Communication method, consumable chip, consumable and image forming device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a communication method, a consumable chip, a consumable, and an image forming device. The communication method is applied to a consumable chip, the method comprising: when in a communicable state, the consumable chip feeding back a ready signal to an image forming device; and, on the basis of the communication initiated by the image forming device according to the ready signal, receiving data sent by the image forming device. In the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the image forming device initiates the communication according to the ready signal, so as to ensure that the consumable chip is in the communicable state when receiving the communication initiated by the image forming device, ensuring smooth communication.

Description

Communication method, consumable chip, consumables and image forming device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on January 3, 2024, with application number 202410012580X and application name “A communication method, consumable chip, consumables and image forming device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of electronic computer technology, and more particularly to a communication method, a consumable chip, consumables, and an image forming device. Background Art

[0003] Image forming devices include but are not limited to printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and multifunction devices that integrate printing, copying, faxing, scanning and other functions into one, and their function is to print images or text on imaging media.

[0004] Image forming devices usually require the installation of consumables, such as printing consumables cartridges, for use.

[0005] Typically, consumables installed in image forming devices contain a consumable chip for identification. This chip contains not only information related to consumable identification but also information related to the consumable's lifespan. When a consumable is installed in an image forming device, the device typically authenticates the consumable using the consumable chip. During this authentication process, the device communicates with the consumable chip. For example, the device sends instructions to the consumable chip, which then processes the instructions and provides feedback.

[0006] However, due to hardware cost constraints on consumable chips, they cannot perform other operations while maintaining communication. This requires that the image forming device and the consumable chip cannot communicate with each other while the consumable chip is performing other operations. Otherwise, the current operation being performed by the consumable chip will fail or communication will fail.

[0007] Therefore, a communication method is needed to ensure smooth communication interaction between the image forming device and the consumable chip.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] In order to ensure smooth communication and interaction between an image forming device and a consumable chip, the present application provides a communication method, a consumable chip, consumables, and an image forming device.

[0010] The embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0011] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a consumable chip, and the method includes:

[0012] When the consumable chip is in a communicative state, feeding back a ready signal to the image forming device; the ready signal includes an initialization signal and / or a communication ready signal;

[0013] receiving input information sent by the image forming device based on communication initiated by the image forming device in response to the ready signal;

[0014] When the consumable chip completes processing based on the input information, the consumable chip feeds back the communication ready signal to the image forming device; wherein the communication ready signal is generated according to the type of the input information.

[0015] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, the image forming device initiates communication based on the ready signal, thereby ensuring that the consumable chip is in a communicative state when receiving the communication initiated by the image forming device, ensuring smooth communication while avoiding time waste.

[0016] In an implementation of the first aspect, the ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on a clock line.

[0017] In an implementation of the first aspect, the ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a first preset time period.

[0018] In an implementation of the first aspect, the ready signal includes an initialization signal, and when the consumable chip is in a communicable state, feeding back the ready signal to the image forming device includes:

[0019] When the consumable chip is initialized, an initialization signal is fed back to the image forming device, wherein the initialization signal is used to indicate that the consumable chip has completed initialization and is in a communicable state.

[0020] According to the above implementation, the image forming device initiates the first communication after receiving the initialization signal fed back by the consumable chip. This ensures that the consumable chip has completed initialization and is in a communicative state when it receives the first communication initiated by the image forming device, ensuring smooth progress of the first communication. Furthermore, after the consumable chip completes initialization, it can receive the first communication initiated by the image forming device without waiting, thus avoiding wasted time.

[0021] In an implementation of the first aspect, the initialization signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on a clock line, and the pulse width of the initialization signal is determined according to the model of the consumable chip.

[0022] In an implementation of the first aspect, generating the communication ready signal according to the type of the input information includes:

[0023] When the input information is an instruction, generating the communication ready signal according to the type of the instruction;

[0024] or,

[0025] When the input information is data, the communication ready signal is generated according to the data type.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to an image forming device, and includes:

[0027] receiving a ready signal fed back by the consumable chip, wherein the ready signal is used to indicate that the consumable chip is in a communicative state;

[0028] After receiving the ready signal, communication is initiated to the consumable chip and input information is sent.

[0029] In an implementation of the second aspect, after receiving the ready signal, initiating communication to the consumable chip and sending input information includes:

[0030] verifying the ready signal;

[0031] When the ready signal passes verification, initiating communication with the consumable chip and sending data;

[0032] When the ready signal fails to pass the verification, a consumable chip abnormality prompt is output.

[0033] In an implementation of the second aspect, the ready signal includes a communication ready signal, and the method further includes:

[0034] When the communication ready signal is not received within a second preset time period after the nth communication is completed, a consumable chip abnormality prompt is output.

[0035] In an implementation manner of the second aspect, the second preset duration is determined by data sent in the nth communication.

[0036] In an implementation of the second aspect, the ready signal includes an initialization signal, and the method further includes:

[0037] When the initialization signal is not received within a third preset time period after the image forming device is turned on, a consumable chip abnormality prompt is output.

[0038] In a third aspect, the present application provides a consumable chip, wherein the consumable chip is mounted on a consumable, and the consumable is detachably mounted on an image forming device, and the consumable chip includes:

[0039] A chip control unit, configured to generate a ready signal, wherein the ready signal is used to indicate that the consumable chip is in a communicative state;

[0040] A communication unit is configured to: feed back the ready signal to the image forming device; and communicate with the image forming device, wherein the communication is initiated by the image forming device according to the ready signal.

[0041] In an implementation manner of the third aspect, the ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the chip control unit on a clock line.

[0042] In an implementation of the third aspect, the ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the chip control unit on a clock line within a first preset time period.

[0043] In an implementation of the third aspect:

[0044] The ready signal includes an initialization signal;

[0045] The chip control unit is used to generate the initialization signal when the initialization of the consumable chip is completed, wherein the initialization signal is used to indicate that the consumable chip has completed initialization and is in a communicative state.

[0046] In an implementation of the third aspect, the initialization signal is a pulse signal generated by the chip control unit on a clock line, and the pulse width of the initialization signal is determined according to the model of the consumable chip.

[0047] In an implementation of the third aspect:

[0048] The ready signal includes a communication ready signal;

[0049] The communication unit is configured to receive input information of the image forming device in the nth communication based on the nth communication initiated by the image forming device;

[0050] The chip control unit is configured to: perform data processing after the nth communication is completed; and generate the communication ready signal when the chip control unit completes the data processing, wherein the communication ready signal is used to indicate that the chip control unit has completed the data processing and is in a communicative state;

[0051] The communication unit is further configured to receive input information sent by the image forming device based on the (n+1)th communication initiated by the image forming device in response to the communication ready signal.

[0052] In an implementation of the third aspect, the communication ready signal is a signal generated by the chip control unit based on a preset generation logic according to input information of the image forming device in the nth communication.

[0053] In an implementation of the third aspect, the preset generation logic includes at least one of the following:

[0054] When the input information is an instruction, generating the communication ready signal according to the type of the instruction;

[0055] When the input information is data, the communication ready signal is generated according to the data type.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a consumable material, comprising:

[0057] case;

[0058] a developer containing portion, disposed in the housing and configured to contain the developer;

[0059] And the consumable chip described in the third aspect.

[0060] In an implementation of the fourth aspect, the consumables further include:

[0061] The developer conveying element is used for conveying the developer.

[0062] In an implementation of the fourth aspect, the consumables further include:

[0063] Photosensitive drum;

[0064] A charging roller is used for charging the photosensitive drum.

[0065] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a consumable material, comprising:

[0066] Photosensitive drum;

[0067] a charging roller, for charging the photosensitive drum;

[0068] And the consumable chip described in the third aspect.

[0069] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides an image forming device, comprising a memory for storing computer program instructions and a processor for executing computer program instructions, wherein when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the image forming device is triggered to execute the method steps described in the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the switching of the operating state of a consumable chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing a timing diagram of communication interaction between a consumable chip and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing communication interaction between a consumable chip and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing communication interaction between a consumable chip and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing a timing diagram of communication interaction between a consumable chip and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] FIG6 is a schematic diagram showing communication interaction between a consumable chip and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a consumable chip according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0077] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the specific embodiments of this application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0079] The terms used in the implementation section of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0080] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing the switching of the operating state of a consumable chip according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0081] As shown in Figure 1, after the consumable chip is initialized (S110), the consumable chip enters a communicative state (S120). In the communicative state, the consumable chip can communicate with the image forming device and exchange data. After the communication data exchange, if data processing is required, the consumable chip performs data processing (for example, parsing the instructions sent by the image forming device; generating authentication information, etc.). When the consumable chip performs data processing, the consumable chip enters a non-communicative state (S130). In the non-communicative state, the consumable chip cannot communicate with the image forming device and cannot exchange data. After the consumable chip data processing is completed, the consumable chip enters a communicative state (S120).

[0082] Generally, due to the limitations of the consumable chip's hardware performance, in the initial stage of communication between the consumable chip and the image forming device, it is the image forming device that initiates communication with the consumable chip. However, when the image forming device attempts to communicate with the consumable chip, it does not clearly know when the consumable chip is in a communicative state. To address this issue, a feasible solution is for the image forming device to adopt a strategy of waiting for a fixed period of time after a round of communication before communicating with the consumable chip again (the image forming device believes that at this fixed time, the consumable chip can complete its current data processing task and enter a state where it can accept communication).

[0083] However, the selection of the above fixed time can be a problem. If the selected fixed time is too short, the consumable chip may still be in a non-communicative state, which will cause communication failure. If the selected fixed time is too long, it will result in a waste of time.

[0084] For example, FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing a timing diagram of communication interaction between a consumable chip and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0085] As shown in Figure 2, after the nth communication is completed, the consumable chip enters the data processing phase, where data processing takes time t12. After the nth communication is completed, the image forming device waits for a fixed time t22 before initiating the n+1th communication with the consumable chip. Because the fixed time t22 is greater than the data processing time t12, by the time the image forming device initiates the n+1th communication with the consumable chip, the consumable chip has completed data processing and is ready for communication, allowing the n+1th communication to proceed smoothly.

[0086] However, since the image forming device cannot accurately determine the data processing time t12, a larger t22 must be selected to ensure that the fixed time t22 is greater than the data processing time t12. This results in the consumable chip potentially entering a communicative state long before the image forming device initiates the n+1th communication to the consumable chip. In other words, after the consumable chip completes data processing after the data processing time t12, it must wait for a longer time t32 (t32 = t22 - t12) before receiving the n+1th communication initiated by the image forming device, resulting in a waste of time.

[0087] In response to the above problem, in order to reduce time waste, an embodiment of the present application proposes a communication method between an image forming device and a consumable chip.

[0088] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing the communication interaction between the consumable chip and the image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] In one embodiment, the consumable chip and the image forming device execute the following process as shown in FIG3 to complete communication interaction.

[0090] S300 , when the consumable chip is in a communicative state, the consumable chip feeds back a ready signal to the image forming device, where the ready signal is used to indicate that the consumable chip is in a communicative state.

[0091] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific method of sending the ready signal by the consumable chip and the specific content of the ready signal are not specifically limited.

[0092] In one embodiment, the ready signal is a signal with a preset format (eg, a preset pulse width, a preset pulse frequency).

[0093] Optionally, the ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line. Optionally, the ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a first preset duration. The first preset duration can be a predefined value, for example, 1.6ms.

[0094] Optionally, the ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a first preset time period.

[0095] For example, in one application scenario, the consumable chip generates a low pulse lasting 1.6ms on the clock line of the Inter-Integrated Circuit (IIC) bus to indicate to the image forming device that communication is possible. The image forming device can detect this low pulse through interruption or polling to determine that the consumable chip is in a communication state.

[0096] Optionally, the ready signal is a plurality of pulse signals generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a first preset time period.

[0097] For example, in one application scenario, the consumable chip generates two consecutive low pulses on the clock line of the integrated circuit (IC) bus (Inter-Integrated Circuit, IIC), each low pulse lasting 0.6ms, with a 0.4ms interval between the two low pulses (the two low pulses occupy a total of 1.6ms (the first preset duration)), to indicate to the image forming device that communication is possible. The image forming device can detect the low pulses through interruption or polling methods to determine that the consumable chip is in a communicative state.

[0098] S301, the image forming device receives a ready signal fed back by a consumable chip.

[0099] S302 , after receiving the ready signal, the image forming device initiates communication with the consumable chip and sends input information.

[0100] S303 : The consumable chip receives input information sent by the image forming device based on the communication initiated by the image forming device according to the ready signal.

[0101] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, the image forming device initiates communication according to the ready signal, thereby ensuring that the consumable chip is in a communicative state when receiving the communication initiated by the image forming device, ensuring smooth communication.

[0102] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the ready signal includes a communication ready signal, which is used in multiple rounds of communication between the image forming device and the consumable chip to indicate that the consumable chip has completed data processing based on the previous round of communication and the consumable chip can proceed to the next round of communication.

[0103] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing the communication interaction between the consumable chip and the image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0104] In one embodiment, the consumable chip and the image forming device execute the following process as shown in FIG. 4 to complete communication interaction.

[0105] S310 , the image forming device initiates the nth communication to the consumable chip, and the image forming device and the consumable chip perform the nth communication (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1).

[0106] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, there are no specific limitations on the manner in which the image forming device initiates communication with the consumable chip, the manner in which the image forming device communicates with the consumable chip, and the content of communication between the image forming device and the consumable chip.

[0107] For example, in one embodiment, when the image forming device initiates the nth communication to the consumable chip, the image forming device sends a communication initiation request to the consumable chip, and the communication initiation request includes instruction information that needs to be transmitted to the consumable chip (for example, a consumable service life verification instruction); when the consumable chip receives the communication initiation request including the instruction information, it is deemed that the nth communication is completed.

[0108] For example, in another embodiment, when the image forming device initiates the nth communication with the consumable chip, the image forming device sends a communication initiation request to the consumable chip. After receiving the communication initiation request, the consumable chip verifies it and, upon successful verification, sends feedback information to the image forming device. The feedback information includes feedback content data (e.g., consumable lifespan, consumable attribute information) that needs to be transmitted to the image forming device. When the image forming device receives the feedback information including the feedback content data, the nth communication is deemed to be completed.

[0109] For another example, in another embodiment, when the image forming device initiates the nth communication to the consumable chip, the image forming device sends a communication initiation request to the consumable chip; the consumable chip verifies the communication initiation request after receiving it, and sends feedback information to the image forming device after the verification is passed; when the image forming device receives the feedback information, a communication link is established between the image forming device and the consumable chip; thereafter, the image forming device and the consumable chip exchange data based on the communication link.

[0110] S320, the consumable chip performs data processing.

[0111] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present application, the manner in which the consumable chip performs data processing and the content of the data processing performed by the consumable chip are not specifically limited.

[0112] For example, in one embodiment, the consumable chip performs corresponding data processing on the input information received during the nth communication.

[0113] For another example, in another embodiment, the consumable chip processes data received before the nth communication.

[0114] After the data processing of the consumable chip is completed (S320 is completed), the consumable chip executes S330.

[0115] S330 , the consumable chip feeds back a communication ready signal to the image forming device, where the communication ready signal is used to indicate that the consumable chip has completed data processing and is currently in a communicative state.

[0116] Specifically, the communication ready signal may refer to the ready signal.

[0117] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific method of sending the communication ready signal by the consumable chip and the specific content of the communication ready signal are not specifically limited.

[0118] In one embodiment, the communication ready signal is a signal with a preset format (eg, a preset pulse width, a preset pulse frequency).

[0119] Optionally, the communication ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line. Optionally, the communication ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a first preset duration. The first preset duration can be a predefined value, for example, 1.6ms.

[0120] Optionally, the communication ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a first preset time period.

[0121] For example, in one application scenario, the consumable chip generates a low pulse lasting 1.6ms on the clock line of the Inter-Integrated Circuit (IIC) bus to indicate to the image forming device that communication is possible. The image forming device can detect this low pulse through interruption or polling to determine that the consumable chip is in a communication state.

[0122] Optionally, the communication ready signal is a plurality of pulse signals generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a first preset time period.

[0123] For example, in one application scenario, the consumable chip generates two consecutive low pulses on the clock line of the integrated circuit (IC) bus (Inter-Integrated Circuit, IIC), each low pulse lasting 0.6ms, with a 0.4ms interval between the two low pulses (the two low pulses occupy a total of 1.6ms (the first preset duration)), to indicate to the image forming device that communication is possible. The image forming device can detect the low pulses through interruption or polling methods to determine that the consumable chip is in a communicative state.

[0124] In another embodiment, the communication ready signal is a signal generated based on a preset generation logic according to input information of the image forming device. The communication ready signal may be different depending on the input information of the image forming device.

[0125] For example, in one application scenario, during the nth communication, the image forming device sends first information to the consumable chip. After the nth communication, the consumable chip processes the data. After completing the data processing, the consumable chip generates a corresponding communication ready signal based on the first information.

[0126] For example, in one embodiment, when the first information is an instruction, the consumable chip can query the corresponding pulse width according to the instruction type and the corresponding relationship between the instruction type and the pulse width in the query table, thereby generating a pulse signal of the corresponding pulse width as a communication ready signal.

[0127] For example, in another embodiment, when the first information is data, the consumable chip can query and obtain the corresponding pulse width according to the corresponding query table of data type, data type and pulse width, or can query and obtain the corresponding pulse width according to the corresponding query table of data value, data value and pulse width, thereby generating a pulse signal of the corresponding pulse width as a communication ready signal.

[0128] After the image forming apparatus receives the communication ready signal (S330 is completed), the image forming apparatus executes S340.

[0129] S340 , the image forming device initiates the (n+1)th communication to the consumable chip, and the image forming device and the consumable chip perform the (n+1)th communication.

[0130] According to the method of an embodiment of the present application, the image forming device initiates the next round of communication after receiving the communication ready signal fed back by the consumable chip, thereby ensuring that the consumable chip has completed data processing for the previous round of communication when it receives the communication initiated by the image forming device, thereby ensuring smooth communication.

[0131] FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing a timing diagram of communication interaction between a consumable chip and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0132] As shown in Figure 5, after the nth communication is completed, the consumable chip enters the data processing phase, which takes time t14. After the consumable chip completes data processing, it sends a communication-ready signal back to the image forming device. After receiving the communication-ready signal, the image forming device initiates the n+1th communication with the consumable chip. Because the generation and transmission of the communication-ready signal takes an extremely short time, it can be assumed that the image forming device initiates the n+1th communication with the consumable chip after the consumable chip completes data processing.

[0133] Based on the method of the embodiment of the present application, after the consumable chip completes data processing after the data processing takes time t14, it will receive the (n+1)th communication initiated by the image forming device without waiting, thereby avoiding time waste.

[0134] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, after the consumable chip completes data processing for a certain round of communication, it will receive a new round of communication initiated by the image forming device without waiting, thereby avoiding time waste.

[0135] Furthermore, in one embodiment, before S340, after the image forming device receives the communication ready signal (after S330 is completed), the image forming device may also verify the received communication ready signal. For example, the image forming device may verify whether the received communication ready signal is a signal in a preset format. For another example, the image forming device may verify whether the received communication ready signal matches the first information.

[0136] When the communication ready signal passes the verification, the image forming apparatus executes S340. When the communication ready signal fails the verification, the image forming apparatus outputs a prompt indicating that the consumable chip is abnormal.

[0137] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, the communication ready signal sent by the consumable chip is verified, and the consumable chip can be authenticated based on the communication ready signal, which can prevent illegal consumable chips from accessing the image forming device, thereby improving communication efficiency and ensuring the reliability of the communication process.

[0138] Furthermore, in one embodiment, after S310 , when the image forming device does not receive a ready signal within a second preset waiting time, the image forming device outputs a prompt indicating that the consumable chip is abnormal.

[0139] Specifically, in one embodiment, the second preset duration may be determined based on the data content sent in the nth communication. Alternatively, in another embodiment, when the instruction sent in the nth communication includes duration information, the second preset duration may be determined based on the duration information included in the instruction.

[0140] Furthermore, the consumable chip will be initialized after being powered on, and the consumable chip will enter a communicative state after the initialization.

[0141] In order to avoid communication failure when the image forming device communicates with the consumable chip for the first time (for example, the image forming device initiates communication with the consumable chip before or during the initialization of the consumable chip), in one embodiment, the ready signal includes an initialization signal, which is used to indicate that the consumable chip has completed initialization and entered a communicative state.

[0142] Specifically, in one embodiment, the consumable chip feeds back an initialization signal to the image forming device after initialization is completed. The image forming device initiates the first communication with the consumable chip only after receiving the initialization signal.

[0143] Specifically, in one embodiment, the implementation of the initialization signal may refer to the ready signal.

[0144] In the embodiment of the present application, the specific method of sending the initialization signal by the consumable chip and the specific content of the initialization signal are not specifically limited.

[0145] In one embodiment, the initialization signal is a signal with a preset format (eg, a preset pulse width, a preset pulse frequency).

[0146] Optionally, the initialization signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line. Optionally, the communication ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a fourth preset duration. The fourth preset duration can be a predefined value, for example, 1.5 ms. The fourth preset duration can be the same value as the first preset duration.

[0147] Optionally, the initialization signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a fourth preset time period.

[0148] For example, in one application scenario, the consumable chip generates a low pulse lasting 1.5ms on the clock line of the Inter-Integrated Circuit (IIC) bus to indicate to the image forming device that initialization is complete and communication is possible. The image forming device can detect this low pulse through interruption or polling to determine that the consumable chip has completed initialization and is in a communication state.

[0149] Optionally, the initialization signal is a plurality of pulse signals generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a fourth preset time period.

[0150] For example, in one application scenario, the consumable chip generates two consecutive low pulses on the clock line of the integrated circuit bus (Inter-Integrated Circuit, IIC), each low pulse lasting 0.5ms, with a 0.5ms interval between the two low pulses (the two low pulses occupy a total of 1.5ms (the fourth preset duration)), to indicate to the image forming device that initialization is complete and communication is possible. The image forming device can detect the low pulses through interruption or polling methods to determine that the consumable chip has completed initialization and is in a communicative state.

[0151] Furthermore, in one embodiment, after the image forming device receives the initialization signal, the image forming device also verifies the received initialization signal. If the initialization signal passes verification, the image forming device initiates the first communication with the consumable chip. If the initialization signal fails verification, the image forming device outputs a consumable chip abnormality prompt.

[0152] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, the initialization signal sent by the consumable chip is verified, and the consumable chip can be authenticated based on the initialization signal, which can prevent illegal consumable chips from accessing the image forming device, thereby improving communication efficiency and ensuring the reliability of the communication process.

[0153] According to the method of an embodiment of the present application, the image forming device initiates the first communication after receiving the initialization signal fed back by the consumable chip, thereby ensuring that the consumable chip has completed initialization and is in a communicative state when receiving the first communication initiated by the image forming device, ensuring that the first communication proceeds smoothly.

[0154] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, after the consumable chip completes initialization, the first communication initiated by the image forming device can be received without waiting, thereby avoiding time waste.

[0155] Furthermore, in one embodiment, after the consumable chip is powered on, when the image forming device does not receive an initialization signal within a third preset waiting period, the image forming device outputs a consumable chip abnormality prompt.

[0156] Specifically, in one embodiment, the third preset duration may be a predefined value, for example, 0.5 seconds.

[0157] FIG6 is a schematic diagram showing the communication interaction between the consumable chip and the image forming device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0158] In one embodiment, the consumable chip and the image forming device execute the following process as shown in FIG6 to complete communication interaction.

[0159] S500, power on the consumable chip.

[0160] S501, the image forming device starts timing.

[0161] When the timer exceeds the third preset time period and the image forming apparatus does not receive the initialization signal, the image forming apparatus executes S510 .

[0162] In another embodiment, when the timing exceeds a third preset time period and the image forming device does not receive the initialization signal, the image forming device actively sends an inquiry message to the consumable chip. If the consumable chip does not respond, S510 is executed.

[0163] S502, the consumable chip is initialized.

[0164] S503 , after completing initialization, the consumable chip sends an initialization signal to the image forming device.

[0165] For example, after completing initialization, the consumable chip generates a low pulse on the clock line of the IIC that lasts for 1.5 ms (the fourth preset time length).

[0166] S504 , the image forming device verifies the initialization signal (the image forming device stops timing after receiving the initialization signal).

[0167] For example, the image forming apparatus verifies whether the pulse width of the initialization signal is 1.5 ms.

[0168] When the initialization signal fails to pass the authentication, the image forming apparatus performs S510 .

[0169] S510, the image forming device outputs a prompt indicating abnormality of the consumable chip.

[0170] Furthermore, in one embodiment, in S510, the image forming apparatus outputs a consumable chip abnormality type. For example, the consumable chip abnormality type includes: the consumable chip timed out and did not respond to the initialization signal, the consumable chip timed out and did not respond to the communication ready signal, the consumable chip initialization failed verification, and the consumable chip communication ready signal failed verification.

[0171] When the initialization signal is authenticated, the image forming apparatus performs S520 .

[0172] S520: The image forming device sends second information to the consumable chip. (First communication)

[0173] S521, the image forming device starts timing.

[0174] When the timer exceeds the second preset time period and the image forming apparatus does not receive the communication ready signal, the image forming apparatus executes S510 .

[0175] In another embodiment, when the timing exceeds the second preset time period and the image forming device does not receive the communication ready signal, the image forming device actively sends an inquiry message to the consumable chip. If the consumable chip does not respond, S510 is executed.

[0176] S530: The consumable chip parses the second information.

[0177] S531 , after the consumable chip completes parsing of the second information, it generates a communication ready signal and sends the communication ready signal to the image forming device.

[0178] For example, the consumable chip determines the pulse width of the communication ready signal according to the data type of the second information.

[0179] S540, the image forming device verifies the communication ready signal (the image forming device stops timing after receiving the communication ready signal).

[0180] For example, the image forming apparatus verifies whether the pulse width of the communication ready signal matches the data type of the second information.

[0181] When the communication ready signal has not been authenticated, the image forming apparatus performs S510 .

[0182] When the communication ready signal is authenticated, the image forming apparatus performs S550 .

[0183] S550: The image forming device sends third information to the consumable chip. (Second communication)

[0184] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, the image forming device can perform a first authentication on the consumable chip based on the initialization signal, and perform a second authentication on the consumable chip based on the communication ready signal during the communication process, which can improve the communication efficiency while ensuring the reliability of the communication process.

[0185] According to the method of the embodiment of the present application, an embodiment of the present application provides a consumable chip, which is installed on a consumable, and the consumable is detachably installed on the image forming device. The consumable chip is used to implement the method steps performed by the consumable chip in the above embodiment of the present application.

[0186] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a consumable chip according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0187] As shown in FIG7 , the consumable chip 700 includes:

[0188] The chip control unit 710 is configured to generate a ready signal, wherein the ready signal is used to indicate that the consumable chip is in a communicative state.

[0189] Optionally, the ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the chip control unit on the clock line. Optionally, the ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the chip control unit on the clock line within a first preset time length.

[0190] The communication unit 720 is configured to: feed back a ready signal to the image forming device; and communicate with the image forming device, wherein the communication is initiated by the image forming device according to the ready signal.

[0191] In one embodiment, the ready signal includes an initialization signal; the chip control unit 710 is used to generate an initialization signal when the consumable chip initialization is completed, wherein the initialization signal is used to indicate that the consumable chip has completed initialization and is in a communicative state.

[0192] Optionally, the initialization signal is a pulse signal generated by the chip control unit 710 on the clock line, and the pulse width of the initialization signal is determined according to the consumable chip model.

[0193] In another embodiment, the ready signal includes a communication ready signal; the communication unit 720 is used to receive input information of the image forming device in the nth communication based on the nth communication initiated by the image forming device; the chip control unit 710 is used to: perform data processing after the nth communication is completed; when the chip control unit 710 completes data processing, it generates a communication ready signal, wherein the communication ready signal is used to indicate that the chip control unit 710 has completed data processing and is in a communicative state; the communication unit 720 is also used to receive input information sent by the image forming device based on the n+1th communication initiated by the image forming device according to the communication ready signal.

[0194] Optionally, the communication ready signal is a signal generated by the chip control unit 710 based on preset generation logic according to input information from the image forming device during the nth communication. Optionally, the preset generation logic includes at least one of the following: when the input information is a command, generating the communication ready signal based on the command type; when the input information is data, generating the communication ready signal based on the data type.

[0195] Furthermore, according to the consumable chip proposed in the embodiment of the present application, an embodiment of the present application further proposes to provide a consumable, the consumable comprising:

[0196] case;

[0197] A developer containing portion is provided in the housing and is used to contain the developer;

[0198] And the consumable chip proposed in the embodiments of the present application.

[0199] Optionally, in one embodiment, the consumables further include: a developer conveying element for conveying developer.

[0200] Optionally, in one embodiment, the consumables further include: a photosensitive drum; and a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum.

[0201] Furthermore, according to the consumable chip proposed in the embodiment of the present application, one embodiment of the present application also proposes to provide a consumable, the consumable including: a photosensitive drum; a charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum; and the consumable chip proposed in the embodiment of the present application.

[0202] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, for the convenience of description, the functions are divided into various modules and described separately. The division of each module is merely a division of logical functions. When implementing the embodiments of the present application, the functions of each module can be implemented in the same or multiple software and / or hardware.

[0203] Specifically, the device proposed in the embodiment of the present application can be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity during actual implementation, or it can be physically separated. And these modules can all be implemented in the form of software calling through processing elements; or they can all be implemented in the form of hardware; or some modules can be implemented in the form of software calling through processing elements, and some modules can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, the detection module can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated in a chip of an electronic device. The implementation of other modules is similar. In addition, these modules can be fully or partially integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. During the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above modules can be completed by the hardware integrated logic circuit in the processor element or the instructions in the form of software.

[0204] For example, the above modules may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). For another example, these modules may be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0205] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, which is an image forming device or a consumable chip.

[0206] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0207] As shown in Figure 8, the electronic device 800 includes a memory 810 for storing computer program instructions and a processor 820 for executing the program instructions, wherein, when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor 820, the electronic device 800 is triggered to execute the method steps performed by the image forming device in the embodiment of the present application.

[0208] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned one or more computer programs are stored in the above-mentioned memory, and the above-mentioned one or more computer programs include instructions. When the above-mentioned instructions are executed by the above-mentioned device, the above-mentioned device executes the method steps described in the embodiment of the present application.

[0209] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, the processor of the electronic device may be a SOC, which may include a central processing unit (CPU) and may further include other types of processors. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, the processor of the electronic device may be a PWM control chip.

[0210] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, the processor involved may include, for example, a CPU, a DSP, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor, and may also include a GPU, an embedded neural network processor (NPU), and an image signal processor (ISP). The processor may also include necessary hardware accelerators or logic processing hardware circuits, such as ASICs, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the technical solution of the present application. In addition, the processor may have the function of operating one or more software programs, and the software programs may be stored in a storage medium.

[0211] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, the memory of the electronic device may be a read-only memory (ROM), other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any computer-readable medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer.

[0212] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present application, the processor and the memory may be combined into a processing device, or more commonly, they may be independent components, with the processor being configured to execute program code stored in the memory to implement the method described in the embodiment of the present application. In a specific implementation, the memory may also be integrated into the processor or independent of the processor.

[0213] Furthermore, the devices, apparatuses, and modules described in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by computer chips or entities, or by products having certain functions.

[0214] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, apparatus, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present application may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media containing computer-usable program code.

[0215] In the several embodiments provided in this application, if any function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of this application.

[0216] Specifically, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer executes the method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0217] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program product is run on a computer, it enables the computer to execute the method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0218] The embodiment description in this application is described with reference to the flow chart and / or block diagram according to the method, equipment (device) and computer program product of embodiment of the present application.It should be understood that each flow process and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram and the combination of the flow process and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram can be realized by computer program instructions.These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processing machine or other programmable data processing equipment to produce a machine, so that the instruction executed by the processor of computer or other programmable data processing equipment produces the device for realizing the function specified in one flow chart flow chart or multiple flow charts and / or one block or multiple blocks of block diagram.

[0219] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0220] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0221] It should also be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone. Among them, A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and subsequent associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0222] In the embodiments of the present application, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, commodity, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, commodity, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, commodity, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0223] The present application may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions executed by a computer, such as program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The present application may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0224] The various embodiments in this application are described in a progressive manner. Similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to in conjunction with each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the device embodiments are generally similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple. For relevant parts, refer to the partial description of the method embodiments.

[0225] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented using a combination of electronic hardware, computer software, and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0226] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described devices, apparatuses and units can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0227] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a consumable chip, and the method includes: When the consumable chip is in a communicable state, a ready signal is fed back to the image forming device; the ready signal includes an initialization signal and / or a communication ready signal; Based on the communication initiated by the image forming device according to the ready signal, input information sent by the image forming device is received; When the consumable chip completes processing based on the input information, the communication ready signal is fed back to the image forming device; wherein, the communication ready signal is generated according to the type of the input information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line within a first preset duration.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ready signal includes an initialization signal, and when the consumable chip is in a communicable state, feeding back the ready signal to the image forming device includes: When the initialization of the consumable chip is completed, an initialization signal is fed back to the image forming device, wherein the initialization signal is used to indicate that the consumable chip has completed initialization and is in a communicable state.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The initialization signal is a pulse signal generated by the consumable chip on the clock line, and the pulse width of the initialization signal is determined according to the model of the consumable chip.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The communication ready signal is generated according to the type of the input information, including: When the input information is an instruction, the communication ready signal is generated according to the type of the instruction; Or, When the input information is data, the communication ready signal is generated according to the data type.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to an image forming device, and the method includes: Receiving a ready signal fed back by a consumable chip, the ready signal being used to indicate that the consumable chip is in a communicable state; After receiving the ready signal, initiating communication with the consumable chip and sending input information.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein After receiving the ready signal, initiating communication with the consumable chip and sending input information includes: Verifying the ready signal; When the ready signal passes the verification, initiating communication with the consumable chip and sending input information; When the ready signal fails to pass the verification, an abnormal prompt for the consumable chip is output.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein The ready signal includes a communication ready signal, and the method further includes: When the communication ready signal is not received within a second preset duration after the nth communication is completed, an abnormal prompt for the consumable chip is output.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The second preset duration is determined by the input information sent in the nth communication.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein The ready signal includes an initialization signal, and the method further includes: When the initialization signal is not received within a third preset duration after the image forming device is turned on, an abnormal prompt for the consumable chip is output.

12. A consumable chip, which is installed on a consumable, and the consumable is detachably installed on an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The consumable chip includes: A chip control unit for generating a ready signal, wherein the ready signal includes an initialization signal and / or a communication ready signal, and is used to characterize that the consumable chip is in a communicable state; A communication unit for feeding back the ready signal to the image forming device; and communicating with the image forming device, wherein the communication is initiated by the image forming device according to the ready signal.

13. The consumable chip according to claim 12, wherein, The ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the chip control unit on the clock line.

14. The consumable chip according to claim 13, wherein The ready signal is a pulse signal generated by the chip control unit on the clock line within a first preset duration.

15. The consumable chip according to claim 12, wherein: The ready signal includes an initialization signal; The chip control unit is configured to generate the initialization signal when the initialization of the consumable chip is completed, wherein the initialization signal is used to indicate that the initialization of the consumable chip is completed and it is in a communicable state.

16. The consumable chip according to claim 15, characterized in that, The initialization signal is a pulse signal generated by the chip control unit on the clock line, and the pulse width of the initialization signal is determined according to the model of the consumable chip.

17. The consumable chip according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein: The ready signal includes a communication ready signal; The communication unit is configured to receive the input information of the image forming apparatus in the nth communication based on the nth communication initiated by the image forming apparatus; The chip control unit is configured to: after the nth communication is completed, process based on the input information; when the chip control unit completes processing based on the input information, generate the communication ready signal, wherein the communication ready signal is used to indicate that the chip control unit has completed data processing and is in a communicable state; The communication unit is further configured to receive the input information sent by the image forming apparatus based on the (n + 1)th communication initiated by the image forming apparatus according to the communication ready signal.

18. The consumable chip according to claim 17, wherein, The communication ready signal is a signal generated by the chip control unit based on a preset generation logic according to the input information of the image forming apparatus in the nth communication.

19. The consumable chip according to claim 18, wherein, The preset generation logic includes at least one of the following: When the input information is an instruction, generate the communication ready signal according to the type of the instruction; When the input information is data, generate the communication ready signal according to the data type.

20. A consumable, characterized in that, The consumable includes: A housing; A developer accommodating portion provided in the housing for accommodating a developer; And the consumable chip according to any one of claims 12 to 19.

21. The consumable according to claim 20, wherein The consumable further includes: A developer conveying element for conveying the developer.

22. The consumable according to claim 21, wherein The consumable further includes: A photosensitive drum; A charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum.

23. A consumable, characterized in that, The consumable includes: A photosensitive drum; A charging roller for charging the photosensitive drum; And the consumable chip according to any one of claims 12 to 19.

24. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus includes a memory for storing computer program instructions and a processor for executing the computer program instructions, wherein when the computer program instructions are executed by the processor, the image forming apparatus is triggered to execute the method steps according to any one of claims 7 - 11.

Images