JP2009190408A - Cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dissolve the problem that it is difficult to secure a sufficient reliability for writing data into a memory, though a cartridge with a recording material for printing stores information about the cartridge, for example a residual ink amount, into the memory. <P>SOLUTION: An ink cartridge 10 includes a memory control part 15 for controlling a processing which accompanies the rewrite of data to a memory 14. When rewriting (deleting or writing) the content of the memory 14 of a cartridge 10 side is instructed to be processed by wireless signals from a control device 22 of a printer 20, data rewriting on an indicated address of the memory is executed, and its ending response (an acknowledgement) is returned when information of an address corresponding to the indicated address is returned. Then, the side that includes instructed the memory 14 to process accompanying rewriting the content can verify whether the data rewriting includes been executed on a right address by reading this address. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cartridge including a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for recording, and more particularly to a technique for exchanging information between a cartridge incorporating a nonvolatile memory and the cartridge.

  2. Description of the Related Art A recording apparatus (printer) that performs recording by ejecting ink onto paper, such as an ink jet printer, a recording apparatus that performs recording using toner, and the like are widely used. Such a cartridge of the recording apparatus includes a storage chamber that stores a recording material such as ink or toner. Management of the remaining amount of the recording material is an important technique in the recording apparatus, and the usage amount is widely counted by software on the recording apparatus side. The ink remaining amount data obtained as a result of the counting is not only stored and managed in the memory on the recording apparatus side, but recently, a memory is provided in the cartridge and stored on the cartridge side.

  Furthermore, if a non-volatile memory is employed as the memory of the cartridge, data such as the remaining amount of ink can be stored even when the cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus main body. Therefore, even if the cartridge is replaced during use, the remaining amount of ink can be managed continuously.

  However, in a cartridge incorporating such a memory, it has always been a problem how to ensure the reliability of the memory contents. There are two main reasons for reducing the reliability of the memory contents. One is that in the case of a cartridge, the power supply on the recording apparatus side can be cut off while data is being updated, or the cartridge can be removed while data is being updated. . In this case, it has been difficult to verify how far the contents of the memory on the cartridge side have been updated. Another factor can raise the problem of electrical connections. The cartridge is basically designed to be detachable, and the signal line to the memory in the cartridge cannot be fixed. For this reason, contact-type connection or the like is used, but the reliability of the contact point tends to be insufficient.

  To deal with this problem, it is possible to update the memory multiple times, or to duplicate the memory itself and write the same data to multiple locations. For example, the signal line may cause poor contact. If this is the case, reliability cannot be improved by taking any of these measures. In addition, when an electrically erasable semiconductor memory (EEPROM) is used as the memory, when data is rewritten, the contents of the memory are once erased and then the data is written. . For this reason, when data is updated, it is necessary that both two accesses of erasing and writing are normally performed, and the requirement for reliability is further increased.

  The apparatus of the present invention aims to solve such problems and to ensure the reliability of data update in a cartridge equipped with a memory.

An apparatus of the present invention that solves at least a part of the above problems
A cartridge for storing a recording material used for recording and mounted in a recording apparatus,
A memory for storing information on the cartridge in a nonvolatile manner;
A process accepting means for accepting at least an instruction with an address designation from the outside for a process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory;
Execution means for executing processing involving rewriting of the contents of the designated address;
The gist of the invention is that it comprises at least output means for outputting data corresponding to the designated address after executing the processing.

  Such a cartridge is provided with a memory for storing information relating to the cartridge in a nonvolatile manner, and accepts at least an instruction accompanied by designation of an address for processing involving rewriting of the contents of the memory from the outside. When this instruction is received, the cartridge executes a process involving rewriting of the contents of the designated address, and then outputs at least data corresponding to the designated address. Note that the data corresponding to the address may be the address itself, or may be data of a plurality of bits at the upper or lower order of the address. Alternatively, an address checksum, a cyclic redundancy code (CRC), or a hamming code may be used. The side that has instructed the process to rewrite the contents to the memory can read the output data and verify whether the process has been performed on the designated address.

  As a process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory, a data writing process or a data erasing process can be considered. Some memories require an erasing process before rewriting data. In this case, the writing process is an erasing process and a writing process.

  Assuming an erasure process of data to the memory as a process involving rewriting of the memory contents, it is also useful to provide at least two or more redundancy at an address designated from the outside for the erasure process. This is because the erasure process is a process for losing the contents of the data, and therefore it is desirable to provide a high redundancy, for example, by outputting the address in duplicate. For example, the designation of an address from the outside can be performed by a signal that designates an address to be processed with rewriting and a signal in which the bit state of the address is changed according to a predetermined rule. As such a predetermined rule, at least one of reciprocal operation, complement operation, and bit rotation can be employed.

  The data output by the output means in response to such external address designation may be data corresponding to the designated address, and may be the same data as the designated address or a part thereof. It may be data. Further, it may be a code such as a parity, a Hamming code, or a CRC generated from a specified address. By using these, it is possible to reduce the number of bits of data to be output, rather than outputting the address itself.

  Further, the output means may be means for outputting the data together with a signal indicating the completion of the process after completion of the process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory. Of course, a signal indicating completion and data may be output separately. In the case of simultaneous output, the processing can be completed in a short time, and in the case of separate output, the degree of freedom of data configuration can be increased.

  Data that is updated in the memory includes the remaining amount or consumption of the stored recording material, data related to processing conditions, data related to occurrence of abnormalities, data such as the number of cartridge removals or usage time, and usage environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) ) And other information can be considered.

  As the recording material stored in the cartridge, ink of a predetermined color in a recording apparatus such as a printer, toner for a copying machine, a fax machine, or a laser printer can be assumed. Of course, other materials, for example, a material for forming a semiconductor, a material such as a solution of a catalyst, and the like that can be finally recorded are applicable.

  The memory may be a normal parallel access type, but a serial access type memory may be employed in order to reduce signal lines required for signal exchange. Such a memory is preferably non-volatile or battery-backed up, and an electrically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM), a ferroelectric memory, or the like can be adopted.

  Note that the exchange of data between the cartridge and the outside may be either wired or wireless communication. Some can be wired and the rest can be wireless. In the case of wireless communication, a wireless communication means for transferring data from / to the outside by wireless communication is provided, and at least one of the data corresponding to the designation, address, and address related to processing involving rewriting of the contents of the memory, A configuration for exchanging via this wireless communication means can be adopted. In the case of adopting wireless communication, there is no need to separately provide electrical connection means such as a connector or a contact, and there is an advantage that the cartridge can be easily attached and detached.

  Such a wireless communication means can be provided with a loop-shaped antenna for performing communication, and can also be provided with a power supply means for supplying power into the cartridge using an electromotive force induced in the antenna. is there. By adopting such a configuration, it is not necessary to prepare a special power source such as a battery on the cartridge side while using wireless communication. Of course, a primary battery may be provided on the cartridge side, or a secondary battery or a capacitor may be provided instead of the battery or together with the primary battery.

The recording apparatus of the present invention is a recording apparatus equipped with a cartridge having a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for recording,
The cartridge includes
A memory for storing information on the cartridge in a nonvolatile manner;
A process accepting means for accepting at least an instruction with an address designation from the outside for a process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory;
Execution means for executing processing involving rewriting of the contents of the designated address;
An output means for outputting data corresponding to at least the designated address after executing the processing;
Furthermore, the recording device includes
Address designating means for designating an address for rewriting the contents of the memory;
Input means for inputting data corresponding to the address output from the output means of the cartridge;
A judgment means for judging that the process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory has been normally performed when the inputted data and the address designated by the address designation means are matched and both correspond to each other; This is the summary.

  In such a recording apparatus, a predetermined address is designated to the memory of the cartridge from the recording apparatus side to instruct a process involving rewriting of the data. Upon receiving this instruction, the cartridge side executes a process involving rewriting of the contents of the designated address, and then outputs at least data corresponding to the designated address to the recording apparatus. The recording device reads the output data and performs time alignment with the specified address. If both correspond, the process involving rewriting of the contents to the predetermined address in the memory has been performed normally. to decide. For this reason, according to this recording apparatus, it is possible to verify whether rewriting has been performed on a correct address in a process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory, and the reliability of the memory contents can be improved.

  Here, the input data and the address designated by the address designating unit are matched, and if they do not correspond, the process of rewriting the contents of the memory is performed again to correct the error. It is also desirable to increase the reliability of data in the memory. Of course, when both do not correspond, it is good also as a structure which alert | reports that. By so doing, it is possible to notify the user of the occurrence of some error and to further improve the reliability in using the device. Further, the addressing means of the recording apparatus performs the address designation by a signal for designating an address to be processed with rewriting and a signal in which the bit state of this address is changed in accordance with a predetermined rule. You can also As the predetermined rule, at least one of reciprocal operation, complement operation, and bit rotation can be employed.

The present invention can be understood not only as such a recording apparatus but also as an invention of a method for exchanging information. That is, the method of exchanging information of the present invention is as follows.
A method for exchanging information with a cartridge having a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for recording,
For processing that involves rewriting the contents of a memory that is provided in the cartridge and stores information about the cartridge in a nonvolatile manner, at least the address thereof is designated from the outside of the cartridge,
In accordance with the designated address, after processing that involves rewriting the contents of the memory performed in the cartridge is performed, data corresponding to the designated address is output to the outside of the cartridge,
The gist is to verify the correspondence between the output data and the designated address to determine whether or not the process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory has been performed normally.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the cartridge 10 as an embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the cartridge side and printer side processing in association with each other as an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a printer 200 as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device 222 in the printer 200 of the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of the detection storage module 121 of an Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the attachment state of the detection storage module 121 to the ink cartridge 111 of an Example. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a detection storage module 121. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between ink cartridges 111 to 116 mounted on a carriage 210 and a transmission / reception unit 230. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in an EEPROM 166 in a detection storage module 121. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing in a detection storage module 121. 6 is a timing chart of a process involving rewriting of data in an EEPROM 166 from the control device 222 side. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a verification process in rewriting data to an EEPROM 166 in the printer 20.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ink cartridge 10 as an embodiment of the invention and a printer 20 as a recording apparatus on which the ink cartridge 10 is mounted. Although the internal configuration of the printer 20 that performs printing by ejecting ink from the print head 25 onto the paper T conveyed by the platen 24 is omitted, the printer 20 includes a control device 22. The control device 22 calculates data such as the amount of ink used for printing, and transmits the data to the ink cartridge 10 side via the transmission / reception device 30. Data transmission / reception with the ink cartridge 10 is performed by wireless communication, but may be wired. In this embodiment, the radio communication system is an electromagnetic induction system, but other systems can also be used.
The ink cartridge 10 includes a communication control unit 12 that controls communication, a memory control unit 15 that reads and writes data to and from the memory 14, a sensor 17 that uses a piezoelectric element, and driving of the sensor 17 and ink remaining using the sensor 17. And a sensor control unit 19 for detecting the amount. The memory control unit 15 exchanges data with the memory 14 based on an instruction received from the printer printer 20 by the communication control unit 12. There are three types of data exchange: reading data from a designated address in the memory 14, erasing data at a designated address, and writing data to a designated address. On the other hand, the sensor control unit 19 uses the sensor 17 to detect the presence or absence of ink by using the difference in the resonance frequency of the resonance chamber 18 provided in the ink storage chamber 16.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating the process performed by the memory control unit 15 in association with the process of the control device 22 on the printer 20 side. The memory control unit 15 is actually realized by a circuit using a gate array or the like, but for the sake of understanding, the processing content will be described according to a flowchart. Processing that involves rewriting the contents of the memory 14 is performed based on an instruction from the control device 22 of the printer 20 (step S5). At this time, the control device 22 instructs deletion of a predetermined address in the memory 14 or rewriting of data at the predetermined address. In the cartridge 10, the contents of processing and the address to be processed are received via the communication control unit 12 (step S10).

  Receiving the designation of the detection condition, the memory control unit 15 instructs the designated address to perform a process of rewriting the contents (step S13). Such processing is realized by outputting a 1-byte operand and a 1-byte address to the memory 14. The 1-byte operand indicates the contents of processing, for example, erasing, reading, writing, and the like. The address designation is 1 byte in this example, but if the capacity of the memory 14 is large, the number of bytes may be set accordingly, and even if 1 byte is sufficient, rewriting is performed to increase data reliability. Alternatively, two bytes of the same address may be output continuously after the operation code instructing erasure, or data consisting of 1 byte address designation and its complement 1 byte may be output. Of course, the order may be changed to “opcode for rewriting or erasing + invert 1 byte of address + address 1 byte”. Furthermore, as another one-byte signal added to the address signal, a signal obtained by performing processing according to a predetermined rule, such as reciprocal operation, complement operation, rotation, etc., on the bit string indicating the address can be considered. Further, in such surplus bytes, various data such as an address checksum, CRC, Hamming code, error correction code, etc. may be placed instead of the address itself.

  When the memory control unit 15 outputs such an operand and address, the memory 14 receives this, rewrites the data, and returns a result indicating the completion of access within a predetermined time to the memory control unit 15. Therefore, the memory control unit 15 can know whether or not the data at the designated address in the memory 14 has been rewritten. Therefore, the memory control unit 15 outputs an acknowledge ACK and 1-byte data indicating an address for which a process involving data rewriting has been performed (step S15).

  When the memory control unit 15 outputs the acknowledge ACK and the address at which the data rewriting process is performed via the communication control unit 12, the control device 22 of the printer 20 receives this data (step S20). An address is received, and it is determined whether or not this address matches the address designated by the control device 22 itself (step S30). If the address received from the cartridge 10 matches the designated address, the control device 22 determines that the data has been rewritten normally (step S40), and proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, if the two do not match, the control device 22 determines that there is an error in the process of rewriting data at a predetermined address in the memory 14 in the cartridge 10 (step S50).

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the cartridge 10 can not only rewrite the contents of the externally designated address in the memory 14, but also confirms the rewritten address after the rewriting. can do. Therefore, it is possible to recognize that data has been rewritten at an incorrect address, such as when the address designation for the memory 14 is rewritten due to noise or the like.

  Next, examples of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment is applied to an ink jet printer. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration centering on the portion related to the operation of the printer 200. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printer 200 centering on the control device 222. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer 200 ejects ink droplets from the print heads 211 to 216 onto the paper T that is fed from the paper feeding unit 203 and conveyed by the platen 225, so that an image is formed on the paper T. Form. The platen 225 is rotated and driven by a driving force transmitted from the paper feed motor 240 via the gear train 241. The rotation angle of the platen is detected by the encoder 242. The print heads 211 to 216 are provided on the carriage 210 that reciprocates in the width direction of the paper T. The carriage 210 is coupled to a conveying belt 221 that is driven by a stepping motor 223. The conveyor belt 221 is an endless belt, and is stretched between the stepping motor 223 and a pulley 229 provided on the opposite side. Accordingly, when the stepping motor 223 rotates, the carriage 210 reciprocates along the conveyance guide 224 as the conveyance belt 221 moves.

  Next, the six color ink cartridges 111 to 116 mounted on the carriage 210 will be described. The six-color ink cartridges 111 to 116 have the same basic structure, and are different in the composition, that is, the color of the ink stored in the storage chamber. Each of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 contains black ink (K), cyan ink (C), magenta ink (M), yellow ink (Y), light cyan ink (LC), and light magenta ink (LM). ing. The light cyan ink (LC) and light magenta ink (LM) are light color inks that are adjusted to about ¼ in the dye density of the cyan ink (C) and magenta ink (M), respectively. These cartridges 111 to 116 are attached with detection storage modules 121 to 126 whose configuration will be described in detail later. The detection storage modules 121 to 126 can exchange data with the control device 222 on the printer 200 side by wireless communication. In the first embodiment, the detection storage modules 121 to 126 are attached to the side surfaces of the ink cartridges 111 to 116.

  In order to exchange data with these detection storage modules 121 to 126 wirelessly, the printer 200 is provided with a transmission / reception unit 230 for communication. The transmission / reception unit 230 is connected to the control device 222 together with other electronic components such as a paper feed motor 240, a stepping motor 223, an encoder 242, and the like. In addition to this, various switches 247 of an operation panel 245 prepared on the front surface of the printer 200 and an LED 248 are also connected to the control device 222.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 222 includes a CPU 251 that controls the entire printer 200, a ROM 252 that stores the control program, a RAM 253 that is used for temporary storage of data, a PIO 254 that controls an interface with an external device, a time And a drive buffer 256 for storing data for driving the print heads 211 to 216 are connected to each other via a bus 257. In addition to these circuit elements, the control device 222 is also provided with an oscillator 258, a distribution output device 259, and the like. The distribution output unit 259 distributes the pulse signal output from the oscillator 258 to the common terminals of the six print heads 211 to 216. The print heads 211 to 216 receive the ON / OFF (ink ejection / no ink) data from the drive buffer 256 side, and when the drive pulse is received from the distribution output unit 259, the print head 211 to 216 receives the data from the drive buffer 256 side. Ink is ejected from the corresponding nozzle according to the output data.

  A computer PC that outputs image data to be printed to the printer 200 is connected to the PIO 254 of the control device 222 together with the stepping motor 223, the paper feed motor 240, the encoder 242, the transmission / reception unit 230, and the operation panel 245 already described. Yes. Therefore, at the time of printing, an image to be printed is specified in the computer PC, and data subjected to processing such as rasterization, color conversion, and halftoning is output to the printer 200. The printer 200 detects the moving position of the carriage 210 based on the driving amount of the stepping motor 223, checks the paper feed position with the data from the encoder 242, and matches the data received from the computer PC with the print head. The data is developed into ON / OFF data of ink to be ejected from nozzles 211 to 216, and the drive buffer 256 and the distribution output unit 259 are driven.

  The control device 222 can wirelessly exchange data with the detection storage modules 121 to 126 mounted on the cartridges 111 to 116 via the transmission / reception unit 230 connected to the PIO 254. For this purpose, the transmission / reception unit 230 is provided with an RF conversion unit 231 that converts a signal from the PIO 254 into an AC signal having a predetermined frequency, and a loop antenna 233 that receives the AC signal from the RF conversion unit 231. When an AC signal is applied to the loop antenna 233, if a similar antenna is disposed in the vicinity thereof, an electric signal is excited in the other antenna by electromagnetic induction. In this embodiment, since the wireless communication distance is limited to the distance inside the printer, a wireless communication method using electromagnetic induction is adopted.

  Next, the configuration of the detection storage module 121 on the ink cartridge 111 side will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the appearance of the detection storage modules 121 to 126 from the front and side. Since the detection storage modules 121 to 126 mounted on the ink cartridges 111 to 116 are all the same except for the ID numbers stored therein, the detection storage module 121 will be described below. As shown in the figure, this detection storage module 121 detects an antenna 133 formed as a metal thin film pattern on a substrate 131 on a thin film, a dedicated IC chip 135 incorporating various functions to be described later, and the presence or absence of ink. Sensor module 137 and a wiring pattern 139 for connecting them.

  FIG. 6 is an end view showing a state in which the detection storage module 121 is mounted on the ink cartridge 111. As shown in the figure, the detection storage module 121 is mounted on the side surface of the ink cartridge 111 with an adhesive layer 141 such as an adhesive or a double-sided tape. At this time, the sensor module 137 provided on the back surface of the substrate 131 is fitted into the opening provided on the side surface of the cartridge 111. A resonance chamber 151 is formed inside the sensor module 137, and a piezoelectric element 153 serving as a sensor is attached to one side wall of the resonance chamber 151.

  The internal configuration of the detection storage module 121 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the detection storage module 121. As shown in the figure, this detection storage module 121 includes a sensor module 137 provided with a piezoelectric element 153 in addition to an RF circuit 161, a power supply unit 162, a data analysis unit 163, an EEPROM control unit 165, and an EEPROM 166 in a dedicated IC chip 135. It comprises a detection control unit 168 and an output unit 178 that exchange data with each other and detect the remaining amount of ink.

  The RF circuit 161 is a circuit that detects and inputs an AC signal generated by electromagnetic induction to the antenna 133, and outputs the power component extracted by the detection to the power supply unit 162 and the signal component to the data analysis unit 163. Also, it has a function of receiving a signal from an output unit 178 (to be described later), modulating the signal into an AC signal, and transmitting it to the transmitting / receiving unit 230 on the printer 200 side via the antenna 133. The power supply unit 162 is a circuit that uses the power component received from the RF circuit 161, stabilizes it, and outputs it as the power supply inside the dedicated IC chip 135 and the power supply of the sensor module 137. Therefore, the ink cartridges 111 to 116 are not equipped with a power source such as a dry battery. Although not particularly shown, when the time for which power is supplied by the signal from the transmission / reception unit 230 is limited to some extent, a charge storage element such as a capacitor for storing the stabilized power generated by the power supply unit 162 is provided. It is also useful to provide it. The charge storage element may be provided before the power supply unit 162.

  The data analysis unit 163 is a circuit that analyzes the signal component received from the RF circuit 161 and roughly extracts a command and data. The data analysis unit 163 controls whether data is exchanged with the EEPROM 166 or data exchange with the sensor module 137 based on the analysis result. The data analysis unit 163 exchanges data with the EEPROM 166 and exchanges data with the sensor module 137 according to the result of analyzing the data. For this purpose, the data analysis unit 163 also performs processing for identifying the ink cartridge to be exchanged. There is a need to do it. The data analysis unit 163 also performs these processes. Although details of the processing will be described later, basically, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, each ink cartridge mounted on the carriage 210 is located at a position with respect to the transmission / reception unit 230. The ink cartridge is identified based on the above information and the ID stored in each ink cartridge. FIG. 8A is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship between each of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 and the detection storage modules 121 to 126 attached thereto and the transmission / reception unit 230 in perspective, and FIG. Furthermore, it is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between an ink cartridge and the transmission / reception part 230 from a viewpoint of both width | variety.

  When performing the process of identifying the ink cartridge, the control device 222 conveys the carriage 210 to the side where the transmission / reception unit 230 exists. The position where the carriage 210 faces the transmission / reception unit 230 is provided outside the printing range. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the detection storage modules 121 to 126 are mounted on the side surfaces of the ink cartridges 111 to 116, and when the carriage 210 moves, a maximum of two detection storage modules are The transmission range with the transmission / reception unit 230 is entered. In this state, the data analysis unit 163 receives a request from the control device 222 via the transmission / reception unit 230, and performs processing such as ink cartridge recognition processing, access to the memory, and exchange with the sensor module 137. Details of the processing will be described later using a flowchart.

  After actually specifying the ink cartridge to exchange data, when actually exchanging data with the EEPROM 166, the data analysis unit 163 designates an address for reading / writing or erasing and whether to perform reading / writing or erasing In the case of data writing, the data is transferred to the EEPROM control unit 165. The EEPROM control unit 165 that has received these designations and data outputs an address and designation of processing such as read / write and erase to the EEPROM 166, writes data, reads data from the EEPROM 166, or a specific address of the EEPROM 166. The process of deleting the data is performed.

  The internal data structure of the EEPROM 166 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9A, the inside of the EEPROM 166 is roughly divided into two, and the first half of the memory space is a user memory in which data such as the remaining amount of ink is read and written and a read / write in which a classification code is stored. It is a possible area RAA. The second half of the memory space is a read-only area ROA in which ID information for specifying the ink cartridge is written.

  Writing to the read-only area ROA is performed before the detection storage modules 121 to 126 having the EEPROM 166 are attached to the ink cartridges 111 to 116, for example, in the process of manufacturing the detection storage module or the process of manufacturing the ink cartridge. It is. Therefore, from the main body side of the printer 200, processing such as data reading and writing, and data erasing can be executed on the data stored in the readable / writable area RAA. On the other hand, data can be read from the read-only area ROA, but data cannot be written.

  The user memory in the readable / writable area RAA is used for writing ink remaining amount information of each ink cartridge 111 to 116, and the remaining amount of ink is read by the main body of the printer 200. It is possible to use a process that sometimes gives a warning to the user. In the storage area for the classification code, various codes for distinguishing the types of ink cartridges are stored, and the user can use these codes independently.

  The ID information stored in the read-only area ROA is manufacturing information related to the ink cartridge to which the detection storage module is attached. As the ID information, as shown in FIG. 9B, information about the year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and place where the ink cartridges 111 to 116 are manufactured is stored. These are all written in an area having a size of about 4 to 8 bits, and occupy a memory area of about 40 bits to 70 bits as a whole. For example, immediately after the printer 200 is turned on, the control device 222 of the printer 200 reads the ID information including the manufacturing information of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 from the detection storage modules 121 to 126, for example, the expiration date of the ink cartridge. A warning or the like can be issued to the user when it is cut or only a little left.

  Note that the EEPROM 166 of the detection storage module 121 may appropriately include information other than the above information. The entire EEPROM 166 may be a rewritable area. In this case, the ID information such as the manufacturing information of the ink cartridge described above can be configured by adopting an electrically readable / writable memory such as a NAND flash ROM for the EEPROM 166. In the present embodiment, a serial type memory is used as the EEPROM 166.

  On the other hand, when exchanging with the sensor module 137, the data analysis unit 163 receives the detection condition from the control device 222 and passes it to the detection control unit 168. The detection control unit 168 receives this detection condition, drives the sensor module 137 according to this detection condition, and detects whether ink exists up to the position of the sensor module 137 based on the difference in the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element 153. The detection result is returned from the sensor module 137 to the detection control unit 168, and is output from the output unit 178 that has received the detection result to the control device 222 of the printer 200 via the RF circuit 161.

  Next, an outline of the ink cartridge 111 identification processing and memory access processing performed by the control device 222 of the printer 200 together with the data analysis unit 163 of the detection storage modules 121 to 126 will be described. FIG. 10 shows an outline of processing executed by the control device 222 provided on the printer 200 side and the detection storage modules 121 to 126 provided in the ink cartridges 111 to 116 while performing communication via the transmission / reception unit 230. It is the shown flowchart. The control device 222 of the printer 200 and the data analysis unit 163 of the detection storage modules 121 to 126 communicate with each other via the transmission / reception unit 230 while performing ID information reading processing (first procedure), reading processing other than ID information, Steps such as a memory access process (second procedure) such as a process for writing ink remaining amount information and further data exchange with the sensor module 137 (third procedure) are executed.

  In the printer 200, when the power is turned on, when the user replaces any of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 while the power is on, the manufacturing information of the ink cartridge is displayed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous communication process was executed. , The ink remaining amount is written in a predetermined area of the EEPROM 166, and the process of reading is executed. These processes are different from normal printing processes, and are processes involving communication with the detection storage modules 121 to 126 via the transmission / reception unit 230.

  At this time, in order to communicate with the detection storage modules 121 to 126, the carriage 210 that accommodates the ink cartridges 111 to 116 is away from the normal printing execution position or the right non-printing area, and the transmission / reception unit 230 exists. To the left non-printing area. When the carriage 210 is moved to the left non-printing area, the detection storage module that has reached the vicinity of the transmission / reception unit 230 receives an AC signal from the loop antenna 233 of the transmission / reception unit 230 via the antenna 133. The power supply unit 162 extracts power from the AC signal and supplies the stabilized power supply store pressure to each internal control unit and circuit element. As a result, each control unit and circuit element of the detection storage module can perform processing.

  When a processing routine involving communication between the transmission / reception unit 230 and each of the detection storage modules 121 to 126 is started in this way, first, the control device 222 on the printer 200 side determines whether or not a power-on request has occurred ( Step S100). That is, it is determined whether or not the ink jet printer 200 is immediately after the power is turned on and its operation is started. If it is determined that a power-on request has occurred (step S100: Yes), the first procedure, that is, the procedure for reading ID information from the detection storage modules 121 to 126 is started (step S104 and subsequent steps).

  If the control device 222 determines that a power-on request has not occurred (step S100: No), the control device 222 determines that the printer 200 is performing normal printing processing, and then determines the ink cartridges 111 to 116. It is determined whether an exchange request has occurred (step S102). The replacement request for the ink cartridges 111 to 116 is generated, for example, when the user presses the ink cartridge replacement button 247 on the operation panel 245 while the printer 200 is powered on. At this time, the printer 200 interrupts the normal print processing mode and replaces any of the ink cartridges 111 to 116. However, the replacement request itself occurs after the ink cartridges 111 to 116 are replaced.

  When the control device 222 determines that a replacement request for the ink cartridges 111 to 116 has been generated (step S102: Yes), the control device 222 obtains ID information from the storage element provided in the replaced ink cartridge. A reading procedure is started (step S104). On the other hand, if it is determined that the replacement request for the ink cartridges 111 to 116 has not occurred (step S102: No), the ID information of each of the detection storage modules 121 to 126 has already been normally read when the power is turned on. Next, a process for determining an access target is performed (step S150). The access target includes the EEPROM 166 and the sensor module 137 in the ink cartridge of this embodiment. Therefore, when it is determined that an instruction to access the memory is given (step S150: memory), the above-described second procedure, that is, the memory access processing with the detection storage modules 121 to 126 is started (step S200). On the other hand, when it is determined that the access target is the sensor module 137 (step S150: sensor), a third procedure for reading the detection result from the sensor module 137 is executed.

  Next, each of the first to third procedures will be described. As described above, the first procedure is executed when the control device 222 detects a power-on request or an ink cartridge replacement request in the printer. In the first procedure, first, ID information is read from the detection storage modules 121 to 126 (step S104), and then anti-collision processing is executed (step S106). Anti-collision processing is processing for preventing the occurrence of interference when performing ID information reading processing from each element when the respective ID information has not yet been acquired from each of the detection storage modules 121 to 126. is there. If this anti-collision process fails midway, the anti-collision process may be executed again from the beginning. In the case of this embodiment using wireless communication, the transmission / reception unit 230 can always communicate with a plurality of detection storage modules (two detection storage modules in this embodiment), and when the communication is started, the carriage 210 Since the control device 222 does not know the ID information of the detection storage modules 121 to 126 mounted on the ink cartridges 111 to 116 mounted on the printer, an anti-collision process for preventing interference is required. Although details of the anti-collision processing are not described here, basically, a part of the ID information is output from the transmission / reception unit 230, and only the detection storage module in which a part of the ID information matches returns a response. When the detection storage module enters the sleep mode, the ID information of the detection storage module of the ink cartridge existing in the communicable range is specified, and communication with the matching detection storage module is established.

  When the anti-collision process is completed, the control device 222 executes a process of reading ID information from each of the detection storage modules 121 to 126 via the data analysis unit 163 (step S108). When this process of reading the ID information is completed, there are cases where the present communication process routine is ended for the time being and cases where a process of reading all data stored in the EEPROM 166 (step S110) is subsequently executed. A process of reading all data (step S110) will be described.

  In step S110, the control device 222 determines all the data stored in the EEPROM 166 in the detection storage modules 121 to 126 in order to ensure the reliability of the data in the detection storage modules 121 to 126 mounted on the ink cartridges 111 to 116. Data is read out and stored in the RAM 253. That is, when the printer 200 is turned on, the control device 222 communicates with the detection storage modules 121 to 126 of the installed ink cartridges 111 to 116, and data is read from the EEPROM 166 in the detection storage modules 121 to 126. Is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 253. Such data is always stored in the RAM 253. When it is determined that the data on the ink cartridge 111 side is unreliable, for example, when an error occurs on the ink cartridge 111 side during communication, the ink cartridge 111 side Used to correct data. While the printer 200 is in use, the control device 222 updates the data at the corresponding address in the RAM 253 when rewriting the data in the EEPROM 166 on the detection storage module 121 to 126 side. Therefore, the data stored in the RAM 253 is always updated to the latest data and has high reliability.

  A case where the second procedure is started will be described. When starting the second procedure, the control device 222 starts memory access (step S200), and subsequently issues an active mode command to each of the detection storage modules 121 to 126 (step S202). The active mode command is a command issued with each ID information accompanying each detection storage module 121 to 126, and the data analysis unit 163 of each detection storage module 121 to 126 collates the received ID information. Only when the ID information matches the ID information of itself, a response signal ACK indicating completion of access preparation is transmitted to the control device 222.

  When the control device 222 obtains a response signal ACK to the active mode command from the detection storage modules 121 to 126, the control device 222 executes a memory access process for each of the detection storage modules 121 to 126 (step S204). This memory access process is a process of writing data to a predetermined address of the EEPROM 166, erasing data at a predetermined address, or reading data from a predetermined address of the EEPROM 166. In either case, access is made from the EEPROM control unit 165 side with the memory address designated by the control device 222. The EEPROM control unit 165 performs processing on the corresponding address in the EEPROM 166 in accordance with this address and an instruction as to which processing is writing / erasing / reading.

  Of these processes for the EEPROM 166, the write and erase processes will be described in more detail. FIG. 11 is a timing chart of processing in writing and erasing. As shown in the figure, from the control device 222 side, a 1-byte code OP corresponding to an operand and 2-byte codes AD1 and AD2 designating an address to be written or erased are output. Of these, the addresses AD1 and AD2 have a complement relationship, and the address is substantially designated by 1 byte.

  The EEPROM control unit 165 takes in the addresses AD1 and AD2, verifies the addresses, and if they are not in a complement relationship, it is assumed that there is an error in the address designation, and no memory access is performed, as shown in FIG. Output an error signal. On the other hand, if the addresses AD1 and AD2 match, the EEPROM control unit 165 performs an erasing or writing process on the address AD1 of the EEPROM 166. When the memory access to the EEPROM 166 is completed, the EEPROM control unit 165 transmits the response signal ACK indicating the access completion and the address corresponding signal ADC corresponding to the accessed address to the control device 222 via the data analysis unit 163. The address corresponding signal ADC corresponding to the accessed address may be the same as the designated address AD1, or may be a signal subjected to predetermined processing such as a complement or a signal shifted or rotated by one to several bits. It may be a code related to error detection or correction, such as a checksum, CRC, or Hamming code. The above is the contents of the memory access process (step S204) performed by the EEPROM control unit 165.

  When the memory access is completed by the EEPROM control unit 165 and the address corresponding signal ADC is output together with the response signal ACK indicating the access completion, the control device 222 performs a process of acquiring and verifying this (step S210). Details of the verification process are shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the verification process, the control device 222 first performs a process of reading the address corresponding signal ADC (step S211). Next, the control device 222 determines whether or not the address correspondence signal ADC is a signal that correctly corresponds to the access address AD1 designated by the control device 222 (step S212). When it is determined that the address corresponding signal ADC corresponds to the address AD1 designated by itself, the control device 22 assumes that the data writing or erasing processing to the designated address AD1 has been normally completed. The next processing is continued (step S214).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the address corresponding signal ADC does not correspond to the address AD1 designated by itself, the address corresponding to the address corresponding signal ADC may have been erroneously written or erased. The address data corresponding to the corresponding signal ADC is read (step S216), and it is verified whether this data corresponds to the data stored in the RAM 253 by the control device 222 (step S218). It has already been described that the control device 222 reads all data from the detection storage modules 121 to 126 of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 and stores them in the RAM 253 and updates them when the power is turned on. Therefore, the data at the address specified by the address response signal ADC is read again from the detection storage module of the ink cartridge, and the data at the predetermined address in the RAM 253 is matched to verify whether it is correct.

  If the two do not match, it is determined that the contents of the address designated by the address correspondence signal ADC have been rewritten by mistake, and the correct data (data stored in the RAM 253) is specified at the address designated by the address response signal ADC. Is written (step S220). If the two match, it is determined that the data at the address specified by the address correspondence signal ADC is correct, nothing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S222 and subsequent steps.

  When the verification of the data of the address designated by the address corresponding signal ADC is completed, the control device 222 subsequently performs a process of reading the data of the address AD1 originally designated from the detection storage module 121 side (step S222). Next, it is verified whether the read data corresponds to the data stored in the RAM 253 by the control device 222 (step S224). That is, the data at the address designated as the address ADC1 is read again from the detection storage module of the ink cartridge, and the RAM 253 is matched with the data at the predetermined address to verify whether this is correct.

  If the two do not match, it is determined that the content of the address designated by the address AD1 has been rewritten by mistake, and the correct data (data stored in the RAM 253) is written to the address designated by the address AD1. This is performed (step S226). If the two match, it is determined that the data at the address AD1 is correct, nothing is performed, and the series of processes is terminated.

  Next, the third procedure will be described. In the third procedure, access to the sensor module 137 is started (step S300), and an active mode command AMC is first issued (step S302), as in the case of memory access. Of the ink cartridges 111 to 116 that have received the active mode command, the cartridge whose ID information associated with the active mode command is identical returns the response signal AC type, and shifts to a state for accepting subsequent processing.

  When one of the detection storage modules is activated by outputting an active mode command, the control device 222 next transmits the designation of the detection condition to the ink cartridge (step S304). In this example, the detection is to measure the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element 153, and the specified detection condition is that the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric element 153 is detected by the number of pulses ( For example, the first pulse) is data such as the number of pulses (for example, 4 pulses) corresponding to the measurement period. When data specifying the detection condition is received and the response signal is returned, the control device 222 next outputs a detection instruction (step S306). The detection instruction can also be included in the detection condition specification.

  When a detection instruction is given, the data analysis unit 163 of the detection storage module 121 analyzes this, and gives a detection instruction to the detection control unit 168. The detection control unit 168 charges and discharges the piezoelectric element 153 according to the specified detection condition, and excites forced vibration in the piezoelectric element 153. The charge / discharge interval to the piezoelectric element 153 is set so that the frequency of vibration excited by the piezoelectric element 153 is close to the resonance frequency of the resonance chamber 151 in the sensor module 137.

  As a result of charging and discharging by the detection control unit 168, the piezoelectric element 153 vibrates at the resonance frequency of the resonance chamber 151, and a voltage due to this vibration is generated in the electrode of the piezoelectric element 153. This vibration basically has a resonance frequency determined by the properties of the resonance chamber 151. Here, the property of the resonance chamber 151 is the degree of ink filling in the resonance chamber 151. In this embodiment, when the resonance chamber 151 is filled with ink, the resonance frequency is approximately 90 KHz. When the ink in the resonance chamber 151 is consumed with printing and becomes empty, the resonance frequency is approximately 110 KHz. Met. Naturally, such a resonance frequency varies depending on the size of the resonance chamber 151 and the properties of the inner wall (water repellency, etc.). Therefore, it may be measured for each type of ink cartridge.

  As described above, the piezoelectric element 153 vibrates at a frequency according to the resonance frequency of the resonance chamber 151 due to forced vibration caused by the applied voltage. The detection control unit 168 reads the vibration by an internal circuit and outputs the vibration to the control device 222 of the printer 200 via the output unit 178. The control device 222 acquires this detection result and determines the presence or absence of ink in the ink cartridges 111 to 116. At this time, the detection control unit 168 can output not only the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric element 153 but also the detection condition designated by the control device 222. Note that the detection condition to be output may be the designated detection condition itself or another condition created from the designated detection condition. For example, data such as the pulse corresponding to the end of the period during which the resonance frequency is detected or the number of pulses (for example, the fifth pulse) may be returned.

  The control device 222 receives the resonance frequency as the detection result and the above detection condition, and determines the remaining ink amount. Actually, it is determined whether ink is present in the resonance chamber 151. The control device 222 of the printer 200 counts the number of ink droplets ejected from the print heads 211 to 216 by software and manages the ink consumption. The management value and the actual ink cartridges 111 to 116 are managed. Using the information on the presence / absence of ink in the resonance chamber 151 obtained from the detection storage modules 121 to 126, the current amount of ink in the ink cartridges 111 to 116 can be accurately managed.

  When the ink remaining amount is managed by counting the amount of ink discharged, the amount of ink discharged from the print heads 211 to 216 at once is the variation in processing of the nozzle diameter, the variation in the viscosity of the ink, the ink in use The calculated value of the remaining amount of ink slightly deviates from the actual remaining amount due to temperature or the like. The detection storage modules 121 to 126 are arranged so that the ink in the resonance chamber 151 is emptied when approximately half of the ink is consumed in the ink cartridges 111 to 116. Therefore, if the determination as to the presence or absence of ink from the detection storage modules 121 to 126 detects when the ink is switched from the presence of ink to the absence of ink, and the ink consumption counted by the software is calibrated at this point, the ink consumption It becomes possible to manage the amount accurately. The calibration may be simply performed by resetting the ink consumption to ½ using the detection results from the detection storage modules 121 to 126, or by correcting the degree of software count until then. Also good. As a result, it is possible to accurately calculate the ink end (timing at which the ink in the cartridge completely disappears) in the ink cartridges 111 to 116. Therefore, a predetermined amount of unused ink remains in the ink cartridge instructed to be replaced by the ink end, and there is no need to waste resources. Also, it is unlikely that the ink in the ink cartridge runs out before the ink end is detected, so that the print heads 211 to 216 are damaged due to so-called idling.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the detection storage module on the ink cartridge 111 to 116 side when performing a process (data erasing or rewriting process) with data rewriting on a predetermined address from the control device 222 side. It can be easily verified whether the data 121 to 126 have correctly rewritten the data at the designated address in the EEPROM 166. Even if data at another address is rewritten by mistake, the address can be easily known. For this reason, in combination with the fact that the same contents as the EEPROM 166 side are stored in the RAM 253, when data rewriting on the ink cartridge 111 to 116 side fails, this is detected and the correct data is restored. Can be rewritten.

  As described above, the control device 222 performs the first procedure to the third procedure between the detection storage modules 121 to 126 provided in the ink cartridges 111 to 116 and the transmission / reception unit, and further performs the process involving rewriting of the data in the EEPROM 166. The process has been described. These processes are realized while the control device 222 communicates with each of the detection storage modules 121 to 126. Such communication processing is sequentially performed one by one from the leftmost detection storage module 121 to the rightmost detection storage module 126. At that time, the carriage 210 sequentially moves by one width of the ink cartridge and stops. When stopped, communication processing with the detection storage module of each ink cartridge is performed. Of course, when the width of the transmission / reception unit 230 is almost the same as that of two ink cartridges as in the transmission / reception unit 230 of this embodiment, the ink cartridges are moved and stopped three times in total for two ink cartridges. It is more preferable to perform communication processing with each of the detection storage modules 2 because the movement and positioning operations of the carriage 210 can be reduced. Even in this case, since the control device 222 performs the anti-collision process, exchange of a plurality of ink cartridges does not interfere.

  The embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course, it can be implemented in the form. For example, the detection storage module 121 of this embodiment can be applied not only to an ink cartridge of an ink jet printer but also to a toner cartridge. The detection storage module 121 can also be provided on the bottom or top surface of the cartridge. When provided on the upper surface, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the transmission / reception unit 230 is high, and the overall configuration is simplified.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the EEPROM is used as the memory in the ink cartridge, but an SRAM or DRAM backed up by a battery or the like can also be used. Of course, it is possible to use other types of non-volatile memories such as a shared transmission memory and magnetic storage means.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Ink cartridge 12 ... Communication control part 14 ... Memory 15 ... Memory control part 16 ... Ink storage chamber 17 ... Sensor 18 ... Resonance chamber 19 ... Sensor control part 20 ... Printer 22 ... Control apparatus 24 ... Platen 25 ... Print head 30 ... Transmission / reception devices 111-116 ... Ink cartridges 121-126 ... Detection storage module 131 ... Substrate 133 ... Antenna 135 ... Dedicated IC chip 137 ... Sensor module 139 ... Wiring pattern 141 ... Adhesive layer 151 ... Resonance chamber 153 ... Piezoelectric element 161 ... RF circuit 162 ... Power supply unit 163 ... Data analysis unit 165 ... EEPROM control unit 166 ... EEPROM
168: Detection control unit 178 ... Output unit 200 ... Inkjet printer 203 ... Paper feed unit 210 ... Carriage 211 ... Print head 221 ... Conveying belt 222 ... Control device 223 ... Stepping motor 224 ... Guide 225 ... Platen 229 ... Pulley 230 ... Transmission / reception 231 ... RF converter 233 ... Loop antenna 240 ... Paper feed motor 241 ... Gear train 242 ... Encoder 245 ... Operation panel 247 ... Various switches
(Ink cartridge replacement button)
248 ... LED
251 ... CPU
252 ... ROM
253 ... RAM
254 ... PIO
255 ... Timer 256 ... Drive buffer 257 ... Bus 258 ... Oscillator 259 ... Distribution output device

Claims (19)

A cartridge for storing a recording material used for recording and mounted in a recording apparatus,
A memory for storing information on the cartridge in a nonvolatile manner;
A process accepting means for accepting at least an instruction with an address designation from the outside for a process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory;
Execution means for executing processing involving rewriting of the contents of the designated address;
An output means for outputting at least data corresponding to the designated address after executing the processing.   2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory is a process of writing data to the memory or a process of erasing data. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein
The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an address designated from outside for the processing has a redundancy of at least two or more. The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein
The cartridge having two or more redundancy levels included in the address is a signal corresponding to the address and a signal obtained by exchanging bits of the address according to a predetermined rule. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein
The cartridge in which the predetermined rule is at least one of reciprocal operation, complement operation, and bit rotation.   2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the data output by the output means is the same data as the designated address. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein
The output means is means for outputting the data together with a signal indicating the completion of the process after the completion of the process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory.   The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the memory is a memory for storing a remaining amount of the stored recording material.   The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the recording material is ink of a predetermined color.   2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the recording material is toner for a copying machine, a fax machine, or a laser printer.   11. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the memory is a serial access type memory. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
With wireless communication means to exchange data with the outside by wireless communication,
A cartridge for exchanging at least one of the designation relating to the process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory, the address, and data corresponding to the address via the wireless communication means. The cartridge according to claim 12, wherein
The wireless communication means includes a loop-shaped antenna for performing the communication, and includes a power supply means for supplying power into the cartridge using an electromotive force induced in the antenna. A recording apparatus equipped with a cartridge having a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for recording,
The cartridge includes
A memory for storing information on the cartridge in a nonvolatile manner;
A process accepting means for accepting at least an instruction with an address designation from the outside for a process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory;
Execution means for executing processing involving rewriting of the contents of the designated address;
An output means for outputting data corresponding to at least the designated address after executing the processing;
Furthermore, the recording device includes
Address designating means for designating an address for rewriting the contents of the memory;
Input means for inputting data corresponding to the address output from the output means of the cartridge;
A judgment means for judging that the process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory has been normally performed when the inputted data and the address designated by the address designation means are matched and both correspond to each other; Recording device. 15. The recording device according to claim 14, wherein
The judging means matches the inputted data with the address designated by the address designating means, and when both do not correspond to each other, the process of rewriting the contents of the memory is performed again, and the error is corrected. A recording apparatus comprising correcting means for correcting. 15. The recording device according to claim 14, wherein
The determination unit is a recording apparatus provided with a unit that matches the input data and the address designated by the address designation unit, and notifies the fact when they do not correspond to each other. 15. The recording device according to claim 14, wherein
The address designating unit of the recording apparatus performs the address designation by a signal designating an address to be processed with the rewriting and a signal in which a bit state of the address is changed according to a predetermined rule. Recording device that is means. The recording device according to claim 17, wherein
The recording apparatus, wherein the predetermined rule is at least one of reciprocal operation, complement operation, and bit rotation. A method for exchanging information with a cartridge having a storage chamber for storing a recording material used for recording,
For processing that involves rewriting the contents of a memory that is provided in the cartridge and stores information about the cartridge in a nonvolatile manner, at least the address thereof is designated from the outside of the cartridge,
In accordance with the designated address, after processing that involves rewriting the contents of the memory performed in the cartridge is performed, data corresponding to the designated address is output to the outside of the cartridge,
A method for exchanging information with a cartridge, wherein the correspondence between the output data and the designated address is verified to determine whether or not the process involving rewriting of the contents of the memory has been normally performed.

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