Toner Container Chip I2C Command Abbreviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient communication between image forming devices and replaceable supply items, such as toner containers, is hindered by the need for accurate command processing and response handling, particularly in scenarios where the supply items are busy processing previous commands, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A chip configured to operate as a slave node on an I2C communication bus, which sends busy responses when processing commands and abbreviates subsequent commands to request responses only when processing is complete, ensuring efficient communication and error handling by distinguishing between new and repeat commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chip sends a busy response when processing a write command, then the controller can poll for responses, but the communication efficiency decreases due to repeated full command transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is segmented into distinct phases: initial write command transmission, busy response exchange, and abbreviated follow-up commands. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable command processing while improving efficiency through protocol optimization at each stage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting complete commands for every poll, the system uses abbreviated commands that contain only essential information (such as command identifiers without full data payloads). This partial action approach maintains reliability while significantly reducing communication overhead
2Loss of information
If the controller resends full write commands to poll for responses, then command processing can be tracked, but the communication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses abbreviated commands that copy only the essential identification elements of the original write command rather than duplicating the entire command structure. This allows the controller to track command processing status while minimizing data transmission time
Solution Approach 2:
The initial write command includes all necessary information for processing. Subsequent abbreviated commands rely on this preliminary action, containing only sufficient information to query status without repeating the full command sequence
3Reliability
If the chip processes commands sequentially, then command accuracy is maintained, but the processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic status polling through abbreviated commands rather than continuous or frequent full command retransmissions. This periodic approach maintains accurate tracking of command processing while reducing the overall time required for communication
Data Source
AI summary
A toner container installable in an image forming device having a controller according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A chip is positioned on the housing and configured to, after sending a first busy response to the controller of the image forming device, receive a second write command from the controller of the image forming device that is abbreviated relative to a first write command received from the controller of the image forming device and that requests the chip to send a response to the first write command. The chip is further configured to send a response to the first write command to the controller of the image forming device if upon receiving a read command corresponding to the second write command the chip has completed processing the first write command.