JP2013025515A - Storage device, communication system, liquid storage body, method for controlling storage device and method for inspecting storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a storage device which can be individually accessed when a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, a liquid storage body, a communication system, a method of controlling the storage device, and a method of inspecting the storage device.SOLUTION: A storage device 20 includes: a memory array 21 for storing identification data 210 and unique data 211 unique to device; a communication control part 30; and an identification data rewriting unit 27. The communication control part 30 controls operation of a normal access mode for permitting the pertinent access by comparing ID data indicating the device as designated access destination with the identification data 210 in response to access to the memory array 21. The identification data rewriting unit 27 determines update identification data which become unique within the range of data communication via a data signal terminal DT from the unique data 211, and controls operation of an identification data rewriting mode for rewriting the identification data 210 into the update identification data.

Description

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

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

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

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 determines the type of cartridge mounted by referring to identification data stored in a storage device for replacement parts. When a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted, the memory of the replacement part An image forming apparatus in which writing is not performed is disclosed.

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

  However, in the system described in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted on the printer, the identification data stored in each storage device of the plurality of cartridges is the same. There has been a problem that it becomes impossible to individually access a storage device to be accessed. That is, when a plurality of cartridges of the same type are installed in the printer, the controller on the printer body side accesses a data string including ID data corresponding to the storage device to be accessed in order to access the storage device of any cartridge. Send it out. When this data string is input to each of the plurality of storage devices via the bus, the identification data stored in each of the plurality of storage devices is the same, so access is permitted in each storage device and data with the controller is stored. Communication is started. As a result, a signal is sent from each of the plurality of storage devices to the bus so as to perform data communication with the controller. Thus, there is a case where signals compete with each other on the bus and communication cannot be performed correctly.

  An example in which a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted is a cleaning cartridge that contains a cleaning liquid. Since a common cleaning cartridge is used regardless of the ink color, the same type of cleaning cartridge is used for each of a plurality of mounting positions provided for mounting a plurality of types of ink cartridges. Installed. For this reason, when multiple cleaning cartridges are installed in the printer, the controller on the printer body side cannot perform data communication with the storage device of the cleaning cartridge, and the remaining amount of cleaning liquid stored in each cleaning cartridge, etc. Could not be managed individually.

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

  Application Example 1 A storage device that performs data communication via a data signal terminal, the storage unit, and an identification data storage unit that stores first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit, For the access including the unique data storage unit for storing the unique data of the storage device and the second identification data for designating the access destination, the storage is performed by comparing the second identification data with the first identification data. A communication control unit that controls an operation in a normal access mode that permits access to a copy unit, and a rewrite control unit that controls an operation in an identification data rewrite mode that rewrites the first identification data. And a rewriting unit that determines update identification data based on the unique data and rewrites the first identification data with the update identification data.

  According to this configuration, the update identification data determined based on the unique data by the operation in the identification data rewriting mode is unique within the range of data communication via the data signal terminal. Therefore, by rewriting the first identification data stored in the identification data storage unit with the updated identification data, the normal access mode operation is performed using the first identification data unique within the range of data communication. become. Therefore, for example, even in a system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, a storage device that can be accessed individually by the operation in the normal access mode can be obtained.

  Application Example 2 In the storage device, a rewrite notification pulse for notifying that the transmission source device rewrites the first identification data is input to the data signal terminal, and the rewrite control unit transmits A sending unit for sending a rewrite notification pulse for notifying that the original device itself rewrites the first identification data through the data signal terminal at a timing determined by the unique data; and by the sending unit A first count unit that counts the number of times the rewrite notification pulse is input to the data signal terminal prior to the transmission of the rewrite notification pulse, and the rewrite unit includes: A storage device, wherein the update identification data is determined based on a count value.

  According to this configuration, since the rewrite notification pulse is transmitted at a timing determined by the specific data, for example, in a system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, the rewrite is performed at a different timing for each storage device. A notification pulse is sent out. Further, another storage device different from the storage device that has transmitted the rewrite notification pulse increases the number of inputs by inputting the rewrite notification pulse. For this reason, when the storage device rewrites the first identification data, the number of rewrite notification pulses input before the timing of sending the rewrite notification pulse is different from the number of inputs of other storage devices, It will be unique within the scope of data communication. Therefore, the identification data is rewritten to unique update identification data within the range of data communication by the operation of the identification data rewriting mode, and a storage device that can be accessed individually can be obtained.

  Application Example 3 The storage device includes a clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input, the rewrite control unit includes a second count unit that counts the number of pulses included in the clock signal, and the transmission The storage device transmits the rewrite notification pulse when the count value of the second count unit reaches a value corresponding to the unique data.

  According to this configuration, since the rewrite notification pulse is transmitted when the count value of the number of pulses included in the clock signal becomes a value corresponding to the unique data, for example, a plurality of storage devices are connected via the bus. Also in the system, the rewrite notification pulse is not transmitted at the same timing, and the rewrite notification pulse does not compete on the bus. Therefore, the operation of the identification data rewriting mode ensures that the identification data is rewritten to unique update identification data within the range of data communication, and a storage device that can be accessed individually can be obtained. it can.

  Application Example 4 In the storage device, the first identification data includes third identification data and fourth identification data, and the rewriting unit includes the fourth identification data among the first identification data. A storage device, wherein data is rewritten to the update identification data.

  According to this configuration, the fourth identification data of the first identification data is rewritten to update identification data, while the third identification data is not rewritten. Therefore, since the first identification data as a whole including the third identification data and the fourth identification data is unique within the range of data communication, it can be accessed individually by using this. In addition, by using the second identification data, it is possible to obtain a storage device that can be accessed using the identification data before rewriting in the identification data rewriting mode.

  Application Example 5 The storage device includes a clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input and a reset signal terminal to which a reset signal is input, and the rewrite control unit maintains the clock signal at a high level. An operation of an identification data rewriting mode is executed when the level of the reset signal changes during a period.

  According to this configuration, the storage device can execute the operation of the identification data rewriting mode by the clock signal input via the first terminal and the reset signal input via the second terminal. Usually, the reset by the reset signal is executed when the level of the reset signal changes while the clock signal is low. Therefore, the storage device is caused to execute the operation of the identification data rewriting mode by a combination of signals in which the level of the reset signal changes in a period in which the clock signal is maintained at a high level, that is, a combination of signals that are not used in normal reset. Accordingly, it is not necessary to newly provide a circuit configuration such as a signal line or a terminal for transmitting a special signal for executing the operation of the identification data rewriting mode, and the circuit scale of the storage device can be reduced.

  Application Example 6 A storage device that performs data communication via a data signal terminal, the storage unit, and an identification data storage unit that stores first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit, Controlling the operation in the normal access mode for permitting access to the storage unit by comparing the second identification data with the first identification data for the access including the second identification data designating the access destination A communication control unit; and a rewrite control unit that controls an operation in an identification data rewrite mode for rewriting the first identification data, and the data signal terminal includes a source device that rewrites the first identification data. The rewrite notification pulse for notifying that the first identification data is to be transmitted is input, and the rewrite control unit notifies the rewrite notification pulse for notifying that the transmission source device rewrites the first identification data. And a first count that counts the number of times the rewrite notification pulse is input to the data signal terminal before the rewriting notification pulse is transmitted by the transmission unit. And a rewriting unit that determines the update identification data based on a count value of the first count unit and rewrites the first identification data with the update identification data.

  According to this configuration, for example, in a system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, another storage device that is different from the storage device that has transmitted the rewrite notification pulse receives the rewrite notification pulse. The number of inputs will increase. For this reason, when the storage device rewrites the first identification data, the number of rewrite notification pulses input before the timing of sending the rewrite notification pulse is different from the number of inputs of other storage devices, It will be unique within the scope of data communication. Therefore, the identification data is rewritten to unique update identification data within the range of data communication by the operation of the identification data rewriting mode, and a storage device that can be accessed individually can be obtained.

  Application Example 7 A liquid container including a storage device that performs data communication via a data signal terminal, the storage device including a storage unit and a first identification for identifying access to the storage unit An identification data storage unit that stores data; a unique data storage unit that stores unique data of the storage device; and an access that includes second identification information that designates an access destination. A communication control unit for controlling an operation in a normal access mode that permits access to the storage unit by comparison with one identification data, and a rewrite control unit for controlling an operation in an identification data rewrite mode for rewriting the first identification data. The rewrite control unit determines update identification data based on the unique data, and rewrites the first identification data to the update identification data, Liquid container characterized in that it has.

  According to this configuration, a liquid container that can be individually accessed during the operation in the normal access mode can be obtained by the operation in the identification data rewriting mode.

  Application Example 8 In the liquid container, the first identification data indicates a type of liquid to be stored.

  According to this configuration, the first identification information indicating the type of liquid to be stored is rewritten by the operation in the identification data rewriting mode, thereby obtaining a liquid container that can be individually accessed during the operation in the normal access mode. Can do.

  Application Example 9 In the liquid container, the liquid container is a cleaning liquid.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain a cleaning liquid container that can be individually accessed during the operation in the normal access mode by the operation in the identification data rewriting mode.

  Application Example 10 A communication system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus, and each storage device stores a storage unit and first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit The second identification data and the first identification with respect to the access including the identification data storage unit to store, the unique data storage unit to store the unique data of the storage device, and the second identification information to specify the access destination A communication control unit that controls an operation in a normal access mode that permits access to the storage unit by comparison with data, and a rewrite control unit that controls an operation in an identification data rewrite mode that rewrites the first identification data. The rewrite control unit includes a rewrite unit that determines update identification data based on the unique data and rewrites the first identification data with the update identification data. Communication system to be butterflies.

  According to this configuration, the first identification data stored in the identification data storage unit is rewritten with the updated identification data, so that normal access is performed using the first identification data unique within the range of data communication via the bus. Since the mode operation is performed, each storage device can be individually accessed by the normal access mode operation.

  Application Example 11 A storage device that includes a storage unit and an identification data storage unit that stores first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit, and performs data communication via a data signal terminal A normal access which is a control method and permits access to the storage unit by comparing the second identification information with the first identification data for an access including second identification information designating an access destination And a step of operating in an identification data rewriting mode in which update identification data is determined based on unique data of the storage device and the first identification data is rewritten to the update identification data. A method for controlling a storage device.

  According to this configuration, the identification data stored in the identification data storage unit is rewritten to unique identification data within the range of data communication by the operation in the identification data rewriting mode. Can be accessed individually.

  Application Example 12 A storage device that includes a storage unit and an identification data storage unit that stores first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit, and performs data communication via a data signal terminal In the inspection method, update identification data is determined based on unique data of the storage device, and an operation of an identification data rewriting mode in which the first identification data is rewritten to the update identification data is performed for each of the plurality of storage devices. Each of the plurality of storage devices is compared by comparing the second identification information with the first identification data for an access including second identification information designating an access destination. Rewriting the storage unit of the storage device operating in the normal access mode; Wherein the access including the second identification information, the inspection method of a storage device characterized by including a step to check the operation of the storage device corresponding to the first identification data.

  According to this configuration, the identification data stored in the identification data storage unit is rewritten into unique identification data within the range of data communication by the operation of the identification data rewriting mode. It can be accessed and tested for operation.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment. It is a general-view perspective view of a cartridge. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the host computer. It is the block diagram which showed the data structure of the data sequence. It is the block diagram which showed the circuit structure inside a memory | storage device. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the identification data rewriting unit. It is the timing chart which showed the example of a signal which each memory | storage device sends out. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the rewrite notification pulse was input / output via a bus | bath. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the process in a communication system. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the process of identification data rewriting mode. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the process of normal access mode. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the identification data in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating rewriting of identification data. It is the block diagram which showed schematic structure of the test | inspection system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the procedure of the process in a test | inspection system.

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

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

  The storage device 20 is disposed on a memory module substrate provided in the ink cartridge, and has a clock signal terminal CT, a data signal terminal DT, and a reset signal terminal RT. A clock signal line CL is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, and the clock signal line CL is connected to the host computer 10 via the clock bus CB. A data signal line DL is connected to the data signal terminal DT, and the data signal line DL is connected to the host computer 10 via the data bus DB. A reset signal line RL is connected to the reset signal terminal RT, and the reset signal line RL is connected to the host computer 10 via a reset bus RB.

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

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

  The control circuit 15 controls the power supply circuit 12 to control the output of the positive power supply and the reference power supply having a reference potential lower than the positive power supply. The host computer 10 does not always supply power to each of the storage devices 20a to 20d, and only when a request for access to the storage devices 20a to 20d occurs, a positive power source and a reference for the storage devices 20a to 20d. Supply power.

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

  The control circuit 15 controls data communication with the storage device 20. When the data communication with the storage device 20 is performed, the control circuit 15 transmits a data string according to a predetermined format.

  Next, a data structure of a data string used in data communication between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 will be described. FIG. 4 shows the data structure of the data string. FIG. 4A shows a data string 100a sent out by the host computer 10 when the access to the storage device 20 is started. 4B and 4C show data strings transmitted and received between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 when data is written to the storage device 20, and FIG. The data string 100b to be transmitted, (c) shows the data string 100c transmitted by the storage device 20. 4D and 4E show data strings transmitted and received between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 when data is read from the storage device 20, and FIG. The data string 100d, (e) indicates the data string 100e sent from the storage device 20.

  First, the data string 100a used when starting access will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, the data string 100a transmitted by the host computer 10 includes ID data 110. The ID data 110 is, for example, 3-bit data, and designates the storage device 20 to be accessed, that is, the access destination from among the storage devices 20a to 20d of the plurality of ink cartridges mounted on the printer. Identification data. The ID data 110 corresponds to second identification data. The host computer 10 starts access to write or read data to the storage device 20 corresponding to the ID data 110 by sending the data string 100 a including the ID data 110.

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

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

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

  When the storage device 20 receives the above-described data string 100d, the storage device 20 performs processing for reading data from the memory array 21 in response to the read command 150. If the reading is successful, the storage device 20 sends the data string 100e to the host computer 10. As shown in FIG. 4E, data read from the memory array 21 is included as read data 160 in the data string 100e. By receiving the data string 100e, the host computer 10 recognizes that the data read according to the data string 100d has been normally performed, and acquires the data read from the memory array 21.

  As described above, communication between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 is performed according to the data string 100 (100a to 100e).

  The control circuit 15 accesses the storage devices 20a to 20d through data communication in accordance with the data string 100 described above when the ink jet printer is turned on, the ink cartridge is replaced, the print job is finished, the ink jet printer is turned off, and the like. Run.

  When accessing the storage device 20 from the host computer 10, the host computer 10 needs to cause the storage device 20 to reset prior to access by data communication. That is, the storage device 20 is configured to be accessible after being initialized by reset. For this reason, the control circuit 15 of the host computer 10 accesses the storage device 20 from the host computer 10 when the inkjet printer is turned on, when the ink cartridge is replaced, when the print job is completed, when the inkjet printer is turned off, etc. A reset signal RST is sent to the storage device 20.

  Next, the configuration of the storage device 20 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration inside the storage device 20. Hereinafter, the internal configuration of one storage device 20 will be described as an example, but the internal configuration of each of the storage devices 20a to 20d is the same except for the data stored in the memory array.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 20 includes a memory array 21, an address counter 22, a memory controller 23, an ID comparator 24, an operation code decoder 25, an I / O controller 26, and an identification data rewriting unit. 27. In the configuration of the storage device 20, the address counter 22, the ID comparator 24, the operation code decoder 25, and the I / O controller 26 correspond to the communication control unit 30 that controls the operation of the normal access mode described later.

  The memory array 21 is a memory such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM that retains the storage content in a nonvolatile manner and can rewrite the storage content, and has a storage area of a predetermined capacity such as 256 bits. The memory array 21 stores identification data 210 and unique data 211. The identification data 210 is information predetermined according to the type of ink cartridge, that is, the type of ink contained in the ink cartridge, and is stored at the head of the address space of the memory array 21. The unique data 211 is information unique to the cartridge including, for example, time information indicating the date of manufacture of the cartridge C, a serial number, and the like, and is stored in a predetermined storage area set as read-only among the storage areas of the memory array 21. Stored. The memory array 21 corresponds to a storage unit, and among the storage areas of the memory array 21, a storage area that stores identification data 210 corresponding to first identification data is a storage that stores identification data storage unit and unique data 211. The area corresponds to the unique data storage unit.

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

  Further, when the reset signal RST is input, the address counter 22 performs initialization by resetting the count value to the initial value. Here, the initial value may be any value as long as it is associated with the head position of the memory array 21. For example, “0” is used as the initial value.

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

  The ID comparator 24 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, the reset signal terminal RT, the I / O controller 26 and the operation code decoder 25, and the data string 100 input via the data signal terminal DT. Is compared with the identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 to determine whether or not they match. The ID comparator 24 also stores a 3-bit first register 240 that stores the ID data 110 input from the host computer 10 and identification data 210 acquired from the memory array 21 via the I / O controller 26. And a second register 241. The ID comparator 24 permits access from the host computer 10 to the memory array 21 when the ID data 110 stored in the first register 240 matches the identification data 210 stored in the second register 241. An access permission signal EN to that effect is sent to the operation code decoder 25.

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

  The operation code decoder 25 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, the ID comparator 24, and the I / O controller 26, and acquires the read / write command 120 from the data string 100 sent from the host computer 10. To do. When the access permission signal EN is input from the ID comparator 24, the operation code decoder 25 analyzes the acquired read / write command 120 and sends a write processing request or a read processing request to the I / O controller according to the analysis result. 26.

  The I / O controller 26 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, the reset signal terminal RT, the memory controller 23, and the operation code decoder 25, and transfers data to the memory array 21 in accordance with a request from the operation code decoder 25. The direction and the data transfer direction for the data signal terminal DT are switched and controlled.

  Further, the I / O controller 26 performs initialization by inputting a reset signal RST. The initialization of the I / O controller 26 sets the data transfer direction with respect to the memory array 21 to the read direction, and sets the signal line connected to the data signal terminal DT to high impedance, thereby transferring data to the data signal terminal DT. This is done by banning. The initialized state is maintained until a write processing request or a read processing request is input from the operation code decoder 25. Therefore, data of the first 4 bits of the data string 100 input via the data signal terminal DT after the reset signal RST is input is not written to the memory array 21.

  When accessing the storage device 20 from the host computer 10, the host computer 10 sends the data string 100 including the ID data 110 corresponding to the device to be accessed to each storage device 20 via the data bus DB. On each storage device 20 side, the ID comparator 24 compares the ID data 110 sent from the host computer 10 with the identification data 210 of its own device, and permits access to the memory array 21 if they match. Thus, data communication is performed between the storage device 20 to be accessed and the host computer 10. The operation mode of the storage device 20 when performing such an operation is referred to as a normal access mode.

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

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

  The storage device 20 is provided with an identification data rewriting unit 27 for performing the operation in the identification data rewriting mode. The identification data rewriting unit 27 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, the data signal terminal DT, the reset signal terminal RT, and the I / O controller 26. As shown in FIG. 6, the mode switching control unit 270, the number of clocks A counting unit (second counting unit) 271, a rewriting notification pulse sending unit (sending unit) 272, a rewriting notification pulse counting unit (first counting unit) 273, and a rewriting processing unit (rewriting unit) 274; doing.

  The mode switching control unit 270 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT and the reset signal terminal RT, and switches between the normal access mode and the identification data rewriting mode according to the level of the clock signal SCK and the level of the reset signal RST. Control. In this embodiment, the mode switching control unit 270 rewrites the identification data from the host computer 10 at the timing when the level of the reset signal RST rises from low to high during the period when the level of the clock signal SCK is high. When it is determined that the transition to the mode has been requested, the mode shifts to the identification data rewriting mode. However, the form of the transfer request from the host computer 10 is not limited to this. For example, when a predetermined command is received from the host computer 10, the transfer to the identification data rewriting mode may be performed.

  The clock number counting unit 271 is connected to the clock signal terminal CT, and after switching to the identification data rewriting mode, counts the number of clock pulses included in the clock signal SCK.

  The rewrite notification pulse sending unit 272 is connected to the data signal terminal DT, and sends a rewrite notification pulse indicating that the device itself rewrites identification data from the data signal line DL to the other storage device 20 via the data bus DB. To do. In this embodiment, the rewrite notification pulse is transmitted by outputting a pulse having a predetermined waveform on the data signal line DL, and this pulse is transmitted to each storage device 20 and the host computer 10 via the data bus DB. Is done. The rewrite notification pulse count unit 273 is connected to the data signal terminal DT and the rewrite processing unit 274, and calculates the number N2 of rewrite notification pulses transmitted from the other storage device 20 and input via the data signal line DL. Count.

  The rewrite processing unit 274 is connected to the I / O controller 26 and controls rewriting of the identification data 210 in the identification data rewrite mode. The rewrite processing unit 274 acquires the unique data 211 stored in the memory array 21 via the I / O controller 26, and the timing at which the count value of the clock number counting unit 271 reaches a value corresponding to the unique data 211 Thus, a process for causing the rewrite notification pulse sending unit 272 to send a rewrite notification pulse is performed. As a result, each of the other storage devices 20 connected via the data bus DB and the host computer 10 are notified that the own device that is the source of the rewrite notification pulse rewrites the identification data 210. Further, the rewrite processing unit 274 determines the update identification data 212 from the number of rewrite notification pulses that have been input from the other storage device 20 when the rewrite notification pulse is transmitted, and the I / O controller 26 Thus, the process of rewriting the identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 with the update identification data 212 is performed.

  Next, an outline of the operation in the identification data rewriting mode will be described. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the reset signal RST, the clock signal SCK, and the data signal SDA in the identification data rewriting mode. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a rewrite notification pulse is transmitted in the identification data rewrite mode. 7 and 8, the unique data 211 of the storage device 20a is “126”, the unique data 211 of the storage device 20b is “6”, the unique data 211 of the storage device 20c is “237”, and the unique data of the storage device 20d. An example in which 211 is “15” is shown.

  First, after power is supplied to each storage device, in order to determine whether it operates in the normal access mode or the identification rewrite mode, the mode switching control unit 270 of each storage device receives the clock signal SCK and When monitoring the reset signal RST and detecting a level change in which the level of the reset signal RST changes to high during a period in which the level of the clock signal SCK is high (time T0 in FIG. 7), the host computer 10 It is determined that the transition to the identification data rewriting mode has been requested, and the process proceeds to the identification data rewriting mode. Since the signals constituting the transfer request are input to the storage devices 20a to 20d via the clock bus CB and the reset bus RB, the storage devices 20a to 20d simultaneously shift to the identification data rewriting mode.

  When shifting to the identification data rewriting mode, in each of the storage devices 20a to 20d, the clock number counting unit 271 starts counting the number of pulses N1 of the clock signal SCK, and the count proceeds simultaneously between the storage devices 20a to 20d. Next, of the storage devices 20a to 20d, the storage device 20 whose count value of the pulse number N1 has reached the value of the unique data 211 of its own device sends a rewrite notification pulse to another storage device 20 via the data bus DB. Send it out.

  7 and 8, the unique data 211 (= 6) of the storage device 20b is the smallest among the storage devices 20a to 20d. For this reason, when the count value N1 of the number of pulses of the clock signal SCK becomes “6” (time T1), the storage device 20b sends the rewrite notification pulse P1 to the data bus DB via the data signal line DL (FIG. 8 ( a)). As a result, the rewrite notification pulse P1 from the storage device 20b is input to the other storage devices 20a, 20c, and 20d, and the rewrite notification pulse P1 input count N2 for each storage device 20 is the storage device 20a. The number of inputs N2 = 1, the number of inputs N2 of the storage device 20b = 0, the number of inputs N2 of the storage device 20c = 1, and the number of inputs N2 of the storage device 20d = 1. At this time, the storage device 20b that has transmitted the rewrite notification pulse determines its own update identification data 212 from the number N2 = 0 of its own rewrite notification pulse input. In this embodiment, the value obtained by adding 1 to the number of times of input N2 is used as the update identification data 212, and the update identification data in the storage device 20b is determined to be “1”. Of course, the method for determining the update identification data 212 from the number N2 of input of the rewrite notification pulse is not limited to this. For example, the number N2 of inputs itself may be used as the update identification data. The value converted by the above may be used as update identification data.

  Next, when the count value N1 by the clock number counting unit 271 reaches the value (= 15) of the unique data 211 of the storage device 20d having the second smallest value (time T2), the storage device 20d is rewritten to the data bus DB. A notification pulse P2 is sent out (see FIG. 8B). As a result, the input count N2 = 2 of the storage device 20a, the input count N2 = 2 of the storage device 20c, and the input count N2 = 1 of the storage device 20d are obtained. The storage device 20d that has transmitted the rewrite notification pulse determines the update identification data 212 of the storage device 20d to be “2”, which is obtained by adding 1 to its own input count N2.

  Next, when the count value N1 by the clock number counting unit 271 reaches the value (= 126) of the unique data 211 of the storage device 20a having the third smallest value (time T3), the storage device 20a is rewritten to the data bus DB. A notification pulse P3 is transmitted (see FIG. 8C). As a result, the number of inputs N2 = 2 of the storage device 20a and the number of inputs N2 = 3 of the storage device 20c are obtained. The storage device 20a that has transmitted the rewrite notification pulse determines the update identification data 212 of the storage device 20a to be “3”, which is obtained by adding 1 to the number of times of input N2.

  Next, when the count value N1 by the clock number counting unit 271 reaches the value (= 237) of the specific data 211 of the storage device 20c (time T4), the storage device 20c sends a rewrite notification pulse P4 to the data bus DB. (See FIG. 8D). The storage device 20d that has transmitted the rewrite notification pulse determines the update identification data 212 of the storage device 20a to be “4”, which is obtained by adding 1 to the number N2 of rewrite notification pulses input.

  As described above, in the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, the update identification data 212 is determined in ascending order of the value of the specific data 211 for the storage devices 20a to 20d within the range of data communication via the data bus DB. The update identification data 212 of the storage device 20b is “1”, the update identification data 212 of the storage device 20d is “2”, the update identification data 212 of the storage device 20a is “3”, and the update identification data 212 of the storage device 20c is “4”. Is decided. Therefore, the update identification data 212 of each storage device 20 is unique within the range of data communication via the data bus DB and is unique. Then, each storage device 20 rewrites the identification data 210 stored in its own memory array 21 with the update identification data 212, so that there is no duplication among the plurality of cartridges C mounted on the printer, and the data bus DB The unique identification data 210 is set within the range of data communication via.

  The rewrite notification pulse sent to the data bus DB is also input to the host computer 10. The control circuit 15 of the host computer 10 specifies the range of identification data assigned to the storage device 20 of the mounted cartridge by counting the number of input rewrite notification pulses. In the examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, since the write notification pulses P1 to P4 are input to the host computer 10 a total of four times, identification data “1” to “4” is assigned to the storage devices 20a to 20d. Recognize that Thereafter, the host computer 10 accesses each storage device 20 using these identification data.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing performed by the host computer 10 and processing performed by the storage device 20. Hereinafter, processing performed in the communication system 1 will be described in detail according to the flowchart of FIG. 9.

  The process of FIG. 9 is started when the ink jet printer is turned on, or when the ink cartridge or the cleaning cartridge is replaced. When the processing is started, the control circuit 15 of the host computer 10 determines whether or not a condition for shifting to the identification data rewriting mode is satisfied (step S10). Examples of the conditions for shifting to the identification data rewrite mode are established when the user moves to the cleaning mode for cleaning the flow path in the ink jet head by the cleaning cartridge attached to the printer, or by the host computer. As a result of trying to access the storage device 20 of the cartridge C mounted on the printer from 10, there are cases where access was not possible because a plurality of cartridges C of the same type were mounted. When the condition for shifting to the identification data rewriting mode is satisfied (step S10: Yes), the control circuit 15 supplies power to the storage device 20 by the power supply circuit 12 (step S11). Then, by making the level of the clock signal SCK high and the level of the reset signal RST high, the storage devices 20a to 20d of each cartridge mounted on the printer are requested to shift to the identification data rewriting mode. (Step S12). If the condition for shifting to the identification data rewriting mode is not satisfied (step S10: No), the process in FIG. 9 ends.

  On the other hand, when the storage device 20 is supplied with power from the host computer 10, the storage device 20 is turned on and activated, and the mode switching control unit 270 of the identification data rewriting unit 27 monitors the clock signal SCK and the reset signal RST. (Step S20). Thereafter, when a combination of signals in which the clock signal SCK is high and the reset signal RST is high is detected, it is determined that there is a request for shifting to the identification data rewriting mode (step S21), and the mode switching control unit 270 Then, the storage device 20 is shifted to the identification data rewriting mode (step S22). As a result, the storage device 20 operates in the identification data rewriting mode (step S23). Since the migration request sent from the host computer 10 is sent to each of the storage devices 20a to 20d via the clock bus CB and the reset bus RB, each of the plurality of storage devices 20a to 20d can simultaneously execute the identification data rewriting mode. Migrate to

  Next, the operation in the identification data rewriting mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When shifting to the identification data rewriting mode, the rewriting processing unit 274 causes the clock number counting unit 271 to start counting the number of pulses N1 of the clock signal SCK (step S30).

  Next, in steps S31 to S33, the number N2 of rewrite notification inputs is counted until the pulse number N1 of the clock signal SCK becomes equal to the value of the specific data 211. Here, the rewrite notification pulse counting unit 273 determines whether or not a rewrite notification pulse is input from another storage device 20, and when it is input (step S31: Yes), the count value is incremented by one (step S31). S32). If it is determined in step S31 that the rewrite notification pulse is not input (step S31: No), the process proceeds to step S33 without incrementing the count value of the number of times of input. In step S33, the rewrite processing unit 274 determines whether the pulse number N1 of the clock signal SCK is equal to the value of the unique data 211, and when the pulse number N1 of the clock signal SCK is smaller than the value of the unique data 211 (step S33). : No), it returns to step S31 and repeats the process of steps S31-S32. When the number of pulses N1 of the clock signal SCK becomes equal to the value of the unique data 211 (step S33: Yes), the process proceeds to step S34. Thereby, each storage device 20a-20d performs the process after step S34 in the timing which mutually differs according to the value of the own specific data 211. FIG.

  When the process proceeds to step S34, the rewrite notification pulse sending unit 272 outputs a rewrite notification pulse from the data signal line DL to the other storage device 20 via the data bus DB. At this time, the other storage device 20 receives a rewrite notification pulse. Next, the rewrite processing unit 274 determines the update identification data 212 based on the number N2 of rewrite notification pulse inputs (step S35), and the own device stored in the memory array 21 via the I / O controller 26. The identification data 210 is rewritten to update identification data 212 (step S36).

  By the operation of the identification data rewriting mode described above, for example, even when a plurality of cleaning cartridges are mounted on the printer, the memory array 21 of each storage device 20 of the plurality of cartridges has a data bus DB. The unique identification data 210 is stored within the range of data communication via. As a result, the normal access mode operation using the rewritten identification data is thereafter performed on the storage device 20 side.

  Returning to the processing of FIG. 9, the host computer 10 counts the number of rewrite notification pulses input via the data bus DB, and adds “1” to the number N2 of rewrite notification pulse inputs. The update identification data 212 assigned to the plurality of storage devices 20 is obtained by obtaining the update identification information from the number of times of input N2 in the same manner as the storage device 20 (step S13). As a result, the storage device 20 can be subsequently accessed using the update identification data 212 as the ID data 110.

  Next, the host computer 10 sets the reset signal to low (step S15), and then shuts off the power supply to the storage device 20 to turn off the storage device 20 (step S16). On the storage device 20 side, when it is detected that the reset signal is low, the identification data rewriting unit 27 is initialized (step S24), and then the power supply from the host computer 10 is interrupted to turn off the power. (Step S25).

  Next, the operation in the normal access mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process shown in FIG. 11 is started when the ink jet printer is turned on, when the ink cartridge is replaced, when the print job ends, when the power of the ink jet printer is shut off, and the like. When the processing is started, the host computer 10 supplies power to the storage device 20 (step S40) and sets the reset signal RST to high (step S41).

  On the other hand, when the storage device 20 receives power from the host computer 10, the storage device 20 is turned on and activated (step S50). When the reset signal RST is detected to be high, the storage device 20 20 is reset (step S51). By resetting the storage device 20, the address counter 22 clears the count value, and the ID comparator 24 clears the first register 240 and the second register 241. The I / O controller 26 sets the data transfer direction with respect to the memory array 21 to the read direction, and prohibits data transfer by setting the signal line connected to the data signal terminal DT to high impedance.

  When the storage device 20 is reset, data communication according to the data string 100 is then started between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20. Here, the host computer 10 first transmits the ID data 110 (step S42), and the storage device 20 receives the ID data 110 from the host computer 10 (step S52). At this time, the ID comparator 24 stores the ID data 110 in the first register 240.

  Next, the ID comparator 24 acquires the identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 via the I / O controller 26, stores it in the second register 241, and stores the ID data 110 stored in the first register 240. Then, it is determined whether or not the identification data 210 stored in the second register 241 matches (step S53). If the ID data 110 and the identification data 210 match (step S53: Yes), data communication according to the data string 100 is performed between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 (step S43), and the memory array 21 Access control is performed. On the storage device 20 side, the operation code decoder 25 and the I / O controller 26 perform processing according to the received write command 120, write data 130, and read command 150, thereby writing from the host computer 10 to the memory array 21. Alternatively, the read access is controlled (step S54). If it is determined in step S53 that the ID data 110 and the identification data 210 do not match (step S53: No), access from the host computer 10 to the memory array 21 is prohibited.

  When the data communication between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 is completed, the host computer 10 sets the reset signal to low (step S44), and then shuts off the power supply to the storage device 20 to thereby store the storage device 20. Is turned off (step S45). On the storage device 20 side, when it is detected that the reset signal is low, the identification data rewriting unit 27 is initialized (step S55), and then the power supply from the host computer 10 is interrupted to turn off the power. (Step S56).

  According to the first embodiment described above, each of the storage devices 20a to 20d of the communication system 1 allows the identification data 213 stored in the memory array 21 to be transmitted via the data bus DB by the operation of the identification data rewriting mode. The update identification data 212 is rewritten to be unique within the range of the data communication. Accordingly, even when a plurality of cartridges C of the same type such as a cleaning cartridge are mounted on the printer, the host computer 10 subsequently operates in the normal access mode by performing the operation of the identification data rewriting mode. The storage device 20 of each operating cartridge can be individually accessed.

  In addition, each of the storage devices 20a to 20d receives a rewrite notification pulse via the data bus DB when the count value of the clock signal SCK reaches the value of the unique data 211 that it has, that is, at a unique timing based on the unique data 211. Is sent out. For this reason, the plurality of rewrite notification pulses are simultaneously sent to the data bus DB, so that each storage device 20 does not erroneously count the number N2 of rewrite notification pulse inputs. It can be rewritten to be surely unique within the range.

  Even when the unique data 211 is used as the update identification data 212 as it is, the update identification data 212 is unique within the range of data communication. Therefore, the host computer 10 can individually access the storage device 20 of each cartridge. Is possible. However, since the unique data 211 includes the date of manufacture and the serial number of the product, the information amount of the update identification data 212 increases. In the first embodiment, the update identification data 212 is determined from the number N2 of rewrite notification pulse inputs. Therefore, for example, as compared with the case where the unique data 211 is used as it is as the update identification data 212, the information of the update identification data 212 is changed. The amount is smaller. Therefore, the storage area for storing the identification data 210 rewritten to the update identification data 212 can be reduced. Further, since the information amount of the ID data 110 included in the data string 100 can be reduced corresponding to the reduction of the information amount of the identification data 210, the data communication between the host computer 10 and the storage device 20 can be speeded up.

  In addition, when the clock signal SCK and the reset signal RST become high, control is performed so as to shift to the identification data rewriting mode, so that a special signal for executing the operation of the identification data rewriting mode is transmitted. It is not necessary to newly provide a circuit configuration such as signal lines and terminals in the storage device 20, and the circuit scale of the storage device can be reduced.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the identification data 210 stored in the memory array 21 is rewritten to the update identification data 212. However, in the second embodiment, a part of the identification data is rewritten with the update identification data 212. In the following, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 12 shows a data structure of identification data according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the identification data 213 includes additional identification data 214 and fixed identification data 215. For example, among the 8-bit identification data 213, the upper 4 bits are the additional identification data 214 and the lower Four bits are fixed identification data 215.

  The additional identification data 214 has a predetermined value such as “0000” as an initial value, for example, and the rewrite processing unit 274 rewrites the additional identification data 214 to the updated identification data 212 by the operation in the identification data rewriting mode. One fixed identification data 215 is identification information determined in accordance with the type of cartridge, that is, the type of ink or cleaning liquid to be stored, and the rewrite processing unit 274 does not rewrite the fixed identification data 215. The fixed identification data 215 corresponds to the third identification data, and the additional identification data 214 corresponds to the fourth identification data.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of identification data 213 before and after rewriting in the identification data rewriting mode. As shown in FIG. 13A, in the identification data 213 before rewriting, the initial value of the additional identification data 214 is “0000”, and the fixed identification data 215 indicates “0110” indicating that it is a cleaning cartridge. It has become. Therefore, the bit string of the identification data 213 before rewriting is “00000110”.

  When the identification data is rewritten in the identification data rewriting mode, as shown in FIG. 13B, the additional identification data 214 is rewritten while the fixed identification data 215 is not rewritten. The example of FIG. 13 corresponds to the storage device 20a described in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the first embodiment, and the update identification data of the storage device 20a is “3”. The data 214 is rewritten to “0011”. Therefore, the bit string of the identification data 213 after rewriting in the identification data rewriting mode is “00111010”. Since the rewritten identification data 213 includes the additional identification data 214, the identification data 213 has a unique value between the storage devices 20 attached to the printer 1.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the identification data 213 unique among the storage devices 20 is rewritten by rewriting the additional identification data 214 which is a part of the identification data 213 in the identification data rewriting mode. Therefore, the storage device 20 can be individually accessed from the host computer 10 as in the first embodiment.

  Further, even after the identification data 213 is rewritten in the identification data rewriting mode, the fixed identification data 215 is not rewritten, so that information “0110” indicating that it is a cleaning cartridge remains. Thus, for example, when a cleaning cartridge whose identification data 213 has been rewritten in the identification data rewriting mode is mounted on another printer, the other printer determines from the fixed identification data 215 and mounts the mounted cartridge. Can be determined as a cleaning cartridge. Therefore, even after the identification data 210 is rewritten once in the identification data rewriting mode, it can be used in the same manner as a cartridge that has not been rewritten, and a cartridge that is more convenient to use can be provided.

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

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an inspection system according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the inspection system 2 includes an inspection device 40, and a plurality of ink cartridges are mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 41 of the inspection device 40. The inspection apparatus 40 includes a host computer 42. The host computer 42 is connected to the clock signal line CL, the data signal line DL, and the reset signal line RL via the clock bus CB, the data bus DB, and the reset bus RB, respectively. And connected to the storage device 20 of each ink cartridge. That is, in the inspection apparatus 40, a communication system having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is constructed.

  The operation of the inspection system 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. For example, when a predetermined operation instructing the start of inspection is performed in a state where a plurality of ink cartridges to be inspected are mounted on the inspection device 40, the process of FIG. 15 is started. When the processing is started, the inspection device 40 supplies power to the storage device 20 and turns on the power (step S60), and then sets the level of the clock signal SCK and the level of the reset signal RST to high. Thus, the storage device 20 of each mounted ink cartridge is requested to shift to the identification data rewriting mode (step S61).

  On the other hand, when the power is supplied from the inspection device 40, the storage device 20 is turned on and activated, and the mode switching control unit 270 of the identification data rewriting unit 27 makes a request to shift to the identification data rewriting mode. Until then, the clock signal SCK and the reset signal RST are monitored (step S70). When a combination of signals in which the clock signal SCK is high and the reset signal RST is high is detected, it is determined that there is a request for shifting to the identification data rewriting mode (step S71), and the storage device 20 rewrites the identification data. The mode is shifted to the mode (step S72), and the identification data rewriting mode is performed (step S73). Since the transfer request sent from the inspection device 40 is sent to each of the storage devices 20a to 20d via the clock bus CB and the reset bus RB, each of the plurality of storage devices 20a to 20d can simultaneously execute the identification data rewriting mode. Migrate to When the operation of the identification data rewriting mode is finished, the mode shifts to the normal access mode (step S74). Since the operation in the identification data rewriting mode is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Further, when the storage device 20 is operating in the identification data rewriting mode, the host computer 42 of the inspection device 40 counts the number of input rewrite notification pulses input via the data bus DB, and is the same as the storage device 20. The update identification data 212 assigned to the plurality of storage devices 20 is obtained by obtaining the update identification information from the number of times of input N2 by the method (step S62). Next, when the inspection device 40 accesses the storage device 20 using the update identification data 212 as the ID data 110 (step S63), data communication according to the data string 100 is performed between the inspection device 40 and the storage device 20. Thus, access control to the memory array 21 is performed (step S75). At this time, the inspection device 40 performs an operation inspection of the storage device 20 by causing each storage device 20 to perform an operation of writing information to and reading information from the memory array 21 (step S64). When the operation inspection is finished, the inspection device 40 turns off the power supply of the storage device 20 by cutting off the power supply to the storage device 20 (step S65). On the other hand, on the storage device 20 side, the power supply from the inspection device 40 is cut off and the power supply is turned off (step S76).

  According to the inspection system 2 described above, the host computer 42 of the inspection device 40 individually accesses each storage device 20 of the plurality of ink cartridges attached to the inspection device 40 to check the operation of each storage device 20. It can be performed. Therefore, for example, the man-hours required for the inspection of the ink cartridge can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where the operation inspection is performed by mounting the ink cartridges one by one in the inspection apparatus.

  The first to third embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Of course, the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Various modes can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Hereinafter, modified examples will be described.

(Modification 1)
In the first and second embodiments, the case where a plurality of cleaning cartridges are mounted is described as an example in which a plurality of cartridges of the same type are mounted on the printer. However, an example of a cartridge including a storage device is described. It is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a printer configured to be able to mount a plurality of ink cartridges containing black ink in order to increase the number of printable sheets for monochrome printing, each of the black ink cartridges is provided by the operation of the identification data rewriting mode. The storage device 20 can be individually accessed. Of course, the ink color of the same type of ink cartridge is not limited to black.

(Modification 2)
In the first to third embodiments, the identification data 210 and the unique data 211 are stored in the memory array 21 of the storage device 20. However, a storage unit different from the memory array 21 is provided in the storage device 20. It is good also as a structure which provides and stores one or both of the identification data 210 and the specific data 211 in this memory | storage part.

(Modification 3)
In the first to third embodiments, the configuration including the storage device 20 for storing the ink cartridge information in the ink cartridge for the ink jet printer has been described. However, the storage device and the communication system according to the present invention are in this mode. It is not limited to. The present invention can be applied to a storage device provided in various replacement parts such as a toner cartridge and a developing unit of a laser printer, and a communication system including the storage device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system, 10 ... Host computer, 20 ... Storage device, 21 ... Storage part, Identification data storage part, Memory array as unique data storage part, 27 ... Identification data rewriting unit as rewrite control part, 30 ... Communication control Part, 100 ... data string, 110 ... ID data as second identification data, 210 ... identification data as first identification data, 211 ... unique data, 212 ... update identification data, 214 ... as fourth identification data 215 ... fixed identification data as third identification data, 270 ... mode switching control unit, 271 ... clock number counting unit as second counting unit, 272 ... rewrite notification pulse sending unit as sending unit 273: Rewrite notification pulse count unit as a first count unit, 274: Rewrite as a rewrite unit Processing unit, C ... cartridge as liquid container, CT ... clock signal terminal, DT ... data signal terminal, RT ... reset signal terminal, SCK ... clock signal, SDA ... data signal, RST ... reset signal, P1-P4 ... rewrite Notification pulse.

Claims (12)

A storage device that performs data communication via a data signal terminal,
A storage unit;
An identification data storage unit for storing first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit;
A unique data storage unit for storing unique data of the storage device;
Controlling the operation in the normal access mode for permitting access to the storage unit by comparing the second identification data with the first identification data for the access including the second identification data designating the access destination A communication control unit;
A rewrite control unit for controlling an operation of an identification data rewriting mode for rewriting the first identification data,
The rewrite control unit
A storage device comprising: a rewriting unit that determines update identification data based on the unique data and rewrites the first identification data with the update identification data. The storage device according to claim 1,
The data signal terminal receives a rewrite notification pulse for notifying that the transmission source device rewrites the first identification data,
The rewrite control unit
A sending section for sending a rewrite notification pulse for notifying that the transmission source device rewrites the first identification data through the data signal terminal at a timing determined by the specific data;
A first count unit that counts the number of times the rewrite notification pulse is input to the data signal terminal before the rewriting notification pulse is transmitted by the transmission unit;
The rewriting unit
The storage device, wherein the update identification data is determined based on a count value of the first count unit. The storage device according to claim 2.
It has a clock signal terminal to which the clock signal is input,
The rewrite control unit
A second counting unit that counts the number of pulses included in the clock signal;
The storage device, wherein the transmission unit transmits the rewrite notification pulse when a count value of the second count unit reaches a value corresponding to the unique data. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first identification data includes third identification data and fourth identification data,
The rewriting unit rewrites the fourth identification data of the first identification data with the update identification data. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A clock signal terminal to which a clock signal is input and a reset signal terminal to which a reset signal is input;
The storage device, wherein the rewrite control unit executes an operation of an identification data rewrite mode when the level of the reset signal changes during a period in which the clock signal maintains a high level. A storage device that performs data communication via a data signal terminal,
A storage unit;
An identification data storage unit for storing first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit;
Controlling the operation in the normal access mode for permitting access to the storage unit by comparing the second identification data with the first identification data for the access including the second identification data designating the access destination A communication control unit;
A rewrite control unit for controlling an operation of an identification data rewriting mode for rewriting the first identification data,
The data signal terminal receives a rewrite notification pulse for notifying that the transmission source device rewrites the first identification data,
The rewrite control unit
A sending unit for sending a rewrite notification pulse for notifying that the device as a sending source rewrites the first identification data via the data signal terminal;
A first count unit that counts the number of times the rewrite notification pulse is input to the data signal terminal before the rewriting notification pulse is transmitted by the transmission unit;
And a rewriting unit that determines the update identification data based on a count value of the first count unit and rewrites the first identification data with the update identification data. A liquid container including a storage device that performs data communication via a data signal terminal,
The storage device
A storage unit;
An identification data storage unit for storing first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit;
A unique data storage unit for storing unique data of the storage device;
Controlling the operation in the normal access mode for permitting access to the storage unit by comparing the second identification data with the first identification data for the access including the second identification information designating the access destination A communication control unit;
A rewrite control unit for controlling an operation of an identification data rewriting mode for rewriting the first identification data,
The rewrite control unit
A liquid container comprising: a rewriting unit that determines update identification data based on the unique data and rewrites the first identification data with the update identification data. The liquid container according to claim 7,
The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the first identification data indicates a type of liquid to be stored. The liquid container according to claim 7 or 8,
A liquid container, wherein the liquid to be stored is a cleaning liquid. A communication system in which a plurality of storage devices are connected via a bus,
Each storage device
A storage unit;
An identification data storage unit for storing first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit;
A unique data storage unit for storing unique data of the storage device;
Controlling the operation in the normal access mode for permitting access to the storage unit by comparing the second identification data with the first identification data for the access including the second identification information designating the access destination A communication control unit;
A rewrite control unit for controlling an operation of an identification data rewriting mode for rewriting the first identification data,
The rewrite control unit
A communication system comprising: a rewriting unit that determines update identification data based on the unique data and rewrites the first identification data with the update identification data. A control method for a storage device having a storage unit and an identification data storage unit for storing first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit and performing data communication via a data signal terminal. ,
A step of operating in a normal access mode for permitting access to the storage unit by comparing the second identification information with the first identification data for an access including second identification information designating an access destination; ,
And determining the update identification data based on the unique data of the storage device, and operating in an identification data rewriting mode for rewriting the first identification data with the update identification data. Method. An inspection method for a storage device having a storage unit and an identification data storage unit for storing first identification data for identifying access to the storage unit and performing data communication via a data signal terminal ,
Determining update identification data based on unique data of the storage device, and causing each of the plurality of storage devices to execute an operation of an identification data rewrite mode in which the first identification data is rewritten to the update identification data;
Each of the plurality of storage devices is permitted to access the storage unit by comparing the second identification information with the first identification data for the access including the second identification information designating the access destination. Operating in normal access mode,
Inspecting the operation of the storage device by accessing the storage unit of the storage device operating in the normal access mode by including the second identification information corresponding to the first rewritten identification data And a method for inspecting a storage device.

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