Serial number update limiting method, consumable chip and consumable

Abstract

The invention discloses a serial number update limiting method, a consumable chip and a consumable. The serial number updating limiting method comprises the steps that a serial number updating request is obtained, when a request value of the serial number updating request is a first request value, a data index of a consumable chip is obtained, and whether serial number updating operation is allowed to be executed or not is determined based on the data index. According to the serial number updating limiting method, the consumable chip and the consumable provided by the embodiment of the invention, the step of determining whether the serial number updating operation is allowed to be executed or not based on the data index is added, so that the serial number updating operation is limited to a certain extent, the data security is favorably improved, and the decision of the serial number updating operation is more accurate; meanwhile, the judgment logic for judging whether the serial number updating operation is allowed or not based on the data indexes can be flexibly set according to actual requirements so as to adapt to requirement changes in different scenes, the flexibility is high, and the user experience can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of consumables, and in particular to a method for restricting serial number update, a consumable chip, and a consumable. Background Art

[0002] In electronic devices such as printers, consumables (such as printer ink cartridges, toner cartridges, etc.) are usually equipped with consumable chips. The consumable chip uses the built-in serial number as an identity recognition identifier to authenticate and communicate with the device. For example, after a new consumable is installed in the printer, the printer will perform an authentication process based on the consumable serial number with the consumable chip. Only after the consumable serial number authentication passes can the printer print documents. If the consumable serial number fails to pass the printer authentication, the consumable cannot be used.

[0003] In some usage scenarios, it is necessary to update the serial number. For example, if the current serial number of the consumable chip cannot be used continuously or is not suitable for continuous use, it is necessary to switch to another serial number to ensure the normal use of the device.

[0004] In the consumable chip, the current serial number update scheme has fewer restriction methods, a single logic, poor flexibility, and is difficult to adapt to the demand changes in different scenarios, affecting the use experience of products using the serial number as an identity recognition. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a method for restricting serial number update, a consumable chip, and a consumable, which improves the user's use experience by controlling the serial number update.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for restricting serial number update, which is applied to a consumable chip and includes:

[0007] Obtain a serial number update request;

[0008] When the request value of the serial number update request is the first request value, obtain the data index of the consumable chip itself;

[0009] Based on the data index, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0010] Optionally, the data index includes at least one of the erasing and writing times, effective communication times, module call times, power-on running time, power-on and power-off times, and serial number update times of the consumable chip.

[0011] Optionally, determining whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation based on the data index includes:

[0012] Determine a target judgment strategy;

[0013] Using the target judgment strategy, based on the data metrics and their corresponding preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0014] Optionally, using the target judgment strategy, based on the data metrics and their corresponding preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, including:

[0015] Based on one of the data metrics and its corresponding preset threshold, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0016] Optionally, based on one of the data metrics and its corresponding preset threshold, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, including:

[0017] Judge whether the data metric is greater than its corresponding preset threshold;

[0018] If so, prohibit the execution of the serial number update operation;

[0019] If not, execute the serial number update operation.

[0020] Optionally, using the target judgment strategy, based on the data metrics and their corresponding preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, including:

[0021] Based on two of the data metrics and their respective corresponding preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0022] Optionally, based on two of the data metrics and their respective corresponding preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, including:

[0023] Judge whether both of the two data metrics are greater than their respective corresponding preset thresholds;

[0024] If so, prohibit the execution of the serial number update operation;

[0025] If not, execute the serial number update operation.

[0026] Optionally, using the target judgment strategy, based on the data metrics and their corresponding preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, including:

[0027] Based on more than two of the data metrics and their respective corresponding preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0028] Optionally, judge whether at least some of the preset data metrics are less than or equal to their respective corresponding preset thresholds;

[0029] If so, execute the serial number update operation;

[0030] If not, prohibit the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0031] Optionally, the determining of the target judgment strategy includes:

[0032] Obtain mode selection information, where different said mode selection information corresponds to different said target judgment strategies;

[0033] Determine the target judgment strategy based on the mode selection information.

[0034] Optionally, the serial number update request is generated by an update request generation module, and the update request generation module obtains consumable status information and generates the serial number update request based on the consumable status information.

[0035] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0036] Generate a restriction opinion indicator based on whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, and the restriction opinion indicator is used to indicate whether the serial number update module executes the serial number update operation.

[0037] Optionally, after obtaining the serial number update request, it further includes:

[0038] When the request value of the serial number update request is the second request value, enter the sleep state.

[0039] Optionally, the serial number update operation includes switching to a backup serial number or resetting the current serial number.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumable chip, including:

[0041] An update request generation module, configured to obtain consumable status information and generate a serial number update request based on the consumable status information;

[0042] A serial number update restriction module, configured to execute any of the serial number update restriction methods described in the first aspect;

[0043] A serial number update module, configured to execute the serial number update operation.

[0044] The serial number update restriction method, consumable chip and consumable in the embodiments of the present invention, after receiving the serial number update request initiated by the update request generation module and before performing the serial number update operation, additionally add a step of determining whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation based on data metrics. By analyzing the data metrics of the consumable chip, it is judged whether to allow the update of the serial number of the consumable chip, so as to limit the serial number update operation to a certain extent, which helps to improve data security and make the decision-making of the serial number update operation more accurate; at the same time, the judgment logic for judging whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation based on data metrics can be flexibly set according to actual needs, so as to adapt to the demand changes in different scenarios, with high flexibility and improved user experience.

[0045] It should be understood that the content described in this part is not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other features of the present invention will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2 It is a flowchart of another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of yet another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 4 It is a flowchart of yet another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of yet another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of yet another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of yet another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 8 A flowchart of another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 9 A flowchart of another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 10 A schematic structural diagram of a consumable chip provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of another consumable chip provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0058] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0059] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present invention and the above drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily need to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units does not necessarily have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0060] Figure 1 A flowchart of a serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is applicable to products that use serial numbers for identity recognition and have a strongly correlated consumption volume, that is, products with a limited service life and a life cycle, and can be applied to scenarios such as updating and modifying serial number data, switching to backup serial number data, and resetting the current serial number data.

[0061] This method can be executed by a serial number update restriction module, which can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software, and the serial number update restriction module can be configured in a consumable chip.

[0062] Such asFigure 1 As shown, the serial number update restriction method is applied to a consumable chip and includes:

[0063] S11. Obtain a serial number update request.

[0064] Specifically, the serial number update request refers to a signal or instruction indicating a change to the serial number of the current consumable chip.

[0065] Among them, the serial number update request can be generated and sent by an internal module of the consumable chip.

[0066] Optionally, the consumable chip includes an update request generation module, and the serial number update request is generated by the update request generation module.

[0067] Among them, the update request generation module obtains consumable status information and generates the serial number update request based on the consumable status information.

[0068] Specifically, the update request generation module is a functional module responsible for monitoring the consumable status and determining whether to initiate a serial number update request.

[0069] The consumable status information may refer to parameters or information related to the consumable usage status. The specific number and content of the consumable status information are not limited and can be configured by relevant personnel based on empirical values. For example, the consumable status information may include a serial number consumption value. The serial number consumption value may refer to a value related to the consumption amount of the printing material corresponding to a certain serial number. The printing material may be, for example, ink or toner. When this value reaches a specific threshold, it can be regarded as the end of the life cycle of the current serial number, but it is not limited to this.

[0070] In this embodiment, the update request generation module can determine whether to initiate a serial number update request based on the obtained consumable status information. For example, the update request generation module determines the life cycle stage of the current serial number in real time through the obtained consumable status information. When the life cycle stage is the usage completion stage, it can be considered that the life cycle of the current serial number has ended. At this time, it can be determined that the current serial number needs to be updated, thereby generating a corresponding serial number update request. Or when the determined current life cycle stage is an abnormal stage, it can be considered that the current serial number is used abnormally, such as the printer cannot recognize the current serial number of the consumable chip. At this time, it can be determined that the current serial number needs to be updated, etc., thereby generating a corresponding serial number update request.

[0071] Among them, the update request generation module can be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.

[0072] In this embodiment, it is possible to detect regularly or in real time whether there is a serial number update request from the update request generation module, and in response to the serial number update request, subsequently obtain the data metrics of the consumable chip itself.

[0073] S12. When the request value of the serial number update request is the first request value, obtain the data metrics of the consumable chip itself.

[0074] Specifically, the request value of the serial number update request is used to determine whether there is a need to perform a serial number update operation currently.

[0075] Among them, the request value of the serial number update request can be a boolean value. For example, when the request value of the serial number update request is req and req = 1, it means that a serial number update operation needs to be performed; when req = 0, it means that a serial number update operation does not need to be performed.

[0076] In some embodiments, the request value of the serial number update request can also be a specific numerical value or flag bit, which can be used to represent the specific type or priority of the request, etc.

[0077] In this embodiment, based on the request value of the serial number update request, it is determined whether to perform subsequent operations. Specifically, when it is detected that the request value of the serial number update request is the first request value, the data metrics of the consumable chip itself are obtained to make a subsequent judgment on whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0078] Among them, the first request value is a specific status value of the serial number update request, indicating that a serial number update operation needs to be performed. The specific value of the first request value can be set according to actual needs. For example, the first request value is 1, and the embodiments of the present invention do not make specific limitations on this.

[0079] It can be understood that in order to ensure that the identity identification of the consumable is consistent with the actual usage status, the consumable chip can update (switch or reset) the serial number, and the current serial number can refer to the serial number currently used by the consumable chip.

[0080] The data metrics can refer to the data analyzed and recorded by the consumable chip itself, which can represent various status parameters or operation information during the use of the consumable chip, and can be an important basis for subsequent judgment on whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation. It can be understood that the above data metrics start to be recorded after the consumable chip leaves the factory and continue to accumulate throughout the entire life cycle, and will not cause data loss or reset due to serial number update.

[0081] Among them, the data metrics can be one, two or more, and the specific number and content are not limited and can be configured according to actual needs.

[0082] It should be noted that when obtaining the data indicators of the consumable chip itself, the method of obtaining the data indicators is not limited. For example, the data indicators can be directly read from the non-volatile memory of the consumable chip, or can be data automatically generated and detected during the working process. Different data indicators can also correspond to different obtaining methods.

[0083] For example, the number of erasing and writing times can be directly read from the non-volatile memory of the consumable chip; the number of effective communication times and the number of times the module is called can be automatically generated and detected during the working process; and the power-on running time and the number of power-on and power-off times are also obtained through timing and recording during the working process.

[0084] S13. Determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation based on the data indicators.

[0085] Among them, the serial number update operation can refer to the operation of switching or resetting the serial number currently used by the consumable chip to adapt to different usage states of the consumable.

[0086] Optionally, the serial number update operation includes switching to a backup serial number or resetting the current serial number.

[0087] Specifically, switching to a backup serial number means selecting a new serial number from multiple pre-stored backup serial numbers inside the consumable chip as the currently used serial number. For example, in order to avoid the unique serial number stored on the consumable chip not being recognized by the printer, the consumable chip can pre-store multiple switchable backup serial numbers. When it is found that the printer cannot recognize the consumable chip, the consumable chip can switch to a backup serial number so that the switched serial number can be recognized by the printer, thereby enabling the consumable chip to be used normally on this printer.

[0088] Resetting the current serial number can mean restoring the data indicators corresponding to the serial number of the consumable chip to the initial state or a specified state. For example, when the consumable is refilled (such as refilling ink or toner), the current serial number can be reset so that the consumable can be used again.

[0089] Among them, the serial number update operation can be executed by an internal module of the consumable chip (such as a serial number update module).

[0090] In the related technology, the serial number update module directly executes the serial number update operation based on the serial number update request output by the update request generation module. This serial number update scheme has fewer restricted ways, a single logic, lacks a dynamic adjustment mechanism, has poor flexibility, and is difficult to adapt to the demand changes in different scenarios, affecting the usage experience of products using the serial number as an identity identifier.

[0091] Based on the above technical problems, in this embodiment, after receiving the serial number update request initiated by the update request generation module and before performing the serial number update operation, an additional step of determining whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation based on data metrics is added. By analyzing the data metrics of the consumable chip, it is judged whether to allow the update of the serial number of the consumable chip. If the judgment result is to allow the update, the serial number update module can perform the corresponding serial number update operation; if the judgment result is to prohibit the update, the serial number update module does not perform the corresponding serial number update operation, and an alarm can be triggered or the user can be prompted subsequently.

[0092] Among them, through the comprehensive judgment of multi-dimensional data metrics, restricting the serial number update operation to a certain extent helps to improve data security and make the decision-making of the serial number update operation more accurate; at the same time, the judgment logic for determining whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation based on data metrics can be flexibly set according to actual needs to adapt to the demand changes in different scenarios, with high flexibility and improved user experience.

[0093] It should be noted that the consumption of printing materials is one of the most sensitive status metrics of consumables and should be protected by the highest level of data security. If the data metrics include the consumption of printing materials, then the consumption of printing materials needs to be allowed to be accessed by additional software / hardware modules, which will greatly reduce data security and make the consumption of printing materials easily accessed and tampered with by third parties.

[0094] Based on the above technical problems, in this embodiment, the data metrics adopt the data metrics of the consumable chip itself, which are data metrics other than the consumption of printing materials and have nothing to do with the consumable (such as an ink cartridge or a toner cartridge). In this way, it is no longer dependent on the consumption of printing materials, but directly analyzes the remaining internal data metrics of itself at the consumable end to determine the restricted serial number update operation, which helps to prevent tampering behavior, improve data security, and ultimately achieve the effect of improving the consumer experience.

[0095] Optionally, the data metrics include at least one of the number of erasure and rewrite times of the consumable chip, the number of effective communication times, the number of times the module is called, the power-on running time, the number of power-on and power-off times, and the number of times the serial number has been updated.

[0096] Among them, the number of erasure and rewrite times refers to the total number of erasure and rewrite times of the non-volatile memory (such as EEPROM or Flash memory) in the consumable chip.

[0097] The number of effective communication times refers to the number of effective communication times between the consumable chip and the host computer (such as an imaging device).

[0098] The number of times a module is called can be understood as the number of times a key hardware or software module is called. The key hardware or software module can be considered a custom algorithm module used to execute specific algorithm functions, such as the AES or RSA algorithms, etc.

[0099] The power-on running time refers to the cumulative running time of the consumable chip from the factory to the current moment.

[0100] The number of power-on and power-off cycles refers to the cumulative number of start-stop (power-on / power-off) cycles of the consumable chip from the factory to the current time.

[0101] The number of times the serial number has been updated refers to the cumulative number of times the serial number in the consumable chip has been updated.

[0102] Among them, by setting the data metrics to include one or more of the above metrics, the actual usage status of the consumable can be comprehensively understood, and based on this, a scientific and reasonable decision can be made on the operation of updating the serial number. It has a high degree of flexibility and can adapt to the changing needs in different scenarios. At the same time, by adopting the above non-printing material consumption metrics for the data metrics, it is no longer necessary to rely on the printing material consumption. Instead, by actively analyzing other internal data metrics at the consumable end directly, the determination of restricting the serial number update operation can be carried out, which can improve data security and achieve the effect of improving the consumer experience.

[0103] Figure 2 As shown in the flowchart of another method for restricting serial number update provided by the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shown, optionally, determining whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation based on the data metrics includes:

[0104] S131. Determine the target judgment strategy.

[0105] S132. Using the target judgment strategy, based on the data metrics and their corresponding preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0106] Specifically, the target judgment strategy refers to a set of overall rules selected or defined by the system according to the specific requirements and scenarios of the consumable, used to comprehensively evaluate whether the data metrics allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0107] Among them, the target judgment strategy can be formulated or selected according to the consumable type, usage scenario, and security requirements. The target judgment strategy can be a simple conditional judgment (such as a single threshold comparison, etc.), or a complex multi-condition combination (such as a Boolean expression or an algorithm model, etc.). The embodiment of the present invention does not make specific limitations on this.

[0108] Further, the preset threshold can be regarded as the critical value of the data index, which is used to determine whether the data index meets the requirements for performing the serial number update operation. Among them, the number of preset thresholds can be multiple. Different data indexes can correspond to the same preset threshold or different preset thresholds.

[0109] For example, the preset threshold corresponding to the number of erasure and rewrite times of the consumable chip is VtA, the preset threshold corresponding to the number of effective communication times of the consumable chip is VtB, the preset threshold corresponding to the number of times the module is called is VtC, the preset threshold corresponding to the power-on running time of the consumable chip is VtD, the preset threshold corresponding to the number of power-on and power-off times of the consumable chip is VtE, and the preset threshold corresponding to the number of times the serial number has been updated is VtF. Among them, VtA can be 20, VtB can be 100, VtC can be 1, VtD can be 20000, but it is not limited thereto. The specific number and content of the preset thresholds are not limited and can be pre-configured based on empirical values.

[0110] In this embodiment, the obtained data indexes can be compared with the preset thresholds corresponding to the respective data indexes to obtain the comparison results, and the comparison results of all data indexes can be comprehensively evaluated according to the target judgment strategy to clarify whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation. Among them, through the combination of the target judgment strategy and the preset threshold, it is beneficial to accurately judge whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation. At the same time, the target judgment strategy and the preset threshold can be dynamically adjusted according to different consumable types or usage scenarios to meet different usage requirements.

[0111] Optionally, using the target judgment strategy, based on the data index and its corresponding preset threshold, to determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, includes:

[0112] Based on a data index and its corresponding preset threshold, to determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0113] In this embodiment, the target judgment strategy can adopt a "one-vote veto" mode. In the "one-vote veto" mode, the number of data indexes is 1, that is, the judgment is based only on a single data index and its preset threshold. Among them, the obtained data index can be compared with its corresponding preset threshold, and the comparison result can be evaluated according to the target judgment strategy to judge whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation. The logic is clear and the calculation complexity is low.

[0114] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of another method for restricting serial number update provided by the embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 3 shown. Optionally, based on a data index and its corresponding preset threshold, to determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, includes:

[0115] S1321. Determine whether the data indicator is greater than its corresponding preset threshold.

[0116] S1322. If so, prohibit the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0117] S1323. If not, allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0118] In this embodiment, the target judgment strategy adopts a "one-vote veto" mode. Among them, a single data indicator is compared with its corresponding preset threshold to determine whether the data indicator exceeds the allowable range. If the data indicator is greater than its corresponding preset threshold, it is considered that the consumable has exceeded the normal use range, and the execution of the serial number update operation is prohibited; if the data indicator is less than or equal to its corresponding preset threshold, it can be considered that the consumable is still within the normal use range, and the execution of the serial number update operation is allowed.

[0119] For example, the data indicator includes the number of erasure and rewrite times A of the consumable chip. If the number of erasure and rewrite times A exceeds its preset threshold (for example, A > VtA), the execution of the serial number update operation is prohibited; otherwise, the execution of the serial number update operation is allowed.

[0120] Another example, the data indicator includes the number of effective communication times B of the consumable chip. If the number of effective communication times B exceeds its preset threshold (for example, B > VtB), the execution of the serial number update operation is prohibited; otherwise, the execution of the serial number update operation is allowed.

[0121] Among them, the target judgment strategy adopts the above "one-vote veto" mode, which can make the decision-making mechanism more concise and efficient, suitable for resource-constrained embedded systems, with clear and understandable logic, easy to program and maintain.

[0122] Optionally, using the target judgment strategy, based on the data indicator and its corresponding preset threshold, to determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, including:

[0123] Based on two data indicators and their respective corresponding preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0124] In this embodiment, the target judgment strategy can adopt a "two-combination" mode. In the "two-combination" mode, the number of data indicators is two, that is, a comprehensive judgment is made based on two data indicators and their corresponding preset thresholds. Among them, the two obtained data indicators can be compared with their respective corresponding preset thresholds, and according to the target judgment strategy, the two comparison results are evaluated to determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, which can more comprehensively evaluate the status of the consumable and avoid misjudgment that may be caused by a single indicator.

[0125] Figure 4 It is a schematic flowchart of another method for restricting serial number update provided by the embodiment of the present invention, asFigure 4 As shown, optionally, based on two data metrics and their respective preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, including:

[0126] S1324. Determine whether both data metrics are greater than their respective preset thresholds.

[0127] S1325. If so, prohibit the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0128] S1326. If not, allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0129] In this embodiment, the target judgment strategy adopts a "two-combination" mode. Among them, compare the two data metrics with their respective preset thresholds one by one to determine whether both data metrics are greater than their respective preset thresholds. If both data metrics are greater than their corresponding preset thresholds, it is considered that the consumable has exceeded the normal use range, and the execution of the serial number update operation is prohibited; if there is at least one data metric less than or equal to its corresponding preset threshold, it is considered that the consumable is still within the normal use range, and the execution of the serial number update operation is allowed.

[0130] For example, taking the data metrics including the number of erasure times A and the number of effective communication times B of the consumable chip as an example, if both the number of erasure times A and the number of effective communication times B of the consumable chip exceed their respective preset thresholds (for example, (A > VtA) && (B > VtB)), the execution of the serial number update operation is prohibited; otherwise (for example, (A ≤ VtA) || (B ≤ VtB)), the execution of the serial number update operation is allowed.

[0131] Among them, adopting the above "two-combination" mode for the target judgment strategy can avoid overly strict restrictions on the execution of the serial number update operation, reduce the risk of misjudgment, and improve the user experience.

[0132] Optionally, using the target judgment strategy, based on the data metric and its corresponding preset threshold, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, including:

[0133] Based on more than two data metrics and their respective preset thresholds, determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0134] In this embodiment, the target judgment strategy can adopt a "multiple combination" mode. In the "multiple combination" mode, the number of data indicators is three or more, that is, a comprehensive judgment is made based on multiple data indicators and their corresponding preset thresholds. Among them, the preset thresholds corresponding to the obtained multiple data indicators can be compared, and multiple comparison results are evaluated according to the target judgment strategy to determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, which can more comprehensively and accurately evaluate the usage of consumables, avoid misjudgments that may be caused by single or a few indicators, and can more flexibly set the judgment logic and preset thresholds according to actual needs, which is beneficial to adapting to more usage scenarios.

[0135] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic flowchart of another method for restricting serial number update provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 5 shown, optionally, using the target judgment strategy, based on the data indicator and its corresponding preset threshold, to determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation includes:

[0136] S1327. Determine whether at least some of the preset data indicators are less than or equal to their corresponding preset thresholds;

[0137] S1328. If so, allow the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0138] S1329. If not, prohibit the execution of the serial number update operation.

[0139] In this embodiment, the target judgment strategy adopts a "multiple combination" mode. Among them, all preset data indicators are checked one by one to determine whether some of the preset data indicators among all data indicators are less than or equal to their corresponding preset thresholds. If there are some preset data indicators less than or equal to their corresponding preset thresholds, it is considered that the consumable is still within the normal usage range and the execution of the serial number update operation is allowed; if there are no preset data indicators less than or equal to their corresponding preset thresholds, it is considered that the consumable has exceeded the normal usage range and the execution of the serial number update operation is prohibited.

[0140] Among them, the preset part of the data indicators refers to one or more groups of data indicators predefined among all data indicators, and each group of data indicators includes at least one specific data indicator.

[0141] For example, the data metrics include the number of erasure cycles A of the consumable chip, the number of effective communication times B, the number of times the module is called C, and the power-on operation time D. If both the number of erasure cycles A and the number of effective communication times B are less than or equal to their respective preset thresholds, or, both the number of times the module is called C and the power-on operation time D are less than or equal to their respective preset thresholds (i.e., ((A ≤ VtA) && (B ≤ VtB)) || ((C ≤ VtC) && (D ≤ VtD))), then the serial number update operation is prohibited; otherwise, the serial number update operation is allowed.

[0142] Among them, the target judgment strategy adopts the above "multiple combinations" mode, which can combine multiple judgment methods or conditions to form a more diverse and flexible decision-making logic, so as to adapt to more consumable usage scenarios.

[0143] Figure 6 As shown in the flowchart of another serial number update restriction method provided by the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 As shown, optionally, determining the target judgment strategy includes:

[0144] S1311. Obtain mode selection information, and different mode selection information corresponds to different target judgment strategies.

[0145] S1312. Determine the target judgment strategy based on the mode selection information.

[0146] In this embodiment, multiple target judgment strategies can be preset in advance. Each target judgment strategy includes a specific set of data metrics, preset thresholds, and judgment logics, which can adapt to different usage scenarios.

[0147] Furthermore, mode selection information is additionally set, and the mode selection information is used to indicate the target judgment strategy that should be adopted currently. Among them, each mode selection information can respectively correspond to a target judgment strategy.

[0148] For example, if the mode selection information is 1, then execute the target judgment strategy of the "one-vote veto" mode; if the mode selection information is 2, then execute the target judgment strategy of the "two combinations" mode; when the selection information is other values, then execute the target judgment strategy of the "multiple combinations" mode.

[0149] Among them, the specific content of the mode selection information and the target judgment strategy corresponding thereto can be set according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present invention do not make specific limitations on this.

[0150] Further, when determining the target judgment strategy, obtain the current mode selection information, and determine the target judgment strategy to be executed according to the current mode selection information. In this way, multiple target judgment strategies are supported, and the target judgment strategy can be switched by setting the mode selection information according to the actual usage scenario, which is beneficial to flexibly adapt to different consumable usage scenarios and meet diverse requirements.

[0151] Optionally, the mode selection information is stored in the non-volatile memory inside the consumable chip. Even if the device is powered off or restarted, the data stored in the non-volatile memory will not be lost, so that the mode selection information can be ensured to be still available after the device is turned off, restarted, accidentally powered off or other failures, without the need for the user to reset it, but it is not limited to this.

[0152] Figure 7 It is a schematic flowchart of another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 7 shown, optionally, the serial number update restriction method provided by the embodiment of the present invention further includes:

[0153] S14. Generate a restriction opinion index based on whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, and the restriction opinion index is used to indicate whether the serial number update module executes the serial number update operation.

[0154] In this embodiment, generate a restriction opinion index based on the judgment result of the data index, and output the restriction opinion index to the serial number update module. The serial number update module determines whether to finally execute the serial number update operation according to the index value of the restriction opinion index.

[0155] Among them, if the judgment result based on the data index allows the execution of the serial number update operation, the index value Views of the restriction opinion index can be set to the first index value; if the judgment result based on the data index does not allow the execution of the serial number update operation, the index value Views of the restriction opinion index can be set to the second index value.

[0156] It can be understood that the first index value is used to indicate that the serial number update operation is allowed to be executed, the second index value is used to indicate that the serial number update operation is not allowed to be executed, and the second index value is different from the first index value.

[0157] For example, taking the first index value as 1 and the second index value as 0 as an example, if the judgment result based on the data index allows the execution of the serial number update operation, then Views = 1 is output to the serial number update module. When the serial number update module receives the index value Views of the input restricted opinion index as 1, it executes the serial number update operation; if the judgment result based on the data index does not allow the execution of the serial number update operation, then Views = 0 is output to the serial number update module. When the serial number update module receives the index value Views of the input restricted opinion index as 0, it does not execute the serial number update operation.

[0158] Among them, the specific contents of the first index value and the second index value can be set according to actual needs, and the embodiments of the present invention do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0159] It should be noted that the index value of the restricted opinion index can be stored in the non-volatile memory inside the consumable chip or obtained through immediate calculation. The embodiments of the present invention do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0160] Optionally, the initial index value of the restricted opinion index at the time of factory can be set as the first index value (for example, Views = 1), and after leaving the factory, the update can be controlled based on the serial number update restriction method provided by the embodiments of the present invention.

[0161] Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart of another serial number update restriction method provided by the embodiments of the present invention. As Figure 8 shown, optionally, after obtaining the serial number update request, it further includes:

[0162] S15. When the request value of the serial number update request is the second request value, enter the sleep state.

[0163] Specifically, the second request value is a specific status value of the serial number update request, indicating that there is no need to execute the serial number update operation. The specific value of the second request value can be set according to actual needs. For example, the second request value is 0, and the embodiments of the present invention do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0164] In this embodiment, when the consumable chip is running normally, the request value req of the serial number update request can be set as the second request value (for example, req = 0). At this time, the serial number update restriction module enters the sleep state.

[0165] Among them, the sleep state refers to a low-power mode. In this state, the serial number update restriction module can pause most functions and only retain necessary monitoring functions to save resources.

[0166] Next, a specific embodiment of a serial number update restriction method applicable to the above embodiments will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0167] Figure 9 The flowchart of another serial number update restriction method provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown as Figure 9 shown. Exemplarily, the serial number update restriction method may specifically include:

[0168] When the consumable chip is operating normally, the request value req of the serial number update request is the second request value (for example, req = 0), and the serial number update restriction module is in a sleep state. At this time, the index value Views of the restriction opinion index output by the serial number update restriction module can be constant as the second index value (for example, Views = 0).

[0169] After the update request generation module generates the request value req = 1 of the serial number update request according to the current consumable status information, the serial number update restriction module receives the serial number update request (req = 1) and is woken up. It starts to obtain the data indexes of the consumable chip itself and executes its internal logic, that is, determines whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation according to the data indexes and their corresponding preset thresholds, and generates its corresponding restriction opinion index. For example, if (A < VtA) && (C < VtC) && ((B ≤ VtB) || (D ≤ VtD))), then Views = 1; otherwise, Views = 0. Among them, Views = 0 means that the update is not allowed, and Views = 1 means that the update is allowed.

[0170] The serial number update restriction module can output Views and req to the serial number update module. When the input received by the serial number update switching module is Views = 1, the serial number update operation is executed.

[0171] Optionally, the execution of the serial number update operation can be to execute the serial number update operation when the consumable chip is powered on next time.

[0172] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention also provides a consumable chip, Figure 10 The structural schematic diagram of a consumable chip provided by an embodiment of the present invention is Figure 11 The structural schematic diagram of another consumable chip provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown as Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown. The consumable chip provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0173] An update request generation module 10, configured to obtain consumable status information and generate a serial number update request based on the consumable status information.

[0174] A serial number update restriction module 11, configured to execute any serial number update restriction method provided in the above embodiment.

[0175] A serial number update module 12, configured to execute the serial number update operation.

[0176] The consumable chip provided by the embodiment of the present invention has the technical effects of the technical solutions in any of the above embodiments. The same or corresponding structures and the explanations of the terms in the above embodiments will not be elaborated herein.

[0177] Based on the update request generation module 10 and the serial number update module 12, the consumable chip provided by the embodiment of the present invention additionally adds a serial number update restriction module 11. Among them, based on the consumable status information, the update request generation module 10 generates a serial number update request. The serial number update request is reviewed by the serial number update restriction module 11 to determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation. If it is determined to allow the execution of the serial number update operation, the serial number update module 12 finally executes the serial number update operation.

[0178] Specifically, after receiving the serial number update request sent by the update request generation module 10, the serial number update restriction module 11 actively obtains the data metrics of the consumable chip at the current serial number based on the serial number update request. By analyzing the data metrics of the consumable chip, it is judged whether to allow the update of the serial number of the consumable chip. If the judgment result is to allow the update, the serial number update module can perform the corresponding serial number update operation; if the judgment result is to prohibit the update, the serial number update module does not perform the corresponding serial number update operation.

[0179] It can be understood that when the update request generation module 10 decides to update the serial number, it needs to pass through the serial number update restriction module 11 before the serial number update module 12 can execute. Thus, the serial number update restriction module 11 can restrict the operations of the update request generation module 10 and the serial number update module 12 on the non-volatile memory of the consumable chip, improve data security, and achieve the effect of improving the consumer experience.

[0180] Furthermore, the data metrics can be data metrics other than the printing material consumption. For example, the data metrics include at least one of the number of erasure and write cycles, the number of effective communication times, the number of times the module is called, the power-on running time, the number of power-on and power-off times, and the number of times the serial number has been updated of the consumable chip. In this way, it is no longer dependent on the printing material consumption, but directly analyzes the remaining internal data metrics at the consumable end to determine the restriction of the serial number update operation, which can avoid sensitive access to the printing material consumption data, help prevent tampering behavior, improve data security, and ultimately achieve the effect of improving the consumer experience.

[0181] Optionally, the serial number update restriction module 11 uses a target judgment strategy to determine whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation based on data metrics and their corresponding preset thresholds. The combination of the target judgment strategy and the preset thresholds is conducive to accurately judging whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation. At the same time, the target judgment strategy and the preset thresholds can be dynamically adjusted according to different consumable types or usage scenarios, which can flexibly adapt to different usage requirements.

[0182] Optionally, the serial number update restriction module 11 generates a restriction opinion metric based on whether to allow the execution of the serial number update operation. The restriction opinion metric is used to indicate whether the serial number update module executes the serial number update operation. The serial number update restriction module 11 outputs the restriction opinion metric to the serial number update module 12 so that the serial number update module 12 determines whether to finally execute the serial number update operation according to the metric value of the restriction opinion metric.

[0183] Optionally, the update request generation module 10, the serial number update restriction module 11, and the serial number update module 12 can all be implemented in the form of hardware and / or software and are configured in the consumable chip.

[0184] For example, the update request generation module 10, the serial number update restriction module 11, and the serial number update module 12 can be implemented in the form of an ASIC circuit through the consumable chip hardware or in the form of a software program.

[0185] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a consumable, which may include a consumable body and the consumable chip described in any of the above embodiments. Therefore, the consumable chip provided by the embodiment of the present invention has the technical effects of the technical solutions in any of the above embodiments, and the explanations of the same or corresponding structures and terms as those in the above embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0186] Optionally, the consumable can be a printer consumable, such as a consumable cartridge, which can be at least one of common consumable cartridges such as an ink cartridge, a toner cartridge, and an ink bag cartridge.

[0187] It should be understood that various forms of the processes shown above can be used, and steps can be reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in the present invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in a different order, as long as the desired results of the technical solutions of the present invention can be achieved, and no limitations are imposed herein.

[0188] The above specific embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for limiting serial number update, characterized in that: Applied to consumable chips, including: Get serial number update request; When the request value of the serial number update request is the first request value, obtaining the data indicator of the consumable chip itself; A determination is made based on the data indicator whether a sequence number update operation is permitted.

2. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data indicators include at least one of the number of times the consumable chip is erased and written, the number of valid communications, the number of times the module is called, the power-on and run time, the number of power-on and power-off times, and the number of times the serial number has been updated.

3. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Determining whether to allow the serial number update operation based on the data indicator includes: Determine the target judgment strategy; The target judgment strategy is used to determine whether to allow the serial number update operation to be executed based on the data indicator and the preset threshold value corresponding thereto.

4. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Using the target judgment strategy, based on the data indicator and the corresponding preset threshold, determining whether to allow the sequence number update operation to be executed includes: Based on one of the data indicators and its corresponding preset threshold, determine whether to allow the serial number update operation to be executed.

5. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Determining whether to allow the sequence number update operation based on one of the data indicators and the preset threshold value corresponding thereto includes: Determine whether the data indicator is greater than the corresponding preset threshold; If yes, prohibit execution of the serial number update operation; If not, the serial number update operation is allowed to be performed.

6. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Using the target judgment strategy, based on the data indicator and the corresponding preset threshold, determining whether to allow the sequence number update operation to be executed includes: Based on the two data indicators and their corresponding preset thresholds, it is determined whether to allow the serial number update operation to be executed.

7. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Based on the two data indicators and the preset thresholds corresponding to the two data indicators, determining whether to allow the sequence number update operation to be performed includes: Determine whether the two data indicators are both greater than the corresponding preset thresholds; If yes, prohibit execution of the serial number update operation; If not, the serial number update operation is allowed to be performed.

8. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Using the target judgment strategy, based on the data indicator and the corresponding preset threshold, determining whether to allow the sequence number update operation to be executed includes: Based on the two or more data indicators and their corresponding preset thresholds, it is determined whether to allow the serial number update operation to be executed.

9. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 8, characterized in that: Determining whether at least some of the preset data indicators are less than or equal to the corresponding preset thresholds; If yes, allow the serial number update operation to be performed; If not, the serial number update operation is prohibited.

10. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The target determination strategy includes: Acquiring mode selection information, where different mode selection information corresponds to different target judgment strategies; The target determination strategy is determined based on the mode selection information.

11. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The serial number update request is generated by an update request generation module, and the update request generation module obtains consumable status information and generates the serial number update request based on the consumable status information.

12. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A restriction opinion indicator is generated based on whether the serial number update operation is allowed to be executed, and the restriction opinion indicator is used to indicate whether the serial number update module executes the serial number update operation.

13. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After getting the serial number update request, also include: When the request value of the sequence number update request is the second request value, the dormant state is entered.

14. The serial number update restriction method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sequence number update operation includes switching a standby sequence number or resetting a current sequence number.

15. A consumable chip, characterized in that: include: An update request generation module, used to obtain consumable status information and generate a serial number update request based on the consumable status information; A serial number update restriction module, used to execute the serial number update restriction method according to any one of claims 1 to 14; The serial number update module is used to perform the serial number update operation.

16. A consumable material, characterized in that: Including the consumable chip as described in claim 15.

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