Method and device for controlling operation of a consumable chip, consumable chip, and printer

Abstract

The present application relates to the method, device, consumable chip and printer for controlling the working of the consumable chip, the method comprising: judging the type of the verification algorithm sent by the printer; if the type of the verification algorithm is the first type, sending the first serial number to the printer; if the consumable chip is normally recognized, switching the first serial number to the second serial number and controlling the consumable chip to work with the second serial number; if the type of the verification command is the second type, sending the first serial number to the printer; if the consumable chip is normally recognized, controlling the consumable chip to work with the first serial number; if the consumable chip is not normally recognized, switching the first serial number to the second serial number and controlling the consumable chip to work with the second serial number. The present application effectively reduces the collision rate of the serial number when the ink cartridge is replaced, expands the types of the printers compatible with the consumable chip, and reduces the waste of ink and the use cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a consumable chip, and more specifically, to a method, apparatus, consumable chip, and printer for controlling the operation of a consumable chip. Background Technology

[0002] To achieve reusability of consumable cartridges, reduce costs, and minimize environmental pollution, some existing cartridges are designed for multiple uses. Users can refill the cartridges after ink or toner is depleted and reset the chip using specific methods, enabling reuse. However, because some printing devices record and verify the cartridge's serial number, this reuse method may be limited in practical applications.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, an improvement has been proposed in the prior art: multiple serial numbers are pre-stored in the consumable chip. When the consumption of consumables reaches a certain preset value, the system automatically switches to the next backup serial number, enabling the printer to record the new serial number and avoiding rejection due to the reuse of old serial numbers.

[0004] However, this solution still has certain limitations. For example, if a user replaces the consumable cartridge before reaching the preset consumption threshold, and the serial number has not been changed, the printer will recognize the same serial number but inconsistent consumption data. This will lead the printer to determine that the consumable chip is malfunctioning, causing it to refuse to recognize the consumable cartridge or continue using it from the previously recorded consumption status, resulting in some wasted capacity of the new consumable.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, a method, apparatus, consumable chip, and printer for controlling the operation of consumable chips are proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for controlling the operation of a consumable chip, in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, including:

[0007] Determine the type of verification algorithm sent by the printer;

[0008] If the type of the verification algorithm is the first type, send the first serial number to the printer;

[0009] If the consumable chip is correctly identified, the first serial number is switched to the second serial number, and the consumable chip is controlled to work with the second serial number.

[0010] If the type of the verification command is the second type, send the first serial number to the printer;

[0011] If the consumable chip is correctly identified, control the consumable chip to operate with the first serial number;

[0012] If the consumable chip is not properly recognized, the first serial number is switched to the second serial number, and the consumable chip is controlled to operate with the second serial number.

[0013] Furthermore, the first type is a non-standard symmetric algorithm; the second type is a standard symmetric algorithm.

[0014] Preferably, the consumable chip includes a backup storage area, and the first and second serial numbers are stored in the backup storage area.

[0015] Furthermore, the consumable chip stores a first serial number and a second serial number different from the first serial number; the device includes:

[0016] The judgment module determines the type of verification algorithm sent by the printer and sends the judgment result to trigger the module.

[0017] The signal triggering module receives feedback signals from the printer and uses a signal triggering algorithm to fix either the first serial number or the second serial number as the working serial number.

[0018] Furthermore, the signal triggering algorithm includes:

[0019] Determine the type of verification algorithm;

[0020] If the type of the verification algorithm is the first type, send the first serial number to the printer;

[0021] Receive feedback signals from the printer;

[0022] If the feedback signal is 01, the first serial number is switched to the second serial number, and the consumable chip is controlled to work with the second serial number;

[0023] If the type of the verification command is the second type, send the first serial number to the printer;

[0024] Receive feedback signals from the printer;

[0025] If the feedback signal is 01, control the consumable chip to work with the first serial number;

[0026] If the feedback signal is 00, switch the first serial number to the second serial number and control the consumable chip to work with the second serial number.

[0027] On the other hand, this technical solution also provides a consumable chip, which includes a circuit board and an electronic module disposed on the circuit board, wherein the electronic module is provided with the above-mentioned device for controlling the operation of the consumable chip.

[0028] On the other hand, this technical solution also provides a printer, which is equipped with the aforementioned consumable chip.

[0029] Furthermore, the printer also includes:

[0030] The receiving module is used to receive the first serial number or the second serial number sent by the consumable chip;

[0031] The comparison module is used to analyze and compare the first serial number with the consumed serial numbers pre-stored in the printer;

[0032] The determination module is used to determine whether the received first or second serial number is the same as the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer;

[0033] If the received first or second serial number is the same as the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer, the execution module will interrupt communication with the consumable chip; if the received first or second serial number is different from the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer, it will maintain communication with the consumable chip.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0035] 1. Effectively reduces the serial number collision rate when replacing ink cartridges;

[0036] 2. Expanded the types of printers that the consumable chips are compatible with;

[0037] 3. Reduced ink waste and usage costs. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the operation of a consumable chip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a signal triggering algorithm for a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a device for controlling the operation of a consumable chip, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a printer provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] Please see Figure 1 The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a method for controlling the operation of a consumable chip, including:

[0047] S1: Determine the type of verification algorithm sent by the printer;

[0048] S2: If the type of the verification algorithm is the first type, send the first serial number to the printer;

[0049] S3: Determine whether the consumable chip is correctly recognized by the printer;

[0050] S4: If the consumable chip is correctly identified, the first serial number is switched to the second serial number;

[0051] S5: Control the consumable chip to operate using the second serial number;

[0052] S6: If the type of the verification command is the second type, send the first serial number to the printer;

[0053] S7: Determine whether the consumable chip is correctly recognized by the printer.

[0054] S8: If the consumable chip is correctly identified, control the consumable chip to work with the first serial number;

[0055] S9: If the consumable chip is not properly recognized, switch the first serial number to the second serial number;

[0056] S10: Control the consumable chip to operate with the second serial number.

[0057] The verification algorithms sent by the printer are divided into standard symmetric algorithms and non-standard symmetric algorithms. The first type is a non-standard symmetric algorithm, such as using custom bit operations combined with shift or XOR hybrid encryption. The second type is a standard symmetric encryption algorithm, such as AES or DES encryption algorithms.

[0058] After receiving the algorithm and verification data packet from the printer, the consumable chip first determines whether the algorithm's structural characteristics conform to common international standard algorithms, such as AES and DES. If not, it then checks whether the algorithm includes official library files for major standard symmetric algorithms. If not, it checks the key size of the algorithm, verifying it is 128 bytes, 192 bytes, or 256 bytes; it also checks the block size of the key, verifying it is 64 bytes or 128 bytes. If these still do not meet the requirements, it checks for protocol suite support, such as whether the algorithm includes the TLS 1.3 ciphers protocol suite or the IPSec suite protocol suite. If all of the above results are negative, the algorithm is determined to be a non-standard symmetric algorithm, i.e., type 1, and the printer is correspondingly a type 1 printer. After confirming it as a type 1 printer, it sends the first serial number stored in the backup storage area of ​​the consumable chip.

[0059] Furthermore, the consumable chip determines whether it is properly recognized by the printer and whether the printer issues an error code. If an error code or similar error message is received, it can be determined that it has not been properly recognized by the printer. Conversely, after receiving the printer's operation instructions, it can be determined that it has been properly recognized by the printer.

[0060] After the consumable chip is confirmed to be correctly recognized by the printer, the second serial number is written to the value of the printer read storage field in the backup storage area, overwriting the backup storage area. When the printer subsequently executes a read command, it will assume that the consumable chip is working with the second serial number and write this serial number into the list of used serial numbers recorded by the printer.

[0061] On the other hand, if the consumable chip receives the algorithm and verification data packet sent by the printer and determines that the algorithm is a standard symmetric encryption algorithm (Type II) and the printer is a Type II printer, it first sends a first serial number to the printer. Further, it determines whether the printer can correctly recognize the first serial number. If it can, it writes the first serial number to the printer read storage field in the backup storage area, overwriting the value there. Subsequently, when the printer performs a read command, it will assume the consumable chip is operating with the first serial number and write this serial number to the list of used serial numbers recorded by the printer. Further, if the printer cannot correctly recognize the first serial number, it writes a second serial number to the printer read storage field in the backup storage area, overwriting the value there. When the printer performs a second read for final confirmation, if the second serial number has not been used previously, normal communication between the printer consumable chip and the printer will resume, and the printer will assume the consumable chip is operating with the second serial number, writing this serial number to the list of used serial numbers recorded by the printer.

[0062] Example 2

[0063] Please see Figure 2 The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a flowchart illustrating a signal triggering algorithm for a consumable chip according to the present invention, including:

[0064] S30: Determine the type of the verification algorithm;

[0065] S31: If the type of the verification algorithm is the first type, send the first serial number to the printer;

[0066] S32: Receives feedback signals from the printer and determines the value based on its magnitude;

[0067] S33: If the feedback signal is 01, then switch the first serial number to the second serial number and control the consumable chip to work with the second serial number;

[0068] S34: If the type of the verification command is the second type, send the first serial number to the printer;

[0069] S35: Receives feedback signals from the printer and determines the value accordingly;

[0070] S36: If the feedback signal is 01, control the consumable chip to work with the first serial number;

[0071] S37: If the feedback signal is 00, switch the first serial number to the second serial number and control the consumable chip to work with the second serial number.

[0072] After the consumable chip receives the verification data packet from the printer, if the value of the algorithm type field in the verification data packet is 28, it can be confirmed that the verification algorithm is of type 1, meaning the printer is a type 1 printer that uses asymmetric encryption algorithm. When the consumable chip sends the first serial number to the printer, if the printer further sends a feedback signal with a value of 01, 01 indicates that the printer has received the sent serial number and confirmed that it has not been used before. At this point, the printer recognizes the legitimacy of the consumable chip and will proceed with a series of subsequent communications. Upon receiving the feedback signal of 01, the consumable chip switches its working serial number from the first serial number to the second serial number so that the printer can read the value of the second serial number, allowing the first serial number to continue to be used when the consumable is replaced in the future.

[0073] If the value of the algorithm type field in the verification data packet is 03, it can be confirmed that the verification algorithm is of the second type, that is, the printer is a printer that starts the second type of asymmetric encryption algorithm. After the consumable chip sends the first serial number to the printer, if the printer further sends a feedback signal with a value of 01, 01 indicates that the printer has received the sent serial number and confirmed that it has not been used before. At this time, the printer recognizes the legitimacy of the consumable chip and will carry out a series of subsequent communications. When the consumable chip receives the feedback signal of 01, it keeps the first serial number as the working serial number and reserves the second serial number for continued use when the consumable is replaced.

[0074] If the printer sends a feedback signal with a value of 00, it means that the printer has received the sent serial number and confirmed that it has been used before. At this time, the printer does not recognize the legitimacy of the consumable chip. The consumable chip replaces the working serial number with the second serial number. Subsequently, the printer reads the field value corresponding to the working serial number in the storage area for secondary confirmation. As long as the second serial number is not recorded in the list of used serial numbers by the printer, the consumable chip can resume normal communication with the printer.

[0075] Example 3

[0076] Please see Figure 3 The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a structural schematic diagram of a serial number processing device for consumable chips according to the present invention, comprising:

[0077] Module 1 determines the type of verification algorithm sent by the printer and sends the determination result to a signal to trigger the module.

[0078] The signal triggering module 2 receives feedback signals from the printer and uses a signal triggering algorithm to fix either a first serial number or a second serial number as the working serial number. The signal triggering algorithm includes: determining the type of the verification algorithm; if the verification algorithm is of the first type, sending the first serial number to the printer; receiving feedback signals from the printer; if the feedback signal is 01, switching the first serial number to the second serial number and controlling the consumable chip to operate with the second serial number; if the verification command is of the second type, sending the first serial number to the printer; receiving feedback signals from the printer; if the feedback signal is 01, controlling the consumable chip to operate with the first serial number; if the feedback signal is 00, switching the first serial number to the second serial number and controlling the consumable chip to operate with the second serial number.

[0079] Example 4

[0080] Please see Figure 4 The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a structural schematic diagram of a printer 100 according to the present invention. The printer 100 is provided with a consumable chip 200, and the printer 100 includes:

[0081] The receiving module 1001 is used to receive the first serial number or the second serial number sent by the consumable chip 200;

[0082] The comparison module 1002 is used to analyze and compare the first serial number with the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer 100;

[0083] The determination module 1003 is used to determine whether the received first or second serial number is the same as the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer 100;

[0084] If the received first or second serial number is the same as the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer 100, the execution module 1004 interrupts communication with the consumable chip 200; if the received first or second serial number is different from the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer 100, the communication with the consumable chip 200 is maintained.

[0085] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the operation of a consumable chip, characterized in that, The consumable chip stores a first serial number and a second serial number different from the first serial number, and the method includes: Determine the type of verification algorithm sent by the printer; If the type of the verification algorithm is the first type, send the first serial number to the printer; Determine whether the consumable chip is correctly recognized by the printer; If the consumable chip is correctly identified, the first serial number is switched to the second serial number, and the consumable chip is controlled to work with the second serial number. If the type of the verification command is the second type, send the first serial number to the printer; If the consumable chip is correctly identified, control the consumable chip to operate with the first serial number; If the consumable chip is not properly recognized, the first serial number is switched to the second serial number, and the consumable chip is controlled to operate with the second serial number.

2. The working method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first type is a non-standard symmetric algorithm; the second type is a standard symmetric algorithm.

3. The working method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The consumable chip includes a backup storage area, and the first and second serial numbers are stored in the backup storage area.

4. A device for controlling the operation of a consumable chip, characterized in that, The consumable chip stores a first serial number and a second serial number different from the first serial number; the device includes: The judgment module determines the type of verification algorithm sent by the printer and sends the judgment result to trigger the module. The signal triggering module receives feedback signals from the printer and uses a signal triggering algorithm to fix either the first serial number or the second serial number as the working serial number.

5. The working device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The signal triggering algorithm includes: Determine the type of verification algorithm; If the type of the verification algorithm is the first type, send the first serial number to the printer; Receive feedback signals from the printer; If the feedback signal is 01, the first serial number is switched to the second serial number, and the consumable chip is controlled to work with the second serial number; If the type of the verification command is the second type, send the first serial number to the printer; Receive feedback signals from the printer; If the feedback signal is 01, control the consumable chip to work with the first serial number; If the feedback signal is 00, switch the first serial number to the second serial number and control the consumable chip to work with the second serial number.

6. A consumable chip, characterized in that, include: A circuit board and an electronic module disposed on the circuit board, wherein the electronic module is provided with a device for controlling the operation of the consumable chip as described in any one of claims 4-5.

7. A printer, characterized in that, include: The printer is equipped with the consumable chip as described in claim 6.

8. The printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The printer also includes: The receiving module is used to receive the first serial number or the second serial number sent by the consumable chip; The comparison module is used to analyze and compare the first serial number with the consumed serial numbers pre-stored in the printer; The determination module is used to determine whether the received first or second serial number is the same as the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer; If the received first or second serial number is the same as the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer, the execution module will interrupt communication with the consumable chip; if the received first or second serial number is different from the consumed serial number pre-stored in the printer, it will maintain communication with the consumable chip.

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