JP2004125987A - Image forming apparatus, data management method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus, a data management method and a program capable of securing the reliability of data stored in a memory even in such a situation that abnormal writing occurs, while dispensing with the unnecessary increase of the memory capacity. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with non-volatile memory circuits 15a to 15d as a non contact memory separately arranged in attachable/detachable drum cartridges 100a to 100d, model information on the image forming apparatus is stored as read-only data in the memory 404 in the non-volatile memory circuits 15a to 15d, and also, using information on the drum cartridges 100a to 100d is stored as read/write sharing data in two storing areas (areas 1 and 2 used for both of reading/writing). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a data management method, and a program, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus including a non-contact memory in a detachable unit such as a drum cartridge or a toner cartridge, a data management method, and a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a color printer, the life of main components of an image forming unit such as a toner as a developer and a photosensitive drum is shorter than the life of the main body of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, for example, a service technician or a user of a color printer needs to replace a major component part which has reached a replacement time with a new one many times while using the color printer. For this reason, a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge, which are main components of a color printer, are detachably unitized so that they can be easily replaced.
[0003]
In recent years, there is a toner cartridge or a drum cartridge in which a nonvolatile memory is mounted. This non-volatile memory contains fixed values determined at the time of shipment of the cartridge, such as the initial toner capacity and the life of a new photosensitive drum, as well as the amount of toner consumed and the usage time for the photosensitive drum. The changing value that changes is stored (stored).
[0004]
Conventionally, the non-volatile memory in the cartridge and the color printer main body are connected by an electrical contact to perform a communication operation.However, the reliability of the connected portion of the electrical contact is reduced due to the repeated attachment and detachment of the cartridge. In consideration of the above, a communication operation is performed by a non-contact type non-volatile memory having no electrical contact (hereinafter, simply referred to as “non-contact memory”) (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-117309 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the non-contact memory is different from a non-volatile memory in which data can be read and written immediately at any time by a conventional connection using electrical contacts, and an operation for checking whether or not a non-contact memory exists when writing data. An operation of comparing the written data with the read data in order to check whether or not the data has been correctly written is required, and the writing time is inevitably increased.
[0007]
Also, if the power is turned off while writing data, the written data may be broken and become an abnormal state. Get higher. Therefore, by optimizing the timing of writing data, it is possible to reduce the possibility of abnormal data writing, but it is completely anticipated that the safety circuit will shut down the power supply due to some kind of trouble or sudden power failure We cannot address risks that cannot be achieved.
[0008]
Further, if the data in the non-contact memory is used in an abnormal state in a color printer or the like, not only may the cartridge to which the non-contact memory is attached be damaged, but also the main body of the apparatus or a normal value may be damaged. Other stored cartridges are also adversely affected. Therefore, all the data to be stored in the non-contact memory in the cartridge is collectively copied at one place, and the copied data is stored in a plurality of storage areas provided in the non-contact memory, respectively. Even if a data write error occurs in a predetermined storage area, the write error can be repaired based on data stored in another storage area. However, the capacity of the non-contact memory is inevitably increased, which not only leads to an increase in cost, but also increases the time required for writing data, and increases the number of cases in which repair work is required.
[0009]
In order to cope with the risk of power interruption or sudden power failure, a method of equipping a non-contact memory with a battery to constantly supply power is conceivable, but the circuit becomes complicated, and as long as the battery is used, There will always be problems with either the dead battery or the charging method, or both.
[0010]
In addition, even in a conventional non-volatile memory that performs a communication operation through an electrical contact, the number of data that needs to be stored in the non-volatile memory in order to perform more precise and optimum control than before. When communication is performed in a serial manner so as to reduce the number of contact terminals as contacts, the time required for writing data becomes longer. In addition, when communication is performed in a parallel manner, the time required for writing data can be reduced. However, in this case, there is a problem in the reliability of the contact terminal, and therefore, an apparatus in which the cartridge is frequently attached and detached is used. Not suitable for use in
[0011]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and ensures the reliability of data stored in a memory even in a situation where a write error occurs without increasing the memory capacity more than necessary. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a data management method, and a program that can perform the above-described operations.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording sheet is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming unit includes the image forming apparatus. A first storage unit that stores the model information of the image forming unit as first data that can be read only, and a second storage unit that stores use information indicating the degree of wear of the image forming unit as second data that can be read and written. It is characterized by having.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the second storage means stores at least one of the same contents as the second data.
[0014]
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image forming unit includes a communication unit that performs data communication with a main body of the image forming apparatus. I do.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the communication unit performs the data communication by a method that does not involve contact with a main body of the image forming apparatus. I do.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the communication unit performs the data communication by a method involving contact with a main body of the image forming apparatus. .
[0017]
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit stores a flag indicating a writing state of the second data. Features.
[0018]
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the flags indicates that the second data is being written, in the image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second data is being written. It is characterized by comprising control means for performing control to inhibit reading.
[0019]
The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control means is not writing when the at least one of the flags indicates that the second data is being written. The writing of the second data is prohibited.
[0020]
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control means is configured to write the second data when at least one of the flags indicates that the second data has been written. The control is performed to read out only the first data of the second data.
[0021]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the control unit has the same content as the second data stored in the second storage unit. A third storage unit for storing at least one of the data as third data; and a rewriting unit for rewriting the stored second data and the third data to the latest one. When rewriting the third data to the latest one, the stored second data is not rewritten.
[0022]
12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the model information includes color information, a life count, and a life value of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by.
[0023]
The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the use information includes a characteristic value of the image forming unit and a use time, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. I do.
[0024]
An image forming apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the image forming unit includes an image carrier that forms a toner image on a surface of the recording paper. It is characterized by the following.
[0025]
An image forming apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the image forming unit includes at least one of a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge.
[0026]
In order to achieve the above object, according to a data management method of a fifteenth aspect, in the data management method of a storage device detachable from a predetermined device, first data that can be read only is provided in the storage device. In addition to the storage in the first storage area, the readable and writable second data is stored in a second storage area provided in the storage device.
[0027]
A data management method according to a sixteenth aspect is the data management method according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein the second storage area stores at least one of the same contents as the second data. .
[0028]
A data management method according to a seventeenth aspect is the data management method according to the fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, wherein only the first data is stored in the first storage area.
[0029]
The data management method according to claim 18 is the data management method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the storage device performs data communication by a method that does not involve contact with the device. It is characterized by.
[0030]
The data management method according to claim 19 is the data management method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the storage device performs data communication by a method involving contact with the device. Features.
[0031]
20. The data management method according to claim 20, wherein a flag indicating a writing state of the second data is stored in the second storage area. It is characterized by having.
[0032]
The data management method according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the flags indicates that the second data is being written, in the data management method according to claim 20, Reading is prohibited.
[0033]
The data management method according to claim 22, wherein in the data management method according to claim 20 or 21, when at least one of the flags indicates that the second data is being written, the other second data is not being written. Data writing is prohibited.
[0034]
The data management method according to claim 23, wherein in the data management method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, when at least one of the flags indicates that the second data has been written, the writing is performed. Only the first data which has been written out of the already completed second data is read out.
[0035]
A data management method according to claim 24, wherein the data management method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein at least one of the second data stored in the second storage area has the same content as the second data. The third data is stored in a third storage area provided in the device, and when the stored third data is rewritten to the latest data, the stored second data is not rewritten. .
[0036]
In order to achieve the above object, a program according to claim 25 is a program for causing a computer to execute a data management method for a storage device detachable from a predetermined device, wherein readable and writable data is provided in the storage device. A first storage step of storing the stored data in a first storage area, and a second storage step of reading out the stored data and storing at least one in a second storage area provided in the storage device. Features.
[0037]
The program according to claim 26, wherein, in the program according to claim 25, a third storage step of storing a flag indicating a write state of the stored data in the first storage area and the second storage area, respectively, When at least one of the flags indicates that the data is being written, a prohibition step of prohibiting the writing of other data that is not being written is provided.
[0038]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0039]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0040]
In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus includes a color printer 1. The color printer 1 includes four stations a, b, c, and d which are arranged side by side, and have the same configuration. An image forming unit, a sheet feeding unit, an intermediate transfer unit, a transport unit, a fixing unit, an operation unit, and a control unit. It is composed of units of a unit (not shown).
[0041]
The image forming unit includes detachable drum cartridges 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, and scanners 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d attached to each of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d. The drum cartridge 100a includes a photosensitive drum 11a, a roller charger 12a, and a developing device 14a. The drum cartridge 100b includes a photosensitive drum 11b, a roller charger 12b, and a developing device 14b. , A photosensitive drum 11c, a roller charger 12c, and a developing device 14c. The drum cartridge 100d includes a photosensitive drum 11d, a roller charger 12d, and a developing device 14d.
[0042]
The photosensitive drums 11a to 11d as image carriers are respectively supported at the centers thereof, and are driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow shown by a stepping motor (not shown). Roller chargers 12a to 12d, scanners 13a to 13d, and developing devices 14a to 14d are arranged as shown in the drawing in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d so as to face the outer peripheral surfaces thereof. The roller chargers 12a to 12d apply a uniform amount of charge to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d. The scanners 13a to 13d form an electrostatic latent image by exposing a light beam (for example, a laser beam or the like) modulated according to a recording image signal onto the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d.
[0043]
In the developing device 14a, for example, a black developer and a black toner supplied from a toner cartridge (not shown) are stored in a mixed state, and in the developing device 14b, a cyan developer and a toner are mixed. Are stored in the developing device 14c in a state where magenta developer and toner are mixed, and are stored in the developing device 14d in a state where yellow developer and toner are mixed and charged by the developer. Each of these toners makes the electrostatic latent image visible. The visualized visible image (toner image) is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30. Through the above process, image formation by each toner is sequentially performed.
[0044]
The paper supply unit includes a storage unit that stores the recording paper P, a transport roller that transports the recording paper P, a sensor that detects passage of the recording paper P, and a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the recording paper P. It comprises a sensor and a guide (not shown) for transporting the recording paper P along the transport path.
[0045]
The cassettes 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, the manual tray 27, and the deck 28 are storage units for storing the recording paper P, respectively. Pickup rollers 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 29, 60, BC (feed) rollers 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 61, pull-out rollers 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 62, registration roller 25, The pre-registration roller 26 is a transport roller for transporting the recording paper P.
[0046]
The pickup rollers 22a to 22d are for feeding out the recording paper P one by one from each of the cassettes 21a to 21d. A plurality of recording sheets P may be sent out by the respective pickup rollers 22a to 22d, but only one sheet is surely separated by the respective BC rollers 23a to 23d. The recording paper P separated by only one sheet by each of the BC rollers 23a to 23d is further conveyed to the registration roller 25 by each of the extraction rollers 24a to 24d and the pre-registration roller 26.
[0047]
The recording paper P stored in the manual feed tray 27 is separated one by one by a BC roller 29, and is conveyed to a registration roller 25 by a pre-registration roller 26. Further, the recording paper P stored in the deck 28 is transported by the pickup roller 60 to the BC roller 61, a plurality of recording papers P are reliably separated by the BC roller 61, and transported to the pull-out roller 62. Further, the recording paper P is conveyed to the registration roller 25 by the pre-registration roller 26.
[0048]
A plurality of sensors are disposed on the conveyance path of the recording paper P to detect the passage of the recording paper P, and the plurality of sensors include paper feed retry sensors 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, and deck paper feeding. There are a sensor 65, a deck pull-out sensor 66, a registration sensor 67, an internal paper discharge sensor 68, a face-down paper discharge sensor 69, a double-sided pre-registration sensor 70, a double-sided re-feed sensor 71, and the like.
[0049]
The cassettes 21a to 21d for storing the recording paper P are provided with one cassette paper absence sensor 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d for detecting the presence or absence of the recording paper P, respectively. A manual paper tray presence / absence sensor 74 for detecting the presence / absence of the recording paper P on the deck 27 is provided.
[0050]
The intermediate transfer unit includes an intermediate transfer belt 30, a driving roller 32, a tension roller 33, a driven roller 34, and primary transfer rollers 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d.
[0051]
The intermediate transfer belt 30 is made of, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PVdF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or the like. The drive roller 32 transmits drive to the intermediate transfer belt 30, and includes a tension roller 33 that applies an appropriate tension to the intermediate transfer belt 30 by urging a spring (not shown), and a secondary roller that sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt. It is supported by a driven roller 34 that forms a transfer area. The drive roller 32 has a surface of a metal roller coated with rubber (urethane or chloroprene) having a thickness of several mm to prevent slippage with the intermediate transfer belt 30.
[0052]
The drive roller 32 is rotated by a rotational force from a stepping motor (not shown) for rotating the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d. Primary transfer at a position facing each of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d, and on the back of the intermediate transfer belt 30, a high voltage for transferring each toner image on the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d to the intermediate transfer belt 30 is applied. Rollers 35a to 35d are arranged. The secondary transfer roller 36 is arranged to face the driven roller 34, and forms a secondary transfer area by nip with the intermediate transfer belt 30. The secondary transfer roller 36 is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 30 with an appropriate pressure.
[0053]
Further, a cleaning device 50 for cleaning the image forming surface is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer area on the intermediate transfer belt 30. The cleaning device 50 includes a cleaner blade 51 (a polyurethane rubber or the like is used as a material) and a waste toner box 52 that stores waste toner.
[0054]
The fixing unit 40 includes a fixing roller 41a having a heat source such as a halogen heater therein, a pressing roller 41b pressed by the fixing roller 41a (the pressing roller 41b may have a heat source), and a roller pair. And an inner discharge roller 44 for transporting the recording paper P discharged from the printer.
[0055]
The recording paper P conveyed to the registration roller 25 is temporarily stopped by stopping the rotation of the roller upstream of the registration roller 25, and the recording paper P including the registration roller 25 is synchronized with the above-described image forming timing of the image forming unit. Is restarted. Subsequently, the recording paper P is sent to a secondary transfer area described later.
[0056]
After the image is transferred in the secondary transfer area and the recording paper P on which the image is fixed passes through the inner discharge roller 44, the transport destination is switched by the switching flapper 73. When the switching flapper 73 is on the face-up discharge side, the recording paper P is discharged to the face-up discharge tray 2 by the external discharge roller 45. On the other hand, when the switching flapper 73 is on the face-down discharge side, the recording paper P is conveyed in the direction of the reversing rollers 72a, 72b, 72c and discharged to the face-down discharge tray 3. In the case of performing double-sided printing, after the image of the first side (front side) is formed, the switching flapper 73 is on the face-down discharge side, and the recording paper P is moved to the face-down discharge tray 3 by a predetermined distance. And stopped. After that, after the switching flapper 73 is switched to the face-up discharge side, the reversing rollers 72a, 72b, 72c are reversed to convey the recording paper P so as to form the second (back) image. The recording paper P is conveyed as it is by the re-feed rollers 76a, 76b, 76c, 76d, and merges immediately before the pre-registration roller 26 to form an image on the second side (back side).
[0057]
The operation unit 4 is disposed on the upper surface of the color printer 1, selects a paper supply unit (paper supply cassettes 21a to 21d, a manual tray 27, and a deck 28) in which the recording paper P is stored, and a paper discharge tray (face). It is possible to select the up discharge tray 2, the face-down discharge tray 3), specify a tab sheet bundle, and the like.
[0058]
The control unit includes a control board (not shown) for controlling the operation of the mechanism in each unit, a motor drive board (not shown), and the like.
[0059]
Next, an operation when the recording paper P is conveyed from the cassette 21a to form an image in the color printer 1 of FIG. 1 will be described.
[0060]
First, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the issuance of the image forming operation start signal, the recording paper P is sent out one by one from the cassette 21a by the pickup roller 22a. Then, the recording paper P is conveyed to the registration roller 25 via the pull-out roller 24a and the pre-registration roller 26 by the BC roller 23a. At this time, the registration roller 25 is stopped, and the leading end of the recording paper P abuts on the nip portion of the registration roller 25. After that, the registration roller 25 starts rotating at the timing when the image forming section starts image formation. This timing is set so that the recording paper P and the toner image primarily transferred from the image forming unit onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 exactly coincide with each other in the secondary transfer area.
[0061]
On the other hand, in the image forming section, when the image forming operation start signal is issued, a high voltage is applied to the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 11d at the most upstream in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt 30 by the above-described process. The primary transfer is performed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 in the primary transfer area by the primary transfer roller 35d. The primary-transferred toner image is transported to the next primary transfer area. In this case, the image formation is performed with a delay between the image forming units by the time during which the toner image is transported, and the next toner image is transferred by aligning the leading end of the image with the previous image. Hereinafter, the same process is repeated, and the four color toner images are primarily transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 30.
[0062]
Subsequently, when the recording paper P enters the secondary transfer area and comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 30, a high voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 36 in synchronization with the passage timing of the recording paper P. Then, the four color toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 by the above-described process are transferred onto the surface of the recording paper P. Thereafter, the recording paper P is transported to the nip of the fixing roller 41a. Then, the toner image is fixed on the surface of the recording paper P by the heat of the fixing roller 41a and the pressure roller 41b and the nip pressure. Next, the paper is discharged to the face-up discharge tray 2 or the face-down discharge tray 3 according to the switching direction of the switching flapper 73.
[0063]
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drum cartridge in the color printer 1 of FIG.
[0064]
In FIG. 2, the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d, the roller chargers 12a to 12d, and the developing devices 14a to 14d are provided in the drum cartridges 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, respectively, as described above. They are arranged side by side as c and d and are combined as one unit. The main body of the color printer 1 on which the drum cartridges 100a to 100d are mounted transmits power to the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d via drive shafts 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d, respectively. The main body of the color printer 1 transmits power to the roller chargers 12a to 12d and the developing devices 14a to 14d via other drive shafts (not shown), similarly to the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d.
[0065]
The drum cartridge 100a includes a nonvolatile memory circuit 15a and an antenna 16a, the drum cartridge 100b includes a nonvolatile memory circuit 15b and an antenna 16b, the drum cartridge 100c includes a nonvolatile memory circuit 15c and an antenna 16c, and the drum cartridge 100d includes It has a nonvolatile memory circuit 15d and an antenna 16d. Each of the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d is a non-contact type non-contact memory having no electrical contact. The main body of the color printer 1 includes antennas 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d at positions facing the antennas 16a to 16d in a state where the drum cartridges 100a to 100d are mounted on the main body of the color printer 1, respectively.
[0066]
The antennas 16a to 16d on the side of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d and the antennas 17a to 17d on the side of the main body of the color printer 1 are disposed so as to be located sufficiently close to each other without contact. When an external magnetic field is generated from the antennas 17a to 17d, an induced current is generated in the antennas 16a to 16d by the magnetic field. In addition to supplying power to the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d by the induced current, data can be transmitted to the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d by adding a signal component to the magnetic field. Conversely, data can be transmitted from antennas 16a-16d to antennas 17a-17d. Thus, data can be read from and written to the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d.
[0067]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the color printer 1 of FIG.
[0068]
3, the color printer 1 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an operation unit 304, an image forming unit 305, a recording paper transport unit 306, an external I / F 307, a modulator 308, and a demodulator 309. , A distributor 310, and the antennas 17a to 17d.
[0069]
The CPU 301 controls the basic operation of the color printer 1. A ROM 302 in which a control program is stored (stored) and a RAM 303 for a work area for performing processing to be described later include an address bus and a data bus. Connected by Further, the CPU 301 controls an operation unit 304 including a display unit and a key input unit of the color printer 1, an image forming unit 305 that controls the above-described various processes related to image formation, and controls conveyance of a recording sheet P on which an image is to be formed. The recording paper transport unit 306 is connected to an external I / F 307 serving as a communication interface (I / F) with the outside of the color printer 1.
[0070]
The CPU 301 reads a control program from the ROM 302 to perform processing on input information from the operation unit 304 or the external I / F 307, and sequentially executes image forming processing on the recording paper P. The control program also includes the processing of FIGS. 6 and 7 described below.
[0071]
The modulator 308, the demodulator 309, the distributor 310, and the antennas 17a to 17d constitute a non-contact memory interface unit for performing data communication with the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in the drum cartridges 100a to 100d. . The non-contact memory interface distributes the data signal modulated by the modulator 308 based on the control signal from the CPU 301 by the distributor 310, and sends the data signal from the antennas 17a to 17d to the drum cartridges 100a to 100d, respectively. The data signals received by the antennas 17a to 17d are demodulated by the demodulator 309 via the distributor 310 and transmitted to the CPU 301.
[0072]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in FIG.
[0073]
4, the nonvolatile memory circuit 15a includes a modulator 401a, a demodulator 402a, a power supply 403a, and a memory 404a, and the nonvolatile memory circuit 15b includes a modulator 401b, a demodulator 402b, a power supply 403b, and a memory. The nonvolatile memory circuit 15c includes a modulator 401c, a demodulator 402c, a power supply 403c, and a memory 404c. The nonvolatile memory circuit 15d includes a modulator 401d, a demodulator 402d, a power supply 403d, and a memory. 404d.
[0074]
The antennas 16a to 16d receive the data signals transmitted from the antennas 17a to 17d of the color printer 1 main body. Demodulator 402 demodulates the data signals received by antennas 16a to 16d and transmits the demodulated data signals to memories 404a to 404d. As a result, data is written to the memories 404a to 404d. The modulators 401a to 401d modulate the data read from the memories 404a to 404d and transmit the modulated data to the antennas 16a to 16d. The antennas 16a to 16d transmit data signals to the antennas 17a to 17d on the color printer 1 main body side. As a result, data is read from the memories 404a to 404d. The power supplies 403a to 403d generate power necessary to operate the modulators 401a to 401d, the demodulators 402a to 402d, and the memories 404a to 404d. Data is read from or written to the memories 404a to 404d.
[0075]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of data stored in the memory 404 in FIG.
[0076]
Referring to FIG. 5, memories 404a to 404d store color information 501, model information 502 of the drum cartridge itself, life count 503, life value 504, drum characteristic values 1 505, 2 508, and cumulative drum use time 1 506, 2 respectively. 509 and the like are stored. A detailed description of data other than the six types will be omitted.
[0077]
The color information 501 and the model information 502 are used to determine whether the drum cartridges 100a to 100d mounted on the main body of the color printer 1 are appropriate. Specifically, when a color difference is recognized when the yellow drum cartridge 100c is erroneously mounted in a place where the cyan drum cartridge 100a is mounted, or when an image forming operation accompanying a minor change of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d is performed. It is used when changing control specifications. The life count 503 and the life value 504 are used for calculating the life of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d. For example, when the durability of each of the components of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d is changed due to a minor change, only the values of the life count 503 and the life value 504 stored in the memories 404a to 404d are changed. The life of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d can be correctly obtained without changing the life calculation program processed by the main body.
[0078]
Since the color information 501 to the life value 504 are fixed values determined at the time of shipment of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d, they are collectively stored as read-only data in one place of the read-only area (FIG. 5) in the memories 404a to 404d in advance. (Remembered). The data stored in the read-only area is written as model information only during the production of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d, and there is no need for rewriting, and it is guaranteed that the data has been written normally. As described above, the read-only data that does not need to be rewritten is not stored in a distributed manner in the memory 404, so that the overall increase in the capacity of the contactless memory is suppressed as much as possible.
[0079]
The photosensitive drums 11a to 11d are determined by a combination of roller chargers 12a to 12d, scanners 13a to 13d, and developing devices 14a to 14d in order to form an image in order to output an optimum image. Has characteristic values. The drum characteristic value is a value that changes according to the surrounding environment, deterioration due to long-term use, and the like, and is stored in the memories 404a to 404d as the drum characteristic value 1505, respectively. By storing this value in the memories 404a to 404d in the non-volatile memory circuits 15a to 15d, which are non-contact memories, the power supply is turned off / on until the drum characteristic value 1505 is updated. Can also prevent extreme fluctuations in density.
[0080]
The cumulative drum usage time 1506 stores the cumulative value of the usage time during which the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d have been used. By using the data of the cumulative drum usage time 1 506, the life coefficient 503, and the life value 504, it is possible to calculate the substantial consumption degree of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d, that is, the life.
[0081]
The data of the drum characteristic value 1 505 and the cumulative drum usage time 1 506 are rewritten at any time as long as the drum cartridges 100 a to 100 d are used, and the read / write area 1 (see FIG. 5).
[0082]
The data stored in the read / write area 1 may be destroyed if the power is turned off at the time of writing (rewriting) the data. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the drum characteristic value 1 505 and the cumulative drum 1505 are stored so that even if the data of the drum characteristic value 1 505 and the cumulative drum usage time 1 506 stored in the read / write area 1 are damaged, the data can be restored immediately. The data of the drum characteristic value 2508 and the data of the cumulative drum usage time 2509 having the same contents as the data of the usage time 1 506 are stored in the read / write area 2 in the memories 404a to 404d, so that the data is duplicated. Further, the read / write areas 1 and 2 store write flags 1507 and 2510, respectively, indicating a data write state.
[0083]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of writing data to the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in FIG.
[0084]
In FIG. 6, first, a write flag 1507 assigned to the read / write area 1 is being written in order to write data to each of the read / write areas 1 in the memories 404a to 404d in the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d. (Step S601). Next, new data is sequentially written to each data of the drum characteristic value 1 505 and the cumulative drum use time 1 506 stored in the read / write area 1 (steps S602 and S603). When all the data to be written in the read / write area 1 has been written, the write flag 1507 is set to "written" (step S604).
[0085]
Subsequently, in the same manner as in the read / write area 1, the write flag 2 510 is set to “write” in the read / write area 2 (step S 605), and the data of the drum characteristic value 1 505 and the cumulative drum use time 1 506 are added. The same contents are written in the drum characteristic value 2508 and the accumulated drum usage time 2509, respectively (steps S606 and S607), and finally the write flag 2 is set as written (step S608), and the data writing process ends. . With this processing, the reliability of the data stored in the memories 404a to 404d in the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d is ensured.
[0086]
Next, a description will be given of a method of responding to a case where the power is turned off during the data writing process shown in FIG.
[0087]
1) Start
At this point, since data writing has not started yet, the data stored in the read / write areas 1 and 2 is the same. Since both are reliable data, the data stored in the read / write area 1 Is used. At this time, the write flags 1507 and 2510 have already been written.
[0088]
2) Steps S601 to S603
At this point, data is being written to the data stored in the read / write area 1, and the data stored in the read / write area 1 is not reliable, but is stored in the read / write area 2. Since the written data is before the writing (rewriting) is performed, it is not the latest data but can be read as normal data. Therefore, data stored in the read / write area 2 is used for various processes. At this time, the write flag 1 507 in the read / write area 1 is being written, and the write flag 2 510 in the read / write area 2 has been written.
[0089]
3) Step S604
At this point, the writing of data to the data stored in the read / write area 1 has been completed, and the data stored in the read / write area 1 is correct because the write flag 1507 has been written. That is guaranteed. On the other hand, the write flag 2510 in the read / write area 2 has already been written, and it is guaranteed that this data can also be read correctly. However, since the data is not the latest data, the data stored in the read / write area 1 Is used.
4) Steps S605 to S607
At this point, data is being written to the data stored in the read / write area 2 and the data stored in the read / write area 2 is not reliable. On the other hand, the data stored in the read / write area 1 has been written (or rewritten) to the latest data and can be read as normal data, so this data is used. At this time, the write flag 1 507 in the read / write area 1 has been written, and the write flag 2 510 in the read / write area 2 has been written.
[0090]
5) Step S608, end (end)
At this point, since all the data has been written, the data in both the read / write areas 1 and 2 is the latest data and reliable, as in 1) above. Here, there is no problem if the data stored in either of the read / write areas 1 and 2 is used for various processes, but the data stored in the read / write area 1 is used in principle. At this time, the write flags 1507 and 2510 in the read / write areas 1 and 2 have both been written.
[0091]
As described in the above 1) to 5), there is data guaranteed to be normally read in one of the read / write areas 1 and 2, and only one read / write area is written at a time. When the operation is not performed, it can be seen that only two read / write areas are required by using the write flag. Further, in the data reading operation, as shown in FIG. 7, the data can be read only by referring to the write flag 1 in the read / write area 1, and the data is automatically restored.
[0092]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of reading data from the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in FIG.
[0093]
In FIG. 7, first, it is determined whether or not the write flag 1507 has been written (step S701). If the write has been completed (YES in step S701), the value of the data stored in the read / write area 1 is read (step S701). (Step S702), the read data value is written to the read / write area 2 (Step S703), and the process ends.
[0094]
On the other hand, if the write flag 1507 has not been written (NO in step S701), the value of the data stored in the read / write area 2 is read (step S704), and the read data value is written in the read / write area 1. (Step S705), this processing ends. As a result, the data stored in the read / write areas 1 and 2 can always be kept the same, and the write processing is not executed at the same time. For example, even if the power is cut off during the processing, the data can be protected. .
[0095]
According to the first embodiment, the color information 501 is stored in the memory 404 in the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d, which are non-contact memories provided in the detachable drum cartridges 100a to 100d in the color printer 1, respectively. Is stored in one place as read-only data, usage information such as a drum characteristic value 1505 is stored as readable / writable data, and the drum characteristic having the same content as the drum characteristic value 1505 is stored. Since at least one value such as 2508 is stored, the capacity of the non-contact memory is not increased more than necessary, and even if a write error occurs, the data stored in the memory 404 is protected and the reliability of the data is improved. Can be secured. Further, since write flags 1 and 2 indicating the write state are added to each read / write data, the write state of the data can be easily determined.
[0096]
In the first embodiment, two read / write areas are set as read / write areas 1 and 2, but it goes without saying that two or more areas may be set.
[0097]
(Second embodiment)
The basic configuration (FIGS. 1 to 4) and processing of the color printer 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the color printer 1 according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. I do. Hereinafter, only differences from the first embodiment will be described.
[0098]
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data configuration in the memory 404 and the RAM 303 according to the second embodiment of this invention.
[0099]
The main body of the color printer 1 stores data stored in read / write areas 1 and 2 provided in memories 404a to 404d in nonvolatile circuits 15a to 15d which are non-contact memories (hereinafter referred to as "read / write data"). The same contents as described above are also stored in a RAM 303 which is a memory of the main body of the color printer 1, and when the read / write data stored in the RAM 303 is rewritten, the read / write data stored in the memories 404a to 404d is written. It is not rewritten.
[0100]
Since the color printer 1 once reads out the read / write data stored in the read / write areas 1 and 2 and stores it in the RAM 303, even when reading out the read / write data again, the color printer 1 does not need to access the memories 404a to 404d. Dual-use data can be read. That is, when the color printer 1 recognizes that at least one of the drum cartridges 100a to 100d is attached to the main body, the color printer 1 stores the data in the memories 404a to 404d in the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in the drum cartridges 100a to 100d. The read / write data is read. The values of the read-write data read out are the drum characteristic value 1 801, the cumulative drum use time 1 802, the write flag 1 803, the drum characteristic value 2 804, the cumulative drum use time 2 805 in the RAM 303 in the main body of the color printer 1. This is stored in the write flag 2806, respectively. At this time, as in the first embodiment, the CPU 201 in the main body of the color printer 1 refers to the data values of the write flags 1 507 and 2510 to change the data values of the write flags 1 803 and 2 806. It is checked whether an error has occurred, and the data stored in the memories 404a to 404d is restored as well as the data is read.
[0101]
As described in the first embodiment, the main body of the color printer 1 performs an image forming operation by applying a load to the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d by rotating and charging the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d. Therefore, while the load is applied to the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d, the timer 807 (FIG. 8) is operated to count up the accumulated drum use time 1802. However, while the image forming operation is being performed, the cumulative drum usage time 1802 is always counted up, but every time the count is counted up, the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in the drum cartridges 100a to 100d are accessed. In this case, the processing load of the CPU 201 in the color printer 1 becomes heavy.
[0102]
Further, since the count-up process occurs at a high frequency depending on the count-up cycle of the timer 807, there is a possibility that the limit on the number of rewrites to the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d is reached. In this case, for data that generally reaches the limit on the number of rewritable times, locations are previously secured in a plurality of storage areas in the RAM 303, and the data is secured every time the number of rewritable times is reached. It is conceivable to perform a process of writing data to a place, but this is not a very desirable measure because the process is further increased and the required memory and memory capacity are increased.
[0103]
Therefore, the data of the accumulated drum usage time 1802 in the RAM 303 in the color printer 1 body is written to the memories 404a to 404d in the non-volatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in the drum cartridges 100a to 100d each time the data is counted up. Instead, rewrite all together at a certain timing. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when a load is applied to the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d, the timer 807 sets a value of the data to the accumulated drum use time 1 802 stored in the RAM 303 of the color printer 1 main unit. Continue to be rewritten. When the load on the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d is stopped, the cumulative drum use time 1 802 is copied to the cumulative drum use time 2 805, and then copied to the memories 404a to 404d in the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d. By writing the cumulative drum use time 1 802, 2 805 stored in the RAM 303 in the color printer 1 main body, the count up during the use of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d is collectively rewritten. In FIG. 6, if the power is turned off while a load is applied to the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d, a discrepancy with the actual rotation time of the photosensitive drums 11a to 11d occurs. Since the time spent is very short, this is not a big problem compared to other problems (restriction on the number of rewrites, increase in memory capacity, load on the central control device, etc.).
[0104]
According to the second embodiment, writing to the memories 404a to 404d in the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d is performed in synchronization with the completion of the image forming operation, so that the number of times of data rewriting can be reduced, It is expected that the data value will not largely shift even if a sudden power-off occurs without reaching the limit of the number of rewrites of the memories 404a to 404d in the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d.
[0105]
As described above, for read / write data whose values are frequently rewritten, the values of the data read from the memories 404a to 404d in the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d are stored in the RAM 303 of the color printer 1 body. When the value is rewritten, only the value of the data stored in the RAM 303 is rewritten. When the value is no longer rewritten, the memories 404a to 404d in the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d are rewritten. Since the value of the data stored in the data is rewritten, it is possible to effectively reduce the load generated in the data rewriting.
[0106]
In the first and second embodiments, the color printer 1 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus including a copying machine and a facsimile, but also includes a memory mounted on a detachable unit. Various modifications can be made to various devices using the same without changing the gist. In the first and second embodiments, only one read / write area 2 having the same contents as the read / write area 1 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of read / write areas 2 may be provided.
[0107]
In the first and second embodiments, when the value of the data stored in the memory (RAM 303) of the color printer 1 cannot be trusted, the data is stored in the read / write area 1 in the memory of the drum cartridge. May be read and stored in the read / write area 2. Specifically, there is a case where the memory of the color printer 1 is initialized immediately after the power is turned on, or a case where another drum cartridge is mounted in a place where the drum cartridge is mounted. At this time, it is necessary to first read data from the memory of the drum cartridge and store the value in the memory of the color printer 1. In addition, when the capacity of the memory of the color printer 1 is small, a configuration in which data is sequentially read from the memory in the drum cartridge and rewritten as necessary may be considered.
[0108]
If the value of the data stored in the memory of the color printer 1 can be trusted, the same data as the data stored in the read / write area 1 in the memory of the drum cartridge is copied to the color printer 1. The data may be stored in the read / write area 2 from the memory. More specifically, when the power is turned on, the data stored in the memory of the drum cartridge is correctly read in advance, and if the act of attaching / detaching the drum cartridge does not occur, the data is stored in the memory of the color printer 1. When the value of the data is written to the read / write area 2 in the memory of the drum cartridge as it is, there is no need to read from the read / write area 1 in the memory of the drum cartridge, and the writing time is reduced. .
[0109]
The present invention supplies a software program (a program corresponding to the flowcharts in FIGS. 6 and 7) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a computer or a CPU, and the computer or the CPU executes the supplied program. Needless to say, the object of the present invention can be achieved by reading and executing.
[0110]
In this case, the program is supplied by being downloaded directly from a storage medium storing the program, or from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like.
[0111]
Further, the program only needs to be able to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments by a computer, and the form includes object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS, and the like. May be.
[0112]
Furthermore, the present invention is also realized by supplying a storage medium storing a software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a computer, and the computer or CPU reading and executing the program stored in the storage medium. It goes without saying that the object of the invention is achieved.
[0113]
In the above-described embodiment, the program is stored in the ROM 302. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Examples of the storage medium that supplies the program include RAM, NV-RAM, hard disk, flexible disk, optical disk, and optical disk. The above programs such as a magnetic disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, and other ROM can be stored. Anything should do.
[0114]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, it is possible to ensure the reliability of data stored in a memory even in a situation where a write error occurs, without increasing the memory capacity more than necessary. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of drum cartridges 100a to 100d in the color printer 1 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the color printer 1 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of data stored in a memory 404 in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of writing data to the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process of reading data from the nonvolatile memory circuits 15a to 15d in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a data configuration in a memory 404 and a RAM 303 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram relating to a process of rewriting the cumulative drum usage time according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
15a, 15b, 15c, 15d Non-volatile memory circuit
301 CPU
302 ROM
303 RAM
404 memory
505 Drum characteristic value 1
506 Cumulative drum usage time 1
507 Write flag 1
508 Drum characteristic value 2
509 Cumulative drum usage time 2
510 Write flag 2

Claims (26)

An image forming apparatus in which image forming means for forming an image on a recording sheet is detachably attached,
A first storage unit configured to store model information of the image forming apparatus as first data that can be read only;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a second storage unit that stores use information indicating a degree of wear of the image forming unit as second data that can be read and written. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit stores at least one of the same contents as the second data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes a communication unit that performs data communication with a main body of the image forming apparatus. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the communication unit performs the data communication by a method that does not involve contact with a main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the communication unit performs the data communication by a method involving contact with a main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit stores a flag indicating a writing state of the second data. 7. The control device according to claim 6, further comprising: control means for performing control to inhibit reading of the second data being written when at least one of the flags indicates that the second data is being written. Image forming apparatus. 8. The image according to claim 7, wherein when at least one of the flags indicates that the second data is being written, the control unit prohibits writing of other second data that is not being written. Forming equipment. The control means, when at least one of the flags indicates that the second data has been written, performs control to read only the first written data of the written second data. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The control means includes: third storage means for storing at least one data having the same content as the second data stored in the second storage means as third data; Rewriting means for rewriting data to the latest data, wherein the rewriting means does not rewrite the stored second data when rewriting the stored third data to the latest data. Item 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 7 to 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the model information includes color information, a life count, and a life value of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the use information includes a characteristic value of the image forming unit and a use time. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes an image carrier that forms a toner image on a surface of the recording paper. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes at least one of a drum cartridge and a toner cartridge. In a data management method of a storage device detachable from a predetermined device,
The first data that can be read only is stored in a first storage area provided in the storage device, and the second data that can be read and written is stored in a second storage area provided in the storage device. A data management method comprising: 16. The data management method according to claim 15, wherein at least one item having the same content as the second data is stored in the second storage area. 17. The data management method according to claim 15, wherein only the first data is stored in the first storage area. The data management method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the storage device performs data communication with the device by a method that does not involve contact. 18. The data management method according to claim 15, wherein the storage device performs data communication with the device by a method involving contact. 20. The data management method according to claim 15, wherein a flag indicating a write state of the second data is stored in the second storage area. 21. The data management method according to claim 20, wherein when at least one of the flags indicates that the second data is being written, reading of the second data being written is prohibited. 22. The data management method according to claim 20, wherein when at least one of the flags indicates that the second data is being written, writing of other second data that is not being written is prohibited. . 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein when at least one of the flags indicates that the second data has been written, only the first written data of the written second data is read. 23. The data management method according to any one of 22. At least one data having the same content as the second data stored in the second storage area is stored as third data in a third storage area provided in the device, and the stored third data is updated The data management method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein, when rewriting the second data, the stored second data is not rewritten. In a program for causing a computer to execute a data management method of a storage device that is removable from a predetermined device,
A first storage step of storing readable and writable data in a first storage area provided in the storage device;
A second storage step of reading out the stored data and storing at least one in a second storage area provided in the storage device. A third storage step of storing a flag indicating a write state of the stored data in the first storage area and the second storage area, respectively, and when at least one of the flags indicates that the data is being written, 26. The program according to claim 25, further comprising: a prohibition step of prohibiting writing of other data that is not being written.

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