Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and consumable

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an information processing device, an information processing method and consumables, according to the scheme provided by the invention, the information processing device can detect a power supply voltage condition of an image forming device, determine a response condition to a request received from the image forming device based on the power supply voltage condition, and send the response condition to the image forming device. The problem that consumables or an information processing device cannot correctly deal with the unsatisfactory power supply voltage is solved.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of image forming technology, and in particular to an information processing device, an information processing method and consumables. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of printing imaging technology, image forming devices such as printers, copiers, fax machines, word processors, etc. have been widely used. The 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 information processing devices such as consumable chips.

[0003] An information processing device is usually powered by an image forming device. In the prior art, there are adverse factors such as poor contact between the image forming device and the information processing device and wear of the power supply contacts, which affect the power supply voltage of the image forming device to the information processing device. Consumables or information processing devices are usually unable to properly deal with the problem of unsatisfactory power supply voltage from the image forming device to the information processing device. [Summary of the invention]

[0004] In view of this, the present application provides an information processing device, an information processing method and consumables to solve the problem that the consumables or the information processing device cannot properly cope with the problem that the image forming device supplies an undesirable power voltage to the information processing device.

[0005] A first aspect of the present application provides an information processing device, wherein the information processing device communicates with an image forming device, and includes:

[0006] a power supply contact, through which the image forming device supplies power to the information processing device;

[0007] A receiving unit, configured to receive a request sent by the image forming device;

[0008] A voltage detection unit, used for detecting a power supply voltage from the image forming device to the information processing device;

[0009] A determining unit is used to determine a response to the request based on the supply voltage condition.

[0010] The second aspect of the present application further provides an information processing method, which is applied to an information processing device, wherein the information processing device communicates with an image forming device, the information processing device includes a power supply contact, and the image forming device supplies power to the information processing device through the power supply contact, comprising:

[0011] receiving a request sent by the image forming device;

[0012] Detecting the power supply voltage of the image forming device to the information processing device;

[0013] A response to the request is determined based on the supply voltage condition.

[0014] The third aspect of the present application also provides a consumable material, including:

[0015] case;

[0016] a developer containing portion, located in the housing, for containing the developer; and

[0017] The information processing device as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0018] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the consumables further include:

[0019] The developer conveying element is used for conveying the developer.

[0020] In an optional or preferred embodiment, the consumables further include:

[0021] Photosensitive drum;

[0022] A charging roller is used for charging the photosensitive drum.

[0023] The fourth aspect of the present application also provides a consumable material, including:

[0024] Photosensitive drum;

[0025] a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum; and

[0026] The information processing device as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0027] According to the solution provided in the present application, the information processing device can detect the power supply voltage condition of the image forming device, and based on the power supply voltage condition, determine the response to the request received from the image forming device, thereby solving the problem that consumables or information processing devices cannot properly respond to undesirable power supply voltage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] 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.

[0029] Figure 1 A structural block diagram of an image forming system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 2A schematic diagram of the structure of another image forming system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of another image forming system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 5 A flowchart of an information processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Fig.11 A structural block diagram of an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the present application. [Specific implementation method]

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 .

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] An information processing device is usually powered by an image forming device. In the prior art, there are adverse factors such as poor contact between the image forming device and the information processing device and wear of the power supply contacts, which affect the power supply voltage of the image forming device to the information processing device. Consumables or information processing devices are usually unable to properly deal with the problem of unsatisfactory power supply voltage from the image forming device to the information processing device, which may lead to problems such as shortened service life of the information processing device and inability of the information processing device to normally respond to instructions from the image forming device.

[0060] To this end, the embodiments of the present application provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and consumables, which can solve the problem that the consumables or the information processing device cannot properly cope with the undesirable power supply voltage of the image forming device to the information processing device.

[0061] See also Figure 5, is a flow chart of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present application. The following information processing method is applied to an information processing device that communicates with an image forming device. The information processing method includes the following execution steps:

[0062] S501: Receive a request sent by an image forming apparatus.

[0063] The image forming device sends a request so that the information processing device receives the request. Specifically, the information processing device receives the request sent by the image forming device, which may be received directly or indirectly through a device such as a relay, that is, the relay first receives the request sent by the image forming device, and then the information processing device obtains the request sent by the image forming device from the relay.

[0064] S502: Detect the power supply voltage of the image forming device to the information processing device.

[0065] Specifically, a voltage detection unit may be provided in the information processing device. The voltage detection unit may specifically include a comparator, which can detect whether the power supply voltage is within a specific range. The voltage detection unit may also include an ADC sampler, which can detect changes in the power supply voltage in real time.

[0066] S503: Determine a response status to a request received from the image forming apparatus based on the power supply voltage status.

[0067] Based on different power supply voltage conditions, the information processing device can determine whether to respond to the request sent by the image forming device, and can also determine which method to use to respond to the request sent by the image forming device.

[0068] Furthermore, the image forming device also detects the current power supply voltage of the information processing device, and based on the detected current power supply voltage, determines whether the information processing device correctly responds to the request sent by the image forming device. When it is determined that the response of the information processing device is incorrect, the image forming device may report an error and prohibit or restrict the use of consumables corresponding to the information processing device.

[0069] It should be noted that the order of steps S501 and S502 is not limited, and those skilled in the art can determine the order of S501 and S502 according to requirements.

[0070] In an optional implementation, S501 is specifically S5011: receiving a voltage compensation value acquisition request sent by the image forming apparatus, that is, the request in S501 is specifically a voltage compensation value acquisition request, and S503 is specifically:

[0071] S5031: Determine the range of the current power supply voltage.

[0072] When the power supply voltage situation is that the current power supply voltage value is lower than the first preset threshold value, jump to S5032; when the power supply voltage situation is that the current power supply voltage value is between the first preset threshold value and the second preset threshold value, that is, the current supply voltage value is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold value and less than or equal to the second preset threshold value, jump to S5033; when the power supply voltage situation is that the current supply voltage value is higher than the second preset threshold value, jump to S5034.

[0073] It should be noted that the first preset threshold is less than the second preset threshold, and optionally, the range between the first preset threshold and the second preset threshold may be an ideal operating voltage range for the information processing device. Assuming that the first preset threshold is 3.0 volts and the second preset threshold is 3.6 volts, the closed range between 3.0 volts and 3.6 volts is an ideal operating voltage range for the information processing device.

[0074] S5032: Determine to feed back a first compensation value to the image forming apparatus, where the first compensation value is a difference value obtained by subtracting a current power supply voltage value from the first preset threshold value.

[0075] It is understandable that when the current power supply voltage is less than the minimum value of the ideal working voltage range, the power supply voltage needs to be compensated to ensure that the information processing device can function normally. For example, if the current power supply voltage value is 2.9 volts, the first compensation value is determined to be the lowest ideal working voltage 3.0 volts minus 2.9 volts, that is, 0.1 volt.

[0076] S5033: Determine to feed back a compensation value of 0 to the image forming apparatus.

[0077] It is understandable that when the current power supply voltage is in the ideal operating voltage range, the image forming device is not required to compensate for the power supply voltage of the information processing device.

[0078] S5034: Determine to feed back a second compensation value to the image forming apparatus, where the second compensation value is a difference value obtained by subtracting a current power supply voltage value from the second preset threshold value.

[0079] It is understandable that when the current power supply voltage is greater than the maximum value of the ideal working voltage range, the power supply voltage needs to be reduced to ensure that the information processing device is not damaged. For example, if the current power supply voltage value is 3.8 volts, the second compensation value is determined to be the highest ideal working voltage 3.6 volts minus 3.8 volts, that is, -0.2 volts.

[0080] Furthermore, the image forming device also detects the current power supply voltage of the information processing device, and based on the detected current power supply voltage, determines whether the information processing device correctly responds to the voltage compensation value acquisition request according to the current power supply voltage. When it is determined that the information processing device fails to correctly respond to the voltage compensation value acquisition request according to the current power supply voltage, the image forming device may report an error and prohibit or restrict the use of consumables corresponding to the information processing device. For example, when the current power supply voltage is measured to be 2.8 volts and the minimum ideal operating voltage is 3.0 volts, the information processing device sends 0.2 volts to the image forming device, then it is determined that the information processing device and the corresponding consumables are legal, and the image forming device does not report an error. If the information processing device does not respond to the voltage compensation value acquisition request or the compensation value sent is not 0.2 volts, the image forming device reports an error.

[0081] In an optional implementation, S501 is specifically S5012: receiving a first information processing request sent by the image forming apparatus, that is, the request in S501 is specifically the first information processing request, and S503 is specifically:

[0082] S5035: Determine the range of the current power supply voltage.

[0083] When the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in the first preset interval, jump to S5036; when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in the second preset interval, jump to S5037.

[0084] S5036: Determine not to respond to the first information processing request.

[0085] S5037: Determine to respond to the first information processing request.

[0086] It should be noted that the first preset interval and the second preset interval need to be set not to intersect, preferably, the second preset interval is set as the preset ideal working voltage interval of the information processing device, and preferably, the first preset interval is a voltage value interval other than the second preset interval. When the current power supply voltage of the image forming device to the information processing device is not in the preset ideal working voltage interval of the information processing device, in order to avoid abnormal function of the information processing device, the information processing device may not respond to the first information processing request sent by the image forming device, so as to avoid erroneous processing of the first information processing request or damage to the information processing device.

[0087] Furthermore, the image forming device also detects the current power supply voltage of the information processing device, and based on the detected current power supply voltage, determines whether the information processing device correctly responds to or does not respond to the first information processing request according to the current power supply voltage. When it is determined that the response of the information processing device is incorrect, the image forming device may report an error and prohibit or restrict the use of consumables corresponding to the information processing device. For example, when the current power supply voltage value is in a first preset interval, if the information processing device responds to the first information processing request, the image forming device reports an error. If the information processing device does not respond to the first information processing request within a preset time, the image forming device may determine that the information processing device or the corresponding consumables are legal and no error report is required.

[0088] In an optional implementation, S501 is specifically S5013: receiving a second information processing request sent by the image forming apparatus, that is, the request in S501 is specifically the second information processing request.

[0089] In the embodiment of the present application, the second information processing request may be specifically any one of an authentication request, a data acquisition request, a data processing request, etc. Among them, the authentication request is used to request the information processing device to authenticate the identity of the consumables. The information processing device feeds back the authentication information to the image forming device based on the authentication request and the preset response rules. The image forming device determines whether the identity of the consumables is legal based on the authentication information; the data acquisition request is used to request the information processing device to feed back specific data, such as the consumables serial number, consumables model, consumables version and other consumables attribute information, or the remaining developer, the number of printed pages, the number of times the information processing device is powered on and other consumables variable parameter information, and the consumables variable parameter information changes with the degree of use of the consumables; the data processing request is used to request the information processing device to perform specific data processing and feed back the results of the processing. Furthermore, the data processing request may include data to be processed.

[0090] S503 specifically includes:

[0091] S5038: Determine the range of the current power supply voltage.

[0092] When the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in the third preset interval, jump to S5039, and when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in the fourth preset interval, jump to S5030. The third preset interval does not intersect with the fourth preset interval.

[0093] S5039: Determine to respond to the second information processing request in the first manner.

[0094] S5030: Determine to respond to the second information processing request in a second manner.

[0095] The information processing device responds to the second information processing request in different ways in different power supply voltage intervals. Furthermore, the image forming device also detects the current power supply voltage of the information processing device, and based on the detected current power supply voltage, determines whether the information processing device responds to the second information processing request in a correct way according to the current power supply voltage. When it is determined that the information processing device fails to respond to the second information processing request in a correct way according to the current power supply voltage, the image forming device may report an error and prohibit or restrict the use of consumables corresponding to the information processing device.

[0096] Exemplarily, when the second information processing request is an authentication request, the information processing device feeds back different authentication information to the image forming device in S5039 and S5030, respectively. Furthermore, the image forming device also detects the current power supply voltage of the information processing device, and based on the detected current power supply voltage, determines whether the information processing device correctly responds to the second information processing request according to the current power supply voltage. When it is determined that the information processing device fails to correctly respond to the second information processing request according to the current power supply voltage, the image forming device may report an error and prohibit or restrict the use of consumables corresponding to the information processing device. For example, according to a preset response rule, when the current power supply voltage value is in a third preset interval, the information processing device needs to feed back authentication information A to the image forming device based on the second information processing request. When the current power supply voltage value is in a fourth preset interval, the information processing device needs to feed back authentication information B to the image forming device based on the second information processing request. If the current power supply voltage value is in the third preset range, the information processing device fails to feedback authentication information A to the image forming device based on the second information processing request, and the image forming device reports an error. If the current power supply voltage value is in the fourth preset range, the information processing device fails to feedback authentication information B to the image forming device based on the second information processing request, and the image forming device reports an error.

[0097] Exemplarily, when the second information processing request is a data acquisition request, the information processing device feeds back specific data to the image forming device in different ways at S6039 and S6030, respectively. Furthermore, the image forming device also detects the current power supply voltage of the information processing device, and based on the detected current power supply voltage, determines whether the information processing device correctly responds to the second information processing request according to the current power supply voltage. When it is determined that the information processing device fails to correctly respond to the second information processing request according to the current power supply voltage, the image forming device may report an error and prohibit or restrict the use of consumables corresponding to the information processing device. For example, according to a preset response rule, when the current power supply voltage value is in a third preset interval, the information processing device needs to feed back specific data to the image forming device in the form of a data frame on the communication data line based on the second information processing request. When the current power supply voltage value is in a fourth preset interval, the information processing device needs to feed back specific data to the image forming device in the form of a level or pulse on the clock line based on the second information processing request. If the information processing device fails to feed back specific data to the image forming device in the form of a data frame on the communication data line when the current power supply voltage value is in the third preset interval, the image forming device reports an error. If the information processing device fails to feed back specific data to the image forming device in the form of a level or pulse on the clock line when the current power supply voltage value is in the fourth preset interval, the image forming device reports an error.

[0098] Exemplarily, when the second information processing request is a data processing request, the information processing device feeds back different types of data processing results to the image forming device in S5039 and S5030, respectively. Furthermore, the image forming device also detects the current power supply voltage of the information processing device, and based on the detected current power supply voltage, determines whether the information processing device correctly responds to the second information processing request according to the current power supply voltage. When it is determined that the information processing device fails to correctly respond to the second information processing request according to the current power supply voltage, the image forming device may report an error and prohibit or restrict the use of consumables corresponding to the information processing device. For example, according to a preset response rule, when the current power supply voltage value is in a third preset interval, the information processing device needs to feed back a processing result of type C to the image forming device based on the second information processing request. When the current power supply voltage value is in a fourth preset interval, the information processing device needs to feed back a processing result of type D to the image forming device based on the second information processing request. If the information processing device fails to feed back the C type processing result to the image forming device when the current power supply voltage value is in the third preset interval, the image forming device reports an error. If the information processing device fails to feed back the D type processing result to the image forming device when the current power supply voltage value is in the fourth preset interval, the image forming device reports an error.

[0099] The present application also provides an information processing device, including:

[0100] a power supply contact, through which the image forming device supplies power to the information processing device;

[0101] A receiving unit, configured to receive a request sent by the image forming device;

[0102] A voltage detection unit, used for detecting a power supply voltage from the image forming device to the information processing device;

[0103] A determining unit is used to determine a response status to a request received from the image forming device based on the power supply voltage status.

[0104] In a possible implementation manner, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive a voltage compensation value acquisition request sent by the image forming device;

[0105] The determination unit is specifically used to determine to feed back a first compensation value to the image forming device when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is lower than a first preset threshold value, and the first compensation value is a difference obtained by subtracting the current power supply voltage value from the first preset threshold value; and / or, when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is higher than a second preset threshold value, determine to feed back a second compensation value to the image forming device, and the second compensation value is a difference obtained by subtracting the current power supply voltage value from the second preset threshold value, wherein the first preset threshold value is smaller than the second preset threshold value.

[0106] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive a first information processing request sent by the image forming apparatus;

[0107] The determination unit is specifically used to determine not to respond to the first information processing request when the power supply voltage situation is that the current power supply voltage value is in a first preset interval, and to determine to respond to the first information processing request when the power supply voltage situation is that the current power supply voltage value is in a second preset interval, wherein the first preset interval does not intersect with the second preset interval, and the first preset interval is a preset ideal operating voltage interval of the information processing device.

[0108] In a possible implementation, the receiving unit is specifically configured to receive a second information processing request sent by the image forming apparatus;

[0109] The determination unit is specifically used to determine to respond to the second information processing request in a first manner when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in a third preset interval, and to determine to respond to the second information processing request in a second manner when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in a fourth preset interval, wherein the third preset interval does not intersect with the fourth preset interval.

[0110] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the aforementioned receiving unit, voltage detection unit, and determination unit may be implemented in software or in hardware, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0111] For example, the aforementioned voltage detection unit is implemented by hardware, for example, including an input unit, a logic comparison circuit, and an output unit, wherein the logic comparison circuit can be composed of logic units such as an AND gate circuit, an OR gate circuit, a NOT gate circuit, a trigger, and the like.

[0112] The aforementioned receiving unit, voltage detection unit, and 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. The receiving unit, voltage detection unit, and determination unit can also realize corresponding functions by building a digital logic calculator. This application does not further limit the specific implementation form of each unit.

[0113] In one possible implementation, at least one of the receiving unit, the voltage detection unit, and the determination unit may be an external module electrically connected to the consumable chip outside the consumable chip, that is, the aforementioned consumable includes a consumable chip and an external module electrically connected to the consumable chip.

[0114] In a possible implementation, the aforementioned receiving unit, voltage detecting unit, and determining unit are not other units of an external module electrically connected to the consumable chip outside the consumable chip, but are directly included in the consumable chip.

[0115] In a possible implementation, the aforementioned receiving unit, voltage detecting unit, and determining unit are included in a first control unit in the consumable chip.

[0116] In a possible implementation, some of the aforementioned receiving units, voltage detection units, and determination units are arranged in the consumable chip, and the remaining units are arranged in the first chip that communicates with the consumable chip. Preferably, the receiving unit is in the consumable chip, and the voltage detection unit and the determination unit are arranged in the first chip that communicates with the consumable chip. In some embodiments, the communication interface between the consumable chip and the first chip is a wired communication interface, preferably an I2C interface. In some embodiments, a switch controlled by the consumable chip is arranged in the communication link between the consumable chip and the first chip and the image forming device. When the consumable chip determines that the first chip needs to communicate with the image forming device at the current stage, the communication link between the first chip and the image forming device is connected through the switch, or the communication link between the first chip and the image forming device is kept connected. When the consumable chip determines that the first chip needs to communicate with the image forming device at the current stage, the communication link between the first chip and the image forming device is connected through the switch. When the consumable chip determines that the first chip does not need to communicate with the image forming device at the current stage, the communication link between the first chip and the image forming device is disconnected through the switch.

[0117] It should be noted that, since there is a corresponding relationship between the consumable chip and the consumables, each unit of the information processing device can be set on the consumable chip, or be an external module electrically connected to the consumable chip, or be set in the first chip that communicates with the consumable chip.

[0118] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application also provides a consumable.

[0119] A schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. The consumable comprises a housing; a developer containing portion located in the housing and used to contain the developer; and the information processing device described in the above embodiment.

[0120] Furthermore, the consumables also include a developer conveying element for conveying the developer.

[0121] Furthermore, the consumables also include a photosensitive drum and a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the consumables further include a photosensitive drum; a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum; and the aforementioned information processing device in the above embodiment.

[0123] It should be noted that the specific content of the information processing device can be found in the description of the above embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0124] See also Fig.11 , is a structural block diagram of an image forming device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.11As shown, the image forming device includes a controller, which is configured to execute part or all of the methods executed by the image forming device in the above method embodiments.

[0125] 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 method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0126] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application also provides a consumable.

[0127] See also Figure 6 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 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.

[0128] See also Figure 7 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the consumables Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment further includes a developer conveying element for conveying developer.

[0129] See also Figure 8 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the consumables Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment further includes a photosensitive drum and a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum.

[0130] See also Fig. 9 , is a schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 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.

[0131] It should be pointed out that Figure 6-Figure 9 The specific content of the information processing device 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.

[0132] Corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides an image forming system, which includes the consumables and image forming device mentioned above in the above-mentioned embodiment, wherein the image forming device and the consumable chip are communicatively connected.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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).

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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, the information processing device communicating with an image forming device, characterized in that: include: a power supply contact, through which the image forming device supplies power to the information processing device; A receiving unit, configured to receive a request sent by the image forming device; A voltage detection unit, used for detecting a voltage supplied by the image forming device to the information processing device; A determining unit is used to determine a response to the request based on the supply voltage condition.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The request is a voltage compensation value acquisition request; The determination unit is specifically used to determine to feed back a first compensation value to the image forming device when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is lower than a first preset threshold value, and the first compensation value is a difference obtained by subtracting the current power supply voltage value from the first preset threshold value; and / or, when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is higher than a second preset threshold value, determine to feed back a second compensation value to the image forming device, and the second compensation value is a difference obtained by subtracting the current power supply voltage value from the second preset threshold value, wherein the first preset threshold value is smaller than the second preset threshold value.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The request is a first information processing request; The determination unit is specifically used to determine not to respond to the first information processing request when the power supply voltage situation is that the current power supply voltage value is in a first preset interval, and to determine to respond to the first information processing request when the power supply voltage situation is that the current power supply voltage value is in a second preset interval, wherein the first preset interval does not intersect with the second preset interval, and the first preset interval is a preset ideal operating voltage interval of the information processing device.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The request is a second information processing request; The determination unit is specifically used to determine to respond to the second information processing request in a first manner when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in a third preset interval, and to determine to respond to the second information processing request in a second manner when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in a fourth preset interval, wherein the third preset interval does not intersect with the fourth preset interval.

5. An information processing method, applied to an information processing device, the information processing device communicates with an image forming device, the information processing device includes a power supply contact, the image forming device supplies power to the information processing device through the power supply contact, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving a request sent by the image forming device; Detecting the power supply voltage of the image forming device to the information processing device; A response to the request is determined based on the supply voltage condition.

6. The information processing method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The request is a voltage compensation value acquisition request; The determining of a response to the request based on the power supply voltage condition includes: when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is lower than a first preset threshold value, determining to feed back a first compensation value to the image forming device, the first compensation value being a difference value obtained by subtracting the current power supply voltage value from the first preset threshold value, and / or, when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is higher than a second preset threshold value, determining to feed back a second compensation value to the image forming device, the second compensation value being a difference value obtained by subtracting the current power supply voltage value from the second preset threshold value, wherein the first preset threshold value is smaller than the second preset threshold value.

7. The information processing method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The request is a first information processing request; The determining of a response to the request based on the power supply voltage condition includes: when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in a first preset interval, determining not to respond to the first information processing request; when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in a second preset interval, determining to respond to the first information processing request, wherein the first preset interval does not intersect with the second preset interval, and the first preset interval is a preset ideal operating voltage interval of the information processing device.

8. The information processing method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The request is a second information processing request; The determining of a response to the request based on the power supply voltage condition includes: when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in a third preset interval, determining to respond to the second information processing request in a first manner; when the power supply voltage condition is that the current power supply voltage value is in a fourth preset interval, determining to respond to the second information processing request in a second manner, wherein the third preset interval does not intersect with the fourth preset interval.

9. 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 4.

10. The consumable material according to claim 9, characterized in that: The consumables further include: a developer conveying element, which is used for conveying the developer.

11. The consumable material according to claim 10, characterized in that: The consumables also include: a photosensitive drum; A charging roller is used for charging the photosensitive drum.

12. 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 4.

Images