Chip, communication method, and consumable box

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of imaging, and in particular to a chip, a communication method, and a consumable box. The chip comprises a response module, a clock terminal and a data terminal; and the chip is configured to not receive a chip selection signal from an image forming apparatus. The communication method comprises: during a communication process, a response module acquiring a clock signal and first instruction information; when the first instruction information is instruction information of a first type, the response module determining a determination interval, and periodically monitoring, with the determination interval as a period, the duration for which a clock signal is a first level signal; if the duration for which the clock signal is a first level signal reaches a preset duration, stopping executing the first instruction information; and if the first instruction information is instruction information of a second type, the response module using, on the basis of the content of the instruction information of the second type, a preset mode to determine an end moment corresponding to the instruction information of the second type, and stopping executing the first instruction information at the end moment of the instruction information of the second type. The method is used for improving the accuracy of data communication.

Description

A chip, communication method and consumables box

[0001] The present invention claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on December 29, 2023, with application number 202311871796.3 and application name “A consumable chip and consumable box”; and claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on August 30, 2024, with application number 202411220250.6 and application name “A consumable chip and consumable box”; and claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on June 21, 2024, with application number 202410813824.4 and application name “A chip, communication method and consumable box”. The entire contents of the above three Chinese patents are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of imaging technology, and in particular to a chip, a communication method, and a consumables box. Background Art

[0003] Image forming devices, such as printers, copiers, and fax machines, are used to image information onto an imaging medium such as paper using imaging materials such as ink. During the imaging process, the image forming device requires the acquisition of auxiliary imaging information to complete the imaging process. This auxiliary imaging information is typically recorded on 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 serve as the recording materials. The consumable cartridge is removably installed in the image forming device.

[0004] When the consumables cartridge is installed in an image forming device, the consumables chip in the consumables cartridge establishes an electrical connection with the image forming device and performs data communication with the image forming device. For example, the consumables chip can be used to control authentication and data matching between the consumables cartridge and the image forming device, and to provide imaging-assisted information to the image forming device during subsequent imaging operations. Specifically, the consumables chip on the consumables cartridge can be electrically connected to the image forming device via corresponding terminals.

[0005] Currently, common consumable chips are equipped with chip select terminals, clock terminals, and data terminals to complete data communication with the image forming device. Among them, the chip select terminal and clock terminal of the consumable chip respectively receive the chip select signal and clock signal CLK sent by the image forming device, and the data terminal receives the instruction information sent by the image forming device, or the consumable chip sends data information to the image forming device through the data terminal. Generally, multiple consumable boxes can be installed in the image forming device, and the image forming device can select the consumable chip it needs to communicate with through the chip select signal. For example, as shown in Figure 1, when the image forming device needs to communicate data with the consumable chip, the image forming device can convert the chip select signal to a high level and send the high-level chip select signal to the chip select terminal of the consumable chip. When sending the chip select signal, the image forming device also sends the clock signal CLK and data information. When the consumable chip receives the high-level chip select signal, it can determine to start data communication with the image forming device, and the consumable chip starts to execute the instruction information, such as starting to perform a write operation or a read operation.

[0006] When data communication is completed or needs to be terminated, the image forming device 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 terminates the read or write operation and stops data communication with the image forming device.

[0007] During the above process, the consumable chip receives a chip select signal via its chip select terminal to control data communication. However, during data communication, signal interference or poor contact between the consumable chip and the image forming device can easily cause the chip select signal to jump high, interrupting the consumable chip's read or write operation, thereby affecting the accuracy and efficiency of data communication.

[0008] In some technologies, the consumable chip does not need to have a chip select terminal. Instead, the state change of the clock signal is monitored to determine whether the instruction information has ended. Typically, the clock signal sent by the image forming device to the consumable chip corresponds to the instruction information. When the image forming device attempts to communicate data with the consumable chip, the image forming device sends a clock signal to the consumable chip, and the clock signal received by the consumable chip has a rising edge or a high level. Similarly, when the image forming device terminates data communication with the consumable chip, the clock signal received by the consumable chip becomes a continuous level signal.

[0009] In the above process, the termination of data communication between the consumable chip and the image forming device can be determined solely through the clock and data terminals. Because data communication between the image forming device and the consumable chip typically includes multiple command messages, the consumable chip must accurately determine the end time of each command message to ensure accurate data communication. Furthermore, the chip cannot flexibly determine the termination of a command based on the command type, which can easily lead to misjudgment and reduce data communication accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present application provide a chip, a communication method, and a consumables box to improve the accuracy of data communication between the chip and an image forming device.

[0011] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip, which communicates with an image forming device, and the communication process includes a number of instruction information. 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 device, and the data terminal is used to send or receive a data signal. 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 device during the communication process.

[0012] The chip is configured not to receive a chip select signal from the image forming device;

[0013] The chip is used for, during the communication process, the response module to obtain the clock signal and the first instruction information;

[0014] When the first instruction information is instruction information of the first type, the response module determines a judgment interval, and based on the judgment interval as a period, periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal; if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, stopping execution of the first instruction information; the judgment interval is the number of clocks for sending at least one set of response data to the image forming device;

[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 executing the first instruction information at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

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

[0017] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the chip is specifically configured to:

[0018] When the first instruction information is instruction information of the first type, the response module determines 2n*9 clock signals as a determination interval, uses the 2n*9th clock signal after the first clock signal as a reference clock signal based on the determination interval, and determines a target change time of the reference clock signal as a target reference time; wherein the first clock signal is a clock signal corresponding to when the response module starts to send response data to the image forming device; the target change time of the reference clock signal includes a time when the reference clock signal changes from a first level signal to a second level signal, or changes from a second level signal to a first level signal; and the first level signal is different from the second level signal;

[0019] monitoring a duration during which the clock signal is a first level signal after the target reference time;

[0020] If the duration of the first level signal of the clock signal reaches a preset duration, the execution of the first instruction information is stopped.

[0021] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the chip is further configured to:

[0022] If the duration of the first level signal of the clock signal does not reach the preset duration, the response module uses the 2n*9th clock signal received after the target reference time as the reference clock signal again, and updates the target reference time based on the target change time of the reference clock signal;

[0023] After re-monitoring the target reference time, the duration of the clock signal being a first-level signal is measured, and when the duration of the clock signal being a first-level signal does not reach a preset duration, the target reference time is re-updated until it is monitored that the duration of the clock signal being a first-level signal reaches a preset duration, and then the execution of the first instruction information is stopped.

[0024] In a 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.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first level signal includes a low level signal.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the set of response data includes original data and inverted data, wherein the original data and the inverted data are inverted versions of each other.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first type of instruction information is instruction information of non-fixed duration, and the second type of instruction information is instruction information of fixed duration.

[0028] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, applied to the chip described in any one of the first aspects above, the method comprising:

[0029] During the communication process, obtaining a clock signal and first instruction information;

[0030] When the first instruction information is instruction information of the first type, determining a judgment interval, and based on the judgment interval being a period, periodically monitoring a duration during which the clock signal is a first level signal; if the duration during which the clock signal is a first level signal reaches a preset duration, stopping execution of the first instruction information; the judgment interval being the number of clocks required to send at least one set of response data to the image forming device;

[0031] When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, based on the content of the second type of instruction information, the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information is determined using a preset method, and at the end time of the second type of instruction information, the execution of the first instruction information is stopped.

[0032] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a consumables box, comprising: a chip as described in any one of the first aspects above.

[0033] Using the solution provided in the embodiments of the present application, when the chip is electrically connected to the image forming device, the chip's clock and data terminals are electrically connected to the image forming device, and the chip is configured not to receive a chip select signal from the image forming device. This avoids the possibility of incorrect instruction information execution due to chip select signal jumps, thereby improving the accuracy of communication between the chip and the image forming device. Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, the chip includes a response module. When the first instruction information is a first type of instruction information, the response module determines a judgment interval, using the judgment interval as a period, and periodically monitors whether the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration. If the duration reaches the preset duration, the response module determines that the first instruction information has ended. Upon determining that the first instruction information has ended, the response module stops executing the first instruction information. That is, the response module determines whether the first type of instruction information has ended only after sending at least one set of response data to the image forming device. This reduces the frequency of detecting whether the first type of instruction information has ended and reduces the possibility of erroneous judgments of instruction information ending, thereby 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 executing the first instruction information at the end time. In the embodiment of the present application, different methods can be used to determine the end of the instruction information for different instruction information. That is, the end of the instruction information can be flexibly determined based on the type of instruction information. This can reduce the probability of error when determining the end of the instruction information by monitoring the clock signal, further improve the accuracy of data communication, and thus ensure the working efficiency of the chip and the efficiency of data communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the working sequence of an existing consumable chip;

[0035] FIG2a is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG2b is a schematic structural diagram of another communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a consumables box provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a stylus of a printing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a partially enlarged structure of a stylus of a printing device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a working sequence of a consumable chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG8a is a schematic structural diagram of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG8b is a schematic structural diagram of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG8c is a schematic structural diagram of a storage component in a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG9a is a schematic diagram of a working sequence of another consumable chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG9 b is a schematic diagram of another working sequence of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG9c is a schematic diagram of a working sequence of another consumable chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of another working sequence of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG11 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to better understand the technical solutions of this specification, the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] It should be clear that the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0052] The terms used in the examples of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this specification. The singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" used in the examples of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0053] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein simply describes a relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B together, or B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates an "or" relationship between the associated objects.

[0054] Refer to Figure 2a, which is a structural diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2a, the communication system includes an image forming device 100 and a chip 200. The image forming device 100 is provided with a communication port 101, and the slave is provided with an interface module 201. A communication link is established between the communication port 101 and the interface module 201. Through the communication link, the image forming device 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 stylus, a contact point or a spring, so as to establish a communication link. In other embodiments, the communication link can also be a contactless communication link, that is, a wireless communication link. In this case, the communication port 101 and the interface module 201 can include an antenna or a coil for transmitting wireless signals. The image forming device 100 involved in the embodiment of the present application is a device that can perform data processing, control or related operations, and the chip 200 is used to be installed on the image forming device 100 to assist the image forming device 100 in completing related functions.

[0055] In one example, the image forming device can be a printer, copier, fax machine, etc., and the chip can be a consumable chip. In some application scenarios, such as Figure 2b, the image forming device 100 is a printing device 110, and the chip 200 is a consumable chip 210. The printing device 110 is provided with a communication port 111, and the consumable chip 210 is provided with an interface module 211. A communication link is established between the communication port 111 and the interface module 211, allowing the printing device 110 and the consumable chip 210 to transmit information via the communication link. For example, during the imaging process, the consumable chip 210 is used to provide identification information and record 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.

[0056] For ease of description, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are described below using the image forming apparatus 100 as a printing device 110 and the chip 200 as a consumable chip 210 as an example. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application may also be applicable to other types of image forming apparatuses and chips in addition to the printing device 110 and the consumable chip 210, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0057] During the imaging process, the printing device 110 needs the assistance of the imaging auxiliary information of the consumable chip 210 in the consumable box 21 to complete the imaging process. In the related art, the consumable box 21 can be the structure shown in Figure 3. In addition to being recorded in the printing device 110, the imaging auxiliary information of the printing device 110 is also recorded on the consumable chip 210. The consumable chip 210 mainly plays the role of identity identification and providing the use status of the recording material. Therefore, when the consumable chip 210 is installed on the printing device 110, the printing device 110 will read the information of the consumable chip 210 and will also send the status of the print job and related information to the consumable chip 210. The consumable chip 210 and the printing device 110 can be connected through electrical contact. For example, the contact pins on the printing device 110 make electrical contact with the contact part in the consumable chip 210 to achieve communication connection.

[0058] As shown in FIG4 , the printing device 110 includes a stylus holder 111. The stylus holder 111 includes an upper end surface 1111 of the stylus holder 111 in the Y-axis direction, a front end surface 1112 of the stylus holder 111 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. As shown in FIG5 , 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. Among them, 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 a data signal to the consumable chip 210 through the contact between the first contact pin 1113 and the data terminal 2101, the printing device 110 can send a chip select signal to the consumable chip 210 through the contact between the second contact pin 1114 and the chip select terminal 2102, the printing device 110 can send a clock signal to the consumable chip 210 through the contact between the fourth contact pin 1116 and the clock terminal 2103, the printing device 110 can provide an operating voltage to the consumable chip 210 through the contact between the third contact pin 1115 and 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 between the fifth contact pin 1117 and the ground terminal 2105, thereby ensuring the correctness and stability of the communication process.

[0059] In the related art, 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 top, a contact pin front end, a contact pin oblique end, and a contact pin tip, as shown in FIG6 . At this point, 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 contact the data terminal 2101, chip select terminal 2102, clock terminal 2103, power terminal 2104, and ground terminal 2105, among the planar terminals of the consumable chip 210, through the contact pin tips.

[0060] Typically, the printing device 110 is equipped with multiple consumable chips 110, and the multiple consumable chips 210 all communicate with the printing device 110 via the same communication bus. At the same time, the printing device 110 can only communicate with one consumable chip 210. To ensure that the printing device 110 and the consumable chip 210 can communicate, the printing device 110 needs to send a chip select signal to the consumable chip 210 with which it needs to communicate. The chip select signal notifies the consumable chip 210 that the printing device 110 has selected the consumable chip 210 for communication with the printing device 110. The chip select signal (CS) is a control signal used in digital circuits to select a specific integrated circuit chip (Chip) for communication. When multiple chips or devices are mounted on the same communication bus, the chip select signal is used to indicate which chip can exchange data with the processor or controller. As shown in reference figure 1, when the printing device 110 needs to communicate data with a consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 can convert the chip select signal for selecting 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. While 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 starts to execute the instruction information, for example, starts to perform a read operation. At this time, the consumable chip 210 stores the data information received by the data terminal 2101 in the storage component inside the consumable chip 210 based on the clock signal CLK, or sends the imaging auxiliary information stored in the storage component to the data terminal 2101 so that it can be transmitted to the printing device 110 through the data terminal 2101.

[0061] When data communication is completed 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 is finished, terminates the read operation, and stops data communication with the printing device 110.

[0062] However, the terminals of the consumable chip 210 are located on a plane that is relatively dense, and the gaps between the terminals are small, which can easily cause the contact pins of the printing device 110 to contact terminals that do not correspond to their functions when the user installs or plugs in the consumable box 21, causing a short circuit. In addition, when the printing device 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, and then causing problems such as data communication interruption, errors or data corruption.

[0063] Typically, the clock signal sent by the printing device 110 to the consumable chip 210 corresponds to the instruction information. When the consumable chip 210 receives the instruction information but has not yet completed it, the clock signal is alternating between a high-level signal and a low-level signal. When the instruction information is completed, the clock signal is a continuous low-level signal. In some technologies, the consumable chip 210 can determine whether the instruction information has been completed by monitoring the state changes of the clock signal.

[0064] In the above process, the consumable chip 210 does not need to have a chip select terminal, and the end of the instruction information can be determined solely through the clock terminal and data terminal. Although this can prevent abnormalities in the chip select terminal or chip select signal from causing interruptions in the consumable chip's read or write operations, because the data communication between the printing device 110 and the consumable chip 210 typically includes multiple instruction messages, the consumable chip 210 needs to accurately determine the end time of each instruction message to ensure the accuracy of data communication. However, the above process cannot flexibly determine the end of the instruction information based on the instruction type, which is prone to errors in judgment and reduces the accuracy of data communication.

[0065] Furthermore, when a clock signal in a command message is continuously at a low level for a long time, the command message may be mistakenly judged as completed, thereby reducing the accuracy and efficiency of data communication.

[0066] For example, as shown in FIG7 , assume that the time corresponding to the sending, processing, and replying of the first instruction information is t1-t10, and the second instruction information is executed after time t11. In FIG7 , during the processing of the first instruction information, there is a period of time when the clock signal remains in the first level signal state, and is not an alternating first level signal and second level signal, but the first instruction information has not yet ended. Assume that the time interval t8-t9 is X, the time interval between t10-t11 is Y, and the first preset time length is Z. The time interval X between t8-t9 is greater than the first preset time length Z. In some technologies, the consumable chip 210 judges the instruction information once every 9 clock signals. The consumable chip 210 needs to detect whether the clock signal is an alternating first level signal and second level signal after time t8 to determine whether the first instruction information has ended. At this time, if the consumable chip 210 does not detect the clock signal as an alternating first level signal and second level signal after the first preset time length Z, it will judge that the first instruction information has ended. In fact, the first instruction information has not ended, resulting in a data communication error.

[0067] To address the above issues, see Figure 8a, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable chip 210 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8a, the consumable chip 210 includes a first terminal 21211 and a third terminal 21213. In some embodiments, the first terminal 21211 can be a data terminal, and the third terminal 21213 can be a clock terminal. The consumable chip 210 also includes a response module 21221, as shown in Figure 8b. The response module 21221 is electrically connected to the first terminal 21211 and the third terminal 21213.

[0068] 8a , in some embodiments, the consumable chip 210 further includes a fourth terminal 21214 and a fifth terminal 21215. The fourth terminal 21214 may be a power terminal, and the fifth terminal 21215 may be a ground terminal. The response module 21221 may 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 to electrically connect to the printing device 110. The first terminal 21211, third terminal 21213, fourth terminal 21214, and fifth terminal 21215 are all located on the first plane 2121. The consumable chip 210 is configured not to receive a chip select signal from the printing device 110. The consumable chip does not have a chip select terminal electrically connected to a contact pin in the printing device for outputting a chip select signal, or the chip select terminal is blocked by an electrically insulating component, or the chip select terminal on the consumable chip is open circuited with the chip select pin on the consumable chip for transmitting the chip select signal. Referring to FIG8b , the response module 21221 can be located on the second plane 2122. For ease of description, the following description uses 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8c, the above-mentioned 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 (such as 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 of the consumable chip 210. In the embodiment of the present 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., or a volatile memory plus a power supply solution, such as SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory) + battery or capacitor, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) + battery or capacitor.

[0071] The control module 212212 can specifically be a single-chip microcomputer (MCU), a microcontroller, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC, etc., which is 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.

[0072] In one embodiment, the storage module 212211 and the control module 212212 can be integrated into the same circuit. The circuit can be designed as an integrated circuit (ASIC) and embodied in the form of a wafer. The consumable chip 210 includes the wafer and a circuit board that carries the wafer.

[0073] Based on the consumable chip 210 shown in Figures 8a, 8b and 8c, the consumable chip 210 communicates with the printing device 110, and the communication process includes a number of instruction information. The consumable chip 210 includes a response module 21221, a clock terminal and a data terminal. The clock terminal is used to receive a clock signal from the printing device 110, and the data terminal is used to send or receive a data signal. 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 a chip select signal from the printing device 110, that is, the consumable chip does not have a chip select terminal electrically connected to the contact pin in the printing device for outputting a chip select signal. The consumable chip 210 is configured to, during communication, have a response module 21221 acquire a clock signal and first instruction information. When the first instruction information is of the first type, the response module 21221 determines a judgment interval, and based on the judgment interval as a period, periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal. If the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, the first instruction information is stopped. When the first instruction information is of the second type, 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 executing the first instruction information at the end time of the second type of instruction information. Thus, in this embodiment of the present application, 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, and the consumable chip 210 is configured not to receive a chip select signal from the printing device 110. This avoids the possibility of instruction information execution errors caused by chip select signal jumps, thereby improving the accuracy of communication between the consumable chip 210 and the printing device 110. In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the consumable chip 210 includes a response module 21221. The response module 21221 can determine the judgment interval when the first instruction information is the first type of instruction information, and use the judgment interval as a period to periodically monitor whether the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal reaches a preset duration. If it reaches the preset duration, it determines that the first instruction information has ended. When it is determined that the first instruction information has ended, the execution of the first instruction information is stopped. That is, the response module judges whether the first type of instruction information has ended only after sending at least one set of response data to the printing device 110 each time. This can reduce the frequency of detecting whether the first type of instruction information has ended, and can reduce the possibility of misjudging the end of the 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 executing the first instruction information at the end time.In the embodiment of the present application, different methods can be used to determine whether the instruction information has ended for different instruction information. That is, the end of the instruction information can be flexibly determined based on the type of instruction information. This can reduce the probability of error when determining the end of the instruction information by monitoring the clock signal, further improve the accuracy of data communication, and thus ensure the working efficiency and data communication efficiency of the consumable chip 210. The following is a detailed description.

[0074] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a consumable chip 210 that communicates with a printing device 110. The communication process includes a number of command messages. The consumable chip 210 includes a response module 21221, a clock terminal, and a data terminal. The clock terminal is used to receive a clock signal from the printing device 110, and the data terminal is used to send or receive a data signal. 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 a chip select signal from the printing device 110.

[0075] The consumable chip 210 is used to, during the communication process, enable the response module 21221 to obtain the clock signal and the first instruction information.

[0076] When the first instruction message is of the first type, the response module 21221 determines a determination interval, and based on the determination interval being a period, periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being at the first level. If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level reaches a predetermined duration, the response module 21221 stops executing the first instruction message. The determination interval is the number of clocks required to send at least one set of response data to the printing device 110.

[0077] 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 executing the first instruction information at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

[0078] In this embodiment of the present application, 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 a data signal sent by the printing device 110 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 more accurately send response data to the printing device 110, the response module 21221 must first obtain the clock signal and first instruction information. In this case, the response module 21221 can receive the clock signal sent by the printing device 110 via the clock terminal and the first instruction information sent by the printing device 110 via the data terminal. After receiving the first instruction information, the response module 21221 can parse the first instruction information, determine response data based on the content of the first instruction information, and send the response data to the printing device 110 via the data terminal. Because the consumable chip 210 is electrically isolated from the contact pins that output the chip select signal in the printing device 110, that is, the consumable chip 210 is not electrically connected to the contact pins that output 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 command 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 command information has ended based on the clock signal.

[0079] There can be multiple types of instruction information, and different types of instruction information have different methods for determining the instruction information's end time. Therefore, response module 21221 needs to first determine the type of instruction information before determining the instruction information's end time, thereby determining the instruction information's end time based on the instruction information's type. For example, if the instruction information has a fixed duration, response module 21221 can directly determine the instruction information's corresponding end time based on the instruction information. If the instruction information has a non-fixed duration, response module 21221 needs to determine the instruction information's end time based on a clock signal. Therefore, after receiving the first instruction information, response module 21221 needs to first determine the type of the first instruction information to ensure the accuracy of determining the first instruction information's end time. After receiving the first instruction information, response module 21221 can parse the first instruction information to obtain information such as the instruction code, identification code, and header in the first instruction information. Response module 21221 can then determine the type of the first instruction information based on at least one of the following: the instruction code, identification code, and header. In some embodiments, the first type of instruction information is instruction information of a non-fixed duration, and the second type of instruction information is instruction information of a fixed duration. That is, when the first instruction information is determined to be instruction information of the first type, it is indicated that the first instruction information is instruction information of a non-fixed duration. In other words, the first instruction information is not instruction information of a 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. Typically, 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 is not transmitting 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. In other words, the printing device 110 is sending 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 second-level signal. Therefore, when the first instruction information is the first type of instruction information, the response module 21221 can detect whether the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal reaches a preset duration to determine whether the first type of instruction information has ended.

[0080] After the consumable chip 210 receives the first instruction information, the response module 21221 can set the monitoring period to the judgment interval. That is, the response module 21221 can use the number of clocks that 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 uses the judgment interval as the period and periodically monitors whether the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration. The number of clocks that the response module 21221 sends a set of response data to the printing device 210 can be predetermined. In some embodiments, a set of response data includes original data and inverted data, wherein the original data and inverted data are inverted versions of each other. Therefore, a set of response data typically includes an even multiple of a single set of original data or a single set of inverted data, and a set of clocks typically corresponds to 9 bits of data (a single set of original data or a single set of inverted data), including 8 valid data bits and one check bit. Therefore, the number of clocks to send a set of response data can be the number of clocks corresponding to 2*9 bits. The printing device 110 can determine the correctness of the set of response data based on the check code included in the set of response data. The determination interval is the number of clocks required to send a certain number of response data sets to the printing device 110 and can be pre-set based on actual needs. For example, the determination interval can be the number of clocks required to send a single set of response data, in which case the determination interval is the number of clocks corresponding to 2*9 bits. Alternatively, the determination interval can be the number of clocks required to send two sets of response data sets, in which case the determination interval is the number of clocks corresponding to 4*9 bits. Of course, the determination interval can also be the number of clocks required to send any other number of response data sets to the printing device 110, and this embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

[0081] That is, after determining the judgment interval, the response module 21221 monitors the duration of the clock signal being at the first level after each judgment interval, using the judgment interval as a time interval. If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level reaches a preset duration, the first instruction information can be determined to have ended. Upon determining that the first instruction information has ended, the execution of the first instruction information can be stopped, i.e., the read operation or write operation can be stopped.

[0082] When it is determined that the first instruction information is not instruction information of the first type but instruction information of the second type, it is indicated that the first instruction information is instruction information of a fixed duration. In some embodiments, the response module 21221 may pre-store the end time corresponding to the instruction information of the second type. In this way, after determining that the first instruction information is instruction information 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 instruction information of the second type. Then, based on the clock signal, the response module 21221 can determine that the instruction information of the second type has ended when the end time of the first instruction information is reached. At the end time of the second instruction information, the response module 21221 can stop executing the first instruction information, that is, stop executing the read operation or write operation. For example, the response module 21221 pre-stores the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information as the 36th clock signal in the reply message. Then, when the response module 21221 determines that the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, it can be determined that the end time of the first instruction information is the 36th clock signal in the reply message. At this time, the response module 21221 can determine that the first instruction information ends when the 36th clock signal in the reply message arrives, and stop executing the first instruction information, that is, stop executing the read operation or write operation.

[0083] Alternatively, in 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 ends and the execution of the first instruction information is stopped, that is, the read operation or write operation is stopped.

[0084] 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 the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present application, the printing device 110 is electrically connected to the data and clock terminals 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, which is not copper-clad. In other words, the second contact pin 1114, which outputs the chip select signal of the printing device 110, is not electrically connected to the consumable chip 210. This ensures the accuracy of command information execution and improves the accuracy of communication between the consumable chip 210 and the printing device 110. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present application, although the consumable chip 210 cannot receive chip select signals, the response module 21221 can determine whether the first type of command information has ended each time it sends at least one set of response data to the printing device 110. This can accurately determine the end of the first type of command information and reduce the frequency of detecting whether the first type of command information has ended, thereby reducing the possibility of false determination of the end of the command information and improving the accuracy and efficiency of data communication. That is to say, in the embodiment of the present application, even if the chip select terminal is not set in the first plane 2121 of the consumable chip 210, the response module 21221 in the second plane 2122 can also accurately determine the end of the first instruction information, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the execution of the instruction information and improving the efficiency of data communication.

[0086] Typically, when the consumable chip 210 sends response data to the printing device 110, the data is usually sent in 9-bit units. A 9-bit data unit includes 8 valid data bits and a check bit. Each 1-bit data transmission typically requires a clock signal. Therefore, 9-bit data typically requires 9 clock signals to transmit. In some embodiments, the determination interval includes 2n*9 clock signals, where n is an integer greater than 0.

[0087] The value of n can be preset according to actual needs. By setting the value of n, the frequency of the response module 21221 monitoring whether the first instruction information is completed can be determined, thereby meeting the load requirements of different users on the consumable chip 210.

[0088] As a possible implementation method, the consumable chip 210 is specifically used for: when the first instruction information is the first type of instruction information, the response module 21221 determines 2n*9 clock signals as the judgment interval, and based on the judgment interval, uses the 2n*9th clock signal after the first clock signal as the reference clock signal, and determines the target change moment of the reference clock signal as the target reference moment.

[0089] The duration during which the clock signal is a first level signal after the target reference time is monitored.

[0090] If the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, the execution of the first instruction information is stopped.

[0091] The first clock signal is the clock signal corresponding to when the response module 21221 starts sending response data to the printing device 110. The target change time of the reference clock signal includes the time when the reference clock signal changes from a first level signal to a second level signal, or from a second level signal to a first level signal. The first level signal and the second level signal are different.

[0092] Typically, the first command message must be parsed before a corresponding response can be made to the printing device 110. Therefore, to reduce monitoring frequency, after receiving the first command message, the response module 21221 does not need to directly monitor the completion of the first command message. Instead, it can monitor the completion of the first command message when the consumable chip 210 begins responding to the printing device 110. During the execution of the command message, the consumable chip 210 typically completes execution only after it responds to the printing device 110. To further reduce monitoring frequency, the completion of the first command message can be detected after the consumable chip 210 sends at least one set of response data to the printing device 110. The number of clocks required to send at least one set of response data is the determination interval, which is 2n*9 clock signals. Therefore, when the consumable chip 210 responds to the printing device 110, it can detect the completion of the first command message every 2n*9 clock signals. Based on this, after parsing the first instruction information, the response module 21221 starts sending response data to the printing device 110. The clock signal corresponding to the start of sending the response data is the first clock signal as the starting time, the 2n*9th clock signal after the first clock signal is used as the reference clock signal, and the target change time of the reference clock signal is used as the target reference time. Among them, since the clock signal generally includes a change from a first-level signal to a second-level signal and a change from a second-level signal to a first-level signal. For example, when the first-level signal is a low-level signal and the second-level signal is a high-level signal, the clock signal generally includes a rising edge and a falling edge. Therefore, the target change time of the reference clock signal can be the moment when the first-level signal of the clock signal changes to the second-level signal or the moment when the second-level signal changes to the first-level signal, that is, the moment when the rising edge of the reference clock signal changes or the moment when the falling edge changes can be used as the target reference time.

[0093] At the target reference time, the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal is detected. If the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, the first instruction information can be determined to have ended. Upon determining that the first instruction information has ended, the execution of the first instruction information can be stopped, that is, the read operation or write operation can be stopped.

[0094] As a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned consumable chip 210 is also used for: if the duration of the clock signal being a first-level signal does not reach a preset duration, the response module 21221 will re-use the 2n*9th clock signal received after the target reference time as the reference clock signal, and update the target reference time based on the target change time of the reference clock signal.

[0095] After re-monitoring the target reference time, the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal is measured, and when the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal does not reach the preset duration, the target reference time is re-updated until the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal is measured to reach the preset duration, and the execution of the first instruction information is stopped.

[0096] If response module 21221 detects that the duration of the clock signal being at the first level does not reach the preset duration, that is, the clock signal changes from the first level to the second level within the preset duration, then the first instruction message has not yet concluded. Response module 21221 needs to continue detecting whether the first instruction message has concluded. Response module 21221 can update the reference clock signal and recheck whether the first instruction message has concluded after an interval of 2n*9 clock signals. Response module 21221 can re-use the 2n*9th clock signal received after the target reference time as the reference clock signal and update the target reference time based on the target change time of the reference clock signal. That is, the target change time of the updated reference clock signal is used as the new target reference time. After updating the target reference time, the duration of the clock signal being at the first level after the target reference time can be re-monitored. If the duration of the clock signal being at the first level does not reach the preset duration, then the first instruction message has not yet concluded. The consumable chip 210 needs to continue detecting whether the first instruction message has concluded. At this time, the consumable chip 210 needs to update the target reference time again. The update process can refer to the above process and will not be repeated here. Until the duration of the monitored clock signal being a first level signal after the updated target reference time reaches a preset duration, the execution of the first instruction information can be stopped.

[0097] It should be understood that the judgment interval is the number of clocks required to send at least one set of response data to the printing device 110. Typically, if the clock signal remains at the first level during the processing of the first instruction message, this level typically occurs within the time it takes to send a set of response data. Therefore, if the consumable chip 210 detects that the clock signal remains at the first level for a predetermined duration during the transmission of at least the first set of response data to the printing device 110, then even if the response module 21221 detects that the clock signal remains at the first level for a predetermined duration within the judgment interval, the response module 21221 can determine that subsequent clock signals for the same response data will be received, as this is not the time to monitor the completion of the first instruction message. In other words, the method of periodically monitoring whether the clock signal remains at the first level for a predetermined duration, using the judgment interval as a period, in the embodiments of the present application, can reduce the probability of misjudging the completion of the first instruction message due to the duration of the first level exceeding the predetermined duration.

[0098] For example, when the printing device 110 needs to communicate with the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 may first provide a power signal to the consumable chip 210. At this point, the consumable chip 210 may receive the power signal via the power terminal 2104. 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. Assume that the first-level signal is a low-level signal and the second-level signal is a high-level signal. The printing device 110 sends a clock signal that alternates between a low-level signal and a high-level signal to the consumable chip 210. When the printing device 110 is not communicating with the consumable chip 210, the clock signal it sends to the consumable chip 210 is a continuous low-level signal. Assume that the consumable chip 210 detects a rising edge in the received clock signal at time t1. The consumable chip 210 may determine that the received clock signal at time t1 has transitioned from a continuous low-level signal to an alternating first-level signal and a second-level signal. At this point, the consumable chip 210 may determine that execution of the first instruction information has begun. The consumable chip 210 receives the first instruction information sent by the printing device 110 from time t1 to t2. The consumable chip 210 can parse the instruction information from time t2 to t3 to determine the type of instruction information, for example, whether the first instruction information is the first type of instruction information or the second type of instruction information, and perform corresponding data processing according to the type of the first instruction information. Assuming that the instruction information received by the consumable chip 210 is the first type of instruction information, after the consumable chip 210 completes the corresponding data processing, the consumable chip 210 can reply to the printing device 110 at time t3, that is, start sending response data to the printing device 110 at time t3. At this time, the consumable chip 210 can use the first clock signal when it starts sending response data to the printing device 110 as the starting time. That is, the consumable chip 210 can use time t3 as the starting time and monitor the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal every 2n*9 clock signals after time t3. That is, the 2n*9th clock signal received after the moment t3 is used as the reference clock signal, and the target change moment of the reference clock signal is used as the target reference moment. Assume that the target change moment is the falling edge of the clock signal. The consumable chip 210 can use the falling edge of the reference clock signal as the target reference moment, represented by t4, as shown in Figures 9a, 9b and 9c. During the execution of the first instruction information, the consumable chip 210 needs to determine whether to terminate the execution of the first instruction information. The consumable chip 210 can detect whether the duration of the first level signal of the clock signal received after the moment t4 reaches a preset duration. Assuming that the duration between the moments t4 and t5 is a preset duration, after determining the moment t4, the consumable chip 210 needs to detect whether the clock signal is a continuous first level signal from the moment t4 to the moment t5. If the clock signal is a continuous first level signal from the moment t4 to the moment t5, as shown in Figure 9a, the execution of the first instruction information can be terminated.

[0099] If it is detected that the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal does not reach the preset time, that is, the clock signal changes from the first level signal to the second level signal between time t4 and time t5, as shown in Figures 9b and 9c, it means that the first instruction information has not ended. At this time, the consumable chip 210 can update the target reference time according to the target reference time t4. That is, the consumable chip 210 can use the 2n*9th clock received after the target reference time t4 as the reference clock signal again, and use the falling edge change moment of the reference clock signal as the new target reference time to update the target reference time. As shown in Figures 9b and 9c, the consumable chip 210 can determine the falling edge change moment of the reference clock signal, that is, time t6, as the new target reference time. At this time, the consumable chip 210 needs to monitor whether the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches the preset duration after time t6. That is, the consumable chip 210 needs to detect whether the clock signal is a first level signal between time t6 and time t7. If the clock signal is a continuous first level signal from time t6 to time t7, as shown in FIG. 9 b , the execution of the first instruction information can be terminated.

[0100] If the duration of the detected clock signal being at the first level does not reach the preset time, that is, the clock signal changes from the first level to the second level between time t6 and time t7, as shown in Figure 9c, it indicates that the first instruction information has not yet ended and the target reference time needs to be updated. In this case, the consumable chip 210 can continue to update the target reference time in the above manner until the duration of the detected clock signal being at the first level reaches the preset time, at which point the execution of the first instruction information can be terminated.

[0101] 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 instruction information of the first type, and determine the end of the first type of instruction information based on the moment when the response data is sent when the data length of the first instruction information reaches a preset length threshold.

[0102] In the embodiment of the present application, the instruction information sent by the printing device 110 is not infinitely long, but has an upper limit on its length. 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 the upper limit of its data length. 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 completed sending the entire content of the first instruction information. At this time, the response module 21221 does not need to determine whether the first instruction information has ended. It can directly determine that the first instruction information has ended after sending the response data and stop executing the first instruction information.

[0103] In this way, the response module 21221 determines the judgment interval, and takes the judgment interval as a period. The duration of the periodic monitoring clock signal being the first level signal includes:

[0104] When the data length of the first instruction information does not reach the preset length threshold, the response module 21221 determines a judgment interval, and periodically monitors the duration of the first level signal of the clock signal with the judgment interval as a period.

[0105] That is, if the first instruction message received by response module 21221 does not reach the preset length threshold, printing device 110 may continue to send the data content of the first instruction message. Therefore, response module 21221 needs to determine whether the first instruction message has ended. If the data length of the first instruction message does not reach the preset length threshold, response module 21221 needs to determine a determination interval and, using the determination interval as a period, periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being at the first level to determine whether the first instruction message has ended.

[0106] In this way, the probability of misjudging the end of the first instruction information due to the situation that the duration of the first level signal of the same instruction information is longer than the preset time length can be further reduced.

[0107] It should be understood that the judgment interval is the number of clocks required to send at least one set of response data to the printing device 110. Typically, if the clock signal remains at the first level during the processing of the first instruction message, this state occurs within the time it takes to send a set of response data. Therefore, if the consumable chip 210 detects that the clock signal remains at the first level for a predetermined duration during the transmission of at least one set of response data to the printing device 110, then even if the response module 21221 detects that the clock signal remains at the first level for a predetermined duration within the judgment interval, the response module 21221 can determine that subsequent clock signals for the same response data will be received, as this is not the time to monitor the completion of the first instruction message. In other words, the method of periodically monitoring whether the clock signal remains at the first level for a predetermined duration, using the judgment interval as a period, in the embodiments of the present application, can reduce the probability of misjudging the completion of the first instruction message due to the first level duration exceeding the predetermined duration.

[0108] In some embodiments, when the first type of instruction information is of a non-fixed duration, the clock signal may remain at the second level or the first level for a period of time within the first type of instruction information, rather than alternating between the first and second levels. That is, the first type of instruction information includes two subtypes: first sub-category instruction information and second sub-category instruction information. In the second sub-category instruction information, during the transmission of data signals, the clock signal may remain at the second level or the first level for a period of time, rather than alternating between the first and second levels. In some embodiments, this period of time may be greater than the first preset duration. Referring to FIG7 , assume that the transmission, processing, and reply process of the first instruction information is from time t1 to t10, and the execution of the second instruction information begins after time t11. In FIG7 , during the execution of the first instruction information of the second sub-category, the clock signal remains at the first level for a period from time t8 to t9, indicating that the first instruction information has not yet terminated. Assume that 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. 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 within the first preset time length Z, that is, no clock signal is detected to be alternating between the first level signal and the second level signal within the first preset time length Z. At this time, the response module 21221 can stop executing the first instruction information.

[0109] 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 that the instruction information has ended, in the embodiment of the present application, the judgment interval is used as a period, for example, 2n*9 clock signals as a period, and a judgment is made as to whether the first instruction information has ended after every 2n*9 clock signals. Under normal circumstances, the situation in which the clock signal in the second sub-category instruction information remains in the state of the second level signal or the first level signal usually occurs within the time of sending a set of response data, that is, within 2*9 clock signals. 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 within 2n*9 clock signals, the response module 21221 detects that the clock signal remains in the state of the second level signal or the first level signal for a preset duration, since this time point is not the time to monitor whether the first instruction information has ended, the response module 21221 can determine that there will be a clock signal for the subsequent frame of response data. That is to say, the method of periodically monitoring whether the duration of the clock signal as the first level signal reaches the preset duration in the embodiment of the present application with the judgment interval as the period can reduce the probability of misjudging the end of the first instruction information due to the situation that the duration of the first level signal of the same instruction information is greater than the preset duration.

[0110] In some embodiments, in order to more accurately execute the first instruction information, the consumable chip 210 can not only determine the end time of the first instruction information, but also determine the start time of the first instruction information. The details are as follows:

[0111] 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. In other words, the printing device 110 sends an invalid clock signal to the consumable chip 210. At this point, the response module 21221 can receive the invalid clock signal via the clock terminal in the first plane 2121. Upon receiving the invalid clock signal, the response module 21221 can determine that the first instruction information has not been initiated based on the invalid clock signal.

[0112] 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 an alternating first-level signal and a second-level signal. 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 has changed from a continuous first-level signal to an alternating first-level signal and a second-level signal. The response module 21221 can then determine that the first instruction information has started, i.e., the first instruction information has begun execution.

[0113] In this way, in the embodiment of the present application, the start and end 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.

[0114] As a 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.

[0115] In some embodiments, to ensure accuracy in determining the end 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.

[0116] As a possible implementation, response module 21221 can determine whether the first instruction message has ended not only by using a clock signal, but also by using other signals. In some embodiments, response module 21221 can determine whether the first instruction message has ended by using a power signal. Response module 21221 is electrically connected to the power terminal of first plane 2121, can receive the power signal sent by printing device 110 through the power terminal, and determine whether the first instruction message has ended based on the power signal.

[0117] When the printing device 110 does not transmit instruction information to the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 sends a power signal with a first level signal to the consumable chip 210. At this time, the response module 21221 can obtain the power signal with a first level signal and determine that the first instruction information has not started when receiving the power signal with a first level signal.

[0118] When the printing device 110 begins communicating with the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 changes the power signal to a second-level signal and sends it to the consumable chip 210. At this point, the response module 21221 can obtain the power signal that has changed to the second-level signal. Upon detecting that the power signal has changed from the first-level signal to the second-level signal, the response module 21221 determines that the first instruction information has started, and the response module 21221 begins executing the first instruction information.

[0119] When the printing device 110 ends communication with the consumable chip 210, the printing device 110 changes the power signal to a first-level signal and sends it to the consumable chip 210. At this point, the response module 21221 can obtain the power signal that has changed to the first-level signal. Upon detecting that the power signal has changed from the second-level signal to the first-level signal, the response module 21221 can determine that the first instruction information has ended and stop executing the first instruction information.

[0120] For example, as shown in FIG10 , assuming that 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 determines that the first instruction information has not started.

[0121] At time t4, the printing device 110 begins communicating with the consumable chip 210. At this point, 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 point, the response module 21221 detects the change in the power signal from a low-level signal to a high-level signal at time t4, determines that the first instruction information has started, and begins executing the first instruction information.

[0122] At time t5, the printing device 110 needs to end 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 obtains the low-level power signal. At this time, the response module 21221 can detect that the power signal changes from a high-level signal to a low-level signal at time t5. The response module 21221 can determine that the first instruction information has ended at time t5 and stop executing the first instruction information at time t5.

[0123] Of course, the response module 21221 can also determine whether the first instruction information is completed through other signals, and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0124] In this way, in the embodiment of the present application, the consumable chip 210 can further determine the end of the instruction information in multiple ways.

[0125] In the second aspect, referring to FIG11 , a communication flow diagram is provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to the consumable chip 210 described in the above embodiment. As shown in FIG11 , the method includes:

[0126] Step S1101: During the communication process, obtain a clock signal and first instruction information.

[0127] The response module 21221 of the consumable chip 210 performs different steps according to the type of the first instruction information: if the first instruction information is of the first type, step S1102a is executed; if the first instruction information is of the second type, step S1102b is executed.

[0128] Step S1102a: When the first instruction information is the first type of instruction information, determine the judgment interval, and based on the judgment interval as a period, periodically monitor the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal; if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, stop executing the first instruction information.

[0129] The determination interval is the number of clocks required to send at least one set of response data to the printing device 110 .

[0130] Step S1102b: When the first instruction information is the second type of instruction information, based on the content of the second type of instruction information, determine the end time corresponding to the second type of instruction information using a preset method, and stop executing the first instruction information at the end time of the second type of instruction information.

[0131] As a possible implementation, the determination interval includes 2n*9 clock signals, where n is an integer greater than 0.

[0132] As a possible implementation, in step S1102a above, when the first instruction information is instruction information of the first type, determining a judgment interval, based on the judgment interval being a period, periodically monitoring a duration during which the clock signal is a first level signal; and stopping execution of the first instruction information if the duration during which the clock signal is a first level signal reaches a preset duration includes:

[0133] When the first instruction information is the first type of instruction information, 2n*9 clock signals are determined as the judgment interval. Based on the judgment interval, the 2n*9th clock signal after the first clock signal is used as the reference clock signal, and the target change moment of the reference clock signal is determined as the target reference moment.

[0134] The duration during which the clock signal is a first level signal after the target reference time is monitored.

[0135] If the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, the execution of the first instruction information is stopped.

[0136] The first clock signal is the clock signal corresponding to the start of sending response data to the printing device 110. The target change time of the reference clock signal includes the time when the reference clock signal changes from a first level signal to a second level signal, or from a second level signal to a first level signal. The first level signal and the second level signal are different.

[0137] As a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0138] If the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal does not reach the preset duration, the 2n*9th clock signal received after the target reference time is used again as the reference clock signal, and the target reference time is updated based on the target change time of the reference clock signal.

[0139] After re-monitoring the target reference time, the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal is measured, and when the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal does not reach the preset duration, the target reference time is re-updated until it is monitored that the duration of the clock signal being the first level signal reaches the preset duration, and then the execution of the first instruction information is stopped.

[0140] As a possible implementation manner, 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.

[0141] As a possible implementation manner, the first level signal includes a low level signal.

[0142] As a possible implementation, a set of response data includes original data and inverted data, wherein the original data and the inverted data are inverted versions of each other.

[0143] As a possible implementation manner, the first type of instruction information is instruction information of non-fixed duration, and the second type of instruction information is instruction information of fixed duration.

[0144] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the present application also provides a consumable box including the consumable chip 210 described in the above embodiment.

[0145] Corresponding to the above embodiments, the present application further provides an image forming device, including the consumable chip 210 described in the above embodiments or including the consumable box described in the above embodiments.

[0146] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0147] 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 the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0148] Any process or method description in a flowchart or otherwise described herein may be understood to represent a module, segment or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing the steps of a custom logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present application includes alternative implementations in which functions may be performed out of the order shown or discussed, including performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the reverse order depending on the functions involved, which should be understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present application belong.

Claims

1. A chip, which communicates with an image forming apparatus. The communication process includes a number of 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. The data terminal is used to transmit 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. It is characterized in that, the chip is configured not to receive a chip select signal from the image forming apparatus; the chip is used for, during the communication process, the response module obtains a clock signal and a first instruction message; when the first instruction message is a first type of instruction message, the response module determines a judgment interval and periodically monitors the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal based on the judgment interval as a period; if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, the execution of the first instruction message is stopped; the judgment interval is the number of clocks for sending at least one set of response data to the image forming apparatus; when the first instruction message is a second type of instruction message, the response module determines an end time corresponding to the second type of instruction message in a preset manner based on the content of the second type of instruction message, and stops executing the first instruction message at the end time of the second type of instruction message.

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

3. The chip according to claim 2, wherein Specifically, the chip is used for: when the first instruction message is a first type of instruction message, the response module determines 2n * 9 clock signals as the judgment interval, based on the judgment interval, takes the 2n * 9th clock signal after the first clock signal as a reference clock signal, and determines the target change time of the reference clock signal as the target reference time; where the first clock signal is the clock signal corresponding to when the response module starts to send response data to the image forming apparatus; the target change time of the reference clock signal includes the time when the reference clock signal changes from a first level signal to a second level signal, or from a second level signal to a first level signal; the first level signal is different from the second level signal; monitor the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal after the target reference time; if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal reaches a preset duration, stop executing the first instruction message.

4. The chip according to claim 3, wherein The chip is further used for: if the duration of the clock signal being a first level signal does not reach the preset duration, the response module takes the 2n * 9th clock signal received after the target reference time as the reference clock signal again, and updates the target reference time based on the target change time of the reference clock signal; Re - monitor the duration during which the clock signal is at the first - level signal after the target reference time, and when the duration during which the clock signal is at the first - level signal does not reach the preset duration, update the target reference time again until it is monitored that the duration during which the clock signal is at the first - level signal reaches the preset duration, then stop executing the first instruction information.

5. The chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset duration is greater than the duration of one clock signal and less than the interval duration between the first instruction information and the next instruction information.

6. The chip according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first - level signal includes a low - level signal.

7. The chip according to claim 2, wherein The set of response data includes original data and complementary - code data, where the original data and the complementary - code data are complementary to each other.

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

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the chip according to any one of claims 1 - 8, the method includes: During the communication process, obtain a clock signal and the first instruction information; When the first instruction information is the first - type instruction information, determine the judgment interval, and based on the judgment interval as a period, periodically monitor the duration during which the clock signal is at the first - level signal; if the duration during which the clock signal is at the first - level signal reaches the preset duration, then stop executing the first instruction information; the judgment interval is the number of clocks for sending at least one set of response data to the image forming device; When the first instruction information is the second - type instruction information, based on the content of the second - type instruction information, use a preset method to determine the end time corresponding to the second - type instruction information, and at the end time of the second - type instruction information, stop executing the first instruction information.

10. A consumable cartridge, characterized in that, Includes the chip according to any one of claims 1 - 8.

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