Chip, communication method, and consumable cartridge

Abstract

The chip, the communication method and the consumable box provided by the embodiment of the application comprise a clock terminal, a data terminal and a response module; the response module acquires a clock signal and first instruction information; when the first instruction information is of a first type, a judgment interval is determined, and the clock signal is periodically monitored with the judgment interval as a period to determine a duration of the clock signal being a first level signal; if the duration reaches a preset duration, it is determined that the first instruction information ends, and reading is stopped; when the first instruction information is of a second type, the response module determines an ending moment of the first instruction information based on the content of the second-type instruction information; and reading is stopped at the ending moment of the first instruction information; and the accuracy of data communication is improved.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202311871796.3, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on December 29, 2023, entitled "A Consumable Chip and Consumable Box", and also claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411220250.6, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on August 30, 2024, entitled "A Consumable Chip and Consumable Box", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of imaging technology, specifically to a chip, a communication method, and a consumable box. Background Technology

[0003] Image forming apparatuses, such as printers, copiers, and fax machines, are used to image information onto imaging media such as paper using imaging materials such as ink. During the imaging process, the image forming apparatus needs to acquire imaging auxiliary information to complete the imaging process. This imaging auxiliary information is typically recorded in a consumable chip. The consumable chip is removably installed in a consumable cartridge. The consumable cartridge can be an ink cartridge filled with ink or a toner cartridge filled with toner; the ink cartridge and toner are the recording materials. The consumable cartridge is removably installed in the image forming apparatus.

[0004] When the consumable cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the consumable chip within the cartridge establishes an electrical connection with the image forming apparatus and communicates with it via data. For example, the consumable chip can be used to control authentication and data matching between the consumable cartridge and the image forming apparatus, and to provide imaging assistance information to the image forming apparatus during the subsequent imaging process. Specifically, the consumable chip on the cartridge and the image forming apparatus can be electrically connected via corresponding terminals.

[0005] Common consumable chips typically include chip select, clock, and data terminals to facilitate data communication with the image forming apparatus. The chip select and clock terminals receive the chip select signal and clock signal (CLK) from the image forming apparatus, respectively. The data terminal receives instruction information from the image forming apparatus, or it can send data to the image forming apparatus via the data terminal. Generally, multiple consumable cartridges can be installed in an image forming apparatus, which can select the consumable chip it needs to communicate with using the chip select signal. For example... Figure 1As shown, when the image forming apparatus needs to communicate with the consumable chip, it can convert the chip select signal to a high level and send this high-level chip select signal to the chip select terminal of the consumable chip. Simultaneously, the image forming apparatus also sends a clock signal CLK and data information. Upon receiving the high-level chip select signal, the consumable chip determines that it has begun data communication with the image forming apparatus and starts executing instruction information, such as initiating a read operation.

[0006] When data communication is complete or needs to be terminated, the image forming apparatus switches the chip select signal to a low level. When the chip select signal received by the consumable chip switches to a low level, the consumable chip determines that the instruction information has ended, terminates the read operation, and stops data communication with the image forming apparatus.

[0007] In the above process, the consumable chip needs to receive the chip select signal through the chip select terminal to control the data communication process. However, during data communication, due to signal interference or poor contact between the consumable chip and the image forming device, errors such as high-level transitions of the chip select signal can easily occur, leading to read interruptions of the consumable chip and affecting the accuracy of the determination of the end time of instruction information, as well as the efficiency of data communication.

[0008] In some technologies, the consumable chip may not have a chip select terminal; instead, it determines the end of the instruction message by monitoring changes in the state of a clock signal. Typically, the clock signal sent by the image forming apparatus to the consumable chip corresponds to the instruction message. While the consumable chip receives the instruction message and it is still in progress, the clock signal alternates between high and low levels. When the instruction message ends, the clock signal becomes a continuous low level. To accurately determine the end time of the instruction message, the consumable chip can check the end of the instruction message every 9 bits of data.

[0009] In the above process, although the consumable chip can determine the end of the instruction information simply by using the clock and data terminals without setting a chip select terminal, the consumable chip needs to check the end of the instruction information every 9 bits of data, which is too high a detection frequency. Furthermore, if a command message contains a continuously low clock signal for a long duration, the instruction information may be mistakenly judged as finished, reducing the accuracy and efficiency of data communication. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of this, this application provides a chip, a communication method, and a consumable box to solve the problems of excessively high detection frequency of consumable chips in the prior art and the possibility of misjudging the end of instruction information, which reduces the accuracy and efficiency of data communication.

[0011] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip that communicates with an image forming apparatus. The communication process includes several instruction messages. The chip includes a response module, a clock terminal, and a data terminal. The clock terminal is used to receive a clock signal from the image forming apparatus, and the data terminal is used to send or receive data signals. The response module is electrically connected to the clock terminal and the data terminal and is used to send response data to the image forming apparatus during communication. The chip is configured not to receive a chip select signal from the image forming apparatus.

[0012] The chip is used for,

[0013] During communication, the response module acquires the clock signal and the first instruction information;

[0014] When the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module determines a judgment interval and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal with the judgment interval as the period; if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, it determines that the first type of instruction information has ended, and stops the reading operation at the end time of the first type of instruction information; the judgment interval is the number of clock cycles that send at least one set of response data to the image forming apparatus;

[0015] When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the response module determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the judgment interval includes 2N*9 clock signals; where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the set of response data includes original data and inverse code data, wherein the original data and the inverse code data are inverse codes of each other.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the chip is further used for:

[0019] If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level does not reach the preset duration, the response module determines that the first type of instruction information has not ended, and continues to periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being at the first level until the duration of the clock signal being at the first level reaches the preset duration, and then determines that the first type of instruction information has ended.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the preset duration is greater than the duration of a clock signal and less than the interval between the first instruction information and the next instruction information.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first type of instruction information is non-fixed-duration instruction information, and the second type of instruction information is fixed-duration instruction information.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the preset method is to pre-store the end time corresponding to the instruction information of the second type in the response module.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first level signal is a low level signal.

[0024] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a chip that communicates with an image forming apparatus. The communication process includes several instruction messages. The chip includes a response module, a clock terminal, and a data terminal. The clock terminal is used to receive a clock signal from the image forming apparatus, and the data terminal is used to send or receive data signals. The response module is electrically connected to the clock terminal and the data terminal and is used to send response data to the image forming apparatus during communication. The chip is configured not to receive a chip select signal from the image forming apparatus.

[0025] The chip is used for,

[0026] During communication, the response module acquires a clock signal and second instruction information; the second instruction information includes first identification information.

[0027] The response module detects whether the first identification information in the second instruction information is the identification information of the chip;

[0028] If not, the response module does not respond to the second instruction information and switches the target state to the waiting state; the target state is a state used to characterize whether to respond to the received instruction information, and the waiting state is a state of not responding to the received instruction information;

[0029] If the response module is in the waiting state and receives the first instruction information, it does not respond to the first instruction information; the first instruction information includes second identification information, which is the identification information of the chip;

[0030] In response to a wake-up command sent by the image forming apparatus, the response module switches the target state from a waiting state to a response state; wherein, the wake-up command is sent by the image forming apparatus to the chip when it has not received response data within a preset time threshold after sending first instruction information to the chip; the wake-up command is used to trigger the chip to switch to a state in which it can respond to received instruction information;

[0031] When the response module is in the response state and receives the first instruction information, it sends response data to the image forming apparatus based on the first instruction information.

[0032] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the chip further includes a power terminal for receiving a power signal from the image forming apparatus; the wake-up command includes a power signal retransmitted by the image forming apparatus.

[0033] In response to a wake-up command sent by the image forming apparatus, the response module switches the target state from a waiting state to a response state, including:

[0034] In response to the power signal retransmitted by the image forming apparatus, the response module sets the target state to a response state.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the chip is further used to,

[0036] When the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module determines a judgment interval and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal with the judgment interval as the period; if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, it determines that the first type of instruction information has ended, and stops the reading operation at the end time of the first type of instruction information; the judgment interval is the number of clock cycles that send at least one set of response data to the image forming apparatus;

[0037] When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the response module determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

[0038] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the judgment interval includes 2N*9 clock signals; where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0039] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the chip is further used for:

[0040] If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level does not reach the preset duration, the response module determines that the first type of instruction information has not ended, and continues to periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being at the first level until the duration of the clock signal being at the first level reaches the preset duration, and then determines that the first type of instruction information has ended.

[0041] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to the chip described in any of the first aspects above, the method comprising:

[0042] During communication, the chip's response module acquires the clock signal and the first instruction information;

[0043] When the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module of the chip determines a judgment interval, and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal with the judgment interval as the period; if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, it is determined that the first type of instruction information has ended, and the read operation is stopped at the end time of the first type of instruction information; the judgment interval is the number of clock cycles that send at least one set of response data to the image forming apparatus;

[0044] When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the chip's response module determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

[0045] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to the chip described in any of the second aspects above, the method comprising:

[0046] During communication, the chip's response module acquires a clock signal and second instruction information; the second instruction information includes first identification information.

[0047] The chip's response module detects whether the first identification information in the second instruction information is the chip's identification information;

[0048] If not, the chip's response module does not respond to the second instruction information and switches the target state to a waiting state; the target state is a state used to characterize whether to respond to the received instruction information, and the waiting state is a state of not responding to the received instruction information.

[0049] If the response module of the chip is in the waiting state and receives the first instruction information, it does not respond to the first instruction information; the first instruction information includes second identification information, and the second identification information is the chip's identification information;

[0050] In response to a wake-up command sent by the image forming apparatus, the response module of the chip switches the target state from a waiting state to a responding state; wherein, the wake-up command is sent by the image forming apparatus to the chip when it has not received response data within a preset time threshold after sending a first instruction message to the chip; the wake-up command is used to trigger the chip to switch to a state in which it can respond to received instruction messages;

[0051] When the chip's response module is in the response state and receives the first instruction information, it sends response data to the image forming apparatus based on the first instruction information.

[0052] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a consumable box, including the chip described in any of the first aspects above, or the chip described in any of the second aspects above.

[0053] The solution provided in this application embodiment, when the chip is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus, the chip's clock terminal and data terminal are electrically connected to the image forming apparatus. The chip is configured not to receive a chip select signal from the image forming apparatus, thus avoiding the possibility of instruction information execution errors due to chip select signal transitions, thereby improving the accuracy of communication between the chip and the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, in this application embodiment, the chip includes a response module. When the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module can determine a judgment interval, and periodically monitor whether the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, using the judgment interval as a period. If it does, the preset duration is determined, and the first instruction information is determined to have ended. Upon determining that the first instruction information has ended, the read operation is stopped. That is, the response module only determines whether the first type of instruction information has ended after sending at least one set of response data to the image forming apparatus each time. This reduces the frequency of detecting whether the first type of instruction information has ended and reduces the possibility of falsely determining the end of instruction information, improving the accuracy and efficiency of data communication. For the second type of instruction information, the response module can determine the end time of the instruction information based on the second type of instruction information, and stop the read operation at the end time, which can ensure the accuracy and efficiency of data communication. Attached Figure Description

[0054] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the operating timing of existing consumable chips;

[0056] Figure 2a This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable box provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printing device stylus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged structural diagram of a printing device stylus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the working timing of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 8c This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage component in a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 9a A schematic diagram illustrating the working timing of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 9b A schematic diagram illustrating the working timing of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 9c A schematic diagram illustrating the working timing of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the working timing of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 11 This application provides a schematic diagram illustrating the working timing of another consumable chip in an embodiment;

[0071] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating a communication method is provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in this application embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0073] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0074] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0075] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0076] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0077] See Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2a As shown, the communication system includes an image forming apparatus 100 and a chip 200. The image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a communication port 101, and the slave device is provided with an interface module 201. A communication link is established between the communication port 101 and the interface module 201, through which the image forming apparatus 100 and the chip 200 can transmit information. Specifically, the communication port 101 and the interface module 201 can be electrically connected by means of a pin, contact point, or spring, thereby establishing a communication link. In other embodiments, the communication link can also be a non-contact communication link, i.e., a wireless communication link. In this case, the communication port 101 and the interface module 201 can include an antenna or coil for transmitting wireless signals. The image forming apparatus 100 involved in this application embodiment is a device capable of data processing, control, or related operations. The chip 200 is used to be installed on the image forming apparatus 100 to assist the image forming apparatus 100 in completing related functions.

[0078] In one example, the image forming apparatus can be a printer, copier, fax machine, etc., while the chip can be a consumable chip. In some application scenarios, such as... Figure 2b The image forming apparatus 100 is a printing device 110, and the chip 200 is a consumable chip 210. The printing device 110 has a communication port 111, and the consumable chip 210 has an interface module 211. A communication link is established between the communication port 111 and the interface module 211, allowing information transmission between the printing device 110 and the consumable chip 210. For example, during imaging, the consumable chip 210 provides identification information and records material usage information. When the printing device 110 sends a signal to the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 is the sender, and the consumable chip 210 is the receiver; conversely, when the consumable chip 210 sends a signal to the printing device 110, the consumable chip 210 is the sender, and the printing device 110 is the receiver.

[0079] For ease of description, the image forming apparatus 100 is used as the printing device 110 and the chip 200 is used as the consumable chip 210 in the following description to illustrate the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art should understand that, in addition to the printing device 110 and the consumable chip 210, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application can also be applied to other types of image forming apparatuses and chips, and the embodiments of this application do not limit them.

[0080] During the imaging process, the printing device 110 requires the assistance of imaging aid information from the consumable chip 210 in the consumable cartridge 21 to complete the imaging process. In related technologies, the consumable cartridge 21 can be... Figure 3 The structure is shown. Imaging assistance information for the printing device 110 is recorded not only within the printing device 110 itself but also on the consumable chip 210. The consumable chip 210 primarily serves for identification and recording the material usage status. Therefore, when the consumable chip 210 is installed on the printing device 110, the printing device 110 reads the information from the consumable chip 210 and sends information about the printing job status and related data to the consumable chip 210. The consumable chip 210 and the printing device 110 can be connected via electrical contact. For example, the stylus pins on the printing device 110 make electrical contact with the contact portion in the consumable chip 210 to achieve communication.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the printing device 110 includes a stylus holder 111, which includes an upper end face 1111 in the Y-axis direction, a front end face 1112 in the X-axis direction, a first stylus 1113, a second stylus 1114, a third stylus 1115, a fourth stylus 1116, and a fifth stylus 1117. Figure 5As shown, the consumable chip 210 includes a data terminal 2101, a chip select terminal 2102, a clock terminal 2103, a power terminal 2104, and a ground terminal 2105. Specifically, the first contact pin 1113 of the printing device 110 can contact the data terminal 2101 of the consumable chip 210, the second contact pin 1114 of the printing device 110 can contact the chip select terminal 2102 of the consumable chip 210, the third contact pin 1115 of the printing device 110 can contact the power terminal 2104 of the consumable chip 210, the fourth contact pin 1116 of the printing device 110 can contact the clock terminal 2103 of the consumable chip 210, and the fifth contact pin 1117 of the printing device 110 can contact the ground terminal 2105 of the consumable chip. In this way, the printing device 110 can send data signals to the consumable chip 210 through the contact of the first contact pin 1113 with the data terminal 2101, the printing device 110 can send chip select signals to the consumable chip 210 through the contact of the second contact pin 1114 with the chip select terminal 2102, the printing device 110 can send clock signals to the consumable chip 210 through the contact of the fourth contact pin 1116 with the clock terminal 2103, the printing device 110 can provide operating voltage to the consumable chip 210 through the contact of the third contact pin 1115 with the power terminal 2104, and the printing device 110 can provide a unified reference low level for the data received and sent between the printing device 110 and the consumable chip 210 through the contact of the fifth contact pin 1117 with the ground terminal 2105, thus ensuring the correctness and stability of the communication process.

[0082] In related technologies, the data terminal 2101, chip select terminal 2102, clock terminal 2103, power terminal 2104, and ground terminal 2105 in the consumable chip 210 can all be planar terminals. The first contact pin 1113, second contact pin 1114, third contact pin 1115, fourth contact pin 1116, and fifth contact pin 1117 in the printing device 110 each include a contact pin tip, a contact pin front end, a contact pin bevel end, and a contact pin tip, such as... Figure 6 As shown. At this time, the first contact pin 1113, the second contact pin 1114, the third contact pin 1115, the fourth contact pin 1116, and the fifth contact pin 1117 in the printing device 110 are all in contact with the data terminal 2101, the chip select terminal 2102, the clock terminal 2103, the power terminal 2104, and the ground terminal 2105 in the planar terminals of the consumable chip 210 through the contact pin tips.

[0083] Typically, a printing device 110 contains multiple consumable chips 210, all communicating with the printing device 110 via the same communication bus. At any given time, the printing device 110 can only communicate with one consumable chip 210. To ensure communication between the printing device 110 and the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 sends a chip select signal to the desired consumable chip 210. This chip select signal informs the consumable chip 210 that it has selected that chip for communication. The chip select signal (CS) is a control signal in digital circuits used to select a specific integrated circuit chip for communication. When multiple chips or devices are connected to the same communication bus, the chip select signal indicates which chip can exchange data with the processor or controller. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, when the printing device 110 needs to communicate with a consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 can convert the chip select signal of the consumable chip 210 to a high level and send the high-level chip select signal to the chip select terminal of the consumable chip 210. Simultaneously with sending the chip select signal, the printing device 110 also sends a clock signal CLK and data information. When the consumable chip 210 receives the chip select signal converted to a high level through the chip select terminal 2102, the consumable chip 210 begins to execute instruction information, such as starting a read operation. At this time, based on the clock signal CLK, the consumable chip 210 stores the data information received by the data terminal 2101 into its internal storage component, or sends the imaging auxiliary information stored in its storage component to the data terminal 2101, so that it can be transmitted to the printing device 110 through the data terminal 2101.

[0084] When data communication is complete or needs to be terminated, the printing device 110 switches the chip select signal to a low level. When the chip select signal received by the consumable chip 210 switches to a low level, the consumable chip 210 determines that the instruction information has ended, terminates the read operation, and stops data communication with the printing device 110.

[0085] However, the terminals of the consumable chip 210 are relatively densely packed on the plane, and the gaps between the terminals are small. This can easily cause the printer 110's pins to come into contact with terminals that do not correspond to their functions when the user installs or removes the consumable cartridge 21, resulting in a short circuit. In addition, when the printer 110 sends multiple signals to the consumable chip 210 at the same time, it is easy for the clock signal to interfere with the chip select signal, causing the chip select signal to jump, which in turn leads to problems such as data communication interruption, errors, or data corruption.

[0086] In some technologies, the consumable chip 210 can determine the end of an instruction message. Typically, the clock signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 corresponds to the instruction message. While the consumable chip 210 receives the instruction message and it is still in progress, the clock signal alternates between high and low levels. When the instruction message ends, the clock signal becomes a continuous low level. To accurately determine the end time of the instruction message, the consumable chip 210 can check the end of the instruction message every 9 bits of data.

[0087] In the above process, the consumable chip 210 does not need to have a chip select terminal; it can determine whether the instruction information has ended simply by using the clock and data terminals. However, the consumable chip 210 needs to check whether the instruction information has ended every 9 bits of data, which is too high a detection frequency. Furthermore, when an instruction information contains a continuously low clock signal, if the duration is long, there is a possibility that the instruction information may be misjudged as having ended, reducing the accuracy and efficiency of data communication.

[0088] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, assume the timeframe for sending, processing, and responding to the first instruction message is t1-t10, and the second instruction message begins execution after time t11. Figure 7 In the processing of the first instruction information, there is a period of time during which the clock signal remains at the first level signal, rather than alternating between the first and second level signals, but the first instruction information has not ended. Assume the time interval between t8 and t9 is X, the time interval between t10 and t11 is Y, and the first preset duration is Z. In some technologies, the consumable chip 210 checks the instruction information every 9 clock signals. The consumable chip 210 needs to detect whether the clock signal is alternating between the first and second level signals after time t8 to determine whether the first instruction information has ended. If, at this time, the consumable chip 210 fails to detect alternating first and second level signals for more than the first preset duration Z, it will determine that the first instruction information has ended, even though the first instruction information has not actually ended, leading to a data communication error.

[0089] To solve the above problem, see Figure 8a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable chip 210 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8a As shown, the consumable chip 210 includes a first terminal 21211 and a third terminal 21213. In some embodiments, the first terminal 21211 may be a data terminal, and the third terminal 21213 may be a clock terminal. The consumable chip 210 also includes a response module 21221, such as... Figure 8bAs shown, the response module 21221 is electrically connected to the first terminal 21211 and the third terminal 21213.

[0090] refer to Figure 8a As shown, in some embodiments, the consumable chip 210 further includes a fourth terminal 21214 and a fifth terminal 21215. The fourth terminal 21214 can be a power terminal, and the fifth terminal 21215 can be a ground terminal. The response module 21221 can be electrically connected to the fourth terminal 21214 and the fifth terminal 21215. In other embodiments, the consumable chip 210 includes a substrate 212, which includes a first plane 2121 and a second plane 2122. The first plane 2121 is used for electrical connection with the printing device 110. The first terminal 21211, the third terminal 21213, the fourth terminal 21214, and the fifth terminal 21215 are all located on the first plane 2121. The consumable chip 210 is configured not to receive chip select signals from the printing device 110. The consumable chip does not have a chip select terminal that is electrically connected to the contact pins in the printing device used to output chip select signals, or the chip select terminal is blocked by an electrically insulating component, or the chip select terminal on the consumable chip and the chip select pin on the consumable chip used to transmit chip select signals are open circuits. (Reference) Figure 8b As shown, the response module 21221 can be located on the second plane 2122. For ease of description, the following description will use the example of the first terminal 21211 being a data terminal, the third terminal 21213 being a clock terminal, the fourth terminal 21214 being a power terminal, and the fifth terminal 21215 being a ground terminal.

[0091] The printing device 110 sends data instructions and communication signals to the response module 21221. The data instructions include data sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 and data received by the printing device 110 from the consumable chip 210. The communication signals include VCC (power signal), CLK (clock signal), SDA (data signal) and GND (reference ground signal).

[0092] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8cAs shown, the response module 21221 can be a storage component, which includes a storage module 212211 and a control module 21222. The storage module 212211 is used to store information about the consumable chip, such as the manufacturing date, manufacturer, color of the recording material (e.g., ink, toner), capacity of the recording material, remaining quantity or consumed quantity of the recording material, number of printable pages, number of printed pages, and other rewritable or read-only information. In the embodiments of this application, the storage module 212211 can adopt common non-volatile memory, such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), FLASH (Flash Memory), ferroelectric memory, phase change memory, etc. It can also adopt a volatile memory plus power supply scheme, such as SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory) + battery or capacitor, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) + battery or capacitor.

[0093] The control module 212212 can be a microcontroller (MCU), a microcontroller, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC, etc., used to control the communication between the consumable chip and the printing device, read information from the storage module 212211, and store information in the storage module 212211.

[0094] In one embodiment, the storage module 212211 and the control module 212212 can be integrated in the same circuit, which can be designed as an integrated circuit (ASIC) and embodied in the form of a wafer. Then the consumable chip 210 includes the wafer and the circuit board that carries the wafer.

[0095] based on Figure 8a , Figure 8b and Figure 8cThe consumable chip 210 shown communicates with the printing device 110. The communication process includes several instruction messages. The consumable chip 210 includes a response module 21221, a clock terminal, and a data terminal. The clock terminal is used to receive clock signals from the printing device 110, and the data terminal is used to send or receive data signals. The response module 21221 is electrically connected to the clock terminal and the data terminal and is used to send response data to the printing device 110 during the communication process. The consumable chip 210 is configured not to receive chip select signals from the printing device 110, that is, the consumable chip does not have a chip select terminal that is electrically connected to the pins in the printing device used to output chip select signals. The consumable chip 210 is used for: during communication, the response module 21221 acquires a clock signal and first instruction information; when the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module 21221 determines a judgment interval, and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal with the judgment interval as the period; if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, it determines that the first type of instruction information has ended, and stops the read operation at the end time of the first type of instruction information; when the first instruction information is a second type of instruction information, the response module 21221 determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information. In this embodiment, when the consumable chip 210 is electrically connected to the printing device 110, the clock terminal and data terminal of the consumable chip 210 are electrically connected to the printing device 110, but the consumable chip 210 is not electrically connected to the module that outputs the chip select signal of the printing device 110. Therefore, the possibility of instruction information execution errors due to chip select signal transitions can be avoided, thereby improving the accuracy of communication between the consumable chip 210 and the printing device 110. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the consumable chip 210 includes a response module 21221. When the first instruction information is of the first type, the response module 21221 can determine a judgment interval, and periodically monitor whether the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, using the judgment interval as a period. If it does, the preset duration is determined, and the first instruction information is determined to end. Upon determining that the first instruction information has ended, the read operation is stopped. In other words, the response module 21221 only determines whether the first type of instruction information has ended after sending at least one set of response data to the printing device 110 each time. This reduces the frequency of detecting whether the first type of instruction information has ended and reduces the possibility of falsely determining the end of instruction information, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of data communication. For the second type of instruction information, the response module 21221 can determine the end time of the instruction information based on the second type of instruction information and stop the read operation at the end time, ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of data communication. A detailed explanation follows.

[0096] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a consumable chip 210 that communicates with a printing device 110. The communication process includes several instruction messages. The consumable chip 210 includes a response module 21221, a clock terminal, and a data terminal. The clock terminal is used to receive clock signals from the printing device 110, and the data terminal is used to send or receive data signals. The response module 21221 is electrically connected to the clock terminal and the data terminal and is used to send response data to the printing device 110 during the communication process. The consumable chip 210 is configured not to receive chip select signals from the printing device 110.

[0097] The consumable chip is used to: during communication, the response module 21221 acquires the clock signal and the first instruction information.

[0098] When the first instruction information is of the first type, the response module 21221 determines the judgment interval and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being at the first level, using the judgment interval as the period. If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level reaches a preset duration, the first type of instruction information is determined to have ended. The read operation stops at the end of the first type of instruction information.

[0099] The judgment interval is the number of clock cycles in which at least one set of response data is sent to the printing device 110.

[0100] When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the response module 21221 determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

[0101] In this embodiment, the consumable chip 210 includes a clock terminal and a data terminal. The clock terminal can receive a clock signal sent by the printing device 110, and the data terminal can receive or send a data signal to the printing device 110. The consumable chip 210 also includes a response module 21221, which is electrically connected to the clock terminal and the data terminal. The response module 21221 can send response data to the printing device 110. To send response data to the printing device 110 more accurately, the response module 21221 needs to first acquire the clock signal and first instruction information. At this time, the response module 21221 can receive the clock signal sent by the printing device 110 through the clock terminal and receive the first instruction information sent by the printing device 110 through the data terminal. After receiving the first instruction information, the response module 21221 can parse the first instruction information, determine the response data based on the content of the first instruction information, and send the response data to the printing device 110 through the data terminal. Because the consumable chip 210 is electrically insulated from the contact pin that outputs the chip select signal in the printing device 110, meaning the consumable chip 210 is not electrically connected to the contact pin that outputs the chip select signal in the printing device 110, the consumable chip 210 does not receive the chip select signal from the printing device 110. Therefore, the consumable chip 210 cannot determine whether the first instruction information has ended based on the chip select signal. To ensure the accuracy of data communication, the consumable chip 210 can determine whether the first instruction information has ended based on the clock signal.

[0102] There can be various types of instruction information, and different types of instruction information require different methods to determine the end time. Therefore, the response module 21221 needs to determine the type of instruction information before determining its end time, and then determine the end time based on the type of instruction information. For example, when the instruction information is of fixed duration, the response module 21221 can directly determine the end time of the instruction information. When the instruction information is of non-fixed duration, the response module 21221 needs to determine the end time of the instruction information based on a clock signal. Based on this, after acquiring the first instruction information, in order to ensure the accuracy of determining the end time of the first instruction information, the response module 21221 needs to first determine the type of the first instruction information. Specifically, after acquiring the first instruction information, the response module 21221 can parse the first instruction information to obtain information such as the instruction code, identification code, and header. The response module 21221 can determine the category of the first instruction information by examining at least one of the instruction code, identification code, and header information. When the first instruction information is determined to be of the first type, it indicates that the first instruction information is not of fixed duration. That is, the first instruction information is not of fixed duration. In this case, the response module 21221 needs to determine the end time of the first type of instruction information based on the clock signal. Normally, the clock signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 corresponds to the data signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210. For example, when the printing device 110 does not transmit instruction information to the consumable chip 210, the clock signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 is a continuous first-level signal. That is, the printing device 110 sends an invalid clock signal to the consumable chip 210. When the printing device 110 needs to transmit instruction information to the consumable chip 210, the clock signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 is an alternating first-level signal and a second-level signal. Therefore, when the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module 21221 can detect whether the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal has reached a preset duration to determine whether the first type of instruction information has ended.

[0103] After receiving the first instruction information, the consumable chip 210 needs to parse it before responding to the printing device 110. Therefore, in some embodiments, to reduce the monitoring frequency, the response module 21221, upon acquiring the first instruction information, does not need to directly monitor whether the first instruction information has ended. Instead, it can monitor whether the first instruction information has ended when the consumable chip 210 begins responding to the printing device 110. Based on this, after parsing the first instruction information, the response module 21221 begins sending response data to the printing device 110, and starts monitoring whether the first instruction information has ended, starting from the moment the response data is started. The response module 21221 can set the monitoring period as a judgment interval. That is, the response module 21221 can use the number of clock cycles in which the consumable chip 210 sends at least one set of response data to the printing device 110 as the monitoring period. In this way, the response module 21221 periodically monitors whether the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal reaches a preset duration, with the judgment interval as the period. The number of clock cycles that the response module 21221 sends to the printing device 210 a set of response data can be predetermined. In some embodiments, a set of response data includes original data and inverse data, wherein the original data and inverse data are inverses of each other. Therefore, a set of response data typically contains an even multiple of a single set of original data or a single set of inverse data, and a set of clock cycles typically corresponds to 9 bits of data (a single set of original data or a single set of inverse data), containing 8 valid data bits and one check bit. Therefore, the number of clock cycles for sending a set of response data can be the number of clock cycles corresponding to 2*9 bits. The printing device 110 can determine the correctness of the set of response data based on the check code contained in the set of response data. The judgment interval is the number of clock cycles for sending several sets of response data to the printing device 110, which can be predetermined according to actual needs. For example, the judgment interval can be the number of clock cycles for sending one set of response data, in which case the judgment interval is the number of clock cycles corresponding to 2*9 bits. Alternatively, the judgment interval can be the number of clock cycles for sending two sets of response data, in which case the judgment interval is the number of clock cycles corresponding to 4*9 bits. Of course, the determination interval can be the number of clock cycles for sending other numbers of response data to the printing device 110, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0104] In other words, after determining the judgment interval, the response module 21221 monitors the duration of the clock signal being at the first level signal after each judgment interval, using the judgment interval as the time interval. If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level signal reaches a preset duration, the first instruction information can be determined to have ended. The read operation can be stopped at the moment the end of the first instruction information is determined.

[0105] It should be understood that the judgment interval is the number of clock cycles required to send at least one set of response data to the printing device 110. Typically, if a clock signal remains at a first level during the processing of the first instruction information, this state usually occurs within the transmission time of one set of response data. Therefore, if the time during which the consumable chip 210 sends at least the first set of response data to the printing device 110 is monitored to be the time the clock signal remains at the first level, this means that even if the response module 21221 detects that the clock signal remains at the first level for the preset duration within the judgment interval, since this is not the moment when monitoring whether the first instruction information has ended, the response module 21221 can determine that there will be a clock signal for the next frame of response data. In other words, the method in this embodiment, which periodically monitors whether the duration of the clock signal being at the first level reaches the preset duration based on the judgment interval, can reduce the probability of misjudging the end of the first instruction information when the duration of the same instruction information being at the first level exceeds the preset duration.

[0106] For example, the response module 21221 obtains the first instruction information through the data terminal at time t1. Assuming that time t1 to t2 is the time when the response module 21221 parses the first instruction information, the response module 21221 needs to respond to the printing device 210 at time t2. At this time, the response module 21221 can use a judgment interval as a period, starting at time t2, monitoring the duration of the clock signal being at the first level signal after each judgment interval. Assuming the judgment interval is 2*9 clock signals, monitoring the duration of the clock signal being at the first level signal every 2*9 clock signals starting at time t2. Assuming that time t3 is 2*9 clock signals away from time t2, it is necessary to monitor at time t3 whether the duration of the clock signal being at the first level signal reaches the preset duration. Assuming the time period from t3 to t4 is the preset duration, it is possible to monitor whether the clock signal is at the first level signal during the time period from t3 to t4, that is, to monitor whether the clock signal switches from the first level signal to the second level signal during the time period from t3 to t4. If the clock signal maintains the first level signal and there is no transition from the first level signal to the second level signal during the time interval t3 to t4, then it can be determined that the first instruction information has ended. The read operation stops at time t4. (Refer to...) Figure 9a As shown. Among them, in Figure 9a In this example, the first level signal is a low level signal and the second level signal is a high level signal.

[0107] In some embodiments, since the first type of instruction information is instruction information of non-fixed duration, the clock signal in the first type of instruction information may maintain a state of either a second-level signal or a first-level signal for a period of time, rather than alternating between first-level and second-level signals. That is, the first type of instruction information includes two subtypes: a first subtype of instruction information and a second subtype of instruction information. Specifically, during data signal transmission, the clock signal in the second subtype of instruction information may maintain a state of either a second-level signal or a first-level signal for a period of time, rather than alternating between first-level and second-level signals. In some embodiments, this period of time may be longer than a first preset duration. (Reference) Figure 7 As shown, assume the timeframe for sending, processing, and responding to the first instruction message is t1-t10, and the second instruction message begins execution after time t11. Figure 7 In the execution of the first instruction information, which is the second sub-type instruction information, the clock signal remains at the first level signal for a period of time t8-t9. During this time, the first instruction information has not ended. Assume the time interval between t8-t9 is X, the time interval between t10-t11 is Y, and the first preset duration is Z. When Y is greater than Z and X is less than Y, that is, after t10, the response module 21221 detects that the clock signal maintains the first level signal for the first preset duration Z. In other words, if the clock signal does not alternate between the first and second level signals within the first preset duration Z, the response module 21221 can determine that the first type of instruction information has ended and stop the read operation.

[0108] If the time interval X between t8 and t9 is greater than the first preset duration Z, in order to reduce the probability of incorrectly determining the end of the instruction information, in this embodiment, the determination of whether the first instruction information has ended is performed once every determination interval, with the determination interval as the period. The determination interval is the number of clock cycles required to send at least one set of response data to the printing device 110. Typically, the clock signal in the second sub-type instruction information maintains a second-level signal or a first-level signal state during the transmission time of one set of response data. Therefore, if, during the process of the consumable chip 210 sending at least the first set of response data to the printing device 110, that is, if the response module 21221 detects that the clock signal maintains a second-level signal or a first-level signal state for a preset duration within the determination interval, since this time point is not the moment when the first instruction information is being monitored for end, the response module 21221 can determine that there will be a clock signal for the next frame of response data. In other words, the method in this application embodiment, which uses the judgment interval as the period and periodically monitors whether the duration of the clock signal as the first level signal reaches the preset duration, can reduce the probability of misjudging the end of the first instruction information when the duration of the same instruction information as the first level signal is greater than the preset duration.

[0109] When it is determined that the first instruction information is not of the first type but of the second type, it indicates that the first instruction information is a fixed-duration instruction information. In some embodiments, the response module 21221 may pre-store the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information. Thus, after determining that the first instruction information is of the second type, the response module 21221 can determine the end time of the received first instruction information based on the pre-stored end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information. Furthermore, based on the clock signal, it can determine the end of the second type of instruction information when the end time of the first instruction information is reached, and stop the read operation at the end time of the second instruction information. For example, if the response module 21221 pre-stores the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information as the 36th clock signal of the reply message, then when the response module 21221 determines that the first instruction information is of the second type, it can determine that the end time of the first instruction information is the 36th clock signal of the reply message. At this time, the response module 21221 can determine the end of the first instruction information and stop the read operation when the 36th clock signal of the reply message arrives.

[0110] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the printing device 110 may also specify the end time of the second type of instruction information. After determining that the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the response module 21221 determines the end time of the first instruction information by parsing the end time recorded in the first instruction information. In this way, when the end time of the first instruction information is reached, it can be determined that the first instruction information has ended and the reading operation is stopped.

[0111] Of course, when the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the response module 21221 can also determine the end time of the first instruction information in other ways, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0112] In this embodiment, the printing device 110 is electrically connected to the data terminal and clock terminal of the consumable chip 210. The consumable chip 210 does not include a chip select terminal; therefore, the second contact pin 1114 of the printing device 110 is not electrically connected to the chip select terminal, but instead contacts the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) material on the substrate 212 that is not copper-clad. That is, the second contact pin 1114, which outputs the chip select signal from the printing device 110, is not electrically connected to the consumable chip 210. This ensures the accuracy of instruction execution and improves the accuracy of communication between the consumable chip 210 and the printing device 110. Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the consumable chip 210 cannot receive the chip select signal, the response module 21221 can determine whether the first type of instruction information has ended after sending at least one set of response data to the printing device 110 each time. This accurately determines the end time of the first type of instruction information, reduces the frequency of detecting whether the first type of instruction information has ended, and reduces the possibility of misjudging the end of the instruction information, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of data communication. In other words, in this embodiment of the application, even if the first plane 2121 of the consumable chip 210 is not provided with a chip select terminal, the response module 21221 in the second plane 2122 can still accurately determine the end time of the first instruction information, which can ensure the accuracy of instruction information execution and improve the efficiency of data communication.

[0113] As one possible implementation, for ease of implementation, the first level signal is a low level signal and the second level signal is a high level signal.

[0114] Typically, when the consumable chip 210 sends response data to the printing device 110, it transmits the data in 9-bit units. Each 9-bit data unit includes 8 valid data bits and one check bit. Since each 1-bit data transmission typically requires one clock signal, 9 bits of data usually require 9 clock signals to transmit. In some embodiments, a set of response data includes 2*9 bits of data. In some embodiments, the judgment interval includes 2N*9 clock signals, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0115] The value of N can be preset according to actual needs. By setting the value of N, the frequency at which the response module 21221 monitors whether the first instruction information has ended can be determined, thereby meeting the load requirements of different users for the consumable chip 210.

[0116] As one possible implementation, the aforementioned consumable chip 210 is also used to: if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal does not reach a preset duration, the response module 21221 determines that the first type of instruction information has not ended, and continues to periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal until the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches the preset duration, and determines that the first type of instruction information has ended.

[0117] In this embodiment, when the response module 21221 periodically monitors whether the duration of the clock signal being at the first level signal reaches a preset duration, if the duration does not reach the preset duration (meaning the clock signal changes from the first level signal to the second level signal within the preset duration), it indicates that the first type of instruction information has not ended. In this case, the response module 21221 needs to continue periodically monitoring whether the duration of the clock signal being at the first level signal reaches the preset duration to determine whether the first instruction information has ended, until the duration reaches the preset duration, at which point the first type of instruction information is determined to have ended. The read operation stops at the moment the end of the first type of instruction information is determined.

[0118] As shown in the example above, refer to Figure 9bAs shown, during the time interval t3 to t4, if the clock signal is detected to switch from a first-level signal to a second-level signal, then it can be determined that the first instruction information has not ended. After time t3, the monitoring continues at a judgment interval. After an interval of 2*9 clock cycles from time t3, the duration for which the clock signal remains at the first-level signal is determined at time t5. Assuming t5 to t6 is a preset duration, if the clock signal remains at the first-level signal during the time interval t5 to t6 and there is no switch from the first-level signal to the second-level signal, then at time t6, it is determined that the first type of instruction information has ended, and the read operation stops.

[0119] refer to Figure 9c As shown, if the clock signal is monitored to switch from a first-level signal to a second-level signal during the time interval t5 to t6, it can be determined that the first instruction information has not ended. After time t5, the clock signal is periodically monitored at the judgment interval to see if the duration of the clock signal being at the first-level signal reaches the preset duration. Once the preset duration is reached, it can be determined that the first type of instruction information has ended, and the read operation stops at the moment the end of the first type of instruction information is determined.

[0120] like Figure 10 As shown, assume the first instruction information is of type 1. The response module 21221 acquires the first instruction information at time t1. Assume that time t1 to t2 is the time during which the response module 21221 parses the first instruction information, and the response module 21221 needs to respond to the printing device 210 at time t2. At this time, the response module 21221 determines the judgment interval and, at time t2, monitors the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal after each judgment interval, using the judgment interval as the period. Assume the judgment interval is 2N*9 clock signals. After 2N*9 clock signals following time t2, assuming the interval between time t2 and time t4 is 2N*9 clock signals, at time t4, the response module 21221 monitors whether the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal has reached the preset duration. Assuming the time period from t4 to t5 is a preset duration, the response module 21221 can monitor whether the clock signal is at the first level during this time period, i.e., it can monitor whether the clock signal switches from the first level to the second level during this time period. If the clock signal maintains the first level during the time period from t4 to t5, and there is no switch from the first level to the second level, then it can be determined that the first instruction information has ended. The read operation stops at time t5.

[0121] In some embodiments, the consumable chip 210 is specifically configured to: determine the data length of the first instruction information when the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information; and determine the moment when the data length of the first instruction information reaches a preset length threshold as the moment when the response data transmission is completed as the end moment of the first type of instruction information.

[0122] In this embodiment, the instruction information sent by the printing device 110 is not infinitely long; it has an upper limit. That is, the first instruction information sent by the printing device 110 will not exceed a preset length threshold. When the data length of the first instruction information sent by the printing device 110 reaches the preset length threshold, it indicates that the first instruction information sent by the printing device 110 has reached its upper limit. At this time, when the response module 21221 receives the first instruction information and detects that the first instruction information has reached the preset length threshold, it indicates that the printing device 110 has completely sent the content of the first instruction information. At this point, the response module 21221 does not need to determine whether the first instruction information has ended; it can directly determine the end of the first instruction information after sending the response data and stop the reading operation.

[0123] In this way, the response module 21221 determines the judgment interval, and the duration of periodically monitoring the clock signal as the first level signal with the judgment interval as the period includes:

[0124] When the data length of the first instruction information does not reach the preset length threshold, the response module 21221 determines the judgment interval and periodically monitors the duration of the first level signal using the judgment interval as the period.

[0125] That is, if the first instruction information received by the response module 21221 has not reached the preset length threshold, the printing device 110 may continue to send the data content of the first instruction information. Therefore, the response module 21221 needs to determine whether the first instruction information has ended. When the data length of the first instruction information has not reached the preset length threshold, the response module 21221 needs to determine the judgment interval, and periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal as the first level signal with the judgment interval as the period to determine whether the first instruction information has ended.

[0126] This can further reduce the probability of misjudging the end of the first instruction information when the duration of the first level signal of the same instruction information is longer than the preset duration.

[0127] In some embodiments, in order to ensure the accuracy of the determination of the end time of the first instruction information, the preset duration is greater than the duration of a clock signal and less than the interval between the first instruction information and the next instruction information.

[0128] In some embodiments, in order to execute the first instruction information more accurately, the consumable chip 210 can determine not only the end time of the first instruction information, but also the start time of the first instruction information. Specifically:

[0129] When the printing device 110 does not transmit instruction information to the consumable chip 210, the clock signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 is a continuous first-level signal. That is, the printing device 110 sends an invalid clock signal to the consumable chip 210. At this time, the response module 21221 can receive the invalid clock signal through the clock terminal in the first plane 2121. After receiving the invalid clock signal, the response module 21221 can determine that the first instruction information has not started based on the invalid clock signal.

[0130] When the printing device 110 needs to transmit instruction information to the consumable chip 210, the clock signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 changes from a continuous first-level signal to alternating first-level and second-level signals. At this time, the response module 21221 can receive the clock signal through the clock terminal in the first plane 2121. After receiving the clock signal, the response module 21221 can detect that the clock signal changes from a continuous first-level signal to alternating first-level and second-level signals, and the response module 21221 can determine that the first instruction information has started, that is, the first instruction information has started execution.

[0131] Thus, in this embodiment of the application, the start time and end time of the first instruction information can be accurately determined, thereby ensuring the accurate execution of the first instruction information and improving the communication efficiency between the consumable chip 210 and the printing device 110.

[0132] As one possible implementation, the response module 21221 can determine whether the first instruction information has ended not only through a clock signal, but also through other signals. In some embodiments, the response module 21221 can determine whether the first instruction information has ended through a power signal. The response module 21221 is electrically connected to the power terminal of the first plane 2121, and can receive the power signal sent by the printing device 110 through the power terminal, and determine whether the first instruction information has ended based on the power signal.

[0133] When the printing device 110 does not transmit instruction information to the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 sends a power signal of the first level signal to the consumable chip 210. At this time, the response module 21221 can obtain the power signal of the first level signal, and can determine that the first instruction information has not started when it receives the power signal of the first level signal.

[0134] When the printing device 110 begins communication with the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 sends a power signal to the consumable chip 210 by changing the power signal to a second level signal. At this time, the response module 21221 can obtain the power signal that has changed to the second level signal. When the response module 21221 detects that the power signal has changed from the first level signal to the second level signal, it determines that the first instruction information has started and begins the read operation.

[0135] When the printing device 110 finishes communicating with the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 sends a power signal to the consumable chip 210, changing the power signal to a first-level signal. At this time, the response module 21221 can obtain the power signal that has changed to the first-level signal. When the response module 21221 detects that the power signal has changed from a second-level signal to a first-level signal, it can determine that the first instruction information has ended and stop the read operation.

[0136] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, assuming the second level signal is a high level signal and the first level signal is a low level signal, before time t4, the power signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 is a low level signal. The response module 21221 receives the low-level power signal and can determine that the first instruction information has not started.

[0137] At time t4, the printing device 110 begins communication with the consumable chip 210. At this time, the power signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 changes to a high-level signal. The response module 21221 receives the high-level power signal. At this time, the response module 21221 can detect the change of the power signal from a low-level signal to a high-level signal at time t4, determine the start of the first instruction information, and begin the read operation.

[0138] At time t5, the printing device 110 needs to terminate communication with the consumable chip 210. At this time, the power signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 changes to a low-level signal. The response module 21221 receives the low-level power signal. At this time, the response module 21221 can detect the change of the power signal from a high-level signal to a low-level signal at time t5. The response module 21221 can determine the end of the first instruction information at time t5 and stop the read operation at time t5.

[0139] Of course, the response module 21221 can also determine whether the first instruction information has ended through other signals, and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0140] It should be noted that, in this application, a read operation is used as an example for illustration. The embodiments of this application can be applied to the determination of the end time of a write operation, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0141] The chip select signal is a control signal used to select a specific consumable chip 210 to communicate with the printing device 110. When multiple consumable chips 210 are connected to the same communication bus and communicate with the printing device 110, the chip select signal indicates which consumable chip 210 can communicate with the printing device 110. For example, when the chip select signal is high, the consumable chip 210 communicates with the printing device 110; when the chip select signal is low, the consumable chip 210 can stop communicating with the printing device 110. However, in some embodiments, to avoid the chip select signal from changing, the chip select terminal can be omitted on the consumable chip 210 side. That is, the consumable chip 210 is not electrically connected to the output contact of the chip select signal of the printing device 110. Since the consumable chip 210 does not have a chip select terminal, if the end of the instruction information cannot be correctly determined during common bus communication, the currently responding consumable chip 210 will respond to the printing device 110 at the same time as the next consumable chip 210 to respond, resulting in data conflict. The data received by the printing device 110 will be invalid or incomplete data.

[0142] To address the aforementioned issues, in a second aspect, in this embodiment of the application, the consumable chip 210 is used to, during communication, have the response module 21221 acquire a clock signal and second instruction information; the second instruction information includes first identification information; the response module 21221 detects whether the first identification information in the second instruction information is the identification information of the consumable chip 210; if not, the response module 21221 does not respond to the second instruction information and switches the target state to a waiting state. The waiting state is the state in which the consumable chip 210 does not respond to the received instruction information. If the response module 21221 is in a waiting state and receives the first instruction information, it does not respond to the first instruction information, wherein the first instruction information includes second identification information, which is the identification information of the consumable chip 210. In response to a wake-up command sent by the printing device 110, the target state is switched from a waiting state to a response state; when the response module 21221 is in a response state and receives the first instruction information, it sends response data to the printing device 110 based on the first instruction information. In this way, when the consumable chip 210 detects that the received instruction information is not intended for it, it switches its target state to a waiting state. While in the waiting state, even if it receives the first instruction information intended for it, it will still respond to that first instruction information. That is, when the consumable chip 210 is in the waiting state, it no longer responds to instruction information sent by the printing device 110. This prevents the possibility of the consumable chip 210 and other consumable chips 210 simultaneously responding to the printing device 110, improving the integrity and effectiveness of data communication between the consumable chip 210 and the printing device 110, thereby improving data communication efficiency.

[0143] When the printing device 110 sends a first instruction message to the consumable chip 210, and the second identification information contained in the first instruction message is the identification information of the consumable chip 210, the consumable chip 210 is currently in a waiting state and does not send response data to the printing device 110. If the printing device 110 does not receive response data within a preset time threshold, it sends a wake-up command to the consumable chip 210. The consumable chip 210 responds to the wake-up command and switches its target state from a waiting state to a responding state. When the consumable chip 210 is in the responding state and receives the first instruction message, it can send response data to the printing device 110 according to the first instruction message. In this way, the consumable chip 210 switches from a waiting state to a responding state, enabling timely data communication with the printing device 110 and improving data communication efficiency.

[0144] Specifically, this application embodiment provides a consumable chip 210. The consumable chip 210 communicates with a printing device 110. The communication process includes several instruction messages. The consumable chip 210 includes a response module 21221, a clock terminal, and a data terminal. The clock terminal is used to receive clock signals from the printing device 110, and the data terminal is used to send or receive data signals. The response module 21221 is electrically connected to the clock terminal and the data terminal and is used to send response data to the printing device 110 during communication. The consumable chip 210 is configured not to receive chip select signals from the printing device 110.

[0145] The consumable chip 210 is used so that, during communication, the response module 21221 can acquire clock signals and second instruction information.

[0146] The second instruction information includes the first identification information.

[0147] The response module 21221 detects whether the first identification information in the second instruction information is the identification information of the consumable chip.

[0148] If not, the response module 21221 will not respond to the second instruction information and will switch the target state to the waiting state.

[0149] The target state is used to characterize whether to respond to the received instruction information, while the waiting state is the state of not responding to the received instruction information.

[0150] In response to the wake-up command sent by the printing device 110, the response module 21221 switches the target state from the waiting state to the response state.

[0151] The wake-up command is sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 when it does not receive response data within a preset time threshold after sending the first command information to the consumable chip 210; the wake-up command is used to trigger the consumable chip 210 to switch to a state that can respond to received command information.

[0152] When the response module 21221 is in the response state and receives the first instruction information, it sends response data to the printing device 110 based on the first instruction information.

[0153] In this embodiment, the consumable chip 210 includes a clock terminal and a data terminal. The clock terminal can receive clock signals sent by the printing device 110, and the data terminal can receive or send data signals to the printing device 110. The consumable chip 210 also includes a response module 21221, which is electrically connected to the clock and data terminals. The response module 21221 can send response data to the printing device 110. Since the printing device 110 can only communicate with one consumable chip 210 at a time when communicating with multiple consumable chips 210 via the communication bus, it can send instruction information to the consumable chip 210 when it needs to send instruction information. Therefore, when it needs to send instruction information to the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 can add the identification information of the target consumable chip 210 to the instruction information, i.e., add first identification information. The printing device 110 can send clock signals via the fourth contact pin 1116 and send second instruction information via the first contact pin 1113. The consumable chip 210, which is electrically connected to the fourth contact pin 1116 of the printing device 110 and to the first contact pin 1113, can receive both the clock signal and the second instruction information. That is, the response module 21221 in the consumable chip 210 can obtain the clock signal through the clock terminal and obtain the second instruction information through the data terminal.

[0154] After receiving the second instruction information, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 needs to first check whether the second instruction information is the instruction information sent to the consumable chip 210. That is, it needs to determine whether the consumable chip 210 needs to respond to the second instruction information. The response module 21221 can parse the second instruction information and obtain the first identification information carried in the second instruction information. The response module 21221 can compare the identification information of its own consumable chip 210 with the first identification information to detect whether the first identification information in the second instruction information is the identification information of the consumable chip 210 to which the response module 21221 is located. If not, it means that the consumable chip 210 does not need to respond to the printing device 110. At this time, in order to reduce the probability of the consumable chip 210 mistakenly responding to the printing device 110, the response module 21221 can switch the target state of the consumable chip 210 to a waiting state. The target state of the consumable chip 210 is used to characterize whether to respond to the received instruction information. When the target state is in a waiting state, the consumable chip 210 does not respond to the received instruction information.

[0155] In this way, the consumable chip 210 no longer responds to the received instruction information, thereby reducing the probability of the consumable chip 210 making a false response to the printing device 110 while other consumable chips 210 are responding to the printing device 110, improving the integrity and effectiveness of data communication between the consumable chip 210 and the printing device 110, and thus improving data communication efficiency.

[0156] During subsequent communication, the printing device 110 may need to communicate with the consumable chip 210. In this case, it can send a first instruction message via the first contact pin 1113. The response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 can receive the first instruction message via its data terminal. Since the current target state of the consumable chip 210 is a waiting state, it does not respond to the received instruction message. Therefore, even if the response module 21221 receives the first instruction message, it will not respond to it.

[0157] If the printing device 110 fails to receive response data from the consumable chip 210 within a preset time threshold, a fault tolerance mechanism can be activated. Specifically, if the printing device 110 fails to receive response data from the consumable chip 210 within the preset time threshold, it can send a wake-up command to the consumable chip 210. This wake-up command triggers the consumable chip 210 to switch to a state capable of responding to received command information. In other words, the wake-up command triggers the consumable chip 210 to switch its target state to a response state. At this time, in response to the received wake-up command, the response module 21221 switches the target state from a waiting state to a response state. When the target state is a response state, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 can respond to the received command information.

[0158] In order to communicate with the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 can resend the first instruction information to the consumable chip 210, that is, the printing device 110 sends a wake-up command to the consumable chip 210. At this time, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 can receive the first instruction information through the data terminal, and the current target state is the response state, which can respond to the first instruction information. The response module 21221 can parse the first instruction information, obtain the second identification information carried in the first instruction information, compare the second identification information with the identification information of the consumable chip 210, and determine that the second identification information is the same as the identification information of the consumable chip 210, thereby determining that a response to the printing device 110 is required. The response module 21221 can send response data to the printing device 110 according to the first instruction information.

[0159] In some embodiments, the response module 21221 can parse the first instruction information to determine whether the first instruction information is a read instruction or a write instruction, and then determine the corresponding response data and send the response data to the printing device 110.

[0160] In some embodiments, the consumable chip 210 further includes a power terminal for receiving a power signal from the printing device 110. The wake-up command includes a power signal retransmitted by the printing device 110.

[0161] In response to the wake-up command sent by the printing device 110, the response module 21221 switches the target state from the waiting state to the response state, including:

[0162] In response to the power signal resent by the printing device 110, the response module 21221 sets the target state to the response state.

[0163] That is, the printing device 110 provides an electrical signal to the consumable chip 210 through its power terminal, enabling the consumable chip 210 to function normally. When the printing device 110 sends a first instruction to the consumable chip 210, if the target state of the consumable chip 210 is a waiting state, it does not respond to the printing device 110. If the printing device 110 does not receive response data within a preset time threshold, it can activate a fault-tolerant mechanism to wake up the consumable chip 210. In some embodiments, the wake-up instruction includes a power signal resent by the printing device 110. That is, the printing device 110 can wake up the consumable chip 210 by powering it back on. In other words, if the printing device 110 does not receive response data within a preset time threshold, it can stop providing an electrical signal to the consumable chip 210, at which point the consumable chip 210 is in a power-off state and does not work. After a preset time interval, the printing device 110 can provide an electrical signal to the consumable chip 210 again. In response to the electrical signal retransmitted by the printing device 110, the consumable chip 210's response module 21221 restores its target state to the response state. Thus, the response module 21221 can respond to instruction information sent to the consumable chip 210. To enable data communication with the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 can retransmit the first instruction information to the consumable chip 210. The response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 receives the first instruction information through a data terminal and can parse it. Upon determining that the second identification information carried in the first instruction information is the identification information of the consumable chip 210, it can determine to respond to the printing device 110 and send response data to the printing device 110.

[0164] In this way, the printing device 110 triggers the consumable chip 210 to set the target state to the response state by resending the electrical signal, which is simple, fast and improves the efficiency of data communication.

[0165] As one possible implementation, when the response module 21221 determines that it needs to send response data to the printing device 110 according to the first instruction information, in order to improve the accuracy of data communication, the response module 21221 needs to determine the end time of the first instruction information in order to stop the read operation.

[0166] Based on this, the consumable chip 210 is also used to, when the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, determine a judgment interval, and periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal with the judgment interval as the period. If the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, it is determined that the first type of instruction information has ended. The read operation is stopped at the end time of the first type of instruction information.

[0167] The judgment interval is the number of clock cycles in which at least one set of response data is sent to the printing device 110.

[0168] When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the response module 21221 determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

[0169] For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant content in the embodiments described in the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0170] In some embodiments, the determination interval includes 2N*9 clock signals, where N is an integer greater than 0.

[0171] It should be understood that the value of N can be preset according to actual needs. By setting the value of N, the frequency at which the response module 21221 monitors whether the first instruction information has ended can be determined, thereby meeting the load requirements of different users for the consumable chip 210.

[0172] As one possible implementation method, for ease of implementation, the first level signal is a low level signal and the second level signal is a high level signal.

[0173] As one possible implementation, the aforementioned consumable chip 210 is also used to: if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal does not reach a preset duration, the response module 21221 determines that the first type of instruction information has not ended, and continues to periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal until the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches the preset duration, and determines that the first type of instruction information has ended.

[0174] For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant content in the embodiments described in the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0175] In some embodiments, the consumable chip 210 is specifically configured to: determine the data length of the first instruction information when the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information; determine the time when the data length of the first instruction information reaches a preset length threshold as the time when the response data transmission is completed as the end time of the first type of instruction information, and stop the read operation at the end time.

[0176] In this way, the response module 21221 determines the judgment interval, and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal as the first level signal, with the judgment interval as the period, including:

[0177] When the data length of the first instruction information does not reach the preset length threshold, the response module 21221 determines the judgment interval and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal as the first level signal with the judgment interval as the period.

[0178] For specific implementation details, please refer to the relevant content in the embodiments described in the first aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0179] In some embodiments, in order to ensure the accuracy of the determination of the end time of the first instruction information, the preset duration is greater than the duration of a clock signal and less than the interval between the first instruction information and the next instruction information.

[0180] In some embodiments, in order to execute the first instruction information more accurately, the consumable chip 210 can determine not only the end time of the first instruction information, but also the start time of the first instruction information. Specific implementation details can be found in the embodiments described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] As one possible implementation, the response module 21221 can determine whether the first instruction information has ended not only through a clock signal, but also through other signals. For example, it can determine whether the first instruction information has ended through a power signal or a data signal, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this. Specifically, determining whether the first instruction information has ended through a power signal or a data signal, etc., can be referred to the relevant content in the embodiments described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0182] Thirdly, see Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is applied to the consumable chip 210 in the embodiment described in the first aspect. Figure 12 As shown, the method includes:

[0183] Step S1201: During the communication process, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 acquires the clock signal and the first instruction information.

[0184] The response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 executes different steps depending on the type of the first instruction information. When the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, step S1202a is executed; when the first instruction information is a second type of instruction information, step S1202b is executed.

[0185] Step S1202a: When the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 determines the judgment interval and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal, with the judgment interval as the period. If the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, it is determined that the first type of instruction information has ended, and the read operation is stopped at the end time of the first type of instruction information.

[0186] The judgment interval is the number of clock cycles in which at least one set of response data is sent to the printing device 110.

[0187] Step S1202b: When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

[0188] One possible implementation involves determining the interval using 2N*9 clock signals, where N is a positive integer.

[0189] As one possible implementation, the above method also includes:

[0190] If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level does not reach the preset duration, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 determines that the first type of instruction information has not ended, and continues to periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being at the first level until the duration of the clock signal being at the first level reaches the preset duration, and determines that the first type of instruction information has ended.

[0191] As one possible implementation, the preset duration is greater than the duration of a clock signal, but less than the interval between the first instruction and the next instruction.

[0192] As one possible implementation, the first level signal is a low level signal and the second level signal is a high level signal.

[0193] Thirdly, see Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method is applied to the consumable chip 210 in the embodiment described in the second aspect. Figure 13 As shown, the method includes:

[0194] Step S1301: During the communication process, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 acquires the clock signal and the second instruction information.

[0195] The second instruction information includes the first identification information.

[0196] Step S1302: The response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 detects whether the first identification information in the second instruction information is the identification information of the consumable chip 210.

[0197] Step S1303: If not, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 will not respond to the second instruction information and will switch the target state to the waiting state.

[0198] The target state is used to characterize whether to respond to the received instruction information, while the waiting state is the state of not responding to the received instruction information.

[0199] Step S1304: If the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 is in a waiting state and receives the first instruction information, it does not respond to the first instruction information.

[0200] The first instruction information includes the second identification information, which is the identification information of the consumable chip 210.

[0201] Step S1305: In response to the wake-up command sent by the printing device 110, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 switches the target state from the waiting state to the response state.

[0202] The wake-up command is sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 when it does not receive a response within a preset time threshold after sending the first command information. The wake-up command is used to trigger the consumable chip 210 to switch to a state where it can respond to received command information.

[0203] In step S1306, when the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 is in a response state and receives the first instruction information, it sends response data to the printing device 110 based on the first instruction information.

[0204] As one possible implementation, the consumable chip 210 includes a power terminal for receiving a power signal from the printing device 110. The wake-up command includes a power signal retransmitted by the printing device 110.

[0205] In response to the wake-up command sent by the printing device 110, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 switches the target state from a waiting state to a responding state, including:

[0206] In response to the power signal resent by the printing device 110, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 sets the target state to the response state.

[0207] As one possible implementation, to improve the accuracy of data communication, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 needs to determine the end time of the first instruction information. The steps executed by the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 differ depending on the type of the first instruction information, as follows:

[0208] When the first instruction information is of the first type, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 determines the judgment interval and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being at the first level signal, with the judgment interval as the period. If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level signal reaches a preset duration, it is determined that the first type of instruction information has ended, and the read operation is stopped at the end time of the first type of instruction information.

[0209] The judgment interval is the number of clock cycles in which at least one set of response data is sent to the printing device 110.

[0210] When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

[0211] One possible implementation involves determining the interval using 2N*9 clock signals, where N is a positive integer.

[0212] As one possible implementation, the above method also includes:

[0213] If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level does not reach the preset duration, the response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 determines that the first type of instruction information has not ended, and continues to periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being at the first level until the duration of the clock signal being at the first level reaches the preset duration, and determines that the first type of instruction information has ended.

[0214] As one possible implementation, the preset duration is greater than the duration of a clock signal, but less than the interval between the first instruction and the next instruction.

[0215] As one possible implementation, the first level signal is a low level signal and the second level signal is a high level signal.

[0216] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides a consumable box including the consumable chip 210 described in the above embodiments.

[0217] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides an image forming apparatus, including the consumable chip 210 described in the above embodiments or including the consumable cartridge described in the above embodiments.

[0218] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the techniques in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in various embodiments or certain parts of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0219] The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this specification can be referred to mutually. In particular, the device embodiments and terminal embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description in the method embodiments.

Claims

1. A chip, characterized in that, The chip communicates with the image forming apparatus, and the communication process includes several instruction messages. The chip includes a response module, a clock terminal, and a data terminal. The clock terminal is used to receive clock signals from the image forming apparatus, and the data terminal is used to send or receive data signals. The response module is electrically connected to the clock terminal and the data terminal and is used to send response data to the image forming apparatus during the communication process. The chip is configured not to receive chip select signals from the image forming apparatus. The chip is used for, During communication, the response module acquires the clock signal and the first instruction information; When the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module determines a judgment interval and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal, with the judgment interval as the period. If the duration of the clock signal being a first-level signal reaches a preset duration, the first type of instruction information is determined to have ended, and the reading operation is stopped at the end of the first type of instruction information; the determination interval is the number of clock cycles that send at least one set of response data to the image forming apparatus. When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the response module determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

2. The chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The judgment interval includes 2N*9 clock signals; where N is an integer greater than 0.

3. The chip according to claim 2, characterized in that, The set of response data includes original data and inverse code data, wherein the original data and the inverse code data are inverse codes of each other.

4. The chip according to claim 3, characterized in that, The chip is also used for: If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level does not reach the preset duration, the response module determines that the first type of instruction information has not ended, and continues to periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being at the first level until the duration of the clock signal being at the first level reaches the preset duration, and then determines that the first type of instruction information has ended.

5. The chip according to claim 4, characterized in that, The preset duration is greater than the duration of a clock signal, but less than the interval between the first instruction and the next instruction.

6. The chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first type of instruction information is instruction information with a non-fixed duration, while the second type of instruction information is instruction information with a fixed duration.

7. The chip according to claim 6, characterized in that, The preset method is to pre-store the end time corresponding to the instruction information of the second type in the response module.

8. The chip according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first level signal is a low level signal.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the chip according to any one of claims 1-8, the method comprises: During communication, the chip's response module acquires the clock signal and the first instruction information; When the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module of the chip determines a judgment interval, and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal with the judgment interval as the period; if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, it is determined that the first type of instruction information has ended, and the read operation is stopped at the end time of the first type of instruction information; the judgment interval is the number of response data clocks sent to the image forming apparatus. When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, the chip's response module determines the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information based on the content of the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stops the read operation at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

10. A consumable box, characterized in that, Includes the chip described in any one of claims 1-8.

Images