ES2564738T3 - CRUM unit mountable and removable in a consumable unit of an imaging device, and imaging device that uses the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Customer Replaceable Unit Monitor Unit, CRUM, (210) comprising: an energy extraction circuit (214) configured to, when receiving a clock signal from an imaging device, extract energy from a value stop the clock signal and store the extracted energy in a capacitive element (214b); and a controller (215) configured to operate using the extracted energy, characterized in that the clock signal has a first pulse width in a data section, in which a data signal is received and transmitted, and has a second pulse width, which is different from the first pulse width, in a pause section, in which a data signal is not received, in which the clock signal includes a high value in the pause section and the section of data, in which the energy extraction circuit is configured to extract energy of a high value from both the first pulse width in the data section, and the second pulse width in the pause section.

Description

image 1

DESCRIPTION

CRUM unit mountable and removable in a consumable unit of an imaging device, and image forming device that uses it. 5

Cross reference to related requests

Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

Aspects of the exemplary embodiments refer to a Customer Replaceable Unit Monitor (CRUM) unit mountable and removable in a consumable unit of an imaging device and also refer to an image forming device that makes use of it, and

15 more particularly, to a CRUM unit that extracts energy from a clock signal and to an imaging apparatus that makes use of it.

2. Description of the related technique

With the evolution of electronic technology, several types of electronic products have been developed. In particular, to the extent that computers are used in a generalized manner, the rate of distribution of computer peripheral devices has also increased. Computer peripheral devices refer to devices that improve the ease of use of computers, and include imaging devices such as a printer, a scanner, a photocopier, an MFP, and so on.

25 Imaging devices use ink or toner to print an image on paper. The ink or toner is used every time an imaging task is carried out and runs out when used for more than a predetermined time. In this case, the unit that stores the ink or toner should be replaced. As such, a part or an element that is replaced in the process of using an image forming apparatus is referred to as a consumable unit or replaceable unit. For convenience of explanation, it will be referred to in this specification as a consumable unit.

The consumable unit includes not only a unit that should be replaced when it runs out, such as ink or toner, but also a unit that should be replaced after a predetermined period of time since

35 its properties change as time goes by, and therefore, high quality printing cannot be expected. That is, the consumable unit may also include parts such as a color development module and an intermediate transfer belt. Such consumable units should be replaced regularly, with an appropriate replacement time.

The replacement time can be determined using a condition of use index. The use condition index represents the degree of use of an imaging device, and it can be the number of sheets that are printed and output from an imaging device, the number of points that form a image, etc. An imaging apparatus can count the number of sheets or dots to determine the replacement time of each consumable unit.

Recently, to allow a user to determine the replacement time of each unit accurately, a CRUM unit can be mounted or disassembled on each consumable unit.

If a consumable unit is mounted on an imaging device, a CRUM unit and the imaging device can communicate with each other through each terminal. The CRUM unit includes an energy terminal for receiving power provided from the imaging apparatus. Accordingly, the energy provided from the imaging apparatus is transmitted to the power terminal, and the CRUM unit can operate upon receiving the power from the power terminal.

55 However, taking into account the structural characteristics, the presence of an energy terminal to provide power may increase the number of interfaces of the CRUM unit. The increasing number of terminals or interfaces also increases the size of the CRUM unit, which influences the costs of the CRUM unit.

In addition, since power is supplied even during a pause in operation, when data is not received or transmitted through the power terminal, the power consumption of the imaging apparatus increases. To overcome the above disadvantages, it has been suggested to eliminate the power terminal and use only two terminals that combine data with a clock. However, unlike the case where the data and the clock are incorporated separately, the interface circuit of a main board must be constructed using a method

65 analog, and therefore, there are drawbacks of circuit map complication and speed limitation, or the like.

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It is an objective of the present invention to address the aforementioned disadvantages. US 2006/0093383 A1 discloses a CRUM unit that is powered wirelessly. JP 2013/218199 A discloses a CRUM unit that extracts energy from a high value of a clock signal.

5

Summary of the invention

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus and a method as set forth in the appended claims. From the dependent claims, and the description given below, other features of the invention will become apparent.

One aspect of the exemplary embodiments refers to a CRUM unit that is configured to extract energy from a clock signal which is received from an imaging device, and also refers to an image forming apparatus that makes use of it.

15 According to an exemplary embodiment, the CRUM unit includes an energy extraction circuit configured for, when a clock signal is received from an imaging device, to extract energy from a high value of the clock signal and store the energy in a capacitive element; and a controller configured to operate using the extracted energy, wherein the clock signal has a first pulse width in a data section where a data signal is received and transmitted, and has a second pulse width which is different from the first pulse width in a pause section where no data signal is received.

Reference is made to an energy extraction circuit, which is understood to refer also to a power circuit.

25 charge extraction, for the supply of charge to the capacitive element, in order to store the charge or charge extracted in the capacitive element.

In this case, the first pulse width of the clock signal may be greater than the second pulse width.

The clock signal can be characterized in that in the data section a high value and a low value are alternately alternated with a first cycle or the high value and the low value are repeatedly alternated in the pause section with a second cycle which is different from the first cycle.

35 The first cycle may be greater than the second cycle.

The controller can receive and transmit a data signal from the imaging apparatus according to the clock signal and can manage a memory.

The controller, when it is determined that the pause section is changed to the data section based on the clock signal, can transmit / receive the data signal in the data section.

The controller, when a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the pause section and a section in which one of the high value is maintained and the low value exceeds a first time

By default, you can determine that the data section changes to the data section, and when a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the data section and a section in which one of the value is maintained high and the low value is less than the first time, you can determine that the data section changes to the pause section.

The controller, when a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the pause section and a section in which a low value of the clock signal is maintained exceeds a predetermined first time, can determine the time in that the section exceeds the first time as the time at which the reception / transmission of the data signal begins, and when a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the data section or section pause and a section in which a value is maintained

When the high clock signal exceeds a second predetermined time, it can be operated to determine the time in which the section exceeds the second time as the time at which the reception of the data signal ends.

The memory and controller can be composed of an integrated chip, IC.

The power extraction circuit may include a switching element configured to pass a clock signal having the high value between the received clock signals, and a capacitive element configured to be recharged with the clock signal that is passed through from the switching element.

65 The switching element may be at least one of a diode and a transistor.

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The CRUM unit may also include a data terminal configured to transmit / receive the data signal which is divided into a data section and a pause section, when the CRUM unit communicates with a main body of the training apparatus of images, a clock terminal configured to receive the clock signal from the main body, and a ground terminal configured to be connected to a ground terminal of the body

5 main imaging apparatus.

The CRUM may further include an energy terminal that is connected to an energy terminal of the main body of the imaging apparatus, where the energy terminal of the CRUM unit can maintain an inactive state.

The clock signal may have a third width that is different from the first pulse width in a rest section where no data signal is received or transmitted.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a CRUM unit includes a data terminal configured for

15 transmit / receive the data signal that is divided into a data section and a pause section, when the CRUM unit communicates with a main body of the imaging apparatus, a clock terminal configured to receive the signal from clock in order to determine if the data signal is received or transmitted from the main body, and a ground terminal configured to be connected to a ground terminal of the main body of the imaging device, an energy extraction circuit configured to extract energy from a high value of the clock signal and store it in a capacitive element, and a controller configured to be able to operate using the extracted energy, where the clock signal has a first pulse width in a section of data where a data signal is received and transmitted, and has a second pulse width which is different from the first pulse width, in a a pause section where no data signal is received.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a main body having a main controller which is configured to control an operation of the image forming apparatus, a consumable unit configured to be mounted on the main body so that it can work to communicate with the main controller, and a CRUM unit configured to store information about the consumable unit, where the main controller is configured to transmit a clock signal where a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly in a predetermined pattern in a pause section where no data signal is received in the CRUM unit, where the clock signal has a first pulse width in a data section where a data signal is received and transmitted, and has a second pulse width that is different from the first pulse width, in u a pause section where not

35 no data signal is received.

In this case, the first pulse width of the clock signal may be greater than the second pulse width.

The CRUM unit may include an energy extraction circuit configured to, when the clock signal is received during a data transmission process with the main controller, extract energy from the clock signal and store the extracted energy in a capacitive element , a memory, and a controller configured to be activated by the extracted energy, transmit / receive the data signal according to the clock signal, and manage the memory according to the transmitted / received data signal.

The CRUM unit may also include a data terminal configured to transmit / receive the data signal from the main controller, a clock terminal configured to receive the clock signal transmitted from the main controller, and a ground terminal .

The controller, when it is determined that the pause section is changed to the data section based on the clock signal, can transmit / receive the data signal in the data section.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a consumable unit that is mountable and removable in an imaging apparatus includes a first contact point configured to receive a clock signal.

55 from a main body of the imaging apparatus, a second contact point configured to transmit / receive a data signal to / from the main body of the imaging apparatus, a third contact point configured to be connected to a ground terminal of the main body of the imaging apparatus, and a CRUM unit configured to receive the clock signal and the data signal, where the CRUM unit is configured to extract energy from a high value of the clock signal in a pause section in which the data signal is not received, where the clock signal has a first pulse width in a data section where a data signal and a second width of data are received and transmitted pulse that is different from the first pulse width, in the pause section where no data is received.

The consumable unit may be a development module or a developing device.

65 The Customer Replaceable Unit Monitor (CRUM) unit that is mountable on a consumable unit of an imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of interfaces configured to be connected to the consumable unit, an energy extraction circuit configured to, when a clock signal is received through one of the plurality of interfaces, to extract energy from the clock signal, and an interface controller configured to transmit / receive data through

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5 minus one of the plurality of interfaces according to the clock signal, and the clock signal has a first pulse width in a data section where a data signal is received and has a second pulse width that is different from the first pulse width in a rest section where no data signal is received.

The interface controller, when it is determined that the idle section changes to the data section based on the clock signal, can transmit / receive the data signal from the data section.

The interface controller, when a high value and a low value of the clock signal are alternately alternated in the idle section and a section in which one of the high value is maintained and the low value exceeds a first time

By default, you can determine that the idle section changes to the data section, and when a high value and a low value of the clock section alternate repeatedly in the data section and a section in which one of the value is maintained high and low value presents the first time, you can determine that the data section changes to the rest section.

The interface controller, when a high value and a low value of the clock signal are alternately alternated in the idle section and a section in which a low value of the clock signal is maintained exceeds a predetermined first time, can determine the time in which the section exceeds the first time as the time at which the reception of the data signal begins, and when a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the data section or the resting section and a section in which a high value of the

25 clock signal exceeds a second predetermined time, you can determine the time in which the section exceeds the second time as the time at which the reception of the data signal ends.

The energy extraction circuit can extract energy using a clock signal that has the first pulse width and a clock signal that has the second pulse width, and the interface controller can transmit / receive the corresponding data signal to the data section based on the clock signal.

The CRUM unit may also include a memory and a controller configured to be activated by energy and manage the memory according to the data signal that is transmitted / received to / from the interface controller.

35 The interface controller, memory, and controller may consist of at least one Integrated Chip (IC).

The power extraction circuit may include a diode configured to pass a clock signal that has a high value between the clock signal and a capacitor configured to be recharged by means of the clock signal that is passed from the diode .

The power extraction circuit may include a switching element configured to be connected to the interface and letting a clock signal having the high value pass by carrying out a switching operation of

45 according to the clock signal that is received through the interface and a capacitor configured to be recharged by means of the clock signal that is passed from the switching element.

The plurality of interfaces may include a first interface configured to receive the clock signal from a clock terminal provided in the consumable unit, a second interface configured to transmit / receive the data signal to / from a data terminal provided in the unit consumable, and a third interface configured to be connected to a ground terminal provided in the consumable unit.

The plurality of interfaces may include a first interface configured to receive the clock signal from a clock terminal provided in the consumable unit, a second interface configured to transmit / receive the

55 data signal to / from a data terminal provided in the consumable unit, a third interface configured to be connected to a power terminal provided in the consumable unit, and a fourth interface configured to be connected to a ground terminal provided in the consumable unit, and the third interface can maintain an inactive state.

The plurality of interfaces may include a first interface configured to receive the clock signal from a clock terminal provided in the consumable unit, a second interface configured to transmit / receive the data signal to / from a first data terminal provided in the consumable unit, a third interface configured to transmit a data signal to the imaging apparatus through a second data terminal provided in the consumable unit, and a fourth interface configured to be connected to a

65 ground terminal provided in the consumable unit.

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The clock signal may have a clock wave form in which a high value section and a low value section having the second pulse width alternate repeatedly in the idle section, and a magnitude of the clock signal in the high value section it can exceed “0”.

5 The clock signal may have a clock wave form in which a high value section and a low value section having the second pulse width alternate repeatedly in the idle section, and a magnitude of the signal of Clock in the low value section may be less than the high value.

An image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a main body configured to have a main controller which controls an operation of the image forming apparatus, a consumable unit configured to be mounted on the main body in order to enable communication with the main controller, and a CRUM unit configured to be provided in the consumable unit, and the main controller transmits a clock signal in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly in a predetermined pattern in a rest section where no data signal is received

15 in the CRUM unit through the consumable unit, and the clock signal has a first pulse width in a data section in which the data signal is received and a second pulse width that is different from the first pulse width in the rest section.

The consumable unit may include a data terminal configured to transmit / receive the data signal to / from the main controller, a clock terminal configured to receive the clock signal that is transmitted from the main controller, and a ground terminal.

The CRUM unit may include a first interface configured to transmit / receive the data signal to / from the data terminal, a second interface configured to receive the clock signal from the data terminal.

25 clock, an energy extraction circuit configured to, when the clock signal is received through the first interface, to extract energy from the clock signal, an interface controller configured to transmit / receive the data signal through at least one of the plurality of interfaces according to the clock signal, a memory, and a controller configured to be activated by the energy and manage the memory according to the data signal that is transmitted / received to / from the interface controller

The interface controller, when it is determined that the idle section changes to the data section based on the clock signal, can transmit / receive the data signal from the data section.

The interface controller, when a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the

The rest section and a section in which one of the high value is maintained and the low value exceeds a predetermined first time, can determine that the rest section changes to the data section, and when a high value and a low value of The clock signal alternates repeatedly in the data section and a section in which one of the high value is maintained and the low value presents the first time, you can determine that the data section changes to the idle section.

The consumable unit may also include a power terminal, the CRUM unit may also include a third interface that connects to the power terminal, and the third interface can maintain an inactive state at all times.

The consumable unit may also include an additional data terminal, and the CRUM unit may also include a third interface configured to transmit a data signal to the main controller through the additional data terminal.

A CRUM unit that is mountable in a consumable unit of an imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of interfaces configured to be connected to the consumable unit, an energy extraction circuit configured to, when a clock signal is received through one of the plurality of interfaces, extracting energy from the clock signal, and an interface controller configured to transmit / receive a data signal through at least one of the plurality of interfaces according to the clock signal, and the clock signal is a signal in which a high value and a first value

55 are alternately repeated in a data section in which a data signal is received, and one of a high value and a second low value is maintained in a rest section in which the data signal is not received, and the second low value exceeds "0" and is less than the high value.

The clock signal can be a signal in which the high value and the first low value alternate repeatedly according to a first predetermined time in the data section, and one of the high value and the second low value can be maintained for a time that is longer than the first time in the rest section.

The interface controller, when it is determined that the idle section changes to the data section based on the clock signal, can transmit / receive the data signal in the data section.

65 The interface controller, when the high value of the clock signal is maintained and changes to the first low value in the idle section, can determine the time at which the high value changes to the first low value as a time at which the reception of the data signal begins, and when a section in which the high value of the clock signal is maintained exceeds the first time in the data section or the rest section, it can determine time as an instant of time in which the reception of the data signal ends.

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5 The interface controller, when one of a high value and a second low value of the clock signal is maintained more than a first time in the idle section and the high value and the first low value present the first time, can determine that the idle section changes to the data section, and when a high value and a first low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the data section and a section in which one of the high value is maintained and the second Low value exceeds the first time, you can determine that the data section changes to the idle section.

The plurality of interfaces may include a first interface configured to receive the clock signal from a clock terminal provided in the consumable unit, a second interface configured to transmit / receive the

15 data signal from a data terminal provided in the consumable unit, and a third interface configured to be connected to a ground terminal provided in the consumable unit.

The first low value can be the same as the second low value.

The first low value can be "0".

A consumable unit that is mountable in an imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a first contact point configured to receive a clock signal from a main body of the imaging apparatus, a second contact point. configured for

25 transmitting / receiving a data signal to / from a main body of the imaging apparatus, a third contact point configured to be connected to a ground terminal of a main body of the imaging apparatus, and a unit of CRUM configured to receive the clock signal and the data signal, and the CRUM unit extracts and uses power from the clock signal in a sleep section where the data signal is not received, and the data signal is received. The clock has a first pulse width in a data section where a data signal is received and a second pulse width that is different from the first pulse width in a rest section in which no data is received.

A consumable unit that is mountable in an imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a first contact point configured to receive a clock signal from a

35 main body of the imaging apparatus, a second contact point configured to transmit / receive a data signal to / from a main body of the imaging apparatus, a third contact point configured to be connected to a terminal ground of a main body of the imaging apparatus, and a CRUM unit configured to receive the clock signal and the data signal, and the CRUM unit extracts and uses energy from the clock signal in a sleep section in the one that does not receive the data signal, the clock signal is a signal in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly in a section of data in which the data signal is received and one of the high value and the low value is maintained in the rest section, and the low value exceeds "0" and is less than the high value.

The invention extends to a method of extracting energy from a clock signal in a unit of

45 Customer Replaceable Unit Monitor, CRUM, which can be mounted on a consumable unit of an imaging device, comprising the method of extracting and using energy from the clock signal in a rest section where no one is received data signal as described above.

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing and / or other aspects of the present concept of the invention will become more clearly apparent when describing certain exemplary embodiments of the present concept of the invention in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 2A is a view illustrating one side of a consumable unit illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 2B is a view illustrating another example of a consumable unit and a CRUM unit illustrated in Figure 1;

Figures 3 and 4 are views provided to explain a method of connection between an image forming apparatus and a consumable unit;

Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment;

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Figure 6 is a view illustrating one side of the consumable unit illustrated in Figure 3;

5 Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figure 8A is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to another exemplary embodiment;

Figure 8B is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to yet another exemplary embodiment;

Figures 9A and 9B are circuit diagrams illustrating a power station circuit of the CRUM unit illustrated in Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to another exemplary embodiment;

Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to another exemplary embodiment;

Figure 12A is a view provided to explain various sections of signal transmission between the main body and the CRUM unit;

Figure 12B is a view provided to explain several examples of a data signal, a clock signal and a waveform according to a decoding signal;

Fig. 13 is a flow chart provided to explain an energy extraction method of a CRUM unit according to an exemplary embodiment; Y

Figure 14 is a flow chart provided to explain an energy extraction method of a CRUM unit according to another exemplary embodiment.

35 Detailed Description

It should be noted that the steps of the method and the components of the system have been represented by conventional symbols in the figure, showing only specific details that are relevant to understanding the present disclosure. In addition, details that may be readily apparent to people with regular knowledge of the subject may not have been disclosed. In the present statement, relational terms, such as first and second, and the like may be used to differentiate an entity from another entity, without necessarily implying any specific relationship or order between said entities.

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus of

45 according to an exemplary embodiment. According to Fig. 1, an image forming apparatus includes a main body 100, a main controller 110 and a consumable unit 200 that can be mounted on the main body 100. In this case, the image forming apparatus can be embodied in form of various types of devices which can form an image on various types of recording media, such as paper, for example a printer, a scanner, a Multi-Function Printer (MFP), a facsimile, a photocopier, and so on.

The main controller 110 is mounted on the main body 100 of an imaging apparatus, and controls overall functions of the imaging apparatus. The main controller 110 can generate a data signal and a clock signal to communicate with the CRUM 210 unit. In this case, the data signal is a signal to receive and transmit data between the CRUM 210 unit and the main controller. 110, and the signal of

The clock is a signal to determine if the data signal is received or transmitted in the CRUM unit 210. In this exemplary embodiment, since energy is extracted from the CRUM unit through the clock signal, it is generated a clock signal of which a value and a low value are alternately alternated not only in the data section but also in the pause section, and it is transmitted to the CRUM 210 unit. This will be further detailed in reference to Figures 12A and 12B.

The consumable unit 200 is mounted on the main body 100 of an image forming apparatus, and can be one of several types of unit which involve an image forming task directly

or indirect. For example, a laser imaging apparatus may include a consumable unit such as a charging unit, an exposure unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, a

65 fixing unit, various rollers, a belt, an OPC drum, etc., and as a consumable unit 200 can be defined other various types of unit that require replacement such as a development module (for example, a development module).

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development cartridge or a toner cartridge) in the process of using an imaging device.

As described above, there is a life expectancy for each consumable unit 200. Therefore, in the consumable unit 200, a CRUM unit 210 can be mounted or disassembled so that each consumable unit 200 can be replaced in time .

The CRUM unit 210 is an element that is mounted in the consumable unit 200 and records various information. The CRUM 210 unit may be composed of only one chip or may be composed of several elements which are integrated in a plate. In this exemplary embodiment, it is described that the

10 CRUM unit 210 is provided in the consumable unit 200, and is mounted on the main body through the consumable unit, although in the embodiment, the CRUM unit 210 can be mounted directly on the main body 100 of the apparatus Image formation That is, the CRUM unit can be sold separately with respect to the consumable unit and can be replaced by direct mounting on the main body. This will be described in more detail in the reference to Figure 2B.

15 The CRUM 210 unit includes a memory. Accordingly, reference may be made to the CRUM unit 210 with various denominations such as memory, CRUM unit memory, etc., although in this specification, for convenience in explanation, it will be referred to as a unit of CRUM 210.

20 A memory provided in the CRUM 210 unit may store information of various properties in relation to the consumable unit 200, the CRUM 210 unit itself, the imaging apparatus, etc., and may use information or a program to carry Perform an imaging task.

Specifically, various programs that are stored in the CRUM 210 unit may not only include

25 a general application but also an Operating System (O / S) program, an encryption program, and so on. Additionally, the property information may include information regarding the manufacturer of the consumable unit 200, and training concerning the manufacturer of the imaging apparatus, the name of the mountable imaging apparatus, information regarding a manufacturing date, a number Serial, a model name, an electronic signature information, an encryption key, an encryption key index, and so on.

30 In addition, usage information may include information regarding how many sheets have been printed so far, how many sheets can be additionally printed, how much toner is left, and duration information of a visual receiver which is a major component. The duration information of the visual receiver and the transfer roller can be the visual receiver and the number of rotations of the transfer roller, and so on. The imaging apparatus, comparing predetermined data with the duration information mentioned above to

Through an experiment, you can additionally control the voltage / current that is supplied to each component of the imaging apparatus, and a high quality output impression can be generated. Property information can also be referred to as intrinsic information.

For example, the CRUM 210 unit may include information shown in the following table.

40 [Table 1] As shown in the previous table, the memory of the CRUM 210 unit may include not only brief information regarding the consumable unit 200 but also information regarding the duration of the consumables, information, a configuration menu, etc. In addition, memory can also store

General information

OS Version SPL-C Version Engine Version USB Serial Number Established Model Service Start Date

CLP300_V1.30.12.35 5.24 6.01.00 (55) BH45BAIP914466B. DOM 2007-09-29

Option

RAM size USB EEPROM size Connected (High)

32 Mbytes 4,096 bytes

Consumables Duration

Total Page Count Fusion Unit Duration Transfer Roller Duration Tray Roller Duration1 Total Image Count Image Formation Unit Duration / Development Roller Transfer Belt Duration Toner Image Count

774/93 Pages (Color / Mono) 1,636 Pages 864 Pages 867 Pages 3,251 Images 61 Images / 19 Pages 3,251 Images 14/9/14/19 Images (C / M / Y / K)

Toner Information

Toner Remaining Percentage

99% / 91% / 92% / 100% (C / M / Y / K)

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Average Toner Coverage

5% / 53% / 31% / 3% (C / M / Y / K)

Consumables Information

Cyan Toner Magenta Toner Yellow Toner Black Toner Imaging Unit

SAMSUNG (DOM) SAMSUNG (DOM) SAMSUNG (DOM) SAMSUNG (DOM) SAMSUNG (DOM)

Color Menu

Custom Color

Manual Adjustment (CMYK: 0,0,0,0)

Setup Menu

Energy Saving Continue Auto Adjust Altitude

20 Minutes On Normal

5 an O / S which is provided separately with respect to the main body of the imaging apparatus, in order to be used in the CRUM 210 unit.

In addition, the CRUM unit 210 may additionally include a CPU (not shown) which manages a memory, executes various programs stored in the memory, and carries out communication with the main body 10 of the imaging apparatus or controllers of other devices

At the same time, if the consumable unit 200 that includes the CRUM 210 unit is mounted on the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus, each terminal 221, 222, 223 of the CRUM 210 unit communicates with the main controller 110 through each terminal 121, 122, 123 of the main body 100 of the apparatus of

15 imaging.

The main body 100 of the imaging apparatus includes three terminals 121, 122, 123, each connected respectively by wires 131, 132, 133 connected to the main controller 110.

20 In addition, the CRUM unit 210 also includes three terminals 221, 222, 223 which are interconnected to the three terminals 121, 122, 123 included in the main body 100. To the extent that the three terminals 221, 222 , 223 included in the CRUM 210 unit are connected to the CRUM 210 unit, the CRUM 210 unit communicates with the main controller 110 through the three terminals 221, 222, 223 included in the CRUM 210 unit. It has been described herein that the body 100 and the CRUM unit 210 are connected to each other

25 with three terminals, although during the embodiment, they can be connected with four terminals, and in this case, a terminal of the CRUM unit 210 may be a false terminal.

The clock terminal 221 of the CRUM unit 210 can be connected to a clock terminal 121 included in the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus and can receive a clock signal. Additionally, the data terminal 222 of the CRUM unit 210 can be connected to a data terminal 122 included in the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus and can transmit / receive a data signal. The ground terminal 223 of the CRUM unit 210 is connected to a ground terminal 123 included in the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus. At the same time, when a clock signal is received through the clock terminal 221, the CRUM 210 unit draws energy from the clock signal. That is, when the clock signal has a

35 high value, a capacitive element (for example, a capacity element) can be charged to prepare energy. Details of the energy extraction operation will be described in reference to Figure 9.

The energy extraction method can be materialized in several ways according to the waveform of the clock signal. Additionally, the waveform of the clock signal may vary depending on a data section 40 in which a data signal is received and transmitted and a pause section in which no data signal is received or transmitted.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, a clock signal may have a clock waveform in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly in a predetermined pattern in a pause section 45.

That is, a clock signal can maintain a clock waveform even in a pause section. In this case, a clock signal in a data section may have a first pulse width, and a clock signal in a pause section may have a second pulse width that is different from the first

50 pulse width. Here, it is preferred that the first pulse width can be set to be larger than the second pulse width.

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Additionally, a frequency of a clock signal in the data section (ie, a first clock frequency) may be different from a frequency of a clock signal in the pause section (ie, a second clock frequency). . At the same time, if the duty cycle is equal and the frequency of a clock signal in the data section is different from a frequency of a clock signal in a pause section, the first width of

5 pulse in the data section may be different from the second pulse width in the pause section.

In this case, it is assumed that the duty cycle between the first clock frequency and the second clock frequency is the same, although during the embodiment, the duty cycle in the data section and the duty cycle in the Pause section may be different, and the duty cycle in the same data section may be different from each other within a predetermined interval. More specifically, the time to maintain a high value and a low value of the clock signal having the second pulse width may be different in an interval that is less than the first time (reference time used to determine if the section is a data section

or a pause section). The time to maintain a high value and a low value of the clock signal having the first pulse width may be different in an interval that is greater than the first time.

15 Specifically, a high value and a low value of a clock signal are repeatedly alternated by a first predetermined unit of time in the pause section, and a high value and a low value of a clock signal are alternately alternated by a second default unit of time that is set to be greater than the first unit of time in the data section. Here, the high value may be from 2 V to 4 V. The low value exceeds "0", although it is less than the high value. The low value can be "0".

According to the previous exemplary embodiment, a clock signal includes a high value in the pause section and the data section and therefore, the CRUM unit 210 can extract energy from the high value of a clock signal in the Pause section and data section and function accordingly. In particular,

25 Since the high value and the low value of a clock signal are repeated according to the first clock cycle in the pause section, energy from the high value can be repeatedly extracted and the CRUM 210 unit continuously operated without any pause in the power supply. In the related art communication scheme 12C, in the pause section between data and data, a clock signal maintains a low value and a capacitive element is discharged, and the IC works malfunctioning for some software operations, or due to a power outage, a reset occurs, and temporarily stored data and authentication data are lost. Therefore, it is necessary to make an access from the beginning, and therefore, the operations of the imaging apparatus may be delayed. A frequent reset causes problems, such as damage to the CRUM unit, and therefore, there is a difficulty in applying the technique to load a capacity element with a clock signal and use it as energy.

Additionally, when energy is extracted from a data signal, a continuous low value can be maintained, and therefore the aforementioned problem can occur.

The CRUM unit 210 according to the exemplary embodiments described above can be activated by the energy extracted from the pause section and the data section. Additionally, the CRUM unit 210 can transmit / receive a data signal according to a clock signal in the data section, and can manage a memory in accordance with the data signal.

As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the CRUM unit 210 is

45 can be activated without any power terminal, extracting energy from a clock signal received by the CRUM 210 unit through the clock terminal 221.

Additionally, the CRUM 210 unit does not have to include an interface to be connected to a power terminal and therefore, the cost of the CRUM 210 unit can be reduced as the size of the power unit is reduced. CRUM 210 and the number of interfaces. Additionally, an energy terminal is not provided, and therefore, a circuit is necessary to control an energy terminal, and the circuit structure is simplified.

Figure 2A is a view illustrating one side of a consumable unit illustrated in Figure 1.

In accordance with Figure 2A, the consumable unit 220 may include a terminal unit 220 for communication with the main controller 110 provided in an imaging apparatus, and the terminal unit may constitute a part of the unit of CRUM 210. The terminal unit 220 may include the clock terminal 221, the data terminal 222 and the ground terminal 223 as illustrated in Figure 1.

The clock terminal 221, the data terminal 222 and the ground terminal 223 are of the contact type, and the three terminals 121, 122, 123 provided in the main body 100 of the mutual contact imaging apparatus are electrically connected.

65 Figure 2B is a view illustrating another example of the consumable unit and the CRUM unit illustrated in Figure 1.

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According to Fig. 2B, the CRUM unit 210 can be separated from the consumable unit 200. Accordingly, the CRUM unit 210 can be connected directly to the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus. Specifically, each terminal 221, 222 and 223 of the CRUM unit 210 may be in contact with terminals 121, 122, 123 of main body 100.

Figures 3 and 4 are views provided to explain a method of connection between an imaging apparatus and a consumable unit.

Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a connection state between the consumable unit 200, which is embodied in a contact type connection, and the main body 100 of an imaging apparatus. According to Fig. 3, the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus includes a terminal unit 120, a main board 140 on which several parts including the main controller 110 are arranged, and a connection cable 130 for connecting the main board 140 with terminal unit 120.

As illustrated in Figure 3, when the consumable unit 200 is mounted on the main body 100, the terminal unit 220 included in the consumable unit 200 is electrically connected with the terminal unit 210 of the main body 100 since they are intrinsically in mutual contact. In this case, the terminal unit 220 can be considered part of the CRUM 210 unit configurations.

Figure 4 is a view illustrating an example of an external configuration of the terminal unit 220, which is embodied in a connector type connection. According to Fig. 4, the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus includes the port-type terminal unit 120 where a connector can be inserted. The terminal unit 120 includes three terminals 121, 122, 123.

The CRUM 210 unit may include the connector type clock terminal 221. The clock terminal 221 is inserted into the clock terminal 221 provided in the terminal unit 120.

Additionally, although not illustrated in the drawing, the consumable unit 200 further includes the data terminal 222 and the ground terminal 223 which are of the connector type, and they are inserted into the data terminal 122 and the ground terminal 123 which are provided respectively in the terminal unit 120. In this case, the data terminal 222 and the ground terminal 223 can be considered as a constituent part of the CRUM unit 210.

Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an imaging apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment.

In Figure 1, the main body 100 and the CRUM unit 210 of the imaging apparatus include three terminals 121, 122, 123, 221, 222, 223, respectively, although the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus and The CRUM 210 unit may also include a power terminal. That is, the main body 100 of the imaging apparatus and the CRUM unit 210 may include, respectively, four terminals.

According to Fig. 5, an image forming apparatus includes a main body 300, a main controller 310 that is provided in the main body 300 and a consumable unit 400 that can be mounted in the main body 300.

As shown in Figure 5, if the consumable unit 400 that includes the CRUM unit 410 is mounted on the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus, the CRUM unit 410 communicates with the main controller 310 through the consumable unit 400.

The main controller 310 can be electrically connected to the CRUM unit 410 through four terminals 321, 322, 323, 324 provided in the main body 100 and wires 331, 332, 333, 334 that connect to each terminal 321, 322 , 323.

Additionally, the CRUM 410 unit includes four terminals 421, 422, 423, 424 that are in contact with four terminals 321, 322, 323, 324 of the main body 300.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the four terminals 321, 322, 323, 324 included in the main body 300 can be, respectively, a clock terminal, a data terminal, an energy terminal and a ground terminal. Similarly, the four terminals 421, 422, 423, 424 included in the CRUM unit 410 can also be, respectively, a clock terminal, a data terminal, a power terminal and a ground terminal.

At the same time, the clock terminal 421 of the CRUM unit 410 can be connected to the clock terminal 321 included in the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus and can receive a clock signal. Additionally, the data terminal 422 of the CRUM unit 410 can be connected to the data terminal 322 included in the main body 300 and can transmit / receive a data signal. The power terminal 423 of the CRUM 410 unit can be connected to the power terminal 223 included in the main body 300, and the ground terminal 424 of the CRUM unit 410 can be connected to the ground terminal 224 included in the body principal

image11

300

5 The power terminal 323 included in the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus is always kept in an inactive state. That is, the power terminal 323 is not a terminal intended to supply power.

In an imaging device that is standardized with four terminals, the consumable unit 200 and the CRUM unit 210 illustrated in Figure 1 cannot be used. Therefore, the main body 310 of the imaging device can be configured to include four terminals in order to adapt to the norm of the imaging apparatus, although the power terminal 323 is configured to be electrically deactivated. That is, the power terminal 323 may be constituted by a false terminal.

Additionally, the CRUM 410 unit may be standardized with four terminals so that it corresponds to the imaging apparatus. Accordingly, the CRUM unit 410 may also include four terminals 421, 422, 423, 424.

At the same time, the CRUM 410 unit may include a plurality of interfaces (not shown) to be connected to the four terminals 421, 422, 423, 424 included in the consumable unit 400. One of the plurality of interfaces can be connected to the power terminal 423 included in the consumable unit 400. However, this interface can be maintained in an inactive state to the extent that it is electrically deactivated with respect to the CRUM 410 unit.

25 Since the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus and the CRUM unit 410 according to an exemplary embodiment include power terminals 323, 423 that are kept in an inactive state, they do not provide or receive power to through the power terminals 323, 423. Accordingly, the energy consumption of the imaging apparatus can be reduced.

At the same time, in general an image forming apparatus and a consumable unit that are currently marketed include four terminals corresponding respectively to a clock terminal, a data terminal, an energy terminal and a ground terminal. Therefore, if only the protocol that is related to the clock signal and stored in the main controller of a training device is changed or updated.

35 images of those currently marketed, CRUM 410 can be mounted and used in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the existing CRUM unit can be compatible with the CRUM 410 unit.

At the same time, according to another exemplary embodiment, the four terminals 321, 322, 323, 324 included in the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus can respectively be a clock terminal, a first data terminal, a second terminal of data, and a ground terminal. Likewise, the four terminals 421, 422, 423, 424 included in the CRUM unit 410 may also be respectively a clock terminal, a first data terminal, a second data terminal, and a ground terminal.

45 The clock terminal 421 of the CRUM 410 unit can be connected to the clock terminal 321 included in the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus and can receive a clock signal. Additionally, the first data terminal 422 of the CRUM unit 410 can be connected to the first data terminal 322 included in the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus and can transmit / receive a data signal. The second data terminal 423 of the CRUM 410 unit can be connected to the second data terminal 223 included in the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus, and the ground terminal 424 of the CRUM 410 unit can be connected to the ground terminal 424 included in the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus.

The main body 300 of the imaging apparatus and the consumable unit 400 respectively include two data terminals 222, 223 and 422, 423, and therefore can transmit, and the main controller

55 310 and the CRUM 410 unit can transmit and receive a data signal through data terminals 222, 422, and 223, 423 that are in mutual connection.

Specifically, when the main controller 310 transmits and receives a data signal to the CRUM unit 410, the main controller 310 can transmit the data signal through the first data terminal 322. According to said operation, the CRUM unit 410 can transmit / receive the data signal through the first data terminal 422 that is connected to the first data terminal 322.

On the other hand, when the CRUM 410 unit transmits a data signal to the main controller 310, the CRUM 410 unit can transmit the data signal through the second data terminal 423. According to said

In operation, the main controller 310 can transmit / receive the data signal through the second data terminal 323 which is connected to the second data terminal 423.

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At the same time, in the exemplary embodiments described above, when a clock signal is received through the clock terminal 421, the CRUM 410 unit draws energy from the clock signal. That is, when the clock signal has a high value, a capacitor can be charged to supply power. The energy sampling method can be materialized in several ways as described above in reference to the figure.

one.

Therefore, whether or not a power terminal is included in the main body 200 of the imaging apparatus and the consumable unit 400, the CRUM 210 unit can extract and activate energy from a clock signal.

Figure 6 is a view illustrating one side of the consumable unit illustrated in Figure 5.

According to Fig. 6, the consumable unit 400 includes a terminal unit 420 for communication with the main controller 310 that is provided in an imaging apparatus.

To connect with the four terminals 321, 322, 323, 324 included in the main body 300 of the imaging apparatus, the terminal unit 420 may include four terminals 421, 422, 423, 424.

That is, the terminal unit 420 may further include another terminal 423 in addition to the clock terminal 421, the data terminal 422 and the clock terminal 424, and this additional terminal 423 may be a power terminal or an additional data terminal. depending on the exemplary embodiments.

The above four terminals 421, 422, 423, 424 are of the connector type, and are electrically connected to the four terminals 421, 422, 423, 424 of the main body 300 of the mutual contact imaging apparatus.

Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to FIG. 7, the CRUM unit 210 includes an energy extraction circuit 214, a controller 215, a memory 216, and a plurality of terminals 221, 222, 223. Here, controller 215 and memory 216 can be configured as an Integrated Circuit (IC).

The plurality of terminals 221, 222, 223 is connected to the plurality of contact points 121, 122 and 123. More specifically, the plurality of terminals 221, 222 and 223 may be the clock terminal 221, the data terminal 222 and the ground terminal 223.

The clock terminal 221 can be electrically and physically connected to the clock terminal 121 of the main body 100.

The data terminal 222 can be electrically and physically connected to the data terminal 121 of the main body. In addition, the ground terminal 223 can be electrically and physically connected to the ground terminal 123 of the main body. At the same time, it has been illustrated that the plurality of terminals 221, 222, 223 is composed of three terminals, although in one embodiment, the terminals may be composed of four. An example of four terminals will be explained in more detail in reference to Figures 10 and 11.

The energy extraction circuit 214, when a clock signal is received through the clock terminal 221, extracts energy from the clock signal. The clock signal can have a different waveform according to a section of a data signal that is received / transmitted through the data terminal 222 of the main body, and can be materialized in several ways. Detailed types and operations of the clock signal will be described in reference to Figures 12A and 12B.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the clock signal may have a first pulse width in the data section where a data signal is received and transmitted, and may have a second pulse width that is different from the first width pulse in the pause section where a data signal is not received or transmitted. In this case, it is desirable that the first pulse width be greater than the second pulse width. In this case, the first pulse width may be one of a width of a high value or a width of a low value.

Additionally, the cycle of a clock signal in the data section may be different from the frequency of a clock signal in the pause section. Specifically, a clock signal may have a waveform in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to a first predetermined unit of time in the pause section, and a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to a second predetermined unit of time which is set so that it is greater than the first unit of time in the data section.

If a clock signal is received in accordance with the previous exemplary embodiment, the energy extraction circuit 214 can extract high value energy in the pause section and the data section. In this case, the high value may be 2 V to 4 V. Additionally, the low value may exceed "0", but it is less than the high value. Alternatively, the low value may be "0".

image12

The controller 215 is activated by the energy that is extracted by the power extraction circuit 214. The controller 215 can transmit and receive data through the data terminal 222 in accordance with a clock signal.

The controller 215 can determine the reception / transmission timing and the termination of a data signal based on a clock signal. More specifically, in normal operating times, the CRUM 210 unit and the imaging apparatus may be connected in a standby mode, but in order to transmit / receive data, they must be activated. To accomplish this, the clock signal may include a signal section to notify the timing of the CRUM unit 210 that reception of a data signal begins.

If a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the pause section, and the section in

15 the one that remains one of the high value and the low value exceeds the first time, the controller 215 can determine the time instant in which the first time (A in Figure 12A) is exceeded as the timing at which it starts the reception / transmission of data.

Additionally, when the transmission / reception of a data signal between the CRUM 210 unit and the imaging device is completed, it is necessary that the CRUM 210 unit and the imaging device end the active state and connect in the waiting state. Accordingly, the clock signal may include a signal section to inform the CRUM unit 210 about the time at which the reception of the data signal ends.

25 If a high value and a low value of a clock signal alternate repeatedly according to the second unit of time in the data section, and a section in which the high value of the clock signal is maintained exceeds the second time, the controller 215 may determine that the instant of time in which the second time is exceeded may be the time at which the reception of a data signal ends.

Alternatively, if a high value and a low value of a clock signal alternate repeatedly according to the first time unit in the pause section, and a section in which the high value of the clock signal is maintained exceeds the second time , the controller 215 can determine that the instant of time in which the second time (D '' of Figure 12B) is exceeded can be the time at which the reception of a data signal ends.

35 At the same time, between the instant of time at which the reception / transmission of a data signal begins and the instant of time at which the reception / transmission of a data signal ends, a total data section can be defined, and This may include a pause section during data reception / transmission (the first pause section (BC) of Figure 12B).

Controller 215, when a clock signal is received through clock terminal 221, can check the clock signal and determine when the pause section changes to the data section, or when the data section changes to the data section. pause.

More specifically, when the clock signal is received, the controller 215 may determine that the section of

The pause changes to the data section if one of the high value and the second low value of the clock signal stays longer than the first time in the pause section and the high value and the first low value shows the first time.

The controller 215 may determine that the data section changes to the pause section, if the high value and the first low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the data section and a section in which one of the high value and The second low value has the first time.

When it is determined that the pause section changes to the data section, the controller 215 may receive / transmit a data signal that is received / transmitted during the data section through the data terminal 222.

55 Controller 215 can manage memory 216 in accordance with the received / transmitted data signal. That is, the controller 215 can store a data signal in memory 216, read the data stored in memory 216, and transmit the data signal to the imaging apparatus.

As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the CRUM unit 210 can operate without any independent power terminal, extracting energy from a clock signal that is received through the clock terminal 221. As such , the CRUM 210 unit does not have to include a terminal for connection to a power terminal and therefore, the size of the CRUM 210 unit and the number of interfaces can be reduced.

65 When Figure 7 has been described, it was described that the CRUM unit includes only one controller and one memory, although during the embodiment, the CRUM unit may be composed of an IC, this will be explained in reference to the figure 8A. Earlier in the present it has been explained that the CRUM unit is composed of a controller, although during the embodiment, the CRUM unit includes a plurality of controllers, and they form the CRUM unit. This will be described in reference to Figure 8B.

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5 Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to another exemplary embodiment.

According to Figure 8, the CRUM unit 210 ’according to the second exemplary embodiment includes the power extraction circuit 214, the control IC 218, and the plurality of terminals 221, 222, 223.

The plurality of terminals 221, 222, 223 is connected to the plurality of contact points 121, 122 and 123. More specifically, the plurality of terminals 221, 222 and 223 may be the clock terminal 221, the data terminal 222 and the ground terminal 223.

15 Clock terminal 221 can be electrically and physically connected to clock terminal 121 of main body 100.

The data terminal 222 can be electrically and physically connected to the data terminal 121 of the main body. In addition, the ground terminal 223 can be electrically and physically connected to the ground terminal 123 of the main body. At the same time, it has been illustrated that a plurality of terminals 221, 222, 223 is composed of three terminals, although in the embodiment, the terminals may be in a number of four. An example of four terminals will be explained in more detail in reference to Figures 10 and 11.

The power extraction circuit 214 is connected to the clock terminal 221, and when a signal is received from

25 clock through the clock terminal 221, draws energy from the clock signal. The clock signal may have a different waveform in accordance with a section of a data signal that is received through the data terminal 222, and can be materialized in several ways.

For example, the clock signal according to the exemplary embodiment may have the first pulse width in the data section in which the data signal is received and transmitted, and may have the second pulse width which is different from the first pulse width, in the pause section where the data is not received or transmitted. In this case, it is desirable that the first pulse width be greater than the second pulse width.

Additionally, the frequency of a clock signal in the data section may be different from the frequency of a clock signal in the pause section. Specifically, a clock signal may have a waveform in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to a first predetermined unit of time in the pause section, and a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to a second predetermined unit of time which is set so that it is greater than the first unit of time in the data section.

If a clock signal is received in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment, the energy extraction circuit 214 can extract high value energy in the pause section and the data section. Here, the high value may be from 2 V to 4 V. Additionally, the low value may exceed "0", although it is less than the high value. Alternatively, the low value may be "0".

The control IC 218 is activated by the energy that is extracted by the power extraction circuit 214. The control IC 218 transmits and receives data through at least one of the first to the third terminals 221, 222, 223 of according to a clock signal.

First, when a clock signal is received through the clock terminal 221, the control IC 218 checks the clock signal and determines a time in which a data section changes to a pause section or a time in which the pause section changes to the data section.

Specifically, when a clock signal is received in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment,

55 Control IC 218 determines that the pause section changes to the data section if a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the pause section, and the section in which one of the high value and the low value remains higher than the first time.

Additionally, when a clock signal is received in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment, the control IC 218 determines that the data section changes to the pause section if a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly in the section of data, and the section in which one of the high value and the low value has the first time.

If it is determined that the pause section changes to the data section, the control IC 218 can receive a signal

65 which is received and transmitted during the data section through data terminal 222. In this data section, a predetermined data signal can be transmitted from the CRUM unit to the data apparatus.

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The control IC 218 can store or read data in an internal memory area according to the received / transmitted data signal.

As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the CRUM unit 210 'can operate without any independent power terminal, extracting energy from a clock signal that is received through the clock terminal 221. As such, The CRUM 210 'unit does not have to include a terminal for connection to a power terminal and therefore, the size of the CRUM 210' unit and the number of terminals can be reduced.

Figure 8B is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to another exemplary embodiment. According to Figure 8B, the CRUM 210 ’unit includes the first to third terminals 221, 222, 223, the power extraction circuit 214, an interface controller 217, the controller 215’, and the memory 216.

The plurality of terminals 221, 222, 223 is connected to the plurality of contact points 121, 122 and 123. More specifically, the plurality of terminals 221, 222 and 223 may be the clock terminal 221, the data terminal 222 and the ground terminal 223.

The clock terminal 221 can be electrically and physically connected to the clock terminal 121 of the main body 100.

The data terminal 222 can be electrically and physically connected to the data terminal 121 of the main body. In addition, the ground terminal 223 can be electrically and physically connected to the ground terminal 123 of the main body. At the same time, it has been illustrated that a plurality of terminals 221, 222, 223 is composed of three terminals, although in the embodiment, the terminals may be in a number of four. An example of four terminals will be explained in more detail in reference to Figures 10 and 11.

The energy extraction circuit 214, when a clock signal is received through the clock terminal 221, extracts energy from the clock signal. The clock signal can have a different waveform according to a section of a data signal that is received / transmitted through the data terminal 222 of the main body, and can be materialized in several ways.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the clock signal may have a first pulse width in the data section in which a data signal is received and transmitted, and may have a second pulse width which is different from the first pulse width in the pause section in which a data signal is not received or transmitted. In this case, it is desirable that the first pulse width be greater than the second pulse width.

Additionally, the frequency of a clock signal in the data section may be different from the frequency of a clock signal in the pause section. Specifically, a clock signal may have a waveform in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to a first predetermined unit of time in the pause section, and a high value and a low value repeatedly alternate from according to a second predetermined unit of time which is set so that it is greater than the first unit of time in the data section.

If a clock signal is received in accordance with the previous exemplary embodiment, the energy extraction circuit 214 can extract high value energy in the pause section and the data section. Here, the high value may be from 2 V to 4 V. Additionally, the low value may exceed "0", although it is less than the high value. Alternatively, the low value may be "0".

The interface controller 217 is activated by the energy that is extracted by the power extraction circuit 214. The interface controller 217 can transmit and receive data through at least one of the first to the third terminals 221, 222, 223 of according to a clock signal.

More specifically, when the clock signal is received through the clock terminal 221, the interface controller 217 can determine the time at which the pause section changes to the data section or the data section changes to the pause section

Specifically, the interface controller 217, when a high value and a low value of a clock signal alternate repeatedly in the pause section, and a section in which one of a high value and a low value is maintained exceeds the first time, determines that the pause section changes to the data section.

The interface controller 217, when a high value and a low value of a clock signal alternate repeatedly in the data section, and a section in which one of a high value is maintained and a low value has the first time, determines that the data section changes to the pause section.

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If it is assumed that the pause section changes to the data section, the interface controller 217 can receive a data signal which is received during the data section through the data terminal 222. In this data section, can transmit / receive a predetermined data signal to / from the training apparatus of

5 images of the CRUM 210 unit.

At the same time, the controller 215 'is activated by the energy and manages the memory 216 according to a data signal that is received / transmitted from the interface controller 217. That is, the controller 215' can store the data signal. received from the interface controller 217 in memory 216, can read the data stored in memory 216, and can receive / transmit the data signal to the imaging apparatus.

Figures 9A-9B are circuit maps illustrating an energy extraction circuit of the CRUM unit illustrated in Figure 7.

15 Referring to Figure 9A, the energy extraction unit 214 can be disposed between the clock terminal 221 and the controller 215. The energy extraction circuit 214 can extract energy from the clock signal provided by the clock terminal. 221

More specifically, the energy extraction circuit 214 may include a diode 214a and a capacitive element 214b.

The diode 214a provides a voltage greater than a predetermined power, from the clock signal provided by the clock terminal 221, to the capacitive element 214b.

The capacitive element 214b is charged using energy provided by the diode 214a, and provides the energy charged to each configuration in the CRUM unit 210. In this case, the capacitive element 214b can be an element such as a capacitor and a battery that It can be charged from outside energy.

At the same time, it has been described that the energy extraction circuit is constructed using a diode and the capacitive element, although for its implementation, another type is available. Another exemplary embodiment will be explained in reference to Figure 9B.

Referring to Figure 9B, the energy extraction circuit 214 is composed of a switching element and a capacitive element.

The switching element includes a field effect transistor 214c and two resistors 214d. The switching element receives a clock signal from the clock terminal 221. The switching element can pass a clock signal that has a high value being activated / deactivated according to the clock signal.

The capacitive element 214e can be charged with the clock signal that is passed from the switching element.

Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to another exemplary embodiment.

According to Figure 10, the CRUM 410 unit includes a plurality of terminals 421, 422, 423, 424, an energy extraction unit 415, a controller 416, and a memory 417. In this case, the controller 416 and the Memory 417 may be composed of an integrated circuit (IC).

The connection between the main body of the imaging apparatus 100 and the CRUM 410 unit can be specified with four terminals. Therefore, the CRUM 410 unit may include four terminals 421, 422, 423, 424 to be connected with four terminals 411, 412, 413, 414 in the main body.

That is, according to an exemplary embodiment, the CRUM 410 unit extracts energy from a signal of

55 clock and thus it is not necessary for it to receive power through the power terminal 423. However, as described above in reference to Figure 5, the power terminal 423 that connects to the power terminal 423 of the main body it can be provided in the CRUM unit 410 to adapt to the regulations of the consumable unit 400 which includes four terminals, although the power terminal 423 can be kept in an inactive state. That is, the power terminal 423 can be provided solely to adapt to the regulations of the consumable unit 400 and therefore, may not perform any operation with respect to the CRUM unit 410.

The energy extraction circuit 415 extracts energy from a clock signal that is received through the clock terminal 421. In this case, the clock signal may have a different waveform according to whether it is a

The pause section in which no data signal is received or is a data section in which a data signal is received, and can be materialized in various ways.

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The various exemplary embodiments of a clock signal and a clock signal according to the first and second exemplary embodiments are described, and therefore no further description will be provided.

5 The controller 416 is activated with the energy that is extracted by means of the energy extraction circuit 415. The controller 416 can transmit / receive a data signal with the main body 100 through the data terminal

422

Controller 416, when it is determined that the pause section changes to the data section, can receive / transmit the data signal according to the clock signal and manage memory 417.

Additionally, the controller 416, if it is determined that the data section changes to the pause section, can control the energy extraction circuit 15 so that energy is extracted from the clock signal in the section

15 pause

As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment, the CRUM unit 410 includes a false terminal which is maintained to be in an inactive state, and can meet the specifications of the consumable unit 400 composed of four terminals. .

At the same time, the CRUM 410 unit can be mounted on a consumable unit consisting of four terminals which are currently marketed and can be compatible with the existing CRUM 410 unit.

Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a CRUM unit according to another exemplary embodiment.

According to Figure 11, a CRUM 410 ’unit includes a plurality of terminals 421, 422, 423, 424, the power extraction circuit 415, the controller 416’, and the memory 417.

The body 100 connected to the CRUM unit 410 can be sized to four terminals 411, 412, 413 ', 414. Therefore, the CRUM unit 410' can include four terminals 421, 422, 423 ', 424. In this case, in an exemplary embodiment of Figure 10B, a data signal can be transmitted / received through two terminals. Specifically, the CRUM 410 ’unit can receive / transmit the first data using the first

35 data terminal 422, and can transmit / receive the second data using the second data terminal 423 ’. As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 10B, a data signal is received and transmitted through two terminals, and therefore data traffic between the CRUM unit can be reduced and the body.

At the same time, it has been previously explained that each of the second data terminal and the third data terminal 412, 413 ’receives / transmits a data signal, but is not limited thereto. For example, by selecting one of the second data terminal and the third data terminal 412, 413, a data signal can be transmitted / received. If the magnitude of a data signal is not huge, the data signal can be received / transmitted using a terminal. Additionally, data can be received using a 412 terminal, and data can also be transmitted using

45 another terminal 413 ’.

The configuration of the energy extraction circuit 415, the controller 416 ’, and the memory 417 is the same as the configuration illustrated in Figure 10, and therefore a redundant explanation will not be provided.

When Figure 10A and Figure 10B have been explained, it has been described that the CRUM unit includes only one controller, although during the embodiment, the CRUM unit can be embodied in the form of a type that includes a plurality of controllers. . Additionally, when the invention materializes, the controller and memory can be realized in the form of an IC.

Figure 12A is a view to explain various sections of signal transmission between the body and the CRUM unit.

According to Figure 12A, a wave map of the data signal (SDA) and the clock signal (CLOCK) is illustrated.

The data signal (SDA) can be a signal that transmits data stored in the CRUM 210 unit to the body, or a signal that is transmitted from the body 100 and will be stored in the CRUM 210 unit. The information transmission section real is a section for data transmission, and the section in which such information is not transmitted is a rest section.

65 More specifically, it is not necessary that the body of the imaging apparatus and the CRUM 210 unit be connected at all times. Accordingly, the body 100, when communication with the CRUM unit 210 is necessary, generates a clock signal and provides the signal to the CRUM unit 210. In this regard, the aforementioned resting section can be made reference as a section to prepare data transmission. The data transmission section can be referred to as a section for data transmission. At the same time, the aforementioned pause section is a section between the

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5 data within the data transmission section. As for the detailed clock wave in a data transmission section, it will be explained later in reference to Figure 12B.

The clock signal (CLOCK) is a signal used to determine the reception / transmission of a data signal, and in an area where a data signal is not usually received / transmitted, a clock signal is not transmitted from the body to the CRUM unit. However, in the exemplary embodiment, power is supplied to the CRUM unit using a clock signal, and in the section in which no data is transmitted, a clock signal is generated and transmitted to the unit. of CRUM. Therefore, a clock signal having a pulse width which is different from the data section can be provided to the CRUM unit not only in the pause section, but in the rest section.

15 When access to the CRUM 210 unit is not necessary, for example, when an imaging device enters an energy-saving mode or turns off, the body 100 can change the clock signal (CLOCK) to “ 0 ”.

Figure 12B is a view provided to explain several examples of a data signal, a clock signal and a waveform according to a decoding signal.

Fig. 12B is a view illustrating a data signal, a clock signal according to the first exemplary embodiment, and a waveform of a decoding signal in which a signal is decoded.

25 clock

According to Figure 12B, a clock signal can have different clock waveforms and different pulse widths in the pause section and the data section. Especially, the clock signal may have a first pulse width in the data section, and may have the second pulse width that is different from the first pulse width in the idle section. In this case, it is desirable that the first pulse width be greater than the second pulse width.

At the same time, in a rest section, the clock signal has a waveform in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to the first unit of time (t1). The CRUM unit can extract

35 energy of a high value which is received during the first time in the first rest section. In this case, the low value of the clock signal may be "0", and the high value of the clock signal may be 3.3 V, although without limitations to these values, the low value and the high value may vary. depending on the model or specification of the imaging device.

The data signal does not include substantial data in the first rest section. However, in the first pause section, the data signal may have a waveform that has one of a high value and a low value. The waveform of the data signal in the first rest section can be set randomly, and can be set in the same way in other pause sections.

At the same time, when a high value and a low value of a clock signal alternate repeatedly according to the first time unit (t1) in the first idle section and a section in which the low value of the clock signal is maintained exceeds the first time (t1), the CRUM unit can determine that the time in which the first time (t1) is exceeded is the time at which the reception / transmission of a data signal ( TO). In this case, the time at which reception (transmission) of a data signal starts (A) can be a time in which an imaging apparatus notifies the start of the reception of a data signal.

In the time in which the reception / transmission of a data signal starts (A), the first rest section may change to a first data section. In this case, the clock signal has a waveform in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to a second time (t2) which is set to

55 way that is greater than the first half (t1).

In this case, it is desirable that the second time (t2) be twice greater than the first time (t1), although without limitations to this value. The second time (t2) may be a time in which, from a high value of a clock signal, sufficient energy is extracted to operate the CRUM unit during a cycle. When the second time (t2) is less than the time (t), the power of the CRUM unit is depleted, and therefore the CRUM unit cannot function. Therefore, the second time (t2) can be set to be equal to or greater than the time (t).

At the same time, when a high value and a low value of a clock signal alternate repeatedly in the first

65 data section and the high value of the clock signal has the first time (t1), the CRUM unit can determine that the instant of time at which the high value of the clock signal presents the first time (t1) it is a first section change time (B) in which the first section of data is changed to the first pause section.

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At the same time, the time instant in which the section changes to the first pause section is different from the time instant in which the section is changed to rest sections, when a high value and a value

5 low of a clock signal are alternately alternated according to the second time unit (t2) in the first data section and the high value of the clock signal presents the first time (t1), the CRUM unit can recognize that a data section is connected after the pause section. Accordingly, the CRUM unit can maintain an active state of a connection state with an imaging apparatus.

In the first pause section, a clock signal has a waveform in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to the first unit of time (t1).

When a high value and a low value of a clock signal alternate repeatedly in the first pause section and a section in which the high value of the clock signal is maintained exceeds the first time (t1), the unit of

15 CRUM can determine that the second section of data begins at the instant of time in which the first time is exceeded (t1). Accordingly, the CRUM unit may determine that the time instant in which the high value of the clock signal exceeds the first time (t1) is a second section change time (C).

In the second data section, a clock signal has a waveform in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to the second unit of time (t2).

In the second data section, when a high value and a low value of a clock signal alternate repeatedly, and a high value of the clock signal has the first time (t1), the CRUM unit can recognize that the second Pause section can be connected after the second data section.

25 Therefore, the CRUM unit can recognize the time instant in which a high value of the clock signal is the first time (t1) as the change time of the third section (D) which changes to the Second pause section.

Simultaneously, in the second pause section that is successive of the second data section, the clock signal has a wave in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly with the first time cycle (t1). When the time at which a high value of the clock signal exceeds the second time (t2), the CRUM unit can recognize the time at which a high value exceeds the second time (t2) as the time at which it ends ( D '') the reception of a data signal.

35 Based on the timing at which the reception ends (D '), the CRUM 210 unit is connected to the imaging apparatus in a standby mode, and the operation of receiving the data signal can be completed. As described above, when the CRUM unit is connected to the imaging apparatus with a standby mode, the data signal is not received from the imaging apparatus, and therefore, the section is changed to The second resting section.

In Figure 12B, it has been described that two pause sections and two data sections are respectively included, although not limiting. When the magnitude of the data that is received and transmitted is large, the second pause section and the second data section can be included by repeating it more than three times.

Alternatively, when the magnitude of the data that is received or transmitted is small, the second pause section and the second data section cannot be included.

As described above, it is necessary to prepare an instant of time with a length of a clock signal, and it is desirable for stable reception and transmission of data that the reception / transmission time is determined as the time in which the The second half remains longer than the first half, and the time exceeds the first half.

In the above description, it has been explained that a low section and a high section of a clock signal are equal to each other, but in a pause section, to the extent that the length of the low section and a high section do not

55 is greater than the first time respectively, the length of the low section and the high section may be different within a limit in which the length of the low section and the high section is not less than the second time.

At the same time, the CRUM unit can decode a data signal based on a clock signal and generate a decoding signal based on the decoding result. This decoding operation can be carried out by the interface controller included in the CRUM unit.

According to Figure 12B, when a clock signal whose high value and low value are changed according to the first time unit (t1) as in the first rest section, the first pause section, and the second section 65 pause, and the third pause section is received, no data signal is received. Thus, the CRUM unit generates a decoding signal so that it is one of "0" and "1". When a clock signal

5

fifteen

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35

Four. Five

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whose high value and whose low value exceed the first time (t1) as in the first data section and the second data section is received, the CRUM unit can recognize that the section is a data section.

Therefore, in the first data section and the second data section, the CRUM unit generates a decoding signal that has a waveform where "0" and "1" alternate repeatedly at each point where a value high and a low value of a clock signal exceed the first time (t1).

That is, the decoding signal illustrated in Figure 12B is consistently maintained as one of "0" and "1" in the first rest section, the first pause section, and the second pause section, and the third section pause, and has a waveform in which "0" and "1" alternate repeatedly according to the second time (t2) in the first data section and the second data section.

In Fig. 12B, a low value included in a clock signal has a value of "0" in the data section and the pause section, although without limitation. That is, in the data section and the pause section, the low value exceeds "0", and may be less than 3.3 V, which is a high value. The decoding signal in this case may be the same as the decoding signal illustrated in Figure 12A.

In Figure 12B, the second pause section is connected after the second data section, although without limitation. More specifically, according to the software that generates a clock signal, the second idle section can be connected after the second data section.

Fig. 13 is a flow chart provided to explain an energy extraction method of a CRUM unit according to an exemplary embodiment. According to Figure 13, the CRUM unit receives a clock signal having a predetermined pulse width in the pause section (S1310), and draws energy from the clock signal (S1320).

Subsequently, when a data signal is received from the imaging apparatus (S1330), the CRUM unit receives a clock signal which has a different pulse width with respect to that of the pause section in the pause section. data in which a data signal is received (S1340). In this case, the clock signal may have the first pulse width in the data section and a second pulse width that is different from the first pulse width in the pause section. It is desirable that the first pulse width of the clock signal be greater than the second pulse width.

At the same time, the CRUM unit draws energy from the clock signal that is received in the data section (S1350).

The energy extraction method according to Figure 13 extracts energy from a clock signal having a different pulse width in the pause section and in the data section, respectively, and therefore, the CRUM unit is It can operate without any separate power source.

Figure 14 is a flow chart provided to explain an energy extraction method of a CRUM unit according to another exemplary embodiment. According to figure 14, the CRUM unit receives a clock signal in which a high value and a low value alternate repeatedly according to the first time unit in the pause section (S1410). In this case, the pause section may be a section in which no data signal is received / transmitted from the imaging apparatus.

The CRUM unit extracts energy from a high value of a clock signal that is received in the pause section (S1420). For example, the high value of the clock signal may be 3.3 V. Therefore, during the first time in which the high value of the clock signal is received, an energy of 3.3 V can be extracted and It can be used as the driving power source of the CRUM unit.

Subsequently, when a data signal is received / transmitted from / to the imaging device (S1430), the CRUM unit receives a clock signal in which a high value and a low value are repeated according to the second unit of time in the data section in which a data signal is received (S1440). Specifically, when the data signal is received, the frequency of the clock signal can be changed in response. That is, if a high value and a low value are changed alternately according to the first time unit in the pause section, the high value and the low value of the clock signal can be changed alternately according to the Second unit of time in the data section. In this case, it is desirable that the second time be twice as long as the first time.

The CRUM unit draws energy from the high value of the clock signal that is received in the data section (S1450). Subsequently, if it is determined that the reception / transmission of the data signal (S1460) has been completed, the CRUM unit changes to be placed in the pause section and performs step S1410.

On the other hand, if it determines that the reception / transmission of the data signal (S1460) has not been completed, step S1440 is carried out.

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The energy extraction method of Figure 14 extracts energy from the high value of the clock signal in the pause section and the data section, respectively, and the CRUM unit can be operated without any separate power source. .

5 The method of energy extraction according to the various exemplary embodiments described above can be encoded in the form of software and can be recorded on a non-transient recordable media. The non-transient recordable media can be installed, not only in an imaging device, a consumable unit, or a CRUM unit, but also in various types of devices, and the method of

The authentication or communication method described above can therefore be implemented in several devices.

Recordable non-transient support refers to a medium that can store data. The non-transient recordable media can be installed, not only in an imaging device, a consumable unit, or a CRUM unit, but also in various types of devices, and the authentication method or method of

The communication described above can therefore be realized in various devices.

Non-transient recordable media refers to a medium that can store data semi-permanently instead of storing it for a short period of time, such as a record, a cache, and a memory, and that can be readable by a device. Specifically, the various applications and programs before

20 described can be stored on a non-temporary recordable media, such as a CD, a DVD, a hard disk, a Blu-ray disc, a USB, a memory card, a ROM, etc., and can be provided therein. .

The above embodiments and advantages are merely exemplifying and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be easily applied to other types of apparatus.

Furthermore, the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present concept of the invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be revealed for those skilled in the art.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any claim, summary

30 and drawing attached) can be replaced by alternative features that serve an equal, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each characteristic disclosed is an example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar characteristics.

The invention is not limited to the details of the previous embodiment (s). The invention extends to any novel feature, or any novel combination of features, of those disclosed in this specification (including any attached claim, summary and drawing), or to any novel stage, or any novel combination of stages, of the corresponding to any method or process thus disclosed.

40

Claims (16)

image 1 1. Customer Replaceable Unit Monitor Unit, CRUM, (210) comprising: 5 an energy extraction circuit (214) configured to, when a clock signal is received from an imaging apparatus, extract energy from a high value of the clock signal and store the extracted energy in a capacitive element (214b ); Y a controller (215) configured to operate using the extracted energy, characterized in that the clock signal has a first pulse width in a data section, in which a data signal is received and transmitted, and has a second pulse width, which is different from the first pulse width, in a pause section, in which a data signal is not received, 15 in which the clock signal includes a high value in the pause section and the data section, in which the energy extraction circuit is configured to extract energy of a high value from both the first pulse width in the data section, and the second pulse width in the pause section.

2.

CRUM unit according to claim 1, wherein the first pulse width of the clock signal is greater than the second pulse width.

3.

CRUM unit according to claim 1, wherein the clock signal is characterized in that in the section

25 data are repeatedly alternated a high value and a low value with a first cycle, and the high value and the low value are alternately alternated in the pause section with a second cycle, which is different from the first cycle.

Four.

CRUM unit according to claim 3, wherein the first cycle is larger than the second cycle.

5.

CRUM unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to receive and transmit a data signal from the imaging apparatus according to the clock signal and to manage a memory.

6.

CRUM unit according to claim 5, wherein the controller, when it is determined that the section of

35 pause is changed to the data section based on the clock signal, it is configured to transmit / receive the data signal in the data section. 7. The CRUM unit according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the controller (215), when a high value and a low value of the clock signal are alternately alternated in the pause section and a section in which one of the high value is maintained and the low value exceeds a predetermined first time, is configured to determine that the pause section changes to the data section, and when a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the data section and a section in which one of the high value is maintained and the low value is less than the first time, to determine that 45 the data section changes to the pause section. 8. The CRUM unit according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the controller (215), when a high value and a low value of the clock signal repeatedly alternate in the pause section and a section in which maintains a low value of the clock signal exceeds a first predetermined time, is configured to determine the time in which the section exceeds the first time as the time at which the reception / transmission of the data signal begins, and when a high value and a low value of the clock signal alternate repeatedly in the data section or the pause section and a section in which a high value of the clock signal is maintained exceeds a second time By default, it is configured to determine the time in which the section exceeds the second time as the time at which the reception of the data signal ends. 9. CRUM unit according to any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the memory (216) and the controller (215) consist of an integrated chip, IC.

10.

CRUM unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power extraction circuit (214) comprises: a switching element (214c, 214d) configured to pass a clock signal having the high value between the signals received clock; Y

eleven.

CRUM unit according to claim 10, wherein the switching element is at least one of a diode (214a) and a transistor (214c).

65 a capacitive element (214e) configured to be recharged with the clock signal that is passed from the switching element. 24 image2 12. A CRUM unit according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a data terminal (222) configured to transmit / receive the data signal, which is divided into a data section and a pause section, when the CRUM unit (210) communicates with a main body (100) of the apparatus imaging 10 a clock terminal (221) configured to receive the clock signal from the main body (100); Y a ground terminal (223) configured to be connected to a ground terminal of the main body (100) of the imaging apparatus. fifteen 13. CRUM unit according to claim 12, further comprising: an energy terminal (423) that is connected to an energy terminal (223) of the main body (100) of the imaging apparatus, 20 in which the power terminal (423) of the CRUM unit (410) is configured to maintain an inactive state. 14. CRUM unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clock signal has a A third width that is different from the first pulse width in a rest section, in which a data signal is not received or transmitted. 15. Imaging apparatus, comprising: 30 a main body (100) having a main controller (110), which is configured to control an operation of the imaging apparatus; a consumable unit (220) configured to be mounted on the main body (100) so that it can function to communicate with the main controller (110); and the CRUM unit (210) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. 16. Consumable unit (200) that is mountable and removable in an imaging apparatus, the consumable unit comprising: 40 a first contact point (221) configured to receive a clock signal from a main body (100) of the imaging apparatus; a second contact point (222) configured to transmit / receive a data signal to / from the main body (100) of the imaging apparatus; a third contact point (223) configured to be connected to a ground terminal (123) of the main body (100) of the imaging apparatus; Y The CRUM unit (214) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. 17. Consumable unit according to claim 16, wherein the consumable unit (200) is a developing device. 25