device, the image forming device adjusts the first communication rate and attempts to establish communication with the target device.

[0270] Furthermore, before adjusting the communication rate, the first communication rate may be subjected to a validity check; specifically, the first variable data of the consumables is first obtained, wherein the method of obtaining the first variable data includes but is not limited to any one of the following methods: Method 1, directly obtaining the first variable data pre-stored in the image forming device, wherein the first variable data pre-stored in the image forming device may be obtained through rewriting, conversion, etc. based on the second variable data provided by the information processing device; Method 2, a request for obtaining the first variable data may be sent to the information processing device; the information processing device feeds back the corresponding first variable data according to the request of the image forming device. After obtaining the first variable data, the image forming device converts the first variable data into a theoretical communication rate according to a preset transformation relationship. When the deviation between the first communication rate provided by the information processing device and the theoretical communication data obtained by the variable data conversion is within a certain preset interval, it is considered that the validity check of the first communication rate has passed; if the deviation between the first communication rate and the theoretical communication rate exceeds the preset interval, it is considered that the received first communication rate is illegal. Preferably, when the first communication rate is equal to the theoretical communication rate, it is considered that the validity check of the first communication rate has passed. The introduction of the first variable data can be found in Example 1, which will not be repeated here. Specifically, the preset transformation relationship can refer to Example 1, for example, the value of the degree of change of the first variable data is divided into intervals, and the first communication rate is determined according to the interval corresponding to the value of the degree of change of the first variable data. It can also be a calculation formula as described in Example 1, or it can be other methods different from the method of calculating the first communication rate based on the first variable data or the degree of change of the first variable data by the determination unit of the information processing device described in Example 1. No additional restrictions are made in this embodiment.

[0271] In some embodiments, after communication is established, due to the large amount of subsequent communication data, if the communication rate provided by the information processing device to the image forming device is low, the subsequent communication efficiency may be affected. Therefore, after the image forming device and the target device establish communication at the first communication rate, the communication rate can be increased by a certain proportion, for example, communicating with the target device at the third communication rate. If the communication is successful at this time, the image forming device is controlled to continue to communicate with the target device at the third communication rate. If the communication fails, the image forming device is controlled to return to the first communication rate to communicate with the target device.

[0272] In some embodiments, after communication is established, due to the large amount of subsequent communication data, if the communication rate given by the information processing device to the image forming device is low, it may affect the subsequent communication efficiency. Therefore, the image forming device and the target device establish communication at the first communication rate only for the transmission of important information. After the transmission of important information is completed, the communication rate can be increased by a certain proportion, for example, the communication with the target device is communicated at the third communication rate. If the communication is successful at this time, the image forming device is controlled to continue to communicate with the target device at the third communication rate. If the communication fails, the image forming device is controlled to return to the first communication rate to communicate with the target device.

[0273] In some embodiments, in addition to providing the first communication rate, the information processing device also provides identification information of the consumables so that the image forming device can establish a one-to-one correspondence between the first communication rate and the corresponding consumables.

[0274] Further, in some embodiments, after obtaining the identification information of the consumables and the first communication rate corresponding to them, the image forming device may store the identification information of the consumables and the first communication rate corresponding to them, and the next time the first communication rate sent by the information processing device corresponding to the consumables is obtained, the stored first communication rate may be updated.

[0275] According to the image formation control method provided by the above-mentioned embodiment, the image forming device can improve the probability of successful communication between the image forming device and the target device by acquiring the first communication rate and communicating with the target device at the first communication rate; in addition, by performing legitimacy verification before establishing communication, it can be determined whether the currently received first communication rate is legal, thereby ensuring communication security; further, after the communication is established, an attempt can be made to increase the communication rate to improve the efficiency of subsequent communications.

[0276] Embodiment 8

[0277] like Fig.11 As shown, a data transmission control method is also provided based on the seventh embodiment.

[0278] Compared with the seventh embodiment, before step S1001, the following steps are further included:

[0279] S1101: Send a second variable data acquisition request to the information processing device.

[0280] S1102: Obtain second variable data fed back by the information processing device.

[0281] The second variable data is data pre-stored in the information processing device or other storage devices, or the second variable data is converted by the information processing device based on associated data of the pre-stored second variable data.

[0282] S1103: Obtain first variable data based on second variable data.

[0283] The specific process of the image forming device obtaining the first variable data based on the second variable data may be to obtain the first variable data based on the mapping relationship between the second variable data and a preset value, or to obtain the second variable data by changing the first variable data based on the aforementioned image forming operation or the aforementioned preparation operation.

[0284] S1104: Send first variable data to the information processing device.

[0285] Embodiment 9

[0286] like Fig.12 As shown, a data transmission control method is also provided based on the eighth embodiment.

[0287] Compared with the seventh embodiment, the present invention further comprises:

[0288] S1201: Acquire the value of the degree of change of the first variable data sent by the information processing device.

[0289] S1202: Verify the value of the degree of change of the first variable data sent by the information processing device.

[0290] Furthermore, before adjusting the communication rate, the value of the degree of change of the first variable data may be subjected to a validity check; specifically, first obtain the first variable data of the consumable, and then obtain a reference value of the degree of change of the first variable data based on the first variable data. For details, please refer to the specific content of the determination unit determining the value of the degree of change of the first variable data in the embodiment, which will not be repeated here. When the deviation between the value of the degree of change of the first variable data sent by the information processing device and the reference value is within a certain preset interval, it is considered that the validity check of the value of the degree of change of the first variable data sent by the information processing device has passed; if the deviation between the value of the degree of change of the first variable data sent by the information processing device and the reference value exceeds the preset interval, it is considered that the value of the degree of change of the first variable data sent by the received information processing device is illegal. Preferably, when the value of the degree of change of the first variable data sent by the information processing device is equal to the reference value, it is considered that the validity check of the value of the degree of change of the first variable data sent by the information processing device has passed.

[0291] Embodiment 10

[0292] like Fig.13 As shown, a data transmission control method is also provided based on the seventh embodiment.

[0293] Compared with the seventh embodiment, the present invention further comprises:

[0294] S1301: Sending verification variable data to the information processing device.

[0295] The communication rate corresponding to the verification variable data is different from the communication rate corresponding to the first variable data.

[0296] S1302: Receive the verifiable first communication rate determined by the information processing device based on the verifiable variable data and the value of the degree of change of the verifiable variable data.

[0297] S1303: Verify the first communication rate.

[0298] S1304: Verify the value of the degree of change of the verification variable data.

[0299] Specifically, the image forming device may first obtain the second verification communication rate corresponding to the verification variable data. The specific process of the image forming device obtaining the second verification communication rate corresponding to the verification variable data based on the verification variable data may refer to the specific process of the determination unit obtaining the first communication rate based on the first variable number in the first embodiment, which will not be repeated here. The image forming device compares whether the second verification communication rate is consistent with the first verification communication rate to determine whether the first verification communication rate meets expectations. If they are consistent, they meet expectations. If they are inconsistent, they do not meet expectations. Further, when the first verification communication rate does not meet expectations, an error may be reported.

[0300] The image forming device obtains the original total amount of the first variable data of the consumables, and obtains the reference value of the degree of change of the verification variable data based on the original total amount of the verification variable data and the first variable data. The specific process of the image forming device obtaining the reference value of the degree of change of the verification variable data can refer to the specific process of a determination unit obtaining the value of the degree of change of the first variable data based on the first variable number in the embodiment, which will not be repeated here. Among them, the image forming device can obtain the original total amount of the first variable data of the consumables from the information processing device or the consumable chip, or it can obtain the original total amount of the first variable data from its own pre-stored information. The image forming device compares the reference value of the degree of change of the verification variable data with the value of the degree of change of the received verification variable data, and determines whether they are consistent, so as to determine whether the value of the degree of change of the verification variable data sent by the information processing device meets expectations. If they are consistent, it meets expectations, and if they are inconsistent, it does not meet expectations. Further, when the value of the degree of change of the verification variable data sent by the information processing device does not meet expectations, an error may be reported.

[0301] It should be noted that S1303 may be performed after S1304 or before S1304. If the first communication rate and the verification first communication rate are successfully checked, S1002 is executed.

[0302] Executing steps S1301 to S1304 can enable the image forming device to further confirm whether the information processing device meets expectations. When the information processing device cannot respond correctly, it means that the information processing device cannot correctly perform the preset operation or cannot correctly adjust the communication rate between the image forming device and the target device according to the change of variable data. Abnormalities may occur in the subsequent communication process. The image forming device can confirm that the information processing device does not meet expectations.

[0303] Embodiment 11

[0304] like Fig.14As shown, some embodiments of the present application also provide a data transmission control method, which is applied to an image forming device and is suitable for an architecture in which the image forming device communicates with multiple consumables, wherein the image forming device can be respectively connected to and communicated with the information processing devices corresponding to each consumable, and can also be connected to and communicated with the information processing devices corresponding to all consumables through a bus. The image forming device can communicate with the information processing device corresponding to one of the consumables through the bus, and can also communicate with the information processing devices corresponding to all consumables on the bus in a broadcasting manner. In the data transmission control method provided in this embodiment, the execution process may include the following steps:

[0305] S1401: Obtaining a first communication rate corresponding to each consumable;

[0306] The first communication rate may be included in the communication information corresponding to each consumable sent by the information processing device corresponding to each consumable obtained. The communication information may also include identification information of the consumable. The first communication rate of each consumable may be the same or different. The image forming device may obtain the first communication rate by receiving and parsing data frames, or by detecting the occupancy time of the information processing devices corresponding to each consumable on the bus and parsing the data frames. The specific method is determined according to the information sending method of the information processing device corresponding to the consumable.

[0307] Take the IIC bus connection, the consumables and the information processing device are one-to-one corresponding, and the information processing device is set in the consumable chip as an example. At this time, there are more than two consumable chips connected to the bus (for example, consumable chip 1 and consumable chip 2). At this time, consumable chip 1 transmits communication information by occupying the communication line. The communication information includes a first communication rate (for example, the first communication rate is 400K, and the corresponding communication line occupation time is 100ms) and identification information of the consumable chip. When it is detected that the current bus is idle, the following schemes can be used for transmission:

[0308] Solution 1: Consumable chip 1 first pulls down the clock line SCL for 10ms to indicate that the current clock line is occupied by consumable chip 1, and then pulls it down again for 100ms to indicate that the first communication rate of consumable chip 1 is 400K;

[0309] Solution 2: Consumable chip 1 pulls down the clock line SCL for 110ms to indicate that the clock line is currently occupied by consumable chip 1, and the first communication rate is 400K;

[0310] Solution 3: Consumable chip 1 generates a pulse signal on the clock line SCL to send the consumable chip address, and then pulls the clock line low for 100ms to indicate that the first communication rate of consumable chip 1 is 400K;

[0311] Solution 4: Consumable chip 1 and consumable chip 2 occupy the clock line SCL in sequence.

[0312] Correspondingly, the image forming apparatus performs analysis according to the data transmission scheme of the consumable chip to obtain the identification information of the consumable chip and the corresponding first communication rate.

[0313] In addition, the image forming device may broadcast on the bus to request each consumable chip on the bus to feedback the first communication rate, or may individually query a certain consumable chip on the bus to request it to feedback the first communication rate.

[0314] S1402: When at least one of the acquired plurality of first communication rates is different from the other first communication rates, control the image forming apparatus to communicate with all consumable chips at a fourth communication rate.

[0315] In some embodiments, when the multiple communication rate values ​​acquired by the image forming device are different, in order to ensure that the image forming device can successfully establish communication with all consumables, the image forming device can communicate with all consumables at the minimum communication rate (i.e., the fourth communication rate) among the multiple communication rates. When communicating with a specific consumable, the first communication rate corresponding to the consumable can still be used for communication. In this case, it is not required that the image forming device maintain a uniform communication rate with each consumable.

[0316] In some embodiments, when the multiple first communication rate values ​​acquired by the image forming apparatus are all the same, the image forming apparatus may be controlled to communicate with all consumables at the first communication rate.

[0317] By adopting the scheme provided in the above embodiment, the image forming device can communicate with the consumables connected to the communication line in the form of unicast or broadcast, and select the corresponding communication rate according to the different communication forms, while improving the communication success rate with the consumables and ensuring the communication efficiency.

[0318] It should be noted that the contents of the above embodiments 7 to 11 can be combined with each other. For example, embodiments 7 to 11 can all be combined to form one embodiment. For example, embodiment 7 can be combined with at least one of embodiments 8 to 11 to obtain one embodiment.

[0319] According to the scheme provided by the above embodiment, it should be noted that, since the information processing device is used in conjunction with the consumables by being installed on the consumables, the information obtained by the image forming device from the consumables, such as the first communication rate, the second variable data, the verification first communication rate, and the value of the degree of change of the first variable data, are all provided by the information processing device corresponding to the consumables. The information sent by the image forming device to the consumables, such as the first variable data, the variable data acquisition request, the verification variable data, etc., are all obtained from the information processing device corresponding to the consumables.

[0320] It should be supplemented that, when there is a many-to-one relationship between consumables and information processing devices, for example, the image forming device can be installed with 6 consumables, one of which is provided with an information processing device, and the information processing device processes the information between the 6 consumables and the image forming device. For example, the image forming device can successively obtain the first communication rates corresponding to the 6 consumables from the information processing device; the image forming device verifies the first communication rates respectively, and if any first communication rate verification is successful, the data transmission rate between the image forming device and the corresponding consumable is set according to the first communication rate.

[0321] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application also provides a consumable.

[0322] See also Fig.15 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.15 As shown, the consumables include a shell; a developer containing portion, located in the shell, for containing the developer; and the information processing device mentioned above in the above embodiment.

[0323] See also Fig.16 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.16 As shown, the consumables Fig.15 The illustrated embodiment further includes a developer conveying unit for conveying developer.

[0324] See also Fig.17 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.17 As shown, the consumables Fig.16 The illustrated embodiment further includes a photosensitive drum and a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum.

[0325] See also Fig.18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.18 As shown, the consumables include a photosensitive drum; a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum; and the information processing device mentioned above in the above embodiment.

[0326] See also Fig.19, is a schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.19 As shown, the consumable includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the aforementioned information processing method of the embodiment based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0327] It should be pointed out that Figure 15-19 The specific contents of the information processing device and the information processing method in the illustrated embodiment can be found in the description of the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0328] Corresponding to the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present application also provide a controller applied to an image forming device, which includes an acquisition module for acquiring a first communication rate of a consumable chip; and a control module for controlling the image forming device to communicate with the consumable chip at the communication rate.

[0329] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides an image forming device.

[0330] See also Fig. 20 , is a structural block diagram of an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 20 As shown, the image forming apparatus includes a controller, which is configured to execute part or all of the methods in the above data transmission control method embodiments.

[0331] It should be pointed out that the specific contents involved in the embodiments of the present application can be found in the description of the above embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0332] Corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides an image forming system, which includes the consumables mentioned above in the above-mentioned embodiment and the image forming device mentioned above in the above-mentioned embodiment; wherein the image forming device and the consumable chip are communicatively connected.

[0333] It should be pointed out that the specific contents involved in the embodiments of the present application can be found in the description of the above embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0334] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium may store a program, wherein when the program is running, the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located may be controlled to perform some or all of the steps in the above method embodiment. In a specific implementation, the computer-readable storage medium may be a disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM).

[0335] Corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes executable instructions. When the executable instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes some or all of the steps in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0336] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "plurality" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone. Among them, A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and subsequent associated 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 be represented by: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0337] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in a combination of electronic hardware, computer software, and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0338] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0339] In several embodiments provided in the present application, if any function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the aforementioned methods of each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (read-only memory, referred to as ROM), random access memory (random access memory, referred to as RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0340] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. The protection scope of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the above claims.

Claims

1. An information processing device, characterized in that: include: An acquiring unit, used for acquiring first variable data of a consumable; a determining unit, configured to determine a first communication rate based on the first variable data, the first communication rate being used to determine a data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumable material, so that the data transmission rate is related to a degree of change of the first variable data; A sending unit is used to send the first communication rate to the image forming device.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining unit is specifically configured to use a communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data as the first communication rate.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The determining unit is specifically configured to determine a data interval to which the first variable data belongs; A communication rate having a preset correspondence with the data interval is used as the first communication rate.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining unit is specifically configured to determine a degree of change of the first variable data; The sending unit is further configured to send the value of the change degree of the first variable data to the image forming device.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that The difference between the value of the change degree of the first variable data and the ratio of the first variable data to the original total amount of the first variable data is within a preset range.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The acquiring unit is specifically configured to acquire the first variable data from the image forming device.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sending unit is further configured to feed back second variable data to the image forming device when a variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device is acquired, wherein the second variable data is used to obtain the first variable data.

8. The information processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that The first variable data includes the number of printed pages, and the difference between the value of the variation degree of the first variable data and the ratio of the number of printed pages to the life of the consumables is within a preset range.

9. The information processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The value of the variation degree of the first variable data is the same as the ratio of the number of printed pages to the life of consumables.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The acquisition unit is further used to acquire the verification variable data sent by the image forming device; The determining unit is further configured to determine a first verification communication rate based on the verification variable data, wherein the first verification communication rate is different from the first communication rate; The sending unit is further configured to send the verifiable first communication rate to the image forming device.

11. An information processing method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquire first variable data of consumables; determining a first communication rate based on the first variable data, the first communication rate being used to determine a data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumables, so that the data transmission rate is related to a degree of change of the first variable data; The first communication rate is transmitted to the image forming device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The determining the first communication rate based on the first variable data includes: using a communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data as the first communication rate.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The method of using a communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data as the first communication rate includes: Determine the data interval to which the first variable data belongs; A communication rate having a preset correspondence with the data interval is used as the first communication rate.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: determining a degree of change of the first variable data; The value of the degree of change of the first variable data is transmitted to the image forming device.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The difference between the value of the change degree of the first variable data and the ratio of the first variable data to the original total amount of the first variable data is within a preset range.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The obtaining of first variable data of the consumables includes: The first variable data is received from the image forming device.

17. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: When a variable data acquisition request sent by the image forming device is acquired, second variable data is fed back to the image forming device, wherein the second variable data is used to obtain the first variable data.

18. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The first variable data includes the number of printed pages, and the difference between the value of the variation degree of the first variable data and the ratio of the number of printed pages to the life of the consumables is within a preset range.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The value of the variation degree of the first variable data is the same as the ratio of the number of printed pages to the life of consumables.

20. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving verification variable data sent by the image forming device; determining a first verifying communication rate based on the verifying variable data, the first verifying communication rate being different from the first communication rate; The verifying first communication rate is transmitted to the image forming apparatus.

21. A consumable material, characterized in that: include: case; A developer containing portion, located in the housing, for containing the developer; as well as The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

22. The consumable material according to claim 21, characterized in that: The consumables also include: The developer conveying element is used for conveying the developer.

23. The consumable material according to claim 22, characterized in that: The consumables also include: Photosensitive drum; A charging roller is used for charging the photosensitive drum.

24. A consumable material, characterized in that: The consumables include: Photosensitive drum; a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum; and The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

25. A data transmission control method, applied to an image forming device, wherein consumables are detachably mounted on the image forming device, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquire a first communication rate, where the first communication rate is determined based on first variable data of the consumable; verifying the first communication rate; If the first communication rate verification succeeds, a data transmission rate between the image forming device and the consumable is set according to the first communication rate so that the data transmission rate is related to a degree of change of the first variable data of the consumable.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The verifying the first communication rate comprises: Acquire first variable data of the consumable; Determining a theoretical communication rate according to the first variable data; When the difference between the first communication rate and the theoretical communication rate is within a preset range, the first communication rate passes the verification.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The determining of the theoretical communication rate according to the first variable data comprises: A communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data is used as the theoretical communication rate.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The method of using a communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the first variable data as the theoretical communication rate includes: Determine the data interval to which the first variable data belongs; A communication rate having a preset corresponding relationship with the data interval is used as the theoretical communication rate.

29. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: controlling the image forming device to communicate with the consumables at a third communication rate, wherein the third communication rate is different from the first communication rate; When the image forming device fails to communicate with the consumable at the third communication rate, controlling the image forming device to communicate with the consumable at the first communication rate; When the image forming apparatus successfully communicates with the consumables at the third communication rate, the third communication rate is set as a data transmission rate between the image forming apparatus and the consumables.

30. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: determining whether the data transmission rate between the image forming device and the plurality of the loaded consumables is the same; If they are not the same, communication with all the consumables is performed at the minimum data transmission rate among the corresponding data transmission rates of the multiple consumables.

31. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: sending verification variable data to the consumable; receiving a verifiable first communication rate determined by the consumable based on the verifiable variable data; Verifying the verifiable first communication rate; If the first communication rate and the verifying first communication rate are verified successfully, a data transmission rate between the image forming apparatus and the consumables is set according to the first communication rate.

32. An image forming device, characterized in that: include: A controller, wherein the controller is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 25-31.

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