JP2013200754A - Storage device, communication system, liquid accommodation body, control method of storage device and inspection method of storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow storage devices that are access targets from a printer main body side to be individually accessed when a plurality of cartridges having the same types is mounted to a printer.SOLUTION: A storage device includes: an identification update mode determining section for determining whether or not a mode transitions to an identification update mode for updating identification data; a comparing section that outputs a data signal of unique data from a data signal terminal and compares a first voltage level of the data signal output and a second voltage level of a data signal input from a returned data signal terminal; and an identification data updating section for updating the identification data. In a case where the mode is determined to transition to the identification update mode by the identification update mode determining section (S32, Yes), the identification data updating section updates the identification data when the first voltage level and the second voltage level are determined to be different from each other by the comparing section (S33).

Description

  The present invention relates to a storage device that performs data communication with a host computer, a communication system, a liquid container, a storage device control method, and a storage device inspection method.

  A liquid ejecting apparatus such as an ink jet printer is equipped with a plurality of types of ink cartridges and receives ink supplied from each ink cartridge, thereby ejecting a plurality of colors of ink such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. It is configured.

Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which a storage device having a function of controlling access from the printer main body side is attached to the ink cartridge, and the printer main body side and the storage device of the ink cartridge are connected via a bus. Has been.
The storage device stores identification data determined in advance according to the type of cartridge, that is, the type of ink to be stored. When accessing the storage device of the cartridge, the controller on the printer body side sends a data string in which the access destination is specified by the ID data corresponding to the cartridge to be accessed to each storage device of the plurality of ink cartridges via the bus. To do. Each storage device permits the controller to access the memory array when the ID data included in the data string matches the identification data stored in the storage device and matches. Therefore, the controller on the printer body side can access any storage device among the plurality of storage devices by appropriately setting the ID data included in the data string.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, the type of the mounted cartridge is discriminated by referring to the identification data stored in the storage device for the replacement part. If a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted, the replacement is performed. An image forming apparatus is disclosed in which writing to a component memory is not performed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-14870 JP 2008-29184 A

  However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted on the printer, the identification data stored in each storage device of the plurality of cartridges is the same. For this reason, there is a problem that the storage device to be accessed cannot be individually accessed from the printer body side. That is, when a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted on the printer, the controller on the printer body side transmits a data string including ID data corresponding to the storage device of the cartridge to be accessed. The transmitted data string is input to each of the plurality of storage devices via the bus. Since each storage device has the same identification data stored therein, access is permitted in each storage device and data communication with the controller is started. As a result, a signal is sent from each of the plurality of storage devices to the bus to perform data communication with the controller, and the signals may compete on the bus and communication may not be performed correctly. Further, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 2, when a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted, it is difficult to handle a plurality of cartridges of the same type because writing to the memory cannot be performed. .

  An example in which a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted is a cleaning cartridge that contains a cleaning liquid. Since a common cleaning cartridge is used regardless of the ink color, the same type of cleaning cartridge is used for each of a plurality of mounting positions provided for mounting a plurality of types of ink cartridges. Installed. For this reason, when a plurality of cleaning cartridges are mounted on the printer, the controller on the printer body side cannot perform data communication with the storage device of the cleaning cartridge. This makes it impossible for the printer body to individually manage the remaining amount of cleaning liquid stored in each cleaning cartridge.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A storage device that performs data communication via a data signal line, a storage unit that stores identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device, and a clock to which a clock signal is input A signal terminal, a data signal terminal connected to the data signal line that is pulled up or pulled down to a predetermined voltage level, and an identification update mode for determining whether or not to enter an identification update mode for updating the identification data A determination unit; a data signal of the specific data is output from the data signal terminal; a first voltage level of the output data signal; and a second voltage level of the data signal input from the data signal terminal A comparison unit that compares the identification data and an identification data update unit that updates the identification data, and the identification data update unit includes the identification update mode determination unit Therefore, when it is determined to shift to the identification update mode and the comparison unit determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different, the identification data is updated. Storage device.

According to this configuration, by shifting to the identification update mode, the voltage level of the data signal of the output unique data is compared with the voltage level of the data signal that has been input in a loop, and the identification data is updated when each is different. To do. Accordingly, within the range of data communication, the identification data is updated by comparing the voltage level for the unique data output by itself with the voltage level for the other unique data output from another storage device. .
For example, if there are multiple storage devices with the same identification data value because a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted, the unique data value of each storage device is different. There is always a timing at which the voltage level and the voltage level that is input in a folded manner are different. Then, by updating the identification data at this timing, the identification data value that has been the same can be changed to a unique value. As a result, it is possible to obtain a storage device that can be accessed individually even in a system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus.

  Application Example 2 In the storage device, the comparison unit compares the first voltage level with the second voltage level to thereby output the data signal of the unique data output by itself, and the data signal A storage device characterized by monitoring a collision with a data signal of the specific data output from another storage device connected to a line.

  According to this configuration, in a system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, a collision of data signals from each storage device on the bus is achieved by comparing the output voltage level with the voltage level that is input in a folded manner. Can be monitored. And identification data can be updated at the timing which detected the collision.

  Application Example 3 In the storage device, when the comparison unit determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different, the output of the data signal of the specific data is stopped. A storage device characterized.

  According to this configuration, when the output voltage level is different from the voltage level that has been input, the output of the data signal of the unique data is stopped at that time. Thereby, in the process of one identification update mode, the identification data of itself can be updated only once, and the process of the identification update mode can be efficiently performed in a short time.

  Application Example 4 In the storage device, the identification update mode determination unit receives a data signal of a command instructing transition from the data signal terminal to the identification update mode, or from the clock signal terminal. A storage device characterized in that, when a data signal having a predetermined voltage level is input from the data signal terminal in a predetermined period in which the input clock signal is at a high level, it is determined to shift to the identification update mode. .

  According to this configuration, it is determined to shift to the identification update mode based on a data signal of a command instructing transition to the identification update mode or a data signal of a predetermined voltage level in a predetermined period in which the clock signal is at a high level. . Accordingly, it is not necessary to newly provide a circuit configuration such as a signal line or a terminal for transmitting a special signal in the storage device, and the circuit scale of the storage device can be reduced.

  Application Example 5 In the storage device, the identification data update unit includes ID data specifying the processing target storage device input from the data signal terminal, and the identification data stored in the storage unit. The storage device is characterized in that the identification data is not updated when does not correspond.

  According to this configuration, when the ID data specifying the storage device to be processed does not correspond to the identification data, the identification data is not updated. Accordingly, the identification data is updated only for the storage device corresponding to the ID data and the identification data. As a result, the identification data can be updated only for the storage devices having the same identification data value.

  Application Example 6 In the storage device, the identification data update unit updates the identification data to a value incremented by 1.

  According to this configuration, the identification data is updated to a value incremented by 1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the value of the identification data from overflowing from the size of the area of the identification data due to the increment.

  Application Example 7 In the storage device, the identification data is divided into a plurality of identification areas, and the identification data update unit updates a part of the identification areas among the plurality of identification areas. Storage device.

  According to this configuration, a part of the identification areas constituting the identification data is updated, and the other identification areas are not updated. Accordingly, it is possible to individually access by using a part of the updated identification areas, and it is possible to store valid information that is not changed in other identification areas that are not updated.

  Application Example 8 A liquid container including a storage device that performs data communication via a data signal line, the storage device storing identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device A clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input, a data signal terminal connected to the data signal line that is pulled up or pulled down to a predetermined voltage level, and a transition to an identification update mode for updating the identification data An identification update mode determination unit that determines whether or not to output, a data signal of the unique data from the data signal terminal, a first voltage level of the output data signal, and a return signal that is input from the data signal terminal A comparison unit that compares the second voltage level of the data signal, and an identification data update unit that updates the identification data. When the new part is determined to shift to the identification update mode by the identification update mode determination unit and the comparison unit determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different, A liquid container, wherein the identification data is updated.

According to this configuration, by shifting to the identification update mode, the voltage level of the data signal of the output unique data is compared with the voltage level of the data signal that has been input in a loop, and the identification data is updated when each is different. To do. Accordingly, within the range of data communication, the identification data is updated by comparing the voltage level for the unique data output by itself with the voltage level for the other unique data output from another storage device. .
For example, if there are multiple storage devices with the same identification data value because a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted, the unique data value of each storage device is different. There is always a timing at which the voltage level and the voltage level that is input in a folded manner are different. Then, by updating the identification data at this timing, the identification data value that has been the same can be changed to a unique value. As a result, even in a system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, a liquid container including a storage device that can be accessed individually can be obtained.

  Application Example 9 A communication system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, and each storage device stores a storage unit that stores identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device, Whether to shift to a clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input, a data signal terminal connected to the data signal line that is pulled up or pulled down to a predetermined voltage level, and an identification update mode for updating the identification data An identification update mode determination unit for determining whether the data signal of the specific data is output from the data signal terminal, the first voltage level of the output data signal, and the data signal input from the data signal terminal A comparison unit that compares the second voltage level and an identification data update unit that updates the identification data, and the identification data update unit includes: The identification data is updated when it is determined by the separate update mode determination unit to shift to the identification update mode, and when the comparison unit determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different. A communication system.

According to this configuration, by shifting to the identification update mode, the voltage level of the data signal of the output unique data is compared with the voltage level of the data signal that has been input in a loop, and the identification data is updated when each is different. To do. Accordingly, within the range of data communication, the identification data is updated by comparing the voltage level for the unique data output by itself with the voltage level for the other unique data output from another storage device. .
For example, if there are multiple storage devices with the same identification data value because a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted, the unique data value of each storage device is different. There is always a timing at which the voltage level and the voltage level that is input in a folded manner are different. Then, by updating the identification data at this timing, the identification data value that has been the same can be changed to a unique value. As a result, even in a communication system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, a communication system corresponding to a storage device that can be accessed individually can be obtained.

  Application Example 10 A storage unit that stores identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device, a clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a pull-up or pull-down to a predetermined voltage level A storage device control method for performing data communication via the data signal line, and whether to shift to an identification update mode for updating the identification data An identification update mode determination step for determining whether or not the data signal of the specific data is output from the data signal terminal, the first voltage level of the output data signal, and the data signal input from the data signal terminal A comparison step for comparing the second voltage level and an identification data update step for updating the identification data, the identification data update step Is determined when the identification update mode determination step shifts to the identification update mode, and when the comparison step determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different. A method for controlling a storage device, comprising updating data.

According to this configuration, by shifting to the identification update mode, the voltage level of the data signal of the output unique data is compared with the voltage level of the data signal that has been input in a loop, and the identification data is updated when each is different. To do. Accordingly, within the range of data communication, the identification data is updated by comparing the voltage level for the unique data output by itself with the voltage level for the other unique data output from another storage device. .
For example, if there are multiple storage devices with the same identification data value because a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted, the unique data value of each storage device is different. There is always a timing at which the voltage level and the voltage level that is input in a folded manner are different. Then, by updating the identification data at this timing, the identification data value that has been the same can be changed to a unique value. As a result, it is possible to obtain a storage device control method that can be individually accessed even in a system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus.

  Application Example 11 A storage unit for storing identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device, a clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a pull-up or pull-down to a predetermined voltage level And a data signal terminal connected to the data signal line, and a method for inspecting a plurality of storage devices that perform data communication via the data signal line, wherein each storage device updates the identification data An identification update mode determination step for determining whether or not to shift to the identification update mode; a data signal of the specific data is output from the data signal terminal; the first voltage level of the output data signal; A comparison step of comparing the second voltage level of the data signal input from the signal terminal, and an identification data update step of updating the identification data The identification data update step is determined to shift to the identification update mode in the identification update mode determination step, and it is determined that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different in the comparison step. A method of testing a storage device, comprising: a step of updating the identification data and accessing each storage device after the identification data is updated in each storage device and inspecting each operation.

According to this configuration, by shifting to the identification update mode, the voltage level of the data signal of the output unique data is compared with the voltage level of the data signal that has been input in a loop, and the identification data is updated when each is different. To do. Accordingly, within the range of data communication, the identification data is updated by comparing the voltage level for the unique data output by itself with the voltage level for the other unique data output from another storage device. .
For example, if there are multiple storage devices with the same identification data value because a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted, the unique data value of each storage device is different. There is always a timing at which the voltage level and the voltage level that is input in a folded manner are different. Then, by updating the identification data at this timing, the identification data value that has been the same can be changed to a unique value. As a result, even in a system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, it is possible to obtain a storage device inspection method capable of individually accessing each storage device and inspecting each operation.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the communication system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. The figure which shows the structure of a host computer. The figure which shows the data structure of a data column. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration inside a storage device. The block diagram which shows the circuit structure inside an identification data update unit. 6 is a flowchart showing operations of a host computer and a storage device. The flowchart which shows the detail of identification update mode process. 6 is a flowchart showing operations of a host computer and a storage device in a normal access mode. The example which shows the timing chart in each memory | storage device. The example which shows the timing chart in each memory | storage device. The example which shows the timing chart in each memory | storage device. The table | surface which shows the example of an update of the identification data in each memory | storage device. The example which shows the timing chart in each memory | storage device after cartridge replacement | exchange. The table | surface which shows the update example of the identification data in each memory | storage device after cartridge replacement | exchange. The figure which shows the data structure of the identification data which concern on 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the identification data before and behind the update in identification update mode. The figure which shows the structure of the test | inspection system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the test | inspection system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, a communication system provided in an inkjet printer will be described as an example of the communication system.

<Schematic configuration of communication system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the cartridge. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of storage devices 20 (20 a to 20 d) and a host computer 10 as a host device of the storage device 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage device 20 is provided in each of four cartridges (liquid containers) C (C1 to C4). Examples of the four cartridges C1 to C4 include, for example, an ink cartridge that stores inks of various colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and a cleaning cartridge that stores a cleaning liquid. However, the number of storage devices 20 and the type of ink cartridge are not limited thereto. Examples of the host computer 10 include a printer controller arranged on the main body side of the ink jet printer.

  The storage device 20 is disposed on a memory module substrate provided in the cartridge C, and has a clock signal terminal CT and a data signal terminal DT. A clock signal line CL is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, and the clock signal line CL is connected to the host computer 10 via the clock bus CB. A data signal line DL is connected to the data signal terminal DT, and the data signal line DL is connected to the host computer 10 via the data bus DB. The data signal line DL is connected to the power supply terminal VDD of the host computer 10 via the pull-up resistor R1.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the host computer 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the host computer 10 is a control device that includes a clock signal generation circuit 11, a power supply circuit 12, a power supply compensation circuit 13, a data storage circuit 14, and a control circuit 15 that controls each circuit. In addition to print control, the host computer 10 performs control such as access control to the storage devices 20a to 20d, acquisition of data such as ink consumption and cartridge C installation time from the storage device 20, and storage in the data storage circuit 14. Do.

  The clock signal generation circuit 11 generates a clock signal SCK. The generated clock signal SCK is supplied to each of the storage devices 20a to 20d via the clock signal line CL.

  The power supply compensation circuit 13 supplies power to the storage device 20 for a predetermined period (eg, 0.3 s) even when power supply is interrupted. As a result, even if the power supply during data writing is cut off due to a power failure or the power plug being removed, it is possible to complete the writing of data that should be prioritized during the above-described predetermined period. For example, a capacitor is used as the power supply compensation circuit 13.

  The control circuit 15 controls the power supply circuit 12 to control the output of the positive power supply and the reference power supply having a reference potential lower than the positive power supply. The host computer 10 does not always supply power to each of the storage devices 20a to 20d, and only when a request for access to the storage devices 20a to 20d occurs, a positive power source and a reference for the storage devices 20a to 20d. Supply power. The control circuit 15 controls data communication between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20. The control circuit 15 outputs a data string according to a predetermined format when performing data communication with the storage device 20.

<Data string structure used in communication>
Next, a data structure of a data string used in data communication between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a data string. In data communication between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20, a data string 100 is used. FIG. 4A shows a data string 100 a output from the host computer 10 when starting access to the storage device 20. 4B and 4C show data strings transmitted and received between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 when data is written to the storage device 20. 4B shows a data string 100b output from the host computer 10, and FIG. 4C shows a data string 100c output from the storage device 20. 4D and 4E show data strings transmitted and received between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 when data is read from the storage device 20 and when the identification data of the storage device 20 is updated. Show. FIG. 4D shows a data string 100d output by the host computer 10 when data is read from the storage device 20, and a data string 100e output by the host computer 10 when the identification data of the storage device 20 is updated. ing. FIG. 4E shows a data string 100 f output from the storage device 20.

  The data string 100a used when starting access will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, the data string 100a output from the host computer 10 includes ID data 110. The ID data 110 is, for example, 3-bit data, and is identification data for designating the storage device 20 to be accessed from among the storage devices 20a to 20d of the plurality of cartridges C mounted on the printer. is there. The host computer 10 outputs the data string 100a including the ID data 110, thereby starting access to the storage device 20 corresponding to the ID data 110, such as data writing, reading, and identification data updating.

  Next, the data strings 100b and 100c used at the time of writing will be described. As shown in FIG. 4B, the data string 100b output from the host computer 10 at the time of writing includes a write command 120 and write data 130. The write command 120 is a command for designating write processing for the storage device 20. The write data 130 is data to be written specified by the write command 120.

  When the storage device 20 receives the data string 100b, the storage device 20 performs a process for writing the write data 130 to the memory array 21 (see FIG. 5), and outputs the data string 100c to the host computer 10 when the writing is successfully performed. To do. As shown in FIG. 4C, the data string 100c includes ACK data 140 indicating that writing has been successfully performed. By receiving the ACK data 140, the host computer 10 recognizes that data writing according to the data string 100b has been normally performed.

  Next, data strings 100d, 100e, and 100f used when reading and updating identification data will be described. As shown in FIG. 4D, the data string 100d output by the host computer 10 at the time of reading includes a read command 150. The read command 150 is a command for designating read processing for the storage device 20. The data string 100e output by the host computer 10 when updating the identification data includes an identification update command 160. The identification update command 160 is a command for designating identification data update processing for the storage device 20.

  When the storage device 20 receives the data string 100d, the storage device 20 performs processing for reading data from the memory array 21 in response to the read command 150, and outputs the data string 100f to the host computer 10 when the reading is successful. As shown in FIG. 4E, data read from the memory array 21 is included as read data 170 in the data string 100f. By receiving the data string 100f, the host computer 10 recognizes that the data according to the data string 100d has been normally read, and acquires the data read from the memory array 21.

  Further, when receiving the data string 100e, the storage device 20 performs processing for updating the identification data 210 (see FIG. 5) of the memory array 21 in accordance with the identification update command 160. The storage device 20 reads the unique data 211 (see FIG. 5) of the memory array 21 in the processing, and outputs the data string 100f to the host computer 10 when the reading is successful. As shown in FIG. 4E, the data string 100f includes unique data 211 read from the memory array 21 as read data 170. By receiving the data string 100f, the host computer 10 recognizes that data has been normally read according to the data string 100d, that is, the presence of the storage device 20 corresponding to the ID data 110 is recognized.

  As described above, communication between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 is performed according to the data string 100 (100a to 100f). The control circuit 15 accesses the storage devices 20a to 20d by data communication according to the data string 100 when the ink jet printer is turned on, when the cartridge C is replaced, when the print job is finished, or when the ink jet printer is turned off. Run.

<Configuration of storage device>
Next, the configuration of the storage device 20 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration inside the storage device 20. Hereinafter, the internal configuration of one storage device 20 will be described as an example, but the internal configuration of each of the storage devices 20a to 20d is the same except for data stored in the memory array 21. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 20 includes a memory array 21, an address counter 22, a memory controller 23, an ID comparator 24, an operation code decoder 25, an I / O controller 26, and an identification data update unit. 27. Of the configurations of the storage device 20, the address counter 22, the ID comparator 24, the operation code decoder 25, and the I / O controller 26 constitute the communication control unit 30.

  The memory array 21 is a memory such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM that retains the storage content in a nonvolatile manner and can rewrite the storage content, and has a storage area of a predetermined capacity such as 256 bits. The memory array 21 stores identification data 210 and unique data 211 for communication. The identification data 210 is information determined in advance according to the type of the cartridge C, that is, the type of ink contained in the cartridge C, and is stored at the head of the address space of the memory array 21. The unique data 211 is, for example, information unique to the cartridge C including time information indicating the date of manufacture of the cartridge C, a serial number, or the like, that is, information unique to the storage device 20. It is stored in a set predetermined storage area.

  The address counter 22 is a circuit that increments the count value in synchronization with the clock signal SCK, and is connected to the clock signal terminal CT and the memory controller 23. The count value of the address counter 22 and the storage area position (address) of the memory array 21 are associated with each other, and the write position or the read position in the memory array 21 can be designated by the count value of the address counter 22.

  The memory controller 23 is connected to the memory array 21, the address counter 22, and the I / O controller 26. Under the control of the I / O controller 26, the memory controller 23 stores the address specified by the address counter 22. Write and read information to and from the area. Specifically, processing for reading information from the memory array 21 and transferring it to the I / O controller 26, processing for receiving information to be written from the I / O controller 26 and writing it to the storage area of the memory array 21, and the like are performed.

  The ID comparator 24 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, the I / O controller 26, and the operation code decoder 25, and the ID included in the data string 100 input via the data signal terminal DT. The data 110 and the identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 are compared to determine whether they match. The ID comparator 24 also stores a 3-bit first register 240 that stores the ID data 110 input from the host computer 10 and identification data 210 acquired from the memory array 21 via the I / O controller 26. And a second register 241. The ID comparator 24 permits access from the host computer 10 to the memory array 21 when the ID data 110 stored in the first register 240 matches the identification data 210 stored in the second register 241. An access permission signal EN to that effect is output to the operation code decoder 25.

  The ID comparator 24 is initialized by clearing information stored in the first register 240 and the second register 241. After initialization, the ID comparator 24 waits for input of new ID data 110. When the data string 100 is output from the host computer 10 in this state, the ID data 110 included in the data string 100 is acquired. It is configured to store in the first register 240. Further, the ID comparator 24 acquires the identification data 210 from the memory array 21 via the I / O controller 26 at a predetermined timing such as after the ID data 110 is stored in the first register 240, and the second register 241. To store.

  The operation code decoder 25 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, the ID comparator 24, and the I / O controller 26, and from the data string 100 output from the host computer 10, the write command 120 is read. The command 150, the identification update command 160, etc. are acquired. When the access permission signal EN is input from the ID comparator 24, the operation code decoder 25 analyzes the acquired command and outputs a write processing request, a read processing request, an identification data update request, etc. according to the analysis result. Output to the O controller 26.

  The I / O controller 26 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, the memory controller 23, the ID comparator 24, the operation code decoder 25, and the identification data update unit 27, and requests from the operation code decoder 25. Accordingly, the data transfer direction for the memory array 21 and the data transfer direction for the data signal terminal DT are switched and controlled. Further, the I / O controller 26 outputs an identification data update processing request from the operation code decoder 25 to the identification data update unit 27, and in accordance with the request from the identification data update unit 27, the data transfer direction and data signal terminal to the memory array 21. Controls switching of the data transfer direction for DT.

  When accessing the storage device 20 from the host computer 10, the host computer 10 outputs the data string 100 including the ID data 110 corresponding to the device to be accessed to each storage device 20 via the data bus DB. In each storage device 20, the ID comparator 24 compares the ID data 110 sent from the host computer 10 with the identification data 210 of its own device, and if it matches, permits access to the memory array 21. Data communication is performed between the storage device 20 to be accessed and the host computer 10. Note that the operation mode of the storage device 20 when performing operations associated with normal write processing requests and read processing requests is referred to as a normal access mode.

  Here, when a cleaning cartridge is mounted on the ink jet printer instead of the ink cartridge, a plurality of cartridges C of the same type are mounted. However, when a plurality of cartridges C of the same type are mounted on the printer, the host computer 10 on the printer body side may not be able to individually access the storage device 20 to be accessed. This is because the identification data 210 of each cartridge C is the same, so that the data string 100 including the ID data 110 corresponding to the cartridge C to be accessed is transferred from the host computer 10 side via the data bus DB to each storage device 20. This is because each storage device 20 to which the data string has been input becomes accessible. For this reason, data communication is started not only between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 of the cartridge C that is the access target, but also between the storage device 20 of the cartridge C that is not the access target. As a result, the signals output from the storage devices 20 compete with each other on the data bus DB, and the host computer 10 cannot perform data communication with the storage device 20 originally targeted for access and cannot access the data. Arise.

  Therefore, in the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, the host computer 10 operates the storage device 20 in the identification update mode in order to cope with a case where a plurality of cleaning cartridges are mounted. In the identification update mode, the identification data 210 stored in the storage device 20 is converted into unique identification data at least within the range of data communication via the bus in the communication system 1, that is, a plurality of pieces mounted on the same printer. In this mode, the identification data is not duplicated among the storage devices 20 of the cartridge C.

<Configuration of identification data update unit>
Next, the configuration of the identification data update unit 27 will be described.
The storage device 20 is provided with an identification data update unit 27 for performing the operation in the identification update mode. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal circuit configuration of the identification data update unit 27. As shown in FIG. 6, the identification data update unit 27 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, and the I / O controller 26, and includes a mode switching control unit 270, a collision detection unit 271, and an increment. Unit 272 and an update processing unit 273.

  The mode switching control unit 270 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, and the I / O controller 26, and is identified as the normal access mode based on the identification data update processing request from the I / O controller 26. Controls switching to update mode. In this embodiment, the identification update command 160 from the host computer 10 is acquired to shift to the identification update mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the voltage level of the clock signal SCK is high. In a predetermined period of (H level), the mode may be shifted to the identification update mode at a timing when a data signal SDA having a voltage level of, for example, a low level (L level) is input.

  The collision detection unit 271 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, the I / O controller 26, the mode switching control unit 270, and the increment unit 272, and first, the uniqueness stored in the memory array 21 is stored. Processing to acquire data 211 is performed. Next, the collision detection unit 271 sequentially outputs the acquired unique data 211 bit by bit from the data signal terminal DT to the other storage device via the data bus DB. Then, the data signal SDA input to the data signal terminal DT via the return data bus DB is monitored, and processing for detecting a so-called collision of the data signal SDA is performed. Specifically, the collision detection unit 271 sets the voltage level of the pulled-up data signal terminal DT from the high impedance state (Hi-z) to the L level corresponding to the contents of each bit of the specific data 211. The data is output from the data signal terminal DT to the other storage device 20 via the data bus DB. Then, the collision of the data signal SDA is detected by comparing the voltage level of the data signal SDA input to the data signal terminal DT via the loopback data bus DB with the voltage level of the data signal SDA output by the device itself. To do. The collision detection unit 271 stops the subsequent output of the data signal SDA when a collision of the data signal SDA is detected.

  The increment unit 272 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the collision detection unit 271 and the update processing unit 273, and increments the value of the identification data 210 by 1 when a collision is detected. On the other hand, if no collision is detected, nothing is done.

  The update processing unit 273 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the increment unit 272, and the I / O controller 26. When a collision is detected, the update processing unit 273 receives the identification data of the memory array 21 via the I / O controller 26. A process of updating 210 to the identification data incremented by the increment unit 272 is performed.

  The memory array 21 corresponds to a storage unit, the mode switching control unit 270 corresponds to an identification update mode determination unit, the collision detection unit 271 corresponds to a comparison unit, and the identification data update unit 27 corresponds to an identification data update unit. To do. Further, the voltage level of the data signal SDA output via the data bus DB in the collision detection unit 271 is the first voltage level, and the voltage level of the data signal SDA input via the data bus DB is the second voltage level. Equivalent to.

<Operation in identification update mode>
Next, the operation in the identification update mode will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing operations of the host computer 10 and the storage device 20. Hereinafter, processing performed in the communication system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 7 is started when the ink jet printer is turned on, or when the ink cartridge or the cleaning cartridge is replaced. When the process is started, the host computer 10 determines whether or not a condition for shifting to the identification update mode is satisfied (step S10). Here, as an example where the condition for shifting to the identification update mode is satisfied, when the mode is shifted to the cleaning mode for cleaning the flow path in the ink jet head by using the cleaning cartridge mounted on the printer by a user operation or the like. Another example is a case in which access from the host computer 10 to the storage device 20 of the cartridge C mounted on the printer is not possible because a plurality of cartridges C of the same type are mounted.

  If the condition for shifting to the identification update mode is satisfied (step S10: Yes), the host computer 10 supplies power to the storage device 20, and sets an initial value such as 0 in the ID data 110 (step S11). On the other hand, when the condition for shifting to the identification update mode is not satisfied (step S10: No), the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the host computer 10 transmits the ID data 110 and the identification update command 160 for requesting the update of the identification data 210 to each storage device 20 (step S12).

  On the other hand, when the storage device 20 receives power supply from the host computer 10, the storage device 20 is turned on and started, and receives the ID data 110 and the identification update command 160 transmitted from the host computer 10 (step S20). . At this time, the ID comparator 24 of the storage device 20 stores the received ID data 110 in the first register 240.

  Next, the storage device 20 acquires the identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 via the I / O controller 26 by the ID comparator 24 and stores it in the second register 241. Then, it is determined whether or not the ID data 110 stored in the first register 240 matches the identification data 210 stored in the second register 241 (step S21).

  When the ID data 110 and the identification data 210 match (step S21: Yes), the storage device 20 shifts to the identification update mode by the identification data update unit 27 and performs the identification update mode process (step S22). ), Go to step S23. Details of the identification update mode process will be described later. On the other hand, if the ID data 110 and the identification data 210 do not match (step S21: No), the process returns to step S20 without performing the identification update mode process, and the next ID data 110 and the identification update command 160 are sent. Wait for reception.

In step S <b> 23, the storage device 20 determines whether or not the update processing of the identification data 210 has been completed in the host computer 10. Here, for example, when there is a request from the host computer 10 to end the update process based on the voltage levels of the clock signal SCK and the data signal SDA, it is determined that all the update processes have been completed.
When all the update processes of the identification data 210 are completed (step S23: Yes), the process in the storage device 20 in FIG. On the other hand, when the update process of the identification data 210 is not completed (step S23: No), the process returns to step S20 and waits until the next ID data 110 and the identification update command 160 are received.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the identification update mode process (step S22 in FIG. 7). When the mode switching control unit 270 of the identification data update unit 27 shifts to the identification update mode, the storage device 20 acquires the unique data 211 stored in the memory array 21 by the collision detection unit 271 and passes through the data bus DB. Then, the data signal SDA of the unique data 211 is output to another storage device (step S30). And the memory | storage device 20 monitors the voltage level of the data signal SDA input via the return | turnback data bus DB by the collision detection part 271 (step S31). At this time, the data signal SDA of the specific data 211 is also output to the host computer 10 via the data bus DB. The host computer 10 determines that there is a response from the storage device 20 when the data signal SDA of the unique data 211 is input. That is, it is determined that the storage device 20 corresponding to the ID data 110 exists.

Next, in the storage device 20, when the data signal SDA output via the data bus DB by the collision detection unit 271 is Hi-z, the data signal SDA input via the data bus DB is at the L level. It is determined whether or not (step S32).
If the output data signal SDA is Hi-z and the input data signal SDA is at L level (step S32: Yes), it is determined that a collision of the data signal SDA has occurred, and the process proceeds to step S33. In other words, even though the local device outputs the Hi-z data signal SDA, the L level data signal SDA is output from the other device, so that the low level data is transmitted to the local device via the loopback data bus DB. When the signal SDA is input, it is determined that a collision of the data signal SDA has occurred.

  In step S33, the storage device 20 updates the identification data 210 by incrementing the value of the identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 by 1 using the increment unit 272 and the update processing unit 273, and the identification update mode of FIG. The process ends.

On the other hand, if the output data signal SDA is L level or the input data signal SDA is H level (step S32: No), the identification data 210 is not updated, and the data signal SDA is output for the unique data 211. It is determined whether or not all have been completed (step S34).
When the output of the unique data 211 is finished (step S34: Yes), the identification update mode process of FIG. 8 is finished. On the other hand, if the output of the specific data 211 still remains (step S34: No), the process returns to step S30, the next data signal SDA is output for the specific data, and the data signal SD that is input in return is monitored.

  Returning to FIG. 7, in step S13, the host computer 10 determines whether or not there is a response from the storage device 20 (step S13). Here, when there is a storage device 20 corresponding to the ID data 110 transmitted in step S12, there is a response. On the other hand, when there is no storage device 20 corresponding to the ID data 110, there is no response.

  If there is a response from the storage device 20 (step S13: Yes), this means that the storage device 20 corresponding to the ID data 110 exists, this ID data 110 is saved (step S14), and the process proceeds to step S15. . On the other hand, if there is no response from the storage device 20 (step S13: No), the value of the ID data 110 is incremented by 1 (step S16), the process returns to step S12, and the process is repeated for the incremented ID data 110.

  Note that the ID data 110 stored in step S <b> 14 is a unique identification data 210 value that is not duplicated in each storage device 20. This is because, in the identification update mode processing, when the value of the identification data 210 is duplicated in each storage device 20, only one storage device 20 that has not detected the collision of the data signal SDA has the value of the duplicated identification data 210. This is because all the values of the identification data 210 of the other storage devices 20 that have detected the collision of the data signal SDA are updated.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the updating process of the identification data 210 has been completed. Here, when the identification data 210 of each storage device 20 has different eigenvalues, it is determined that all the update processes have been completed. Note that when the number of ID data 110 stored in step S14 reaches the number of cartridges C (four in this embodiment), it may be determined that all the updating processes have been completed.

  When all the update processes of the identification data 210 are completed (step S15: Yes), a request for the end of the update process is transmitted to each storage device 20, and the process of the host computer 10 in FIG. On the other hand, when the update process of the identification data 210 still remains (step S15: No), the value of the ID data 110 is incremented by 1 (step S16), and the process returns to step S12. Repeat the process.

<Operation in normal access mode>
Next, the operation in the normal access mode will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing operations of the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 in the normal access mode. The process of the flowchart of FIG. 9 is started when the ink jet printer is turned on, when the ink cartridge is replaced, when the print job is completed, when the power of the ink jet printer is shut off, and the like. When the processing is started, the host computer 10 supplies power to the storage device 20, and data communication according to the data string 100 is started between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20. Here, the host computer 10 transmits the ID data 110 to each storage device 20 (step S40).

  On the other hand, when the storage device 20 receives power supply from the host computer 10, the storage device 20 is turned on and started, and receives the ID data 110 transmitted from the host computer 10 (step S50). At this time, the storage device 20 stores the received ID data 110 in the first register 240 by the ID comparator 24.

  Next, the storage device 20 acquires the identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 via the I / O controller 26 by the ID comparator 24 and stores it in the second register 241. Then, it is determined whether or not the ID data 110 stored in the first register 240 matches the identification data 210 stored in the second register 241 (step S51).

  When the ID data 110 and the identification data 210 match (step S51: Yes), data communication according to the data string 100 is performed between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 (step S41), and the storage device In 20, the access control to the memory array 21 is performed (step S52). On the other hand, when the ID data 110 and the identification data 210 do not match (step S51: No), access from the host computer 10 to the memory array 21 is prohibited.

  Here, in the storage device 20, the operation code decoder 25 and the I / O controller 26 perform processing according to the received write command 120, write data 130, and read command 150, so that the memory array 21 is sent from the host computer 10. Control write or read access to.

  When the data communication between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 is completed, the process of the flowchart of FIG. 9 is terminated.

<Example of identification update mode processing>
Next, an example of the identification update mode process will be described.
10 to 12 are examples showing timing charts in the respective storage devices 20. FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of updating the identification data 210 in each storage device 20. 10 to 12 show the clock signal SCK, the data signal SDA output via the data bus DB, and the data signal SDA input via the data bus DB. In addition, the data signal SDA indicates the Hi-z state pulled up via the pull-up resistor R1 by a broken line. Note that the timing chart shows a state after the transition to the identification update mode.

In this example, the specific data 211 of the storage devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are “0x101B” (0x indicates hexadecimal notation), “0x102B”, “0x103B”, and “0x112B”, respectively. These unique data 211 are sequentially output one bit at a time via the data bus DB. At this time, the data signal SDA is in the output order (LSB First) output first from LSB (least significant bit). . Note that the value of the specific data 211 is simplified for easy understanding.
In addition, the initial values of the identification data 210 of the storage devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d when the cartridge C is mounted are all zero as shown in the item “initial value” of the identification data in FIG. . That is, for example, four cartridges C of the same type are mounted as in the cleaning cartridge.

  The timing chart of FIG. 10 shows an example in which the identification update mode process is performed for the first time for each identification data 210 in the storage devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that are all zero. Here, “0” is set in the ID data 110 from the host computer 10 and transmitted to each storage device 20 (step S12 in FIG. 7). Then, in each of the storage devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d whose identification data 210 is “0”, the data signal SDA of the specific data 211 is output via the data bus DB, and the data signal SDA is output via the return data bus DB. This is input and monitored (steps S30 to S32 in FIG. 8).

  As shown in FIG. 10, at the timing of time T11, the output levels Pa11 and Pc11 of the storage devices 20a and 20c are Hi-z, and the output levels Pb11 and Pd11 of the storage devices 20b and 20d are L level. For this reason, the input levels Pa11i and Pc11i of the storage devices 20a and 20c become the L level instead of the H level, and it is determined that a collision of the data signal SDA has occurred in the storage devices 20a and 20c. Then, the storage devices 20a and 20c stop outputting the subsequent data signal SDA, increment the value of each identification data 210 by 1, and update it to “1” (step S33 in FIG. 8).

  On the other hand, in the storage devices 20b and 20d, at the timing of time T12, the output level Pb12 of the storage device 20b is L level, and the output level Pd12 of the storage device 20d is Hi-z. For this reason, the input level Pd12i of the storage device 20d becomes the L level instead of the H level, and the storage device 20d determines that a collision of the data signal SDA has occurred. Then, in the storage device 20d, the output of the subsequent data signal SDA is stopped, and the value of the identification data 210 is incremented by 1 and updated to “1”. In the storage device 20b, the output of the data signal SDA is continued with the value of the identification data 210 being “0”. As a result of the above identification update mode process, the values of the identification data 210 of the storage devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are “1” and “ “0”, “1”, “1”.

  Subsequently, the timing chart illustrated in FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which the identification update mode process is performed for the second time for each piece of identification data 210 that has been subjected to the identification update mode process for the first time. Here, “1” is set in the ID data 110 from the host computer 10 and transmitted to each storage device 20. Then, in each of the storage devices 20a, 20c, and 20d in which the value of the identification data 210 is “1”, the data signal SDA of the specific data 211 is output via the data bus DB, and the data signal SDA is output via the return data bus DB. Input and monitor this.

  As shown in FIG. 11, at the timing of time T21 (same as time T11 in FIG. 10), the output levels Pa21 and Pc21 of the storage devices 20a and 20c are Hi-z, and the output level Pd21 of the storage device 20d is L level. It is. For this reason, the input levels Pa21i and Pc21i of the storage devices 20a and 20c become L level instead of H level, and it is determined that a collision of the data signal SDA has occurred in the storage devices 20a and 20c. Then, the storage devices 20a and 20c stop outputting the subsequent data signal SDA, increment the value of each identification data 210 by 1, and update it to “2”. In the storage device 20d, the output of the data signal SDA is continued while the value of the identification data 210 is “1”. As a result of the above identification update mode processing, the values of the identification data 210 of the storage devices 20a, 20c, and 20d are “2” and “2”, respectively, as shown in the identification data item “after the second update” in FIG. , “1”.

  Further, the timing chart shown in FIG. 12 shows an example in which the identification update mode process is performed for the third time for each identification data 210 that has been subjected to the identification update mode process for the second time. Here, “2” is set in the ID data 110 from the host computer 10 and transmitted to each storage device 20. Then, in each of the storage devices 20a and 20c whose identification data 210 is “2”, the data signal SDA of the unique data 211 is output via the data bus DB, and the data signal SDA is input via the return data bus DB. Monitor this.

  As shown in FIG. 12, at the timing of time T31, the output level Pa31 of the storage device 20a is L level, and the output level Pc31 of the storage device 20c is Hi-z. For this reason, the input level Pc31i of the storage device 20c becomes the L level instead of the H level, and the storage device 20c determines that the collision of the data signal SDA has occurred. Then, in the storage device 20c, output of the subsequent data signal SDA is stopped, and the value of the identification data 210 is incremented by 1 and updated to “3”. In the storage device 20a, the output of the data signal SDA is continued while the value of the identification data 210 is “2”. As a result of the above identification update mode processing, the values of the identification data 210 of the storage devices 20a and 20c are “2” and “3”, respectively, as shown in the item “after the third update” of the identification data in FIG. . Finally, as shown in the identification data item “final result” in FIG. 13, the values of the identification data 210 of the storage devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are “2”, “0”, and “3”, respectively. , “1”, each having a different unique value.

<Another example of identification update mode processing>
Next, another example of the identification update mode process will be described.
FIG. 14 is an example showing a timing chart in each storage device 20 after cartridge replacement. FIG. 15 is a table showing an example of updating the identification data 210 in each storage device 20 after cartridge replacement. Here, the values of the identification data 210 of the storage devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d shown in the identification data item “final result” in FIG. 13, the states of “2”, “0”, “3”, and “1” 5 shows an example in which the storage device 20b (value “0” of the identification data 210) is replaced with the storage device 20e (value “3” of the identification data 210) (shaded portion in FIG. 15). Accordingly, the values of the identification data 210 of the storage devices 20a, 20e, 20c, and 20d are “2”, “3”, “3”, and “1”, and the storage device 20e and the storage device 20c are cartridges. The value is duplicated by exchange.

  In such a state, when “0” is set in the ID data 110 from the host computer 10 and transmitted to each storage device 20, there is no storage device 20 having the identification data 210 value of “0”. The identification data 210 is not updated. Subsequently, when “1” and “2” are set in the ID data 110 from the host computer 10 and transmitted to each storage device 20, the storage device 20 d in which the values of the identification data 210 are “1” and “2”. , 20a, but since the collision of the data signal SDA does not occur in each of the storage devices 20d, 20a, the identification data 210 is not updated.

  Subsequently, when “3” is set in the ID data 110 from the host computer 10 and transmitted to each storage device 20, the storage devices 20e and 20c whose identification data 210 value is “3” are targeted. The timing chart shown in FIG. 14 shows an example in which the identification update mode process is performed for the identification data 210 of the storage devices 20e and 20c for the first time. Here, “3” is set in the ID data 110 from the host computer 10 and transmitted to each storage device 20. Then, in each of the storage devices 20e and 20c whose identification data 210 is “3”, the data signal SDA of the unique data 211 is output via the data bus DB, and the data signal SDA is input via the loopback data bus DB. Monitor this.

  As shown in FIG. 14, at the timing of time T41, the output level Pe41 of the storage device 20e is L level, and the output level Pc41 of the storage device 20c is Hi-z. For this reason, the input level Pc41i of the storage device 20c becomes the L level instead of the H level, and the storage device 20c determines that the collision of the data signal SDA has occurred. Then, the storage device 20c stops outputting the subsequent data signal SDA, increments the value of the identification data 210 by 1, and updates it to “4”. In the storage device 20e, the output of the data signal SDA is continued with the value of the identification data 210 being “3”. As a result of the above identification update mode processing, the identification data 210 of the storage devices 20e and 20c becomes “3” and “4”, respectively, as shown in the identification data item “after first update” in FIG. Finally, as shown in the identification data item “final result” in FIG. 15, the values of the identification data 210 in the storage devices 20a, 20e, 20c, and 20d are “2”, “3”, and “4”, respectively. , “1”, each having a different unique value.

  According to the first embodiment described above, each of the storage devices 20a to 20d of the communication system 1 has a unique identification in which the value of the identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 is not duplicated by the operation in the identification update mode. Data 210 is updated. Therefore, even when a plurality of cartridges C of the same type, such as cleaning cartridges, are mounted on the printer, the host computer 10 thereafter stores the cartridges C by performing the operation of the identification update mode. The device 20 can be accessed individually.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the entire identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 is updated. In the second embodiment, a part of the identification data is updated instead of the entire identification data. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of identification data according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the identification data 213 includes additional identification data 214 and fixed identification data 215. For example, among the 8-bit identification data 213, the upper 4 bits are the additional identification data 214 and the lower 4 Bits are fixed identification data 215. That is, the identification data 213 is divided into two identification areas of additional identification data 214 and fixed identification data 215.

  The additional identification data 214 has a predetermined value such as “0000” as an initial value, for example, and the update processing unit 273 updates only the additional identification data 214 by the operation in the identification update mode. One fixed identification data 215 is identification information determined according to the type of the cartridge C, that is, the type of ink or cleaning liquid to be stored, and the update processing unit 273 does not update the fixed identification data 215.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of identification data 213 before and after update in the identification update mode. As shown in FIG. 17A, in the identification data 213 before updating, the initial value of the additional identification data 214 is “0000”, and the fixed identification data 215 includes a value “1011” indicating that the cartridge is a cleaning cartridge. It has become. Therefore, the bit string of the identification data 213 before update is “00001011”.

  When the identification data is updated by the identification update mode process, as shown in FIG. 17B, the additional identification data 214 is updated, while the fixed identification data 215 is not updated. The example of FIG. 17 corresponds to the storage device 20a described in FIG. 13 of the first embodiment, and the final result of the identification data 210 of the storage device 20a is “2”. The data 214 is updated to “0010”. Therefore, the bit string of the identification data 213 after being updated in the identification update mode is “00101011”. The updated identification data 213 includes the additional identification data 214 and is therefore unique among the storage devices 20 attached to the printer.

  According to the second embodiment described above, in the identification update mode, the additional identification data 214 that is a part of the identification data 213 is updated, so that the unique identification data 213 between the storage devices 20 is changed. Therefore, the storage device 20 can be individually accessed from the host computer 10 as in the first embodiment.

  Even after the identification data 213 is updated in the identification update mode, the fixed identification data 215 has not been updated, so information “1011” indicating that it is a cleaning cartridge remains. Thus, for example, when the cleaning cartridge whose identification data 213 has been updated in the identification update mode is mounted on another printer, the other printer determines the mounted cartridge C based on the fixed identification data 215. It can be determined that the cartridge is a cleaning cartridge. Therefore, even after the identification data 210 is once updated in the identification update mode, it can be used in the same manner as the cartridge C that has not been updated, and the cartridge C that is more convenient to use can be provided.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, an inspection system that performs operation inspection on a plurality of ink cartridges of the same type will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an inspection system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the inspection system 2 includes an inspection device 40, and a plurality of ink cartridges are mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 41 of the inspection device 40. Further, the inspection device 40 includes a host computer 42. The host computer 42 uses a clock signal line CL and a data signal line DL to respectively store the storage device 20 of each ink cartridge via a clock bus CB and a data bus DB. Connected with. That is, a communication system having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is constructed in the inspection device 40. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the inspection system 2 according to the second embodiment. The operation of the inspection system 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When a plurality of cartridges C to be inspected are mounted on the inspection apparatus 40, for example, when a predetermined operation for instructing the start of inspection is performed, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 19 is started. When the processing is started, the host computer 42 of the inspection device 40 supplies power to the storage device 20, sets an initial value such as 0 in the ID data 110 (step S60), and the ID data 110 and the identification update command. 160 is transmitted to each storage device 20 (step S61).

On the other hand, when the storage device 20 receives the supply of power from the host computer 42, the storage device 20 is turned on and started, and receives the ID data 110 and the identification update command 160 transmitted from the host computer 42 (step S70). . Then, the storage device 20 determines whether or not the ID data 110 and the identification data 210 match (step S71).
If the ID data 110 and the identification data 210 match (step S71: Yes), the process proceeds to the identification update mode, performs the identification update mode process (step S72), and proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, if the ID data 110 and the identification data 210 do not match (step S71: No), the process returns to step S70.

In step S <b> 73, the storage device 20 determines whether or not the update processing of the identification data 210 has been completed in the host computer 42.
When all the updating processes of the identification data 210 are completed (step S73: Yes), the process shifts to the normal access mode (step S74). On the other hand, when the update process of the identification data 210 is not completed (step S73: No), the process returns to step S70.

The host computer 42 determines whether or not there is a response from the storage device 20 (step S62).
When there is a response from the storage device 20 (step S62: Yes), the transmitted ID data 110 is stored (step S63), and the process proceeds to step S64. On the other hand, when there is no response from the storage device 20 (step S62: No), the value of the ID data 110 is incremented by 1 (step S65), and the process returns to step S61.

  In step S <b> 64, the host computer 42 determines whether or not the update process for the identification data 210 has been completed. When all the updating processes of the identification data 210 are completed (step S64: Yes), the process proceeds to step S66. On the other hand, when the update process of the identification data 210 still remains (step S64: No), the value of the ID data 110 is incremented by 1 (step S65), and the process returns to step S61.

  In step S <b> 66, the inspection apparatus 40 accesses the storage device 20 using the stored ID data 110. Then, data communication according to the data string 100 is performed between the inspection device 40 and the storage device 20, and access control to the memory array 21 is performed in the storage device 20 (step S75). At this time, the inspection device 40 performs an operation inspection of the storage device 20 by causing each storage device 20 to perform an operation of writing information to the memory array 21, a read operation, or the like (step S67).

  According to the inspection system 2 described above, the host computer 42 of the inspection device 40 individually accesses the storage devices 20 of the plurality of cartridges C attached to the inspection device 40 and performs an operation inspection of each storage device 20. It can be carried out. Therefore, for example, the number of steps required for the inspection of the cartridge C can be remarkably reduced as compared with the case where the operation inspection is performed by mounting the cartridges C one by one on the inspection apparatus.

  The first to third embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Of course, the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Moreover, this invention can also be set as various aspects in the range which does not deviate from the meaning. Hereinafter, modified examples will be described.

(Modification 1)
In the first to third embodiments, the data signal line DL is connected to the power supply terminal VDD via the pull-up resistor R1, and the voltage level of the data signal terminal DT is set from Hi-z to L level. The data is output via the data bus DB. However, the present invention is not limited to this, the data signal line DL is connected to the ground potential via a pull-down resistor, the voltage level of the data signal terminal DT is set from Hi-z to H level, and the data bus DB is connected via the data bus DB. It may be output. In this case, in the collision detection unit 271 of the storage device 20, when the data signal SDA output via the data bus DB is Hi-z, the data signal SDA input via the return data bus DB is at the H level. Then, it is determined that a collision of the data signal SDA has occurred.

(Modification 2)
In the first and second embodiments, as an example in which a plurality of cartridges C of the same type are mounted on the printer, a case where a plurality of cleaning cartridges are mounted has been described as an example. This is not limited to this example. For example, in the case of a printer configured to be able to mount a plurality of ink cartridges containing black ink in order to increase the number of printable sheets for monochrome printing, the storage provided in each of the black ink cartridges by the operation of the identification update mode. The device 20 can be accessed individually. Of course, the ink color of the same type of ink cartridge is not limited to black.

(Modification 3)
In the first to third embodiments, the identification data 210 and the unique data 211 are stored in the memory array 21 of the storage device 20. However, a storage unit different from the memory array 21 is provided in the storage device 20. It is good also as a structure which provides and stores one or both of the identification data 210 and the specific data 211 in this memory | storage part.

(Modification 4)
In the first to third embodiments, the configuration including the storage device 20 for storing the ink cartridge information in the cartridge C for the ink jet printer has been described. However, the storage device and the communication system according to the present invention are in this mode. It is not limited to. The present invention can be applied to a storage device provided in various replacement parts such as a toner cartridge and a developing unit of a laser printer, and a communication system including the storage device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system, 2 ... Test | inspection system 10, 42 ... Host computer, 11 ... Clock signal generation circuit, 12 ... Power supply circuit, 13 ... Power supply compensation circuit, 14 ... Data storage circuit, 15 ... Control circuit, 20, 20a- 20d ... Storage device, 21 ... Memory array, 22 ... Address counter, 23 ... Memory controller, 24 ... ID comparator, 25 ... Operation code decoder, 26 ... I / O controller, 27 ... Identification data update unit, 30 ... Communication control 40, inspection device, 41 ... cartridge mounting unit, 100 ... data string, 110 ... ID data, 120 ... write command, 130 ... write data, 140 ... ACK data, 150 ... read command, 160 ... identification update command, 170 ... Read data, 210, 213 ... Identification 211 ... specific data, 214 ... additional identification data, 215 ... fixed identification data, 240 ... first register, 241 ... second register, 270 ... mode switching control unit, 271 ... collision detection unit, 272 ... increment unit, 273 ... Update processing unit, C, C1 to C4 ... Cartridge, CT ... Clock signal terminal, DT ... Data signal terminal, R1 ... Pull-up resistor, SCK ... Clock signal, SDA ... Data signal.

Claims (11)

A storage device that performs data communication via a data signal line,
A storage unit for storing identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device;
A clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input; and
A data signal terminal connected to the data signal line being pulled up or pulled down to a predetermined voltage level;
An identification update mode determination unit that determines whether or not to move to an identification update mode for updating the identification data;
A comparison of outputting the data signal of the specific data from the data signal terminal and comparing the first voltage level of the output data signal with the second voltage level of the data signal input from the data signal terminal. And
An identification data update unit for updating the identification data,
The identification data update unit
When it is determined by the identification update mode determination unit to shift to the identification update mode and the comparison unit determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different, the identification data is A storage device that is updated. The comparison unit compares the first voltage level with the second voltage level,
2. The collision between the data signal of the unique data output by itself and the data signal of the unique data output from another storage device connected to the data signal line is monitored. Storage device.   The output of the data signal of the specific data is stopped when the comparison unit determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different. Storage device. When the identification update mode determination unit receives a data signal of a command instructing transition to the identification update mode from the data signal terminal,
Alternatively, when a data signal having a predetermined voltage level is input from the data signal terminal in a predetermined period in which the clock signal input from the clock signal terminal is at a high level,
The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is determined to shift to the identification update mode.   The identification data updating unit updates the identification data when the ID data specifying the storage device to be processed input from the data signal terminal does not correspond to the identification data stored in the storage unit. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device is not.   The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the identification data update unit updates the identification data to a value incremented by one. The identification data is divided into a plurality of identification areas,
The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the identification data update unit updates a part of the identification areas among the plurality of identification areas. A liquid container including a storage device that performs data communication via a data signal line,
The storage device
A storage unit for storing identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device;
A clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input; and
A data signal terminal connected to the data signal line being pulled up or pulled down to a predetermined voltage level;
An identification update mode determination unit that determines whether or not to move to an identification update mode for updating the identification data;
A comparison of outputting the data signal of the specific data from the data signal terminal and comparing the first voltage level of the output data signal with the second voltage level of the data signal input from the data signal terminal. And
An identification data update unit for updating the identification data,
The identification data update unit
When it is determined by the identification update mode determination unit to shift to the identification update mode and the comparison unit determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different, the identification data is A liquid container characterized by being renewed. A communication system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus,
Each storage device
A storage unit for storing identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device;
A clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input; and
A data signal terminal connected to the data signal line being pulled up or pulled down to a predetermined voltage level;
An identification update mode determination unit that determines whether or not to move to an identification update mode for updating the identification data;
A comparison of outputting the data signal of the specific data from the data signal terminal and comparing the first voltage level of the output data signal with the second voltage level of the data signal input from the data signal terminal. And
An identification data update unit for updating the identification data,
The identification data update unit
When it is determined by the identification update mode determination unit to shift to the identification update mode and the comparison unit determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different, the identification data is A communication system characterized by updating. Connected to a storage unit that stores identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device, a clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a data signal line that is pulled up or pulled down to a predetermined voltage level A data signal terminal, and a method of controlling a storage device that performs data communication via the data signal line,
An identification update mode determination step for determining whether or not to shift to an identification update mode for updating the identification data;
A comparison of outputting the data signal of the specific data from the data signal terminal and comparing the first voltage level of the output data signal with the second voltage level of the data signal input from the data signal terminal. Process,
An identification data update step for updating the identification data,
In the identification data update step,
When it is determined in the identification update mode determination step that the mode is shifted to the identification update mode, and the comparison step determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different, the identification data is A method for controlling a storage device, comprising updating the storage device. Connected to a storage unit that stores identification data for communication and unique data unique to the storage device, a clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a data signal line that is pulled up or pulled down to a predetermined voltage level A plurality of storage devices that perform data communication via the data signal line.
Each of the storage devices
An identification update mode determination step for determining whether or not to shift to an identification update mode for updating the identification data;
A comparison of outputting the data signal of the specific data from the data signal terminal and comparing the first voltage level of the output data signal with the second voltage level of the data signal input from the data signal terminal. Process,
An identification data update step for updating the identification data,
The identification data update step includes:
When it is determined in the identification update mode determination step that the mode is shifted to the identification update mode, and the comparison step determines that the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different, the identification data is Updated,
A method for inspecting a storage device, comprising the step of inspecting each operation by accessing each storage device after updating the identification data in each storage device.

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