JP2020179586A - Printing device, server device, and consumable supply - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent deterioration in printing quality and trouble a device by permitting and authenticating only appropriate consumable supplies.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises: first collating means 12 that collates a password generated by a printing device 2 on the basis of an ID memorized in an ink cartridge 150K with a first password generated based on the ID and memorized in a memory 153K; second collating means 13 that collates a password generated by the printing device 2 on the basis of position information on the printing device 2 with a second password generated based on position information on the ink cartridge 150 and memorized in the memory 153K; determining means 19 that when a use situation code is inputted thereto, determines whether or not the ink cartridge 150K is used for the first time on the basis of frequency information and machine information; and authenticating means 16 that when collated results by the first collating means 12 and the second collating means 13 are identical to each other and when the determining means 19 determines that the ink cartridge 150K is used for the first time, permits and authenticates the cartridge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device, a server device, and a consumable item that prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure by permitting and authenticating only appropriate consumables.

In the printing apparatus, various consumables such as ink cartridges and stencil base paper are detachably provided depending on the printing method.

For example, in an inkjet printing device, an ink cartridge in which ink is stored for each color is detachably provided as a consumable item, ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to the inkjet head, and ink is printed from a nozzle of the inkjet head. Print images and characters by ejecting toward.

At this time, if an inappropriate ink cartridge is mounted on the inkjet printing device and used, for example, the ink aggregates, the aggregated ink blocks the nozzles and causes ejection failure, or the ink landed on the paper bleeds. , Image edge defects, etc. may occur. These defects have caused deterioration in the quality of printed images. Further, when the ink aggregates, an excessive load is applied to each device in the device, which may cause a device failure.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1, information is transmitted between the mounted consumables and the main body device, and consumables information installed in the consumables (for example, compatible model information, matching parameter setting information, manufacturing date). A technique relating to an image recording device for collating characteristics based on (such as date) is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-18507

However, the image recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above has a problem that the accuracy of collation is low because the characteristics are collated based on the transmitted consumables information.

If the collation accuracy is low, inappropriate consumables may be attached, which may cause deterioration of printed image quality or failure of the printing apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides printing devices, server devices, and consumables that prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure by permitting and authenticating only appropriate consumables. The purpose.

In order to achieve the above object, the features of the printing apparatus according to the present invention are
A printing device in which a consumable having a memory is mounted inside and printing is performed using the mounted consumable.
The first collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and the first collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory. The first collation means for collating with the collation information of 2 and
The third collation information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is collated with the fourth collation information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumables and stored in the memory. Second collation means to
Whether or not the consumable is first mounted on the printing device based on the number of mountings corresponding to the printing device acquired from a server having usage status information including the number of times the consumables used in each printing device are mounted. Judgment means to judge
An authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables when the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are in agreement and the determination means determines that the consumables have been attached for the first time. When,
It is to have.

Here, the consumables storage information is information stored in the consumables, for example, location information, an ID, or a combination thereof.

Further, the acquired information of the printing machine is information input from the outside to the printing machine or information acquired by being generated inside the printing machine, and may be acquired at the time of manufacturing or acquired in the distribution process. It may be acquired at the start of use, and the time of acquisition does not matter. For example, the information acquired by the printing press includes an ID input from the outside such as connected consumables, a clock, or other input device, destination information (position information), ink remaining amount information, time information, or a combination thereof, or a printing press. This includes time information acquired inside the printing press by a built-in clock or the like, and position information acquired inside the printing press by the GPS (Global Positioning System) function built into the printing press.

In addition, the acquisition information of consumables is information input from the outside to the consumables or information acquired by being generated inside the consumables, and may be acquired at the time of manufacturing or acquired in the distribution process. It may be acquired at the start of use, and the acquisition time does not matter. For example, the acquired information includes an ID input from the outside such as a connected printing device, a clock, or other input device, destination information (position information), ink remaining amount information, time information, or a combination thereof, or a clock with built-in consumables. Such as the time information acquired inside the consumables and the position information acquired inside the consumables by the GPS (Global Positioning System) function built in the consumables.

According to the characteristics of the printing device, the server device, and the consumables according to the present invention, deterioration of print quality and device failure can be prevented by permitting and authenticating only appropriate consumables.

It is a figure explaining the structure of the printing system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the function of the printing apparatus and the ink cartridge included in the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which showed the processing procedure of the usage status code issuance processing in the mobile terminal and server which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which showed the processing procedure of the authentication processing in the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which showed the processing procedure of the authentication processing in the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent parts and components are designated by the same or equivalent reference numerals throughout the drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and differ from the actual ones. In addition, it goes without saying that the drawings include parts having different dimensional relationships and ratios from each other.

Further, the embodiments shown below exemplify an apparatus or the like for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the technical idea of the present invention describes the material, shape, structure, and the like of each component. The arrangement etc. is not specified as the following. The technical idea of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of claims.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the printing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Overall configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 100 is detachably attached to the mobile terminal 5, the server 4 connected to the mobile terminal 5 via the network 6, the printing device 2, and the printing device 2. It is equipped with ink cartridges 150K, 150C, 150M, and 150Y for each color, which are consumables. A QR code (registered trademark) is printed on the ink cartridges 150K, 150C, 150M, and 150Y. The ink cartridges 150K, 150C, 150M, 150Y and the printing device 2 are referred to as an image forming device 1.

The mobile terminal 5 is a mobile phone equipped with a camera 53 such as a smartphone, and includes a reading means 51 and an input / output interface 52.

The reading means 51 cuts out the QR code image Q1 captured by the camera 53, analyzes the cut out QR code image Q1, and thereby connects the serial numbers (S / N) of the ink cartridges 150K, 150C, 150M, and 150Y. Extract the address of the site of the destination server 4.

The input / output interface 52 has, for example, a touch panel and a liquid crystal display panel (none of which is shown) arranged on the back surface of the touch panel and displaying various display screens. The user can perform various operations on the display screen by touching the surface of the touch panel with a finger or the like while looking at the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel.

Further, the input / output interface 52 has a communication function. For example, the input / output interface 52 transmits an operation signal based on a touch operation by the user, such as an operation requesting issuance of a usage status code, to the server 4. Further, the input / output interface 52 connects to the address extracted by the reading means 51 to display the screen of the site indicated by the address, or displays the serial number (S / N) extracted by the reading means 51 on the server 4. It sends to or receives a usage code from the server 4.

The server 4 provides various services in response to a request from the mobile terminal 5 based on the HTTP protocol. The server 4 includes a communication interface 41, a storage unit 42, and a usage status code generation means 43.

The communication interface 41 provides various data such as display screen data and usage status code to the mobile terminal 5 via the network 6.

The storage unit 42 stores usage status information and a code generation algorithm. The usage status information includes information used when the usage status code is generated by the usage status code generation means 43. Further, as the usage status information, when the usage status code is generated by the usage status code generation means 43, the usage status information used for generating the generated usage status code is stored. The usage status information is the serial number of the ink cartridges 150K, 150C, 150M, 150Y (hereinafter referred to as the cartridge S / N) and the information for identifying the printing device 2 owned by the user (for example, the serial number of the printing device). This is information including machine information (printing device identification information) and number of times information indicating the number of times the ink cartridge 150 has been mounted. The machine information is not limited to the serial number of the printing device, but may be a number arbitrarily assigned so that the printing device 2 owned by the user can be identified. The cartridge S / N and the machine information are transmitted from the mobile terminal 5.

The code generation algorithm is a program used when the usage status code generation means 43 generates a usage status code.

When the usage status code generation means 43 receives the request signal requesting the issuance of the usage status code from the mobile terminal 5, the usage status code is generated by using the code generation algorithm based on the usage status information stored in the storage unit 42. Generate. Specifically, the usage status code generation means 43 requested the issuance of the usage status code by combining the cartridge S / N included in the request signal and the machine information, that is, the ink cartridge 150 was mounted. The number of times information indicating the number of times of wearing and the machine information are subjected to arithmetic processing using a code generation algorithm to generate a usage status code.

For example, when the combination of the cartridge S / N and the machine information included in the request signal is not stored in the usage status information of the storage unit 42, the number of times information indicating that it is the first issue and the request signal The machine information contained in the above is subjected to arithmetic processing using a code generation algorithm to generate a usage status code.

That is, the usage status code is a code generated by performing arithmetic processing using a code generation algorithm based on the number of times information and machine information.

As described above, according to the server 4 provided in the printing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the request signal requesting the issuance of the usage status code is received from the mobile terminal 5, the use stored in the storage unit 42 is received. Since the usage status code is generated using the code generation algorithm based on the status information, how many times the usage status code corresponding to the printing device 2 owned by the user (or multiple printing devices 2 if there are a plurality of printing devices 2) is issued. You can issue a usage code that indicates whether you requested it.

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an ink cartridge and a printing apparatus having a configuration other than the ink cartridge. In FIG. 2, an image forming apparatus in which the ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus is provided. The device 1 will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, 110K corresponding to C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) inks. , The printing paper is conveyed at a speed determined by the printing conditions by an annular transfer belt (not shown) provided on the facing surfaces of the inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, 110K, while being conveyed at a speed determined by the printing conditions. It is printed line by line with the ink ejected from.

Each ink is supplied from an ink bottle provided in a removable ink cartridge, and the ink bottle 151C for supplying C (cyan) ink, the ink bottle 151M for supplying M (magenta) ink, An ink bottle 151Y for supplying Y (yellow) ink and an ink bottle 151K for supplying K (black) ink are provided. In the following, when the ink color is not particular, the ink bottle 151 will be described as a representative. The same applies to other functional parts.

The ink supplied from the ink bottle 151 is temporarily stored in a downstream tank provided on the downstream side of the inkjet head 110 through an ink circulation path formed by a pipe made of resin, metal, or the like. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a downstream tank 120C for storing C (cyan) ink, a downstream tank 120M for storing M (magenta) ink, and a downstream tank 120Y, K (black) for storing Y (yellow) ink. A downstream tank 120K for storing the ink of the above is provided.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a pump 170C, a pump 170M, a pump 170Y, a pump 170K and an upstream tank 130C, an upstream tank 130M, an upstream tank 130Y, and an upstream tank 130K. The ink stored in the downstream tank 120 is sent by a pump to the upstream tank provided on the upstream side of the inkjet head 110. The ink sent to the upstream tank 130 is sent to the inkjet head 110 provided with a large number of nozzles for ejecting ink.

The upstream tank 130 is connected to the common air chamber 172. The common air chamber 172 is provided with a pump 173 and an atmospheric release valve (not shown). The atmospheric release valve is fully closed to send air to the upstream tank 130 by the pump 173, or the atmospheric release valve is fully opened to provide atmospheric pressure. The pressure of the air in the upstream tank 130 is adjusted by adjusting the pressure.

The ink not ejected by the inkjet head 110 is returned to the downstream tank 120. The ink return from the upstream tank 130 to the downstream tank 120 via the inkjet head 110 utilizes the head difference between the upstream tank 130 and the downstream tank 120.

The temperature range for guaranteeing print quality is defined for the ink, and it is necessary to heat the ink when the environmental temperature is low and the ink temperature is below the lower limit temperature at which printing is possible. On the other hand, the driver and the piezo element provided in the inkjet head 110 generate heat when they operate, and it is necessary to suppress the influence of the rise in ink temperature at high temperature due to the heat generated by these and the Joule heat of ink vibration. Therefore, a temperature controller 161 is provided on the ink circulation path, and the ink is heated or cooled by the temperature controller 161.

When an inappropriate ink cartridge is attached to an inkjet printing device having such a configuration, for example, the ink aggregates and the aggregated ink blocks the nozzle of the inkjet head 110, causing ejection failure or being conveyed. The ink that has landed on the printing paper bleeds, causing edge defects in the image. Further, if the ink aggregates in the ink circulation path, an excessive load is applied to the ink liquid feeding means such as the pump 170, which may cause a device failure.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention certifies whether or not the attached ink cartridge can be used in order to prevent deterioration of print quality and failure of the printing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the functions of the printing device 2 and the ink cartridges 150K, 150C, 150M, and 150Y included in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a printing apparatus 2 and ink cartridges 150K, 150C, 150M, 150Y mounted on the printing apparatus 2. It authenticates whether 150K, 150C, 150M, and 150Y can be used respectively. Here, the ink cartridge 150K will be described as an example, but the ink cartridges 150C, 150M, and 150Y also have the same configuration.

The ink cartridge 150K corresponding to the K (black) ink includes an ink bottle 151K and a non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K), respectively.

The non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K) has a memory of 153K and a CPU of 154K, and wirelessly performs data communication with the printing device 2.

The memory 153K includes an ID that uniquely identifies the ink cartridge 150K, a first password that is generated and stored using the first algorithm based on the ID, and attribute data of the ink stored in the ink bottle 151K. The second password generated and stored by using the second algorithm based on the destination information indicating the area where the ink cartridge 150K is used and the usage status code when the permission is authenticated by the authentication means 16 described later are stored. Has been done. The usage status code does not necessarily have to be stored. In addition, the ink attribute data includes ink color information, ink solvent type information, and ink remaining amount information.

The CPU 154K has an arithmetic processing function. For example, the ink residue in the ink bottles 151C, 151M, 151Y, 151K for each ink color is based on the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, 110K. The amount is calculated and stored in the memory 153K as ink remaining amount information. Further, the CPU 154K can also implement the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, the password generation means 14, the position information acquisition means 15, the authentication means 16, and the determination means 19.

Similarly, the ink cartridges 150C, 150M, and 150Y corresponding to C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) inks also have ink bottles 151C, 151M, 151Y and non-contact ICs (reference numerals 152C, 152M, 152Y). ), And wireless data communication with the printing device 2.

The printing device 2 includes a wireless communication means 11, a first collation means 12, a second collation means 13, a password generation means 14, a location information acquisition means 15, an authentication means 16, a memory 18, and a determination means 19. And an operation panel 30.

The wireless communication means 11 establishes wireless communication with the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152), reads various information from the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152), and reads the read information into the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 12. It is supplied to the verification means 13, the password generating means 14, and the like. When wireless communication is performed between the wireless communication means 11 and the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152), the transmitting side adds a random number to transmit, and the receiving side extracts information by deleting the added random number. .. This makes it possible to prevent interception of the information to be communicated.

The first collation means 12 is a password (first) which is static information generated by the password generating means 14 of the printing device 2 based on the ID (consumables storage information) stored in the ink cartridge 150K which is a consumable item. The first password (second collation information) generated based on the ID (consumables storage information) and stored in the memory 153K is collated with the collation information). Here, static information is fixed information that does not change every time collation or authentication is performed.

The second collation means 13 includes a password (third collation information) generated by the password generating means 14 of the printing device 2 based on the position information (acquisition information) of the printing device 2 and the position information (acquisition) of the ink cartridge 150. The second password (fourth collation information) generated based on the information) and stored in the memory 153K is collated.

The password generating means 14 generates a password (first collation information) by using the first algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the ID read by the wireless communication means 11. Further, the password generating means 14 generates a password (third collation information) by using the second algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the position information acquired by the position information acquiring means 15.

The position information acquisition means 15 reads the destination information stored in the memory 18 as the position information of the printing device 2.

When the user inputs the usage status code received by the mobile terminal 5 from the operation panel 30, the determination means 19 analyzes the usage status code using the third algorithm and indicates the number of times the ink cartridge 150K is mounted. The information and the machine information of the printing device 2 owned by the user are extracted. Then, the determination means 19 determines whether or not the ink cartridge 150K has been installed for the first time based on the number of times information and the machine information.

The authentication means 16 sets the ink cartridge 150K when the results of the collation between the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13 match and the determination means 19 determines that the ink cartridge 150K is mounted for the first time. Authenticate with permission.

Further, in the authentication means 16, the results of collation between the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13 are the same, and the ink cartridge 150K is used for the first time by the determination means 19, but the own device is used for machine information. If it is determined that the ink cartridge is not included, the ink cartridge 150K is disallowed for authentication.

Then, the authentication means 16 causes the operation panel 30 to display a message prompting the issuance of the usage status code so that the machine information includes the own device.

The memory 18 generates destination information indicating an area where the image forming apparatus 1 is used, a first algorithm which is a program for generating a password (first collation information), and a password (third collation information). The second algorithm, which is a program for performing the above, and the third algorithm, which is a program for analyzing the usage status code and extracting the number of times information and the machine information, are stored.

The operation panel 30 has, for example, a touch panel and a liquid crystal display panel (none of which is shown) arranged on the back surface of the touch panel and displaying various display screens. The user can perform various operations on the display screen by touching the surface of the touch panel with a finger or the like while looking at the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel.

Further, the operation panel 30 displays a usage status code input screen, and when the usage status code is input by the user's touch operation, the input usage status code is transmitted to the determination means 19.

Further, the operation panel 30 is instructed by the authentication means 16 so that the machine information includes the usage status such as "Read the QR code of the ink cartridge and reissue the usage status code." Display a message prompting you to issue a code.

<Operation of printing system>
Next, the operation of the printing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the printing system 100, since the usage status code issuance process and the authentication process are executed, each of them will be described.

<Usage status code issuance process>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of usage status code issuance processing in the mobile terminal 5 and the server 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the camera 53 of the mobile terminal 5 images the QR code (registered trademark) printed on the ink cartridges 150K, 150C, 150M, 150Y, and the reading means 51 images the QR code captured by the camera 53. Information is read from the image Q1 (step S401). Specifically, the reading means 51 extracts the cartridge S / N and the address of the connection destination site by analyzing the captured QR code image Q1.

Then, the input / output interface 52 of the mobile terminal 5 connects to the site indicated by the connection destination address, and transmits the cartridge S / N to the server 4 (step S403).

Then, the input / output interface 52 opens the site input screen (machine information input screen) based on the HTML data transmitted from the server 4 (step S405).

When the user inputs the machine information of all the printing devices 2 possessed from the input / output interface 52 of the mobile terminal 5 (step S407; YES), the input / output interface 52 requests the issuance of the usage status code. The signal is transmitted to the server 4 via the network 6 (step S409). This request signal includes machine information input from the machine information input screen.

Next, the usage status code generation means 43 of the server 4 determines whether or not the cartridge S / N included in the request signal is stored in the usage status information of the storage unit 42 (step S411).

When it is determined that the cartridge S / N is not stored in the usage status information of the storage unit 42 (step S411; NO), the cartridge S / N is requested to issue the usage status code for the first time. Become.

Therefore, the usage status code generation means 43 generates the first usage status code (step S413). Specifically, the usage status code generation means 43 performs arithmetic processing on the number of times information indicating that it is the first issuance and the machine information included in the request signal by using the code generation algorithm to obtain the usage status code. The storage unit 42 stores the usage status information in which the cartridge S / N generated and used for generation is associated with the machine information and the number of times information indicating that it is the first time.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the cartridge S / N is already stored in the usage status information of the storage unit 42 (step S411; YES), the usage status information including the same cartridge S / N is included in the request signal. It is determined whether or not there is a combination including the same machine information as the machine information to be obtained (step S417).

When it is determined that there is a combination including the same machine information as the machine information included in the request signal (step S417; YES), it can be inferred that the user may have added the printing device 2. For example, the user owns three printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, and then a new printing device 2D is added, and the ink cartridge 150K attached to the printing device 2A is used as the printing device 2D. It is assumed that it is attached.

When the ink cartridge 150K is first attached to the printing device 2A (when the printing device 2A, 2B, and 2C have three printing devices), the first usage status code is issued. At this time, information including a combination of the cartridge S / N of the ink cartridge 150K and the machine information of the printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C is stored as usage status information.

Then, when the issuance of the usage status code is requested based on the cartridge S / N of the ink cartridge 150K mounted on the printing device 2A and the machine information of the printing devices 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, the ink cartridge Since information including a combination of the 150K cartridge S / N and the machine information of the printing devices 2A, 2B, and 2C is stored as the usage status information, the usage status code generating means 43 uses the machine information included in the request signal. It is determined that there is a combination containing the same machine information as.

In this case, it is considered that the appropriate ink cartridge 150 is mounted on the appropriate printing device 2 only by adding the printing device 2D.

Therefore, the usage status code generation means 43 newly generates the first usage status code (step S419). Specifically, the usage status code generation means 43 performs arithmetic processing on the number of times information indicating that it is the first time and the machine information included in the request signal using a code generation algorithm to generate a usage status code. Then, information including the combination of the cartridge S / N of the ink cartridge 150K and the machine information of the printing devices 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D and the number of times information is stored in the storage unit 42 as usage status information.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no combination including the same machine information as the machine information included in the request signal (step S417; NO), the printing device 2 is different from the usage environment when the first usage status code is issued. It can be inferred that is going to be used in the environment where. In this case, improper ink may be refilled in the ink cartridge 150K and attempted to be used in different usage environments.

Therefore, the usage status code generation means 43 generates a usage status code indicating the second use (step S421). Specifically, the usage status code generation means 43 performs arithmetic processing on the number of times information indicating that it is the second time and the machine information included in the request signal using a code generation algorithm to generate a usage status code. To do.

Then, the communication interface 41 transmits the generated usage status code to the mobile terminal 5 via the network 6 (step S423).

<Authentication processing>
5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure of the authentication process in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the ink cartridge 150 is attached to the printing apparatus 2 based on the power on, the return from the power saving mode, or the detection result of a sensor (not shown). When it is detected (step S101; YES), the wireless communication means 11 of the printing device 2 establishes wireless communication with the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K), and the ID and the second from the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K). 1 Read the password (step S103).

Next, the password generating means 14 generates a password (first collation information) using the first algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the ID read by the wireless communication means 11 (step S105).

Then, in the first collation means 12, whether or not the first password (second collation information) read by the wireless communication means 11 and the password (first collation information) generated in step S105 match. Is collated (step S107). Here, since the first password is generated and stored in advance by using the first algorithm based on the ID, when the ink cartridge 150K is a product suitable for the image forming apparatus 1, it is referred to as the first password. , The password generated in step S105 will match.

If the first password and the password generated in step S105 do not match (step S107; NO), the ink cartridge 150K is not a product compatible with the image forming apparatus 1, so that the authentication means 16 is an operation panel. A warning message indicating that the ink cartridge mounted on the 30 cannot be used is displayed (step S109).

On the other hand, if the first password and the password generated in step S105 match (step S107; YES), the installed ink cartridge may be appropriate.

Therefore, the wireless communication means 11 of the printing device 2 establishes wireless communication with the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K) and reads the second password from the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K) (step S111).

Further, the position information acquisition means 15 acquires the destination information stored in the memory 18 as the position information of the printing device 2 (step S113).

The password generating means 14 generates a password (third collation information) by using the second algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the ID read in step S103 and the position information acquired in step S113. (Step S115).

Then, in the second collation means 13, whether or not the second password (fourth collation information) read by the wireless communication means 11 and the password (third collation information) generated in step S115 match. Collate (step S117). Here, the second password is generated and stored by using the second algorithm based on the destination information of the ink cartridge. Since it is assumed that the ink cartridge 150K and the image forming apparatus 1 are used in the same area, if the ink cartridge 150K is a product suitable for the image forming apparatus 1, a second password is generated in step S115. It will match the password given.

If the second password and the password generated in step S115 do not match (step S117; NO), the ink cartridge 150K is not a product compatible with the image forming apparatus 1, so that the authentication means 16 is an operation panel. A warning message indicating that the ink cartridge mounted on the 30 cannot be used is displayed (step S109).

On the other hand, if the second password and the password generated in step S115 match (step S117; YES), the installed ink cartridge may be appropriate.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the printing device 2 displays the usage status code input screen on the operation panel 30 (step S119).

When the user performs an operation of inputting the usage status code from the usage status code input screen (step S121; YES), the determination means 19 determines whether or not the input usage status code is the first time (step S123). Specifically, the determination means 19 analyzes the usage status code input by using the third algorithm, and extracts the information on the number of times the ink cartridge 150K has been used and the machine information of the printing device 2 owned by the user. Then, based on the number of times information, it is determined whether or not the ink cartridge 150K is used for the first time.

If it is determined that the input usage status code is not the first time (step S123; NO), the ink cartridge 150K is not a product suitable for the image forming apparatus 1, so that the authentication means 16 is the operation panel 30. A warning message is displayed to the effect that the ink cartridge mounted on the device cannot be used (step S109).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the input usage status code is the first time (step S123; YES), the ink cartridge 150K may be used for the first time.

Therefore, the determination means 19 determines whether or not the extracted machine information includes the machine information of the own device (step S125).

When it is determined that the extracted machine information includes the machine information of the own device (step S125; YES), the authentication means 16 determines that the installed ink cartridge is appropriate and is installed. The use of the ink cartridge is permitted and authenticated (step S127).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the extracted machine information does not include the machine information of the own device (step S125; NO), the own device is newly added, but it is still registered in the usage status information of the server 4. It can be inferred that there is no such thing.

Therefore, the authentication means 16 reissues the usage status code by reading, for example, "Please update the machine information" or "Read the QR code of the ink cartridge" so that the own device includes the machine information without permitting the authentication. Along with a message prompting the issuance of a usage status code such as "Please", a selection button for selecting either "Continue" or "Re-enter" is displayed on the operation panel 30 (step S129).

When the user selects the "continue" button (step S131; "continue"), the authentication means 16 displays a warning message that the ink cartridge mounted on the operation panel 30 cannot be used (step S109). ..

On the other hand, when the user selects the "re-enter" button (step S131; "re-enter"), the user operates the mobile terminal 5 and reissues the usage status code according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation is performed (step S141).

As described above, according to the printing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the collation results of the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13 are all in agreement, and the ink cartridge 150 is determined by the determination means 19. When it is determined that the ink cartridge 150 is used for the first time, the use of the ink cartridge 150 is permitted and authenticated.

As described above, if the multi-step collation of the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13 and the determination of the determination means 19 are not established, the permission authentication is not performed, so that the accuracy of the authentication can be improved.

Further, when it is determined that the ink cartridge 150 is not used for the first time, the permission is not authenticated, so that it is possible to prevent the ink cartridge 150 from being refilled with inappropriate ink.

Since the accuracy of authentication can be improved in this way, it is possible to reliably identify an inappropriate ink cartridge so that it is not used, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, in step S115, the password generating means 14 is stored in the memory 18 based on the ID read in step S103 and the position information acquired in step S113. A password (third collation information) was generated using an algorithm, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the password (third collation information) may be generated by using the second algorithm stored in the memory 18 based only on the position information acquired in step S113. At this time, as a matter of course, the second password (fourth collation information) is generated based only on the position information and stored in the memory 153K in advance.

Further, the password generating means 14 may generate a password (third collation information) by using the second algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the ID read in step S103. At this time, as a matter of course, the second password (fourth collation information) is generated based on the ID and stored in the memory 153K in advance.

Specifically, the first collation means 12 is static information generated by the password generation means 14 of the printing apparatus 2 using the first algorithm based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K. A certain password (first collation information) is collated with a first password (second collation information) generated by using the first algorithm based on the ID and stored in the memory 153K. Then, the second collation means 13 uses the second algorithm based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K, and the password generated by the password generation means 14 of the printing device 2 (third collation information). And the second password (fourth collation information) generated by using the second algorithm based on the ID and stored in the memory 153K are collated.

Further, in step S111, the wireless communication means 11 reads the ink remaining amount information of the attribute data together with the second password from the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K), and the password generating means 14 reads the ID read in step S103 and the step S111. A password (third collation information) may be generated by using the second algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the ink remaining amount information read in. At this time, as a matter of course, the second password (fourth collation information) is generated based on the ID and the ink remaining amount information and stored in the memory 153K.

Further, the printing device 2 has a clock inside, and the password generating means 14 uses a second algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the time clocked by the clock to obtain a password (third collation information). May be generated. At this time, the time measured by the clock included in the printing device 2 is transmitted to the ink cartridge 150 by the wireless communication means 11, and the second password (fourth collation information) is generated based on the time when the CPU 154K is transmitted. Store in memory 153K.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the first collation means 12 is static information generated by the password generating means 14 of the printing device 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K. The password (first collation information) is collated with the first password (second collation information) generated based on the ID and stored in the memory 153K, and when they match, the second collation means 13 determines. A password (third collation information) generated by the password generating means 14 of the printing device 2 based on the position information of the printing device 2 and a second password generated based on the position information and stored in the memory 153K (third collation information) The fourth collation information) is collated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when the second collation means 13 collates and matches, the first collation means 12 may collate. That is, either the collation by the first collation means 12 or the collation by the second collation means 13 may come first.

Further, the first collation means 12 uses static information generated by the password generation means 14 of the printing device 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the position information of the printing device 2. A certain password (first collation information) is collated with the first password (second collation information) generated based on the ID and the position information of the printing device 2 and stored in the memory 153K, and the second The collation means 13 has a password (third collation information) and an ID generated by the password generation means 14 of the printing apparatus 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the ink remaining amount information. And the second password (fourth collation information) generated based on the ink remaining amount information and stored in the memory 153K may be collated.

Further, the first collation means 12 uses static information generated by the password generation means 14 of the printing device 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the position information of the printing device 2. A certain password (first collation information) is collated with the first password (second collation information) generated based on the ID and the position information of the printing device 2 and stored in the memory 153K, and the second The collating means 13 has a password (third collation information) generated by the password generating means 14 of the printing apparatus 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the time measured by the clock. , The ID and the second password (fourth collation information) generated based on the time measured and stored in the memory 153K may be collated.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the printing device 2 uses the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, the password generation means 14, the position information acquisition means 15, the authentication means 16, and the determination means 19. The printing device 2 executes each process, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the printing device 2 may be mounted on the CPU 154 to execute each process.

For example, the printing device 2 includes a wireless communication means 11, a first collation means 12, a password generation means 14, a location information acquisition means 15, and an authentication means 16, and the CPU 154 determines that the second collation means 13. The means 19 may be provided.

Then, the first collation means 12 of the printing device 2 is a password (first collation information) which is static information generated by the password generation means 14 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K. And the first password (second verification information) generated based on the ID and stored in the memory 153K are collated.

Then, the second collation means 13 of the CPU 154 is generated based on the password (third collation information) generated by the password generating means 14 based on the position information of the printing device 2 and stored in the memory 153K. The second password (fourth collation information) is collated, and the collation result is transmitted to the authentication means 16 of the printing device 2.

Further, when the user inputs the usage status code received by the mobile terminal 5 from the operation panel 30, the determination means 19 of the CPU 154 analyzes the usage status code using the third algorithm to obtain information on the number of times of the ink cartridge 150K and The machine information of the printing device 2 held by the user is extracted. Then, the determination means 19 determines whether or not the ink cartridge 150K is used for the first time based on the number of times information and the machine information, and transmits the determination result to the authentication means 16 of the printing device 2.

As described above, when the CPU 154 performs collation and determination, the memory 153K is a readable area in which information can be read from the outside of the ink cartridge 150K and an area in which information cannot be read from the outside of the ink cartridge 150K. By providing an unreadable area and storing the information used for collation (here, the second password and the third password) in the unreadable area, the accuracy of collation can be further improved.

For example, the second collation means 13 of the CPU 154 acquires the position information from the printing device 2, and the password (third collation information) generated by the password generating means 14 based on the acquired position information of the printing device 2 The second password (fourth collation information) generated based on the position information of the ink cartridge and stored in the unreadable area of the memory 153K is collated, and the collation result is transmitted to the authentication means 16 of the printing device 2. ..

As a result, the authentication means 16 can authorize and authenticate the ink cartridge 150 when it is determined that both the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13 match as a result of collation, and the memory 153K cannot be read. Since the second password (fourth collation information) stored in the area is not read from the outside of the ink cartridge, it is possible to more reliably identify the unusable ink cartridge. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure.

Further, the first collation means 12 is generated by the password generation means 14 of the printing device 2 using the first algorithm based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the position information of the printing device 2. The first password (second collation information) generated by using the first algorithm based on the obtained static information password (first collation information), ID and location information, and stored in the memory 153K. ), And the second collation means 13 uses the password generation means 14 of the printing device 2 to perform the second algorithm based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the position information of the printing device 2. The second password (third) that is generated by using the second algorithm based on the password (third collation information) that is static information generated by using and the ID and the position information and is stored in the memory 153K. 4) may be collated with the collation information).

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the position information acquisition means 15 acquires the destination information stored in the memory 18 as the position information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the position information acquisition means 15 may have a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, and may acquire an area including the position coordinates acquired by the GPS function as destination information.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined in step S411 that the cartridge S / N is already stored in the usage status information of the storage unit 42 (YES), the usage status code generation means 43 determines. It is determined whether or not there is a combination of the usage status information including the same cartridge S / N including the same machine information as the machine information included in the request signal (step S417), but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, if the serial numbers of the printing devices are different, but the manufacturer and model are the same, the same machine information is included, so the usage status code generation means 43 is newly used for the first time. You may want to generate a status code. As a result, for example, by grouping companies by department and arranging the same model in the group, the ink cartridge 150 can be shared between the groups.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the first collation means 12 generates a password (the first password) generated by the password generation means 14 of the printing device 2 based on the ID (consumables storage information) stored in the ink cartridge 150K. The first password (second collation information) generated based on the ID (consumables storage information) and stored in the memory 153K was collated with the first password (second collation information) used for this collation. The password may be made available only once. For example, when the first collation means 12 determines that the collations match, the first password used for this collation is stored in the memory 18, and the first password stored in the memory 18 cannot be used. Thereby, for example, it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure due to the use of a used ink cartridge filled with low quality ink.

Further, for each collation by the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13, a limit can be set for the time and the number of times until the collation is completed. Specifically, for each of the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13, the number of times the collation is performed and the elapsed time from the first collation are stored in the memory 18. Then, the authentication means 16 sets the upper limit time when the number of times of collation exceeds the upper limit number of times in the collation of either the first collation means 12 or the second collation means 13, or the elapsed time from the first collation. If it exceeds the limit, authentication may be disallowed. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized collation by repeating password input for each collation.

Further, as described above, when the authentication means 16 performs permission authentication, the usage status code at the time of permission authentication may be stored in the memory 153K. At this time, when the usage status code is stored in the memory 153K, the determination means 19 determines whether the ink cartridge 150K is used for the first time based on the number of times information of the ink cartridge 150K included in the stored usage status code. It may be determined whether or not. As a result, the user can perform authorization authentication of the ink cartridge 150K without inputting the usage status code from the operation panel 30.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the authentication means 16 is determined to match the results of the collation between the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13, and the ink cartridge 150 is mounted for the first time by the determination means 19. When it was determined that the ink cartridge 150 was approved, the ink cartridge 150 was authorized, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the authentication means 16 permits and authenticates the ink cartridge 150 consecutively a predetermined number of times, the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13 are used in the subsequent authentication for the specific user who requested the authentication. You may omit the collation of both or one of the results of the collation with.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an inkjet printing device including an ink cartridge which is a consumable item has been described as an example, but the printing device is not limited to this, and the printing device includes a stencil ink cartridge and a stencil master as consumables. It can be applied to any printing method as long as it is a printing device equipped with consumables, such as a stencil printing device and an electrophotographic device using a toner bottle as a consumable item.

(Additional note)
This application discloses the following inventions.

(Appendix 1)
A printing device in which a consumable having a memory is mounted inside and printing is performed using the mounted consumable.
The first collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and the first collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory. The first collation means for collating with the collation information of 2 and
The third collation information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is collated with the fourth collation information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumables and stored in the memory. Second collation means to
Whether or not the consumable is first mounted on the printing device based on the number of mountings corresponding to the printing device acquired from a server having usage status information including the number of times the consumables used in each printing device are mounted. Judgment means to judge
An authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables when the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are in agreement and the determination means determines that the consumables have been attached for the first time. When,
A printing device characterized by being equipped with.

As a result, permission authentication is not performed unless both the multi-step collation of the first collation means 12 and the second collation means 13 and the determination of the determination means 19 are established, so that the accuracy of authentication can be improved.

In addition, if it is determined that the consumables are not installed for the first time, after the consumables have been installed and used (for example, in the case of an ink cartridge, after the ink has been used), the consumables of inappropriate quality are used again. It can be inferred that (an ink cartridge refilled with ink that is inappropriate in quality after the ink has been used up) is installed, and permission is not authenticated, so it prevents consumables from being reused improperly. be able to.

Since the accuracy of authentication can be improved in this way, it is possible to reliably identify improper consumables so that they are not used, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure.

(Appendix 2)
Printing device identification information that identifies each printing device, consumables identification information that identifies consumables mounted on each printing device, and the number of times the consumables are mounted indicating the number of times the consumables are mounted on each printing device. A storage means for storing the usage status information associated with
When the predetermined consumables identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information are input and the predetermined consumables identification information is not stored, the predetermined consumables identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information are added. , The storage means is provided with a usage information registration means for storing the usage status information associated with the number of times of the first wearing.
A server device including a transmission means for transmitting the requested usage status information among the usage status information stored in the storage means in response to the request for the usage status information.

Therefore, when the consumables information is not stored in the storage means of the server device, it can be said that the consumables have been installed for the first time, and the number of times of the first installation is stored. As a result, it is determined that the consumables are appropriate when they are first installed, and the improper consumables are not used, so that the print quality and the like are guaranteed.

(Appendix 3)
The usage status information registration means
When the predetermined consumables identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information are input to the server device and the predetermined consumables identification information is stored, the information is associated with the predetermined consumables identification information. The number of times of wearing corresponding to the predetermined consumables identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information as usage status information to be stored in the storage means based on the printing device identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information. The server device according to Appendix 2, wherein the information is determined.

As a result, when the consumables information is stored in the server, it is usually determined that the consumables have already been mounted on the printing device, so that the printing device is mounted for the second time or later. If the device is the same model as the already installed printing device, it is considered that the number of printing devices is added. In that case, the number of times of the first mounting is stored. As a result, in addition to the effect of Appendix 2, authentication permission can be granted according to changes in the usage environment such as the addition of printing devices.

(Appendix 4)
It is a consumable item that has a memory inside and is installed in a printing device.
The first collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and the first collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory. The first collation means for collating with the collation information of 2 and
The third collation information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is collated with the fourth collation information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumables and stored in the memory. Second collation means to
Whether or not the consumable is first mounted on the printing device based on the number of mountings corresponding to the printing device acquired from a server having usage status information including the number of times the consumables used in each printing device are mounted. Judgment means to judge
An authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables when the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are in agreement and the determination means determines that the consumables have been attached for the first time. And have
In the memory of the consumable,
When the second collation information to be used for the collation by the first collation means, the fourth collation information to be used for the collation by the second collation means, and the permission authentication by the permission authentication are performed. The usage status information is stored and
When the usage status information is stored in the memory, the determination means determines whether or not the consumables have been installed for the first time based on the number of devices included in the stored usage status information. Consumables featuring.

1 Image forming device 2 Printing device 4 Server (server device)
5 Mobile terminal 6 Network 11 Wireless communication means 12 First collation means 13 Second collation means 14 Password generation means 15 Location information acquisition means 16 Authentication means 18 Memory 19 Judgment means 30 Operation panel 41 Communication interface (transmission means)
42 Storage unit 43 Usage status code generation means (Usage status registration means)
51 Reading means 52 Input / output interface 53 Camera 100 Printing system 110 Inkjet head 120 Downstream tank 130 Upstream tank 150 Ink cartridge 151 Ink bottle 153 Memory

Claims (4)

A printing device in which a consumable having a memory is mounted inside and printing is performed using the mounted consumable.
The first collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and the first collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory. The first collation means for collating with the collation information of 2 and
The third collation information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is collated with the fourth collation information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumables and stored in the memory. Second collation means to
Whether or not the consumable is first mounted on the printing device based on the number of mountings corresponding to the printing device acquired from a server having usage status information including the number of times the consumables used in each printing device are mounted. Judgment means to judge
An authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables when the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are in agreement and the determination means determines that the consumables have been attached for the first time. When,
A printing device characterized by being equipped with. Printing device identification information that identifies each printing device, consumables identification information that identifies consumables mounted on each printing device, and the number of times the consumables are mounted indicating the number of times the consumables are mounted on each printing device. A storage means for storing the usage status information associated with
When the predetermined consumables identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information are input and the predetermined consumables identification information is not stored, the predetermined consumables identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information are added. , The storage means is provided with a usage information registration means for storing the usage status information associated with the number of times of the first wearing.
A server device including a transmission means for transmitting the requested usage status information among the usage status information stored in the storage means in response to the request for the usage status information. The usage status information registration means
When the predetermined consumables identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information are input to the server device and the predetermined consumables identification information is stored, the information is associated with the predetermined consumables identification information. The number of times of wearing corresponding to the predetermined consumables identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information as usage status information to be stored in the storage means based on the printing device identification information and the predetermined printing device identification information. The server device according to claim 2, wherein the information is determined. It is a consumable item that has a memory inside and is installed in a printing device.
The first collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and the first collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory. The first collation means for collating with the collation information of 2 and
The third collation information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is collated with the fourth collation information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumables and stored in the memory. Second collation means to
Whether or not the consumable is first mounted on the printing device based on the number of mountings corresponding to the printing device acquired from a server having usage status information including the number of times the consumables used in each printing device are mounted. Judgment means to judge
An authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables when the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are in agreement and the determination means determines that the consumables have been attached for the first time. And have
In the memory of the consumable,
When the second collation information to be used for the collation by the first collation means, the fourth collation information to be used for the collation by the second collation means, and the permission authentication by the permission authentication are performed. The usage status information is stored and
When the usage status information is stored in the memory, the determination means determines whether or not the consumables have been installed for the first time based on the number of devices included in the stored usage status information. Consumables featuring.

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