CN103465632A

CN103465632A - Ink box chip, ink box and ink box adaptive support

Info

Publication number: CN103465632A
Application number: CN2013104248054A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 周维; 李钜辉; 陈浩; 罗艳辉
Original assignee: Apex Microelectronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Jihai Microelectronics Co ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-22
Filing date: 2013-09-17
Publication date: 2013-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-17
Also published as: CN103465632B

Abstract

An embodiment of the invention discloses an ink box chip which comprises an interface unit, a control unit and a storage unit. The interface unit is used for receiving light control commands sent by an imaging device, the light control commands comprise ink box identification information, the storage unit is used for storing self identification information and state signs, the state signs comprise executable states or non-executable states, the control unit is connected with any one of light-emitting units and used for executing the light control commands, and the light control commands comprise light lightening commands or light extinguishing commands. The control unit is used for controlling the light-emitting unit to execute the light control commands according to the light control commands and the state signs in the storage unit when the interface unit receives the light control commands, and determining state signs again according to the incidence relation of the ink box identification information and the self identification information after the light-emitting unit executes the light control commands. The ink box chip can achieve detection of the position of the ink box in the imaging device.

Description

A kind of ink box chip, print cartridge and print cartridge adapter rack

Technical field

The present invention relates to print imaging field, be specifically related to a kind of ink box chip, print cartridge and print cartridge adapter rack.

Background technology

It is to be that the China application on November 22nd, 2012 and application number are to be the priority that China on July 11st, 2013 applies for 201310303587.9 applyings date 201210519186.2 applyings date that the present invention requires application number.　

Imaging device is the common instrument in current people's work, life, as printer, copy and facsimile machine etc.The structure of imaging device roughly is divided into two parts, i.e. imaging equipment body and print cartridge.Print cartridge is easily-consumed products, so usually be releasably attached in imaging equipment body, easily is replaced.　

May be provided with a plurality of print cartridges in existing imaging device, be beneficial to long-time use, or also can be provided with the print cartridge of different colours, be convenient to the imaging demand of user to the different colours image.Correct for the installation site that guarantees each print cartridge, the print cartridge location detecting technology has been proposed therefrom.　

The print cartridge location detecting technology can based on light transmit and receive realize.Can on the ink box chip of print cartridge, be provided with light source, be provided with light receiver in imaging equipment body.When detecting the position of certain print cartridge, make this print cartridge in light receiver over against position, then control the light source luminescent of ink box chip, receive light and detect, record luminous quantity by receiver.Subsequently, control adjacent print cartridge luminous, by receiver, receive light and detect, record luminous quantity.Due to receiver and print cartridge to be detected over against, so be received from the luminous quantity that the luminous quantity of print cartridge to be detected is greater than adjacent print cartridge, and the luminous quantity of print cartridge to be detected can be greater than a predetermined threshold value.Accordingly, imaging equipment body can recognize the correct position of this print cartridge.　

But, the characteristics of existing ink box chip are: when several ink box chips are installed in same imaging device, the light source that they are controlled can be simultaneously luminous, if what install on imaging device is all the print cartridge with this ink box chip, can see that on all print cartridges, light source is to light at any time simultaneously, extinguish simultaneously.Because the print cartridge location detecting technology luminous quantity that is light source on the print cartridge that utilizes light receiver to receive carries out the detection of print cartridge position, so the luminous quantity that the characteristic that existing ink box chip is lighted makes light receiver receive remains unchanged, and has also just caused existing this ink box chip can not realize the detection of print cartridge position simultaneously.　

Summary of the invention

In order to realize the detection of the print cartridge position in imaging device, the invention provides a kind of ink box chip, print cartridge and print cartridge adapter rack.

The invention provides a kind of ink box chip, described ink box chip comprises: interface unit, control module and memory cell;

Described interface unit, the light control instruction sent for receiving described imaging device, described light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information;

Described memory cell, for storing self identifying information and status indication, described status indication comprises executable state or non-executable state;

Described control module is connected with arbitrary luminescence unit, and for carrying out described light control instruction, the type of described light control instruction comprises that light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction;

Described control module is connected with described memory cell with described interface unit, for when described interface unit receives described light control instruction, control described luminescence unit according to the type of described light control instruction and the status indication in described memory cell and carry out described light control instruction; After described luminescence unit is carried out described light control instruction, the incidence relation according to described print cartridge identifying information and described self identifying information, redefine status indication.

Preferably, described memory cell, also, for storing light setting information, described light setting information comprises the corresponding relation of count results and control information, described control information comprises forbidding lighting and enabling lights;

Accordingly, described control module, specifically for when described interface unit receives described light control instruction, obtain current count results, described current count results is to default counting object count gained, obtain the control information corresponding with described current count results in described light setting information, according to type and the described control information of described light control instruction, control described luminescence unit; Whether the type that judges described light control instruction is identical with default counting object, described counting object is that light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction, when the type of described light control instruction is identical with described counting object, according to the incidence relation of described print cartridge identifying information and described self identifying information, determine whether described current count results increases by 1.

Preferably, described control module comprises instruction identification module, print cartridge identification module, match counter and illuminated switch module;

Described instruction identification module, for identifying the type of the light control instruction that described interface unit receives;

Described illuminated switch module, for the light control instruction in the identification of described instruction identification module, be that light is while lighting instruction, obtain current count results, obtain the control information corresponding with described current count results in light setting information in described memory cell, and control described luminescence unit and carry out described control information;

Whether described print cartridge identification module, be associated with described self identifying information for judging described print cartridge identifying information;

Described match counter, in the situation that described print cartridge identifying information is associated with described self identifying information, current count results increases by 1.

Preferably, described memory cell is also for storing the command reception mark, and described command reception mark is for the functional status of the described illuminated switch module of mark, and described functional status is upstate or down state.

Preferably, when the described illuminated switch module of described command reception mark is upstate, described illuminated switch module, for the light control instruction in the identification of described instruction identification module, be that light is while lighting instruction, obtain current count results, obtain the control information corresponding with described current count results in light setting information in described memory cell, and control described luminescence unit and carry out described control information.

Preferably, described light setting information is to determine according to the light detection characteristic of described imaging device and the installation site of described ink box chip.

Preferably, described control module, also for when described ink box chip powers on, if described ink box chip detected in the power-up initializing stage, described luminescence unit is carried out described light and is lighted instruction.

Preferably, described luminescence unit is arranged on described ink box chip.　

The present invention also provides a kind of print cartridge, comprises at least one above-mentioned arbitrary described ink box chip.　

Preferably, described ink box chip is connected to imaging device by a communication bus.　

The present invention also provides a kind of print cartridge, and described print cartridge comprises interface unit, control module and memory cell;

Preferably, described print cartridge adapter rack comprises interface unit, at least one control module, at least one memory cell and at least one luminescence unit;

Described control module is connected with luminescence unit, and for carrying out described light control instruction, the type of described light control instruction comprises that light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction;

Preferably, described print cartridge adapter rack comprises an interface unit, a control module, a memory cell and at least one luminescence unit;

Described control module, specifically for when described interface unit receives described light control instruction, according to the type of described light control instruction and the status indication in described memory cell, control described luminescence unit corresponding to described light control instruction and carry out described light control instruction; After described luminescence unit is carried out described light control instruction, the incidence relation according to described print cartridge identifying information and described self identifying information, redefine status indication.

Preferably, the number of described control module, memory cell and luminescence unit in described print cartridge adapter rack is identical, and described control module, memory cell and luminescence unit have one-to-one relationship;

Described control module is connected with corresponding luminescence unit, and for carrying out described light control instruction, the type of described light control instruction comprises that light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction;

Described control module is connected with the memory cell corresponding with described control module with described interface unit, for when described interface unit receives described light control instruction, control according to the type of described light control instruction and the status indication in described memory cell the described luminescence unit that described control module is corresponding and carry out described light control instruction; After described luminescence unit is carried out described light control instruction, the incidence relation according to described print cartridge identifying information and described self identifying information, redefine status indication.

The invention provides a kind of ink box chip, ink box chip comprises: interface unit, control module and memory cell; The light control instruction that interface unit sends for receiving described imaging device, described light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information; Memory cell, for storing self identifying information and status indication, status indication comprises executable state or non-executable state; Control module is connected with arbitrary luminescence unit, and for carrying out the light control instruction, the type of light control instruction comprises that light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction; Control module, when at interface unit, receiving the light control instruction, control luminescence unit according to the status indication in light control instruction and memory cell and carry out the light control instruction; After luminescence unit is carried out the light control instruction, the incidence relation according to print cartridge identifying information and self identifying information, redefine status indication.Utilize ink box chip of the present invention can realize the detection of print cartridge position in imaging device.

The accompanying drawing explanation

In order to be illustrated more clearly in the technical scheme in the embodiment of the present application, in below describing embodiment, the accompanying drawing of required use is briefly described, apparently, accompanying drawing in the following describes is only some embodiment of the application, for those of ordinary skills, under the prerequisite of not paying creative work, can also obtain according to these accompanying drawings other accompanying drawing.

The print cartridge position probing principle schematic that Fig. 1 a is applicable by the embodiment of the present invention;

The print cartridge position probing principle schematic that Fig. 1 b is applicable by the embodiment of the present invention;

The ink box chip structure chart that Fig. 2 provides for the embodiment of the present invention one;

The workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Fig. 3 provides for the embodiment of the present invention one;

Fig. 4 is used existing ink box chip to carry out the flow chart of print cartridge position probing;

The ink box chip that Fig. 5 provides for the use embodiment of the present invention one carries out the flow chart of print cartridge position probing;

The structure chart of the control module of the ink box chip that Fig. 6 provides for the embodiment of the present invention two;

The workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Fig. 7 provides for the embodiment of the present invention three;

The workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Fig. 8 provides for the embodiment of the present invention three;

The ink box chip that Fig. 9 provides for use the present embodiment three carries out the flow chart of print cartridge position probing;

The workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Figure 10 provides for the embodiment of the present invention four;

The workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Figure 11 provides for the embodiment of the present invention four;

The structural representation that Figure 12 is the print cartridge adapter rack.　

The specific embodiment

Below in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in the embodiment of the present application, the technical scheme in the embodiment of the present application is clearly and completely described, obviously, described embodiment is only the application's part embodiment, rather than whole embodiment.Embodiment based in the application, those of ordinary skills are not making all other embodiment that obtain under the creative work prerequisite, all belong to the scope of the application's protection.

At first the existing a kind of ink-jet printer of take is example, and wherein typical print cartridge position probing scheme is as follows:

In order to guarantee the normal printing of ink-jet printer, prevent the printing deviation occurred because of print cartridge position setup error, usually need to after print cartridge is packed ink-jet printer into, detect print cartridge and whether correctly be arranged on the tram in ink-jet printer.The print cartridge position probing principle schematic that Fig. 1 a and Fig. 1 b are applicable by the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1a, suppose that ink-jet printer is provided with four print cartridges, for distinguishing, clear above-mentioned four print cartridges are designated as respectively to BK print cartridge, Y print cartridge, C print cartridge and M print cartridge.Each print cartridge is arranged on respectively on the print cartridge installation site of ink-jet printer, and wherein the print cartridge installation site is respectively position A, position B, position C and position D.These four print cartridges are connected to ink-jet printer by the same communication bus, and each print cartridge can receive the luminous activation bit that ink-jet printer sends to any one print cartridge.As shown in Fig. 1 a and Fig. 1 b, be provided with optical receiver on ink-jet printer, its position is fixed, and the print cartridge position all is positioned on the word car, come mobile print cartridge position by mobile word car, thus the relative position between the optical receiver of the luminescence unit on the change print cartridge and printer.　

The print cartridge position probing mainly comprises that the adjacent light over against position probing and adjacent print cartridge to current print cartridge to be detected detects two parts, need to be detected each print cartridge in imaging device one by one as print cartridge to be detected.Wherein, the luminescence unit that refers to the print cartridge to be detected that printer driver is relative with optical receiver over against position probing is luminous, and detect the process whether light quantity that optical receiver receives is greater than preset value, and the adjacent light detection is to instigate above-mentioned print cartridge to be detected to maintain on the position relative with optical receiver, the luminescence unit of arbitrary print cartridge that printer driver is adjacent with above-mentioned print cartridge to be detected is luminous, and detects the process whether light quantity that optical receiver now receives is less than the above-mentioned light quantity received during over against position probing.As shown in Figure 1a, for print cartridge Y to be detected, mobile print cartridge Y makes itself and optical receiver in over against position, the luminescence unit of controlling print cartridge Y to be detected is luminous, optical receiver receives light, obtains the first light quantity S1, judges whether described the first light quantity S1 is greater than predetermined threshold value, if this print cartridge to be detected is correct over against position probing.As shown in Figure 1 b, keep the print cartridge invariant position, the luminescence unit of adjacent print cartridge BK of controlling print cartridge Y to be detected is luminous, optical receiver receives light, obtains the second light quantity S2, judges whether the second light quantity is less than predetermined threshold value, if the adjacent light of this print cartridge Y to be detected detects correct.Otherwise, determine over against position probing or adjacent light and detect mistake.Only have simultaneously and just can be considered as the correct position of this print cartridge by above-mentioned two kinds of detections.Wherein, above-mentioned print cartridge to be detected is interpreted as carrying out the print cartridge over against position probing, and adjacent print cartridge is interpreted as the arbitrary print cartridge adjacent with above-mentioned print cartridge to be detected.When print cartridge to be detected is the BK print cartridge, can mobile print cartridge BK print cartridge make itself and optical receiver in over against position, print cartridge Y just becomes adjacent print cartridge, now the luminescence unit of printer driver print cartridge Y is luminous, it is exactly the adjacent light detection to print cartridge BK, due to the adjacent position of print cartridge Y in print cartridge BK to be detected, now also can be considered as print cartridge Y is carried out to the adjacent position detection.Generally, printer can carry out respectively once over against position probing and an adjacent position, detecting to same print cartridge.　

Embodiment mono-

With reference to figure 2, the structure chart of the ink box chip that Fig. 2 provides for the present embodiment, wherein, described ink box chip comprises: interface unit 21, control module 22 and memory cell 23, described control module 22 is connected with luminescence unit 24;

Described interface unit 21, the light control instruction sent for receiving described imaging device, described light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information;

In the present embodiment, the light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information, and the print cartridge identifying information, can be for distinguishing the print cartridge of different colours ink for identifying print cartridge.Simultaneously, the light control instruction also comprises and is used to indicate the command information of lighting or extinguishing luminescence unit.The light control instruction comprises the instruction of two types, and light is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction, and it is to extinguish luminescence unit that light extinguishes the command information that instruction comprises; It is to light luminescence unit that light is lighted the command information that instruction comprises.In addition, being connected between interface unit and imaging device, can adopt wired mode to be connected, and also can adopt wireless mode to be connected.　

Described memory cell 23, for storing self identifying information and status indication, described status indication comprises executable state or non-executable state;

In the present embodiment, can store the information relevant to print cartridge in memory cell, the information relevant to print cartridge can be print cartridge self identifying information, print cartridge manufacturer, date of manufacture, used ink amount and ink remaining amount etc., print cartridge self identifying information can be ink color information, can be also the address of devices of memory cell, or other can distinguish the information of different toner cartridge type.In the present embodiment, also stored status indication in memory cell, wherein, status indication is for identifying ink box chip in executable state or non-executable state.　

In practical application, this memory cell can adopt common nonvolatile memory, as EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, ferroelectric memory and phase transition storage etc., also can adopt volatile memory to add the power supply realization, as SRAM+ battery or electric capacity, DRAM+ battery or electric capacity etc.The way of realization of concrete memory cell is unrestricted.　

In practical application, when meeting the condition that triggers the status indication change, in memory cell, status indication will change, and that is to say, the change of status indication can mean that ink box chip changes to the another one state from current state.For example, status indication can mean with the sign flag of 1 bit that takes up space, when flag=0, the current state that means ink box chip is executable state, contrary, when flag=1, the current state that means ink box chip is executable state not.If current flag=1, and while meet triggering the condition that status indication changes, status indication flag will change into flag=0 from flag=1, on the contrary flag=1 remains unchanged.　

In addition, the initial default value of status indication can be for the state of indicating current ink box chip in executable state, perhaps can be for current indication ink box chip in executable state not, concrete, can detect characteristic according to the light of different imaging devices and be arranged in advance.For example, when imaging equipment first carries out over against position probing print cartridge, after carry out adjacent position while detecting, the initial default value that status indication can be set for the current ink box chip of indication in executable state; And print cartridge is first carried out to the adjacent position detection when imaging equipment, after while carrying out over against position probing, the initial default value that status indication can be set for the current ink box chip of indication in executable state not.　

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the initial default value of status indication can for the state of indicating described ink box chip in executable state or for the indication ink box chip in the value of executable state not, specifically can be arranged according to the light inspection characteristic of different imaging devices, when imaging equipment first carries out over against position probing print cartridge, after carry out adjacent position while detecting, the initial default value of status indication can be set for meaning the value of ink box chip in executable state; When imaging equipment first carries out the adjacent position detection to print cartridge, after while carrying out over against position probing, the initial default value that status indication can be set is for meaning that ink box chip is in the value of executable state not.The value of status indication, when the ink box chip power-up initializing, (imaging equipment starts to power to ink box chip, control module detects power supply for seasonable), perhaps when imaging device stops powering to ink box chip, perhaps, when receiving the light control instruction that comprises specific print cartridge identifying information, recover its default value.

Described luminescence unit 24 is connected with described control module 22, and for carrying out described light control instruction, the type of described light control instruction comprises that light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction;

In each embodiment of the present invention, luminescence unit can be arranged on ink box chip, also can not be arranged on ink box chip, but be connected to control module by attaching parts, concrete, attaching parts can be wire or electrical pickoff, or also can realize by wireless mode connecting.　

In addition, luminescence unit can be electroluminescent parts, can be light emitting diode (LED), laser diode, fluorescent lamp and tengsten lamp etc. particularly, at this, is not limited.Simultaneously, the light that luminescence unit sends can be visible ray, can be also black light.　

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, the luminescence unit in the present embodiment both can be arranged on the position direct relative with optical receiver, also can be arranged on the position deviated, and utilize the optical guidance parts that light is guided to optical receiver.　

Described control module 22 is connected with described memory cell 23 with described interface unit 21, for when described interface unit receives described light control instruction, control described luminescence unit according to the type of described light control instruction and the status indication in described memory cell and carry out described light control instruction; After described luminescence unit is carried out described light control instruction, the incidence relation according to described print cartridge identifying information and described self identifying information, redefine status indication.

In the present embodiment, the light control instruction that control module is received for the treatment of interface unit, and light luminescence unit or extinguish luminescence unit according to the type of light control instruction and the status indication control of ink box chip.That is to say, when described ink box chip is executable state, control module can be lighted instruction according to described light and light luminescence unit, and when described ink box chip during for executable state not, do not carry out described light and light instruction, be equivalent to lock luminescence unit in current state (keeping extinguishing or keeping lighting).Visible, whether the status indication in the present embodiment only is used to indicate light and lights instruction and can carry out.　

Particularly, when interface unit receives light and lights instruction, control module judges whether ink box chip is executable state, if, control and light luminescence unit, if changed into not executable state, control and do not carry out the operation of lighting luminescence unit; And further, consider the difference of different control units response speed, when control module judgement ink box chip is executable state, can controls and directly light luminescence unit, perhaps also can carry out (for example 300 milliseconds) after the time delays of some clock cycle, then control and light luminescence unit.　

In addition, control module is lit a lamp after instruction judging whether to carry out light, all right, and the incidence relation according to described print cartridge identifying information and described self identifying information, redefine status indication, controls the state that upgrades ink box chip.Particularly, when self identifying information that the light received when interface unit lights that instruction or light extinguishes that the print cartridge identifying information that comprises in instruction stores with memory cell is associated, control module is rewritten the status indication in memory cell, thereby changes the current state of print cartridge.Wherein, print cartridge identifying information and self identifying information are associated and refer to and be complementary or identical, or have specific relation, and for example same numerical value recorded and can be expressed as and be associated with hexadecimal and octal system respectively.　

It should be noted that, the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides can be connected to imaging device by communication bus, when the ink box chip in a plurality of as above-mentioned embodiment all needs to be connected with imaging device, these ink box chips can be connected to imaging device by the same communication bus, receive the light control instruction that this imaging device sends.　

With reference to figure 3, the workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Fig. 3 provides for the present embodiment specifically can comprise:

Step S01: receive the light control instruction that imaging device sends, described light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information.　

Step S02: whether the type that judges the light control instruction is that light is lighted instruction, if, perform step S04, otherwise execution step S03.　

Wherein, judgement light control instruction, judge that this instruction is that light is lighted instruction, or light extinguishes instruction.　

Step S03: extinguish luminescence unit.　

Step S04: judge whether the current status indication of ink box chip is executable state, if, perform step S05, otherwise, execution step S08;

Wherein, the judged result according to the state of ink box chip, determine whether lighting luminescence unit, if ink box chip is not lighted luminescence unit in executable state not; If ink box chip, in executable state, is lighted luminescence unit.　

Step S05: light luminescence unit.　

Step S06: judge whether the print cartridge identifying information is associated with self identifying information, if so, performs step S07, if not, performs step S08.　

Step S07: change the current status indication of ink box chip;

If current state is executable state, change into not executable state, if current state is executable state not, change into executable state.　

Step S08: maintain the current state of ink box chip.　

Wherein, step S02 and SO4 relate separately to the type of judgement light control instruction and the status indication of ink box chip, in practical application, these two steps also can be carried out simultaneously, or first judge the state of ink box chip, the type of rear judgement light control instruction, the execution sequence of these two steps does not affect the enforcement of the present embodiment.　

In above-mentioned steps S06, what can compare according to the characteristic selection of imaging device is that light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction, because light is lighted instruction and light and is extinguished instruction and always successively occur in pairs, its corresponding print cartridge identifying information is also identical simultaneously, can adopt the mode of selecting, only select wherein a kind of instruction to carry out print cartridge identifying information wherein; When only having light to light instruction while having corresponding print cartridge identifying information, can only select light to light print cartridge identifying information corresponding to instruction and ink box chip storage self identifying information is compared.　

In addition, the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides can also be when ink box chip powers on, control module detects ink box chip in the power-up initializing stage, just in advance luminescence unit is lighted, and the light that does not need by the time to receive imaging device is lighted instruction and just lighted luminescence unit.This makes the print cartridge of the ink box chip provided with the present embodiment be installed in imaging device, if now imaging device is powered to ink box chip, luminescence unit just can be directly luminous, and the user can know that electrically contacting of ink box chip and imaging device is normal in advance by this phenomenon.Should be noted this advantage not only luminescence unit emission visible ray just have, even the luminescence unit emission is black light, for example ultraviolet ray, when the position that luminescence unit can shine on print cartridge or imaging device is provided with fluorescent material, ultraviolet ray can force fluorescent material luminous, plays equally prompting user's effect.　

With reference to figure 4 and Fig. 5, Fig. 4 is for being used existing ink box chip to carry out the flow chart of print cartridge position probing, and the ink box chip that Fig. 5 provides for use the present embodiment carries out the flow chart of print cartridge position probing.By comparing of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, further illustrate the advantage of the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides.　

Wherein, step S11 in Fig. 4 is corresponding one by one to step S27 with the step S21 in Fig. 5 to step S17, in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, (B) part is the control method of print cartridge position probing, (A) part is all luminescence phenomenons of luminescence unit, suppose that imaging device first carries out once over against position probing print cartridge, after carry out an adjacent position and detect.　

In Fig. 4, step S11 and S13 carry out respectively over against the step of position probing and adjacent position detection print cartridge C, wherein, because these four print cartridges are connected to imaging device by the same communication bus, each print cartridge can receive the light control instruction that imaging device sends to any one print cartridge, when all sending the identical light with print cartridge C identifying information, imaging equipment lights instruction, owing to storing the identifying information of print cartridge C on the chip that only has print cartridge C, therefore only have print cartridge C to be lit, after continuing for some time, print cartridge C is imaged light that equipment sends and extinguishes instruction and extinguish (not embodying the effect that light extinguishes instruction in Fig. 4).　

Step S12 and S15 carry out respectively over against the stage of position probing and adjacent position detection print cartridge M, in this two stages, imaging device all sends the identical light with print cartridge M identifying information and lights instruction, in like manner, therefore only have print cartridge M to be lit, after continuing for some time, print cartridge M is imaged light that equipment sends and extinguishes instruction and extinguish.　

Step S14 and S17 carry out respectively over against the stage of position probing and adjacent position detection print cartridge Y, in this two stages, imaging device all sends the identical light with print cartridge Y identifying information and lights instruction, therefore only have print cartridge Y to be lit, after continuing for some time, print cartridge Y is imaged light that equipment sends and extinguishes instruction and extinguish.　

Step S16 carries out the stage over against position probing to print cartridge BK, because BK is last print cartridge to be detected, print cartridge in front all is arranged in the situation of tram, print cartridge BK also has been installed to correct position certainly, therefore print cartridge BK is often only carried out over against position probing.In this stage, imaging device sends lights instruction with the light of print cartridge BK identifying information, therefore only has print cartridge BK to be lit, and after continuing for some time, print cartridge BK is imaged light that equipment sends and extinguishes instruction and extinguish.　

In Fig. 5, the initial default value of the status indication of print cartridge C, M, Y and BK all means that ink box chip is in executable state, because these four print cartridges are connected to imaging device by the same communication bus, each print cartridge can receive the light control instruction that imaging device sends to any one print cartridge, therefore in step S21, the luminescence unit of all print cartridges all is lit.What send due to imaging device in step S11 again is to light instruction with the light of print cartridge C identifying information, therefore only has the ink box chip state of print cartridge C to need to upgrade, and from executable state, changes into not executable state.　

Step S22, except print cartridge C, in executable state not, remaining is all in executable state, therefore when receiving that the light with print cartridge M identifying information that imaging device sends is lighted instruction, print cartridge M, Y and BK have lighted, and print cartridge C can not be lit.With above-mentioned steps similarly, then the ink box chip state of print cartridge M is changed into not executable state from executable state.　

Step S23, the ink box chip of print cartridge C and print cartridge M is all in executable state not, therefore when the light of receiving the identifying information with print cartridge C that imaging device sends is lighted instruction, the luminescence unit of print cartridge C and print cartridge M all can not be lighted, the luminescence unit of print cartridge Y and print cartridge BK is all lighted, and then the ink box chip of print cartridge C is changed into executable state.　

Step S24, similar with above-mentioned steps, print cartridge C, Y and the BK of ink box chip in executable state can light, and print cartridge M can not light, and then the ink box chip of print cartridge Y is changed into not executable state.　

Step S25, print cartridge C and BK light, and print cartridge M and Y can not light.The ink box chip of print cartridge M is changed into executable state.　

Step S26, print cartridge C, M and BK light, and print cartridge Y can not light.The ink box chip of print cartridge BK is changed into not executable state.　

Step S27, print cartridge C and M light, and print cartridge Y and BK can not light.The ink box chip of print cartridge Y is changed into executable state.　

From above-mentioned contrast, in Fig. 5, in step S21, S22, S24 and the S26 of stage position detection, have at least the luminescence unit of two print cartridges simultaneously luminous, the received light quantity of optical receiver in the time of can increasing over against position probing.And in step S23, the S25 and S27 of adjacent position detection-phase, compare step S13, S15 and S17 corresponding in Fig. 4, originally the luminescence unit that should light is all no longer lighted, can reduce adjacent position while detecting the received luminous quantity of optical receiver (if further on the structure of print cartridge, setting stops that luminescence unit, to some direction scattered lights, can reduce the luminous quantities that receive more).Therefore, ink box chip provided by the invention and light-emitting control method, only need to be on existing ink box chip basis, increase status indication, just can reduce the rate of false alarm of the imaging device that the foozle because of luminescence unit or print cartridge causes, in addition, even also avoided a plurality of chips to light or extinguish a plurality of print cartridges that scheme exists simultaneously, be installed to wrong position, imaging device is the defect of None-identified also.　

Embodiment bis-

Existing some imaging device, before print cartridge is carried out to the light detection, also needs to carry out the revolving horse lantern detection.The print cartridge arrangement mode of take in Fig. 4 is example, so-called revolving horse lantern detects, refer to allow optical receiver and one of them print cartridge over against, then light successively the luminescence unit of print cartridge from a direction to another direction once, for example, from the left side, light successively luminescence unit on print cartridge C, M, Y and BK each once, judge whether optical receiver receives light always.The ink box chip of above-described embodiment possibly can't meet the revolving horse lantern testing requirement of imaging device, causes imaging device to think that print cartridge is defective or illegal.Therefore, the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides, its light that can not only can meet imaging device detects, and the revolving horse lantern that can also meet imaging device detects.　

The similar structure of the ink box chip provided with embodiment mono-is provided the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides, and also comprises interface unit, control module, and memory cell, wherein, control module can also be connected with any one luminescence unit, and this luminescence unit is controlled.The ink box chip that the annexation of the unit of the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides and existence form provide with embodiment mono-yet identical, do not repeat them here, and only introduces different places.　

Wherein, the memory cell that the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides comprises, at least store self identifying information and light setting information.Simultaneously, with reference to figure 6, the structure chart of the control module of the ink box chip that Fig. 6 provides for the present embodiment, wherein, control module 22 comprises instruction identification module 221, print cartridge identification module 222, match counter 223 and illuminated switch module 224.　

In practical application, instruction identification module, for identifying the type of the light control instruction that described interface unit receives; The light control instruction that instruction identification module receives for identification is that light extinguishes instruction or light is lighted instruction; Described illuminated switch module, for the light control instruction in the identification of described instruction identification module, be that light is while lighting instruction, obtain current count results, obtain the control information corresponding with described current count results in light setting information in described memory cell, described control information comprises forbidding lighting and enabling lights, and controls described luminescence unit and carry out described control information; Whether described print cartridge identification module, be associated for described self identifying information that judges that described print cartridge identifying information stores with memory cell; Described match counter, in the situation that described print cartridge identifying information is associated with described self identifying information, current count results increases by 1.

The reception number of times of the light control instruction that wherein, match counter is associated with the print cartridge identifying information of memory cell for statistics.The illuminated switch module is for according to the count results of light setting information, match counter and the type of light control instruction, controls and lights or extinguish the luminescence unit that is connected to control module.　

The light setting information of storing in memory cell and current count results are for meaning the status indication of ink box chip, wherein, light setting information can comprise the corresponding relation of count results and control information, described control information comprises forbidding lighting and enabling lights, and described control information simultaneously can also comprise release illuminated switch module.Can also store the command reception mark in memory cell, described command reception mark is for the functional status of the described illuminated switch module of mark, and described functional status is upstate or down state.Described command reception mark can be for meaning the ink box chip init state, also: whether the command reception mark has received for recording ink box chip that all types of light of revolving horse lantern testing process is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction, for example, when print cartridge need to carry out the revolving horse lantern detection, if this ink box chip receives in the revolving horse lantern testing process, all types of light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction, this command reception label record said process.When ink box chip initializes, the initial value of this command reception mark mean ink box chip also do not receive revolving horse lantern detect in all types of light light instruction or light extinguishes instruction.The print cartridge identification module can also be for when command reception be labeled as initial value, judge whether ink box chip has received in the revolving horse lantern testing process that all types of light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction, accordingly, also need to store the print cartridge identifying information of other each print cartridges in the memory cell of ink box chip.When the print cartridge identification module determines ink box chip and received in the revolving horse lantern testing process all types of light and light instruction or light and extinguish instruction, the initial value of command reception mark is revised as and means the values that all received.And, when command reception is labeled as initial value, the illuminated switch module can not be lighted luminescence unit.　

Because the light corresponding with the print cartridge identifying information is lighted instruction and light, to extinguish instruction be all successively to occur in pairs basically, the print cartridge identification module can only be lighted instruction to light and be identified, and correspondingly match counter is also only lighted instruction to light and counted; Same, the print cartridge identification module also can only extinguish instruction to light to be identified, and correspondingly match counter also only extinguishes instruction to light and counted.Similarly the command reception mark can only record ink box chip and whether received all types of light in the revolving horse lantern testing process and light instruction, or only records ink box chip and whether received all types of light in the revolving horse lantern testing process and extinguish instruction.　

As follows, the ink box chip that the son explanation is used this enforcement to provide for example carries out the process of print cartridge position probing.Suppose that imaging device detects the advanced walking of print cartridge barn lantern, then carry out the light detection as the step S11 to S17 of Fig. 4, simultaneously, the toner cartridge type of installing on imaging device is identical with the BK arrangement with print cartridge C, the M shown in Fig. 4, Y with print cartridge positional alignment order, and with the light control instruction sending order of table 1, these four print cartridges is carried out to the revolving horse lantern detection.Finally, after imaging device completes the revolving horse lantern detection and light detection to print cartridge, by the ink box chip broken down to certain or some or the life-span is about to stop, circulating, transmission light is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction, in the mode of flicker, informs the print cartridge that the user is broken down.Obviously when informing the print cartridge that the user is broken down, must be shown in mode accurately.　

Sequence number	Instruction type	Sequence number	Instruction type	Sequence number	Instruction type
						1	Light print cartridge C	4	Extinguish print cartridge M	7	Light print cartridge BK

2	Extinguish print cartridge C	5	Light print cartridge Y	8	Extinguish print cartridge BK
						3	Light print cartridge M	6	Extinguish print cartridge Y

Table 1

Suppose that match counter is to increase progressively counting, and count from zero, when the print cartridge identifying information received when print cartridge identification module judgement and memory cell are stored self identifying information and be associated, match counter increases to be counted once, light is lighted to instruction to be counted.Simultaneously, according to the light of this imaging device, detect characteristic, can light setting information be set in the memory cell of print cartridge C, M and Y in advance and be:

Match counter is counted as at 0 o'clock, and control information is lighted luminescence unit for forbidding the illuminated switch module;

Match counter is counted as at 1 o'clock, and control information is lighted luminescence unit for enabling the illuminated switch module;

Match counter is counted as at 2 o'clock, and control information is lighted luminescence unit for forbidding the illuminated switch module;

When match counter is counted as several more than 3 and 3, control information is for discharging the function of illuminated switch module, when self identifying information that the light that print cartridge identification module judgement receives lights that the print cartridge identifying information of instruction stores with memory cell is associated, the illuminated switch module is lighted luminescence unit;

The initial value of command reception mark means that ink box chip does not also receive all types of light in the revolving horse lantern testing process and lights instruction.　

Owing to only at step S16, print cartridge BK being carried out over against position probing in Fig. 4, do not carry out the adjacent position detection, therefore compare the light setting information of other ink box chips, when the light setting information of print cartridge BK is counted as several more than 2 and 2 at match counter, control information is the function that discharges the illuminated switch module.　

In the sequence number 1 of above-mentioned table 1 to sequence number in 8 instruction periods, optical receiver and print cartridge C over against, print cartridge C, M, Y and BK are carried out to the revolving horse lantern detection.Light successively and extinguish the luminescence unit on these four print cartridges.　

1 to the 2 instruction period of sequence number, each ink box chip determines sequence number 1 by instruction identification module is that light is while lighting instruction, because the match counter counting of all ink box chips now is all zero, light setting information according to memory cell, this period does not have luminescence unit to be lighted by the illuminated switch module, then the light that the print cartridge identification module determines sequence number 1 is lighted instruction and has been comprised print cartridge C identifying information, therefore only has the match counter increase of print cartridge C once to count, and count value becomes 1.Instruction identification module determines sequence number 2 is light while extinguishing instruction, and the illuminated switch module is not subject to the impact of light setting information, and luminescence unit is extinguished.Print cartridge identification module and match counter do not extinguish instruction to the light of sequence number 2 to be processed.　

3 to the 4 instruction periods of sequence number, each ink box chip determines sequence number 3 by instruction identification module is that light is while lighting instruction, the match counter counting of print cartridge M, Y and BK is all zero, according to the light setting information of memory cell, the luminescence unit of this period print cartridge M, Y and BK all can not be lighted by the illuminated switch module; The match counter of print cartridge C is counted as 1, and according to the control information in the light setting information of memory cell, the luminous development module of print cartridge C is enabled, but, because the command reception mark is still initial value, the luminescence unit of print cartridge C still can not be lit.Then the light that the print cartridge identification module determines sequence number 3 is lighted instruction and has been comprised print cartridge M identifying information, therefore only has the match counter increase of print cartridge M once to count, and count value becomes 1.Instruction identification module determines sequence number 4 is light while extinguishing instruction, and the illuminated switch module is not subject to the impact of light setting information, and luminescence unit is extinguished.Print cartridge identification module and match counter do not extinguish instruction to the light of sequence number 4 to be processed.　

5 to the 6 instruction periods of sequence number, in like manner, still do not have the luminescence unit of print cartridge to be lit.The light that the print cartridge identification module determines sequence number 5 is lighted instruction and has been comprised print cartridge Y identifying information, and the match counter increase of print cartridge Y is once counted, and count value becomes 1.　

7 to the 8 instruction periods of sequence number, in like manner, still do not have the luminescence unit of print cartridge to be lit.The light that the print cartridge identification module determines sequence number 7 is lighted instruction and has been comprised print cartridge BK identifying information, and the match counter increase of print cartridge BK is once counted, and count value becomes 1.To now, the match counter of each ink box chip has all count down to 1, and the print cartridge identification module of each chip all judged that having received all types of light in the revolving horse lantern testing process lights instruction, so the command reception mark of each ink box chip all is revised as initial value and means that in the revolving horse lantern testing process, all types light is lighted the value that instruction has received.Instruction identification module determines sequence number 8 is light while extinguishing instruction, and the illuminated switch module is not subject to the impact of light setting information, and luminescence unit is extinguished.Print cartridge identification module and match counter do not extinguish instruction to the light of sequence number 8 to be processed.　

Therefore, in whole revolving horse lantern testing process, the luminescence unit of each ink box chip all is not lit.After completing the revolving horse lantern detection, imaging device starts print cartridge is carried out to the light detection, and in this light testing process, the light control instruction that imaging device sends ink box chip is the same with the step S11 to S17 in Fig. 4 with order.　

When the light that receives the identifying information that step S11 comprises print cartridge C is lighted instruction, because the match counter of each ink box chip has all count down to 1, the command reception mark of each ink box chip all is revised as initial value and means that in the revolving horse lantern testing process, all types light is lighted the value that instruction has received, and the luminescence unit that therefore all ink box chips connect control module is lighted.Again because this light is lighted the identifying information that instruction comprises print cartridge C, so the match counter increase of print cartridge C once counts, and count value becomes 2.When receiving light and extinguishing instruction, all print cartridges all extinguish luminescence unit.　

When the light that receives the identifying information that step S12 comprises print cartridge M is lighted instruction, the match counter of print cartridge C has count down to 2, so the luminescence unit of print cartridge C can not be lit, and remaining is all lighted.Again because this light is lighted the identifying information that instruction comprises print cartridge M, so the match counter increase of print cartridge M once counts, and count value becomes 2.When receiving light and extinguishing instruction, all print cartridges all extinguish luminescence unit.　

When the light that receives the identifying information that step S13 comprises print cartridge C is lighted instruction, the match counter of print cartridge C and M has all count down to 2, so the luminescence unit of print cartridge C and M can not be lit, and remaining is all lighted.Again because this light is lighted the identifying information that instruction comprises print cartridge C, so the match counter increase of print cartridge C once counts, and count value becomes 3.When receiving light and extinguishing instruction, all print cartridges all extinguish luminescence unit.　

When the light that comprises print cartridge Y identifying information that receives step S14 is lighted instruction, the match counter of print cartridge C and M has count down to respectively 3 and 2, setting according to aforementioned light setting information, count down at 3 o'clock at match counter and discharge the illuminated switch module, therefore the luminescence unit of print cartridge C and M can not be lit, and remaining is all lighted.Again because this light is lighted the identifying information that instruction comprises print cartridge Y, so the match counter increase of print cartridge Y once counts, and count value becomes 2.When receiving light and extinguishing instruction, all print cartridges all extinguish luminescence unit.　

When the light that comprises print cartridge M identifying information that receives step S15 is lighted instruction, the match counter of print cartridge C, M and Y has count down to respectively 3,2 and 2, setting according to aforementioned light setting information, count down at 3 o'clock at match counter and discharge the illuminated switch module, therefore the luminescence unit of print cartridge C, M and Y can not be lit, and only has the luminescence unit of print cartridge BK to be lit.Again because this light is lighted the identifying information that instruction comprises print cartridge M, so the match counter increase of print cartridge M once counts, and count value becomes 3.When receiving light and extinguishing instruction, all print cartridges all extinguish luminescence unit.　

When the light that comprises print cartridge BK identifying information that receives step S16 is lighted instruction, the match counter of print cartridge C, M and Y has count down to respectively 3,3 and 2, setting according to aforementioned light setting information, count down to the function that discharges the illuminated switch module at 3 o'clock at match counter, therefore the luminescence unit of print cartridge C, M and Y can not be lit, and only has the luminescence unit of print cartridge BK to be lit.Again because this light is lighted the identifying information that instruction comprises print cartridge BK, so the match counter increase of print cartridge BK once counts, and count value becomes 2.When receiving light and extinguishing instruction, all print cartridges all extinguish luminescence unit.　

When the light that comprises print cartridge Y identifying information that receives step S17 is lighted instruction, the match counter of print cartridge C, M, Y and BK has count down to respectively 3,3,2 and 2, setting according to aforementioned light setting information, match counter at print cartridge C and M count down to the function that discharges the illuminated switch module at 3 o'clock, match counter at print cartridge BK count down to the function that discharges the illuminated switch module at 2 o'clock, so the luminescence unit of print cartridge C, M, Y and BK all can not be lit.Again because this light is lighted the identifying information that instruction comprises print cartridge Y, so the match counter increase of print cartridge Y once counts, and count value becomes 3.When receiving light and extinguishing instruction, all print cartridges all extinguish luminescence unit.The luminescence phenomenon visible, that in similar Fig. 9 of luminescence unit luminescence phenomenon of the present embodiment, left side is showed.　

So far, the match counter of all ink box chips has all count down to the numerical value of each self-defining release illuminated switch print cartridge, and imaging device can carry out light emitting control accurately to certain specific ink box chip.Therefore, after at imaging device, print cartridge being carried out revolving horse lantern detection and light detection, if finding certain print cartridge installs wrong or certain ink box chip and is about to stop the life-span (being generally to find that after testing ink soon runs out of), just can be by sending the light control instruction with this print cartridge identifying information, control the luminescence unit flashing on this print cartridge, to reach prompting user's effect.The ink box chip of visible employing the present embodiment and control method thereof, can not have influence on this precisely function of prompting.　

It is to be noted, some imaging device detects and the light that sends to ink box chip in the light testing process is lighted instruction and the light of transmission after this two stages to light instruction different at revolving horse lantern, for example the same light that comprises print cartridge C identifying information is lighted instruction, when this two stages, instruction can be a kind of form, and, after this two stages, instruction is but another form.Due to ink box chip when the light that receives these two kinds of different-formats is lighted instruction, control difference to luminescence unit, when this two stages, if ink box chip receives light and lights instruction, luminescence unit will be driven by constant voltage, keep long bright, so can claim that this is that long bright light rays is lighted instruction; And after this two stages, if ink box chip receives light while lighting instruction, luminescence unit will be driven by pulsewidth modulation (Pulse-Width Modulation, PWM) voltage, glisteningly bright, so can claim thisly to light instruction for scintillation light.Because long bright light rays is lighted instruction and glittering light and is lighted instruction obvious difference is arranged, therefore, can only for long bright light rays, light instruction configuration light setting information in the present embodiment, do not need the illuminated switch module is discharged and lights function yet, ink box chip is lighted instruction to glittering light and can be adopted and discharge the mode light function and processed, be self identifying information that glittering light that print cartridge identification module judgement receives lights that the print cartridge identifying information of instruction stores with memory cell while being associated, the illuminated switch module is lighted luminescence unit.　

Match counter in the present embodiment and command reception mark, when the ink box chip power-up initializing, or, when imaging device stops powering to ink box chip, carry out zero clearing or recover default value.In addition, in the present embodiment, when ink box chip powers on, control module detects ink box chip in the power-up initializing stage, just in advance luminescence unit is lighted, and is not needed the light that by the time receives imaging device to light instruction.Such advantage is: when the print cartridge of the ink box chip with the present embodiment is installed in imaging device, if now imaging device is powered to ink box chip, luminescence unit just can be luminous, and the user can know that electrically contacting of ink box chip and imaging device is normal in advance by this phenomenon.　　

Embodiment tri-

The ink box chip that the present embodiment provides has the similar structure with embodiment mono-, also comprises interface unit, control module, memory cell and luminescence unit.The present embodiment the annexation of unit of ink box chip identical with the ink box chip of embodiment mono-with existence form, do not repeat them here, only introduce different places.　

The memory cell of the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides, at least store self identifying information.Control module that it should be noted that the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides can only be carried out light and extinguish instruction, default while extinguishing condition when meeting, and luminescence unit is extinguished.　

Particularly, when ink box chip powers on, control module detects ink box chip in the power-up initializing stage, just in advance luminescence unit is lighted, and is not needed the light that by the time receives imaging device to light instruction.Such advantage is: when the print cartridge of the ink box chip provided with the present embodiment is installed in imaging device, if now imaging device is powered to ink box chip, luminescence unit just can be luminous, and the user can know that electrically contacting of ink box chip and imaging device is normal in advance by this phenomenon.　

After this, control module receives light that imaging device sends while lighting instruction, because luminescence unit is lighted, no longer carries out this instruction.After a period of time, imaging device sends light and extinguishes instruction, after control module receives this light and extinguishes instruction by interface unit, judge whether to meet the default condition of extinguishing, whether the print cartridge identifying information that judgement receives is associated with self identifying information of storing in memory cell, if associated, control and extinguish luminescence unit.

With reference to figure 7, the workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Fig. 7 provides for the present embodiment specifically can comprise:

Step S31, start, to the ink box chip power supply, during the ink box chip power-up initializing, the luminescence unit that is connected to control module to be lighted at imaging device.　

Step S32, control module receives by interface unit the light control instruction that imaging device sends, and described light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information.　

Step S33, control module judges whether the type of light control instruction is that light extinguishes instruction, if so, goes to step S35; If not, go to step S34;

Step S34, do not carry out the light control instruction, maintains the present situation of luminescence unit;

If the current state luminescence unit is lighted, keep lighting; If the current state luminescence unit extinguishes, maintain and extinguish.　

Step S35, control module judges that whether the print cartridge identifying information is associated with self identifying information of storing in memory cell, if so, goes to step S36.If not, go to step S34;

Step S36, control module is controlled and is extinguished luminescence unit.　

Obviously, the light control instruction that the course of work of above-mentioned ink box chip requires imaging device to send must comprise the print cartridge identifying information, but the light control instruction that is not all types of imaging devices transmissions all necessarily comprises the print cartridge identifying information, therefore, the present embodiment can also be done following change to ink box chip:

The memory cell of ink box chip is except storing self identifying information, store status mark at least also, status indication is used to indicate the state of described ink box chip in executable state or non-executable state, its definition and default value set-up mode are described at embodiment mono-, repeat no more herein.Different from embodiment mono-, whether the status indication of the present embodiment, be to be used to indicate light to extinguish instruction and can carry out.　

In addition, control module is after light is lighted instruction in judgement light control instruction, can also, according to default trigger condition, control the state that upgrades ink box chip.Particularly, when self identifying information that receives that light lights that the print cartridge identifying information that comprises in instruction stores with memory cell when interface unit is associated, control module is rewritten the status indication in memory cell, thereby changes the current state of print cartridge.　

With reference to figure 8, the workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Fig. 8 provides for the present embodiment, wherein, and the cell stores status indication of this ink box chip, this flow chart specifically can comprise:

Step S41, start, to the ink box chip power supply, during the ink box chip power-up initializing, the luminescence unit that is connected to control module to be lighted at imaging device.　

Step S42, control module receives by interface unit the light control instruction that imaging device sends, and described light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information.　

Step S43, control module judges whether the type of light control instruction is that light extinguishes instruction, if so, goes to step S44; If not, go to step S45.　

Step S44, judge that the current status indication of ink box chip, whether in executable state, if so, goes to step S46; If not, go to step S47.　

Judge whether to meet to preset and extinguish condition, judge the state of ink box chip, determine whether extinguishing luminescence unit.　

Step S45, control module judges that light that interface module receives lights the print cartridge identifying information that comprises in instruction and whether be associated with self identifying information of storing in memory cell, if not, goes to step S47; If so, go to step S48.　

Step S46, control module is controlled and is extinguished luminescence unit.　

Step S47, do not carry out the light control instruction, maintains the present situation of luminescence unit.

Step S48, change the current state of ink box chip.　

Visible, owing to increasing status indication in memory cell, utilize light to light the luminescence unit that print cartridge identifying information in instruction precisely extinguishes applicable ink box chip, do not comprise the print cartridge identifying information even the light received extinguishes in instruction, avoided like this luminescence unit that other can't be extinguished to extinguish.　

Below, the light control instruction that the imaging device of take sends is example, this light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information simultaneously, with reference to figure 9, the ink box chip that Fig. 9 provides for use the present embodiment carries out the flow chart of print cartridge position probing, by (A) shown in Fig. 9 part and (B) part, the present embodiment advantage is described, the default value of supposing the status indication of memory cell means that ink box chip is in executable state not:

Step S51, start, to the ink box chip power supply, during the ink box chip power-up initializing, the luminescence unit that is connected to control module to be lighted at imaging device.　

Step S52, successively receive that the light corresponding with print cartridge C identifying information is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction.　

Ink box chip first receives the light that comprises print cartridge C identifying information of imaging device transmission and lights instruction, the luminescence unit of all print cartridges all maintains original luminance, for cell stores the ink box chip of status indication, the ink box chip of print cartridge C can be revised status indication, be about to ink box chip never executable state change into executable state.After a period of time, the light that comprises print cartridge C identifying information that ink box chip receives the imaging device transmission again extinguishes instruction.Because the current state of the ink box chip of print cartridge C is executable state, meet the default condition of extinguishing, therefore can carry out this light extinguishes instruction, the luminescence unit on print cartridge C is extinguished to (not embodying the effect that light extinguishes instruction in Fig. 9); For the ink box chip of at least storing self identifying information, self identifying information of storing with the memory cell of print cartridge C due to this print cartridge identifying information is associated, and meets defaultly to extinguish condition, so the luminescence unit of print cartridge C is extinguished.Although other ink box chips also receive that light extinguishes instruction, all be discontented with and can, with the default condition of extinguishing of extinguishing, therefore all continue to keep luminous completely.　

Step S53, successively receive that the light corresponding with print cartridge M identifying information is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction.　

Light instruction for light, the luminescence unit of print cartridge C keeps extinguishing, and it is luminous that the luminescence unit of print cartridge M, Y and BK all keeps.For the ink box chip of store status mark, the ink box chip of print cartridge M can be revised current status indication, be about to ink box chip never executable state change into executable state.Extinguish instruction for light afterwards, the ink box chip of print cartridge M meets and defaultly extinguishes condition, and the luminescence unit of print cartridge M is extinguished, and that the luminescence unit of print cartridge Y and BK continues to keep is luminous.　

Step S54, successively receive that the light corresponding with print cartridge C identifying information is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction.　

Light instruction for light, the luminescence unit of print cartridge C and M all keeps extinguishing, and it is luminous that the luminescence unit of print cartridge Y and BK all keeps.Now the ink box chip of print cartridge C is which kind of state is nonsensical, now can also revise the state of status indication and then change ink box chip, status indication also can be set and can only be modified once (therefore can not revise status indication more specifically).Extinguish instruction for light afterwards, print cartridge Y and BK do not meet the default condition of extinguishing, and it is luminous that its luminescence unit continues to keep.　

Step S55, successively receive that the light corresponding with print cartridge Y identifying information is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction.　

Light instruction for light, the luminescence unit of print cartridge C and M all keeps extinguishing, and it is luminous that the luminescence unit of print cartridge Y and BK all keeps.For the ink box chip of store status mark, the ink box chip of print cartridge Y can be revised current status indication, by ink box chip never executable state change into executable state.Extinguish instruction for light afterwards, the ink box chip of print cartridge Y meets and defaultly extinguishes condition, and the luminescence unit of print cartridge Y is extinguished, and that the luminescence unit of print cartridge BK continues to keep is luminous.　

Step S56, successively receive that the light corresponding with print cartridge M identifying information is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction.　

Light instruction for light, the luminescence unit of print cartridge C, M and Y all keeps extinguishing, and it is luminous that the luminescence unit of print cartridge BK keeps.Now the ink box chip of print cartridge M is which kind of state is nonsensical, now can also revise the state of current status indication and then change ink box chip, status indication also can be set and can only be modified once (therefore can not revise status indication more specifically).Extinguish instruction for light afterwards, print cartridge BK does not meet the default condition of extinguishing, and it is luminous that its luminescence unit continues to keep.　

Step S57, successively receive that the light corresponding with print cartridge BK identifying information is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction.　

Light instruction for light, the luminescence unit of print cartridge C, M and Y all keeps extinguishing, and it is luminous that the luminescence unit of print cartridge BK keeps.For the ink box chip of store status mark, the ink box chip of print cartridge BK can revise current status indication by ink box chip never executable state change into executable state.Extinguish instruction for light afterwards, the ink box chip of print cartridge BK meets and defaultly extinguishes condition, and the luminescence unit of print cartridge BK is extinguished, and to herein, the luminescence unit of all print cartridges has all been extinguished.　

Step S58, successively receive that the light corresponding with print cartridge Y identifying information is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction.　

Light instruction for light, the luminescence unit of print cartridge C, M, Y and BK all keeps extinguishing.Now the ink box chip of print cartridge Y is which kind of state is nonsensical, now can also revise the state of current status indication and then change ink box chip, status indication also can be set and can only be modified once (therefore can not revise status indication more specifically).Extinguish instruction for light afterwards, the luminescence unit of all print cartridges all keeps extinguishing.　

Visible, ink box chip and the light-emitting control method thereof of two schemes of the present embodiment, do not carry out light and light instruction, and according to pre-conditioned whether meet carry out selectively light and extinguish instruction, all played the technique effect of embodiment mono-: the rate of false alarm that reduces the imaging device that the foozle because of luminescence unit or print cartridge causes, be installed to wrong position even also avoided a plurality of chips to light or extinguish a plurality of print cartridges that scheme exists simultaneously, imaging device is the defect of None-identified also.　

Embodiment tetra-

The ink box chip that the present embodiment provides has the similar structure with embodiment mono-, also comprises interface unit, control module, memory cell and luminescence unit.The annexation of the unit of the ink box chip that the present embodiment provides is identical with the ink box chip of embodiment mono-with existence form, does not repeat them here, and only introduces different places.　

The memory cell of the present embodiment, at least store self identifying information.Simultaneously, control module carries out that light is lighted instruction and light extinguishes instruction, receives light at ink box chip and extinguishes instruction and meet defaultly while extinguishing condition, and luminescence unit is extinguished.　

Control module receives light that imaging device sends while lighting instruction, need not consider the print cartridge identifying information sent with this instruction, namely need not consider which control object is, the luminescence unit that can directly be operatively connected to control module is luminous, or controls luminescence unit after the time delay certain hour and carry out luminous.After a period of time, imaging device sends light and extinguishes instruction, after control module receives this light and extinguishes instruction by interface unit, judge whether to meet the default condition of extinguishing, judge that whether the print cartridge identifying information that sends together along with the light control instruction is associated with self identifying information of storing in memory cell, if associated, control and extinguish luminescence unit.

With reference to Figure 10, the workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Figure 10 provides for the present embodiment specifically can comprise:

Step S61, control module receives by interface unit light control instruction and the print cartridge identifying information that imaging device is sent.　

Step S62, judge that whether the light control instruction is that light is lighted instruction, if not, jumps to step S63, if jump to step S66.　

Step S63, whether the print cartridge identifying information that control module judgement receives is associated with self identifying information of storing in memory cell, if not, jumps to step S64; If so, go to step S65.　

Step S64, do not carry out the light control instruction, maintains the present situation of luminescence unit;

Step S65, control module is controlled and is extinguished luminescence unit.　

Step S66, control module starts timing, and judges before timing finishes whether receive new light control instruction, if so, jumps to step S62; Otherwise jump to step S67.　

Suppose that the timing stop value is T, starting timing in this process of timing arrival T, control module has judged whether to receive new light control instruction, if received new light control instruction, jumps to step S62; On the contrary, if in this process, do not receive new light control instruction, just jump to step S67.　

The present embodiment is considered the difference of different components and parts and logic circuit response speed, meet while lighting luminous all conditions determining, can control and directly light luminescence unit, also can carry out (for example any one value between 10 to 950 milliseconds) after the time delays of some clock cycle, then control and light luminescence unit.Time delay between different ink box chips can be identical, also can set separately.　

Step S67, when timing finishes, light luminescence unit.　

When timing arrives T, while being also the timing end, control module is controlled and is lighted luminescence unit.Control and light luminescence unit again after this just has been equivalent to time delay timing T.　

Obviously, above-mentioned ink box chip workflow requires light to extinguish in instruction must include the print cartridge identifying information, and the light that is not still all types of imaging devices transmissions extinguishes instruction all with the print cartridge identifying information.Therefore, can also do following change to ink box chip:

The memory cell of ink box chip is except storing self identifying information, also at least stored status indication, status indication is used to indicate the state of described ink box chip in executable state or non-executable state, its definition and default value set-up mode are described at embodiment mono-, repeat no more herein.Different from embodiment mono-, whether the status indication of the present embodiment, be to be used to indicate light to extinguish instruction and can carry out.　

In addition, control module is after light is lighted instruction in judgement light control instruction, also, according to default trigger condition, controls the state that upgrades ink box chip.Particularly, when self identifying information that the print cartridge identifying information that the light received when interface unit receives when lighting instruction is stored with memory cell is associated, control module is rewritten the status indication in memory cell, thereby changes the current state of ink box chip; When control module extinguishes luminescence unit, control module is also rewritten the status indication in memory cell, thereby changes the current state of ink box chip.Receive light at control module and extinguish instruction, and the state of ink box chip is while being executable state, control module can extinguish luminescence unit.　

With reference to Figure 11, the workflow diagram of the ink box chip that Figure 11 provides for the present embodiment specifically can comprise:

Step S71, control module receives by interface unit the light control instruction that imaging device is sent, and described light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information.　

Step S72, judge whether the light control instruction is that light is lighted instruction, if, jump to step S73 and S75, otherwise, jump to step S77.　　

Step S73, control module starts timing, and judges before timing finishes whether receive new light control instruction, if so, jumps to step S72; Otherwise jump to step S74.　

It is that light is while lighting instruction that control module determines the light control instruction, control module starts timing, suppose that the timing stop value is T, starting timing in this process of timing arrival T, control module has judged whether to receive new light control instruction, if received new light control instruction, jumped to step S72; On the contrary, if in this process, do not receive new light control instruction, just jump to step S74.　

Step 74, when timing finishes, light luminescence unit.　

Step S75, determining the light control instruction at control module is light while lighting instruction, whether the print cartridge identifying information that the control module judgement receives is associated with self identifying information of storing in memory cell, if not, jumps to step S76; If so, jump to step S80.　

Step S76, maintain the current state of ink box chip;

If current state is executable state, maintain executable state; If current state is executable state not, maintain not executable state.　

Step S77, it is light while extinguishing instruction that control module determines the light control instruction, judges that the current status indication of ink box chip, whether in executable state, if so, jumps to step S78, otherwise, jump to step S79;

Step S78, control module is controlled and is extinguished luminescence unit, and jumps to step S80.　

Step S79, do not carry out light and extinguish instruction, maintains the present situation of luminescence unit;

Step S80, change the ink box chip status indication;

If current state is executable state, change into not executable state; If current state is executable state not, change into executable state.　

Visible, owing to increasing status indication in memory cell, utilize light to light the luminescence unit that print cartridge identifying information in instruction precisely extinguishes applicable ink box chip, do not comprise the print cartridge identifying information even light extinguishes in instruction, so just avoided the luminescence unit that other can't be extinguished to extinguish.　

Ink box chip and the light-emitting control method thereof of two schemes of the present embodiment, all played the technique effect of embodiment mono-: the rate of false alarm that reduces the imaging device that the foozle because of luminescence unit or print cartridge causes, even also avoided a plurality of print cartridges that a plurality of chips are lighted or the scheme extinguished exists to be installed to wrong position simultaneously, imaging device is the defect of None-identified also.　

In addition, the present invention also provides a kind of print cartridge, and this print cartridge comprises the ink box chip at least one above-mentioned each embodiment, wherein, all ink box chips in this print cartridge can be connected to imaging device by the same communication bus, receive the light control instruction that imaging device sends.In addition, the present invention also provides a kind of print cartridge, described print cartridge can comprise interface unit, control module and the memory cell be not integrated on ink box chip, the interface unit, control module and the memory cell that in the operation principle of interface unit, control module and memory cell that wherein, described print cartridge comprises equal with control method to above-mentioned each embodiment, are integrated on ink box chip are identical.Concrete, described print cartridge comprises interface unit, control module and memory cell, described interface unit, and the light control instruction sent for receiving described imaging device, described light control instruction comprises the print cartridge identifying information; Described memory cell, for storing self identifying information and status indication, described status indication comprises executable state or non-executable state; Described control module is connected with arbitrary luminescence unit, and for carrying out described light control instruction, the type of described light control instruction comprises that light is lighted instruction or light extinguishes instruction; Described control module is connected with described memory cell with described interface unit, for when described interface unit receives described light control instruction, control described luminescence unit according to the type of described light control instruction and the status indication in described memory cell and carry out described light control instruction; After described luminescence unit is carried out described light control instruction, the incidence relation according to described print cartridge identifying information and described self identifying information, redefine status indication.

Following situation also is applicable to above-mentioned each embodiment, but does not limit the scope of each embodiment, below to its simple introduction:

1. time delay is lighted

Consider the difference of different components and parts and logic circuit response speed, meet while lighting all conditions of luminescence unit determining, can control and directly light luminescence unit, also can carry out (for example any one value between 10 to 950 milliseconds) after the time delays of some clock cycle, then control and light luminescence unit.Time delay between different ink box chips can be identical, also can set separately.　

2. the processing while opening over cap

When needs are changed print cartridge or the installation of finding print cartridge exist when abnormal, the user just need to open the maintenance that the over cap on imaging device is correlated with, and print cartridge is installed to below over cap.In above-mentioned each embodiment, when imaging device completes the light detection, if ink box chip does not discharge the control to luminescence unit,, because the luminescence unit be lit in above-mentioned each scheme can not be corresponding respectively with the print cartridge identifying information, easily cause misleading the user when imaging device points out print cartridge to have fault or other situations by luminescence unit to the user.The light control instruction (for example aforesaid glittering light is lighted instruction) sent when opening the flicker situation of over cap by luminescence unit to user feedback ink box chip state due to imaging device again; light control instruction (for example aforesaid long bright light rays is lighted instruction) while from imaging device, print cartridge being carried out to the light detection is general different; therefore; can configure ink box chip and not carry out the light control instruction that imaging device sends when opening over cap; also control luminescence unit not luminous, avoid misleading the user.Existing imaging device often all is equipped with display screen, and the user can confirm by display screen the situation of print cartridge and ink box chip.　

3. print cartridge adapter rack (adapter)

As shown in figure 12, the structural representation that Figure 12 is the print cartridge adapter rack, the control module of above-mentioned ink box chip, memory cell and a plurality of luminescence unit 410 can be arranged on an adapter rack 400, and this adapter rack 400 is arranged between above-mentioned print cartridge and imaging equipment body, and adapter rack 400 is provided with the space 420 that holds a plurality of print cartridges, this adapter rack 400 first is arranged on imaging equipment body, and then a plurality of print cartridges are contained on adapter rack to 400, now, each luminescence unit 410 is corresponding one by one with a plurality of print cartridges of packing into.Can be by the function set of each above-mentioned ink box chip to this adapter rack, each luminescence unit is controlled by control module separately, or controls all luminescence units by a control module.Each luminescence unit is corresponding one by one from the memory cell of having stored different print cartridge identifying informations respectively, and according to the different control methods of above-mentioned each embodiment, the luminescence unit that the control store unit is corresponding is luminous according to the control method of above-described embodiment.　

In Figure 12, in print cartridge adapter rack 400, a plurality of print cartridges can be installed, control module in print cartridge adapter rack 400, the number of memory cell and luminescence unit can be identical, and described control module, memory cell and luminescence unit have one-to-one relationship, described control module is connected with the memory cell corresponding with described control module with described interface unit, for when described interface unit receives described light control instruction, control according to the type of described light control instruction and the status indication in described memory cell the described luminescence unit that described control module is corresponding and carry out described light control instruction, after described luminescence unit is carried out described light control instruction, the incidence relation according to described print cartridge identifying information and described self identifying information, redefine status indication.　

Certainly, also the unit with identical function can be integrated together, print cartridge adapter rack 400 only comprises an interface unit, only control module, only a memory cell and at least one luminescence unit.Described control module, specifically for when described interface unit receives described light control instruction, according to the type of described light control instruction and the status indication in described memory cell, control described luminescence unit corresponding to described light control instruction and carry out described light control instruction; After described luminescence unit is carried out described light control instruction, the incidence relation according to described print cartridge identifying information and described self identifying information, redefine status indication.The quantity that is the print cartridges that can install according to adapter rack due to a plurality of luminescence units is configured, luminescence unit and print cartridge identifying information can be mapped, the print cartridge identifying information comprised by the light control instruction again, just can confirm the described luminescence unit that the light control instruction is corresponding.　

In addition, different from the print cartridge adapter rack in Figure 12, also can the print cartridge adapter rack be set to single print cartridge, that is to say that this print cartridge adapter rack can only install a print cartridge, such print cartridge adapter rack can comprise interface unit, at least one control module, at least one memory cell and at least one luminescence unit.With the ink box chip difference of previous embodiment, be, ink box chip generally is arranged on interface unit, control module, memory cell and luminescence unit on the same printed circuit board (PCB), and the print cartridge adapter is that interface unit, control module, memory cell and luminescence unit are arranged on same structure, and may be not on the same printed circuit board (PCB).　

4. utilize match counter to control whether to carry out light and extinguish instruction

The match counter of mentioning in similar embodiment two, execution light for embodiment tri-and embodiment tetra-employings extinguishes the mode of instruction, can also send according to imaging device the rule of light control instruction, setting ink box chip can be when receiving certain light and extinguishes instruction, the operation that just luminescence unit is extinguished in execution.The reception number of times of the light control instruction that for example match counter is associated with self identifying information of memory cell for statistics.When control module finds that match counter has count down to certain preset value, just can carry out the light received and extinguish instruction, when counting does not reach this preset value or surpassed this preset value, just can not carry out the light received and extinguish instruction.Similarly, the zero clearing mode of this match counter is also when the ink box chip power-up initializing or is restored or zero clearing during power down.　

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that: all or part of step that realizes above-mentioned each embodiment of the method can complete by programmed instruction or relevant hardware.Aforesaid program can be stored in a computer read/write memory medium.This program, when carrying out, is carried out the step that comprises above-mentioned each embodiment of the method; And aforesaid storage medium comprises: various media that can be program code stored such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disc or CDs.

It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as the first and second grades only is used for an entity or operation are separated with another entity or operating space, and not necessarily requires or imply between these entities or operation the relation of any this reality or sequentially of existing.And, term " comprises ", " comprising " or its any other variant are intended to contain comprising of nonexcludability, thereby make the process, method, article or the equipment that comprise a series of key elements not only comprise those key elements, but also comprise other key element of clearly not listing, or also be included as the intrinsic key element of this process, method, article or equipment.In the situation that not more restrictions, the key element limited by statement " comprising ... ", and be not precluded within process, method, article or the equipment that comprises described key element and also have other identical element.

The above ink box chip that the embodiment of the present invention is provided, print cartridge and print cartridge adapter rack are described in detail, applied specific case herein principle of the present invention and embodiment are set forth, the explanation of above embodiment is just for helping to understand method of the present invention and core concept thereof; , for one of ordinary skill in the art, according to thought of the present invention, all will change in specific embodiments and applications, in sum, this description should not be construed as limitation of the present invention simultaneously.

Claims

1. an ink box chip, is characterized in that, described ink box chip comprises: interface unit, control module and memory cell;

2. ink box chip according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described memory cell, also for storing light setting information, described light setting information comprises the corresponding relation of count results and control information, and described control information comprises forbidding lighting and enabling lights;

3. ink box chip according to claim 2, is characterized in that, described control module comprises instruction identification module, print cartridge identification module, match counter and illuminated switch module;

4. ink box chip according to claim 3, it is characterized in that, described memory cell is also for storing the command reception mark, and described command reception mark is for the functional status of the described illuminated switch module of mark, and described functional status is upstate or down state.

5. ink box chip according to claim 4, it is characterized in that, when the described illuminated switch module of described command reception mark is upstate, described illuminated switch module, for the light control instruction in the identification of described instruction identification module, be that light is while lighting instruction, obtain current count results, obtain the control information corresponding with described current count results in the light setting information in described memory cell, and control described luminescence unit and carry out described control information.

6. according to arbitrary described ink box chip in claim 2-5, it is characterized in that, described light setting information is to determine according to the light detection characteristic of described imaging device and the installation site of described ink box chip.

7. ink box chip according to claim 1, is characterized in that, described control module, and also for when described ink box chip powers on, if described ink box chip detected in the power-up initializing stage, described luminescence unit is carried out described light and is lighted instruction.

8. according to arbitrary described ink box chip in claim 1-5 or 7, it is characterized in that, described luminescence unit is arranged on described ink box chip.　

9. a print cartridge, is characterized in that, comprises that at least one is as arbitrary described ink box chip in claim 1 to 8.　

10. print cartridge according to claim 9, is characterized in that, described ink box chip is connected to imaging device by a communication bus.　

11. a print cartridge is characterized in that described print cartridge comprises interface unit, control module and memory cell;

12. a print cartridge adapter rack, is characterized in that, described print cartridge adapter rack comprises interface unit, at least one control module, at least one memory cell and at least one luminescence unit;

13. print cartridge adapter rack according to claim 12, is characterized in that, described print cartridge adapter rack comprises an interface unit, a control module, a memory cell and at least one luminescence unit;

14. print cartridge adapter rack according to claim 12, is characterized in that, the number of described control module, memory cell and luminescence unit in described print cartridge adapter rack is identical, and described control module, memory cell and luminescence unit have one-to-one relationship;