JP2020179592A - Printing 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: First collating means 12 collates a password generated on the basis of an ID with a first password memorized in a memory 153K. Second collating means 13 collates a password generated on the basis of position information on a printing device 2 with a second password memorized in the memory 153K. Third collating means 20 collates a password generated on the basis of the first password, the second password and a first random code with a third password memorized in the memory 153K. Update determining means 21, when the third collating means 20 determines that the collated results are identical to each other, determines whether or not the third password is updated. Authenticating means 16 permits and authenticates an ink cartridge 150 when it is determined that the collated results by the first collating means 12 and the second collating means 13 are identical to each other and when the updating determining means 21 determines that the password is updated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device and consumables 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 an object of the present invention is to provide a printing device and consumables that prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure by permitting and authenticating only appropriate consumables.

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
A storage means for storing multiple random codes,
An extraction means for extracting a random code satisfying the extraction condition as a first random code from a plurality of random codes stored in the storage means, and an extraction means.
The second collation with the fifth collation information generated by the printing apparatus based on the second collation information, the fourth collation information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means. A third collation means for collating the information, the fourth collation information, and the sixth collation information generated based on the random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory.
When it is determined by the third collation means that the collations match, the extraction conditions are changed, a random code satisfying the changed extraction conditions is extracted from the storage means as a second random code, and the second random code is used. An update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth collation information has been updated based on the second collation information and the fourth collation information.
When the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are the same and it is determined that the consumables have been updated by the update determination means, the authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables.
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 apparatus and consumables according to the present invention, deterioration of printing quality and device failure can be prevented by permitting and authenticating only appropriate consumables.

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 figure which showed an example of the random code stored in the memory provided in the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which showed the processing procedure in the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which showed the processing procedure in the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a figure which showed an example of the random code stored in the memory provided in the image forming apparatus which concerns on Example 2 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.

An embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Example 1>
In Example 1 of the present invention, an inkjet type image forming apparatus including a printing apparatus and an ink cartridge for each color, which is a consumable item detachably attached to the printing apparatus, will be described as an example. ..

<Configuration of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 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. 1, an image forming apparatus in which an ink cartridge is attached to the printing apparatus is provided. The device 1 will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, 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 the printing paper is conveyed at a speed determined by the printing conditions, while the inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, 110K. 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. 2 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 device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, 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, and the ink cartridges are provided. It certifies whether 150K, 150C, 150M, and 150Y can be used. 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 by using the first algorithm based on the ID, and attribute data of the ink stored in the ink bottle 151K. A second password generated and stored using the second algorithm based on destination information indicating the area where the ink cartridge 150K is used, and a random code which is one of the extraction conditions for extracting the random code described later. The designated information and the first password, the second password, and the third password generated and stored by using the third algorithm based on the random code satisfying the random code designated information are stored. 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 includes a first collation means 12, a second collation means 13, a password generation means 14, a position information acquisition means 15, an authentication means 16, an extraction means 19, a third collation means 20, an update determination means 21, and a password generation means. 22 can also be implemented.

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 display means 17, and a memory 18. The extraction means 19, the third collation means 20, the update determination means 21, and the password generation means 22 are provided.

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 password generating means 22 stores in the memory 18 based on the first password (second collation information), the second password (fourth collation information), and the first random code extracted by the extraction means 19. A password (fifth collation information) is generated using the third algorithm.

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

The extraction means 19 extracts a random code satisfying the random code designation information stored in the memory 153K as the first random code from the plurality of random codes stored in the memory 18.

The third verification means 20 is a password generation means 22 based on the first password (second verification information), the second password (fourth verification information), and the first random code extracted by the extraction means 19. Based on the password generated by (fifth verification information), the first password (second verification information), the second password (fourth verification information), and the random code satisfying the random code designation information. It collates with the third password (sixth collation information) that is generated and stored in the memory 153K.

The update determination means 21 updates the random code designation information when it is determined by the third collation means 20 that the collations match. Further, the update determination means 21 extracts a random code satisfying the updated random code designation information from the memory 18 as a second random code. The update determination means 21 is based on the extracted second random code, the first password (second collation information), and the second password (fourth collation information), and the third password (sixth collation information). ) Is updated or not.

The authentication means 16 inks when it is determined that the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means all match as a result of collation, and it is determined that the update determination means 21 has updated the ink. Allow and authenticate the cartridge 150. The ink cartridge 150 mounted by this authentication permission can be used.

The display means 17 displays a warning message that the mounted ink cartridge 150 cannot be used when the authentication is not permitted by the authentication means 16.

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). A second algorithm, which is a program for generating a password (fifth verification information), a third algorithm, which is a program for generating a password (fifth verification information), and a random code are stored.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a random code stored in the memory 18.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of random codes are stored in association with the random code numbers.

For example, when the random code number is "RC2", the random code is "987654321". That is, by designating the random code number as the random code designation information, one random code whose location is designated by the random code number is extracted from the plurality of random codes stored in the memory 18. can do.

<Action of inkjet printing device>
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

4 and 5 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, 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 a display means. A warning message indicating that the ink cartridge mounted on the 17 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 suitable for the image forming apparatus 1, so that the authentication means 16 is a display means. A warning message indicating that the ink cartridge mounted on the 17 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. 5, the wireless communication means 11 of the printing device 2 establishes wireless communication with the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K) and reads the third password from the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K) (step). S119).

The extraction means 19 extracts a random code satisfying the random code designation information (here, the random code number) stored in the memory 153K as the first random code from the plurality of random codes stored in the memory 18. Step S121).

Next, the password generating means 22 generates a password by using the third algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the first password, the second password, and the first random code extracted in step S121. (Step S123).

The third collation means 20 verifies whether or not the third password (sixth collation information) read by the wireless communication means 11 and the password (fifth password) generated in step S123 match (the third collation means 20). Step S125).
When it is determined that the third password (sixth collation information) and the password generated in step S123 (fifth password) do not match (step S125; NO), the ink cartridge 150K is sent to the image forming apparatus 1. Since the product is not compatible, the authentication means 16 displays a warning message that the ink cartridge mounted on the display means 17 cannot be used (step S109).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the third password (sixth collation information) and the password generated in step S123 (fifth password) match (step S125; YES), the update determination means 21 is new. Random code designation information is set, and a new random code satisfying the set new random code designation information is extracted from the memory 18 as a second random code (step S127).

The password generating means 22 generates a password using the third algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the first password, the second password, and the second random code extracted in step S127 (step S129). ).

Then, the authentication means 16 determines whether or not the update determination means 21 has updated the third password stored in the memory 153K with the password generated in step S129 (step S131).

Specifically, for example, when the memory 153K is read-only or when the memory 153K is set to be write-protected, the authentication means 16 determines that the third password is not updated because it cannot be updated. become.

Further, even when the memory 153K is writable, the update determination means does not perform the update operation of the third password within a predetermined time, or the update determination means updates the third password in the memory 153K. Even if the update operation is not performed at the predetermined location of the above and the update operation is performed at another location, the authentication means 16 determines that the third password is not updated.

The case where the authentication means 16 determines that the third password has been updated by the update determination means 21 is, for example, a case where it is determined that the third password stored in the memory 153K can be updated, and The update determination means 21 updates the third password stored in the memory 153K with the password generated in step S129 to a predetermined location, and randomly stores the third password stored in the memory 153K with the random code designation information set in step S127. This is the case when the code specification information is updated in the specified location.

When the third password and the random code designation information are updated, the authentication means 16 determines that the installed ink cartridge is appropriate, and permits and authenticates the use of the installed ink cartridge (step). S135).

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the collation results of the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20 are all in agreement, and When it is determined by the update determination means 21 that the ink cartridge has been updated, the use of the ink cartridge is permitted and authenticated.

As described above, if all of the multi-step collations of the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20 do not match, the permission authentication is not performed, so that the accuracy of the authentication can be improved. Further, after the matching by the third collation means 20 is matched, the permission authentication is not performed unless it is determined by the update determination means 21 that the third password and the random code designation information have been updated, so that the accuracy of the authentication can be further improved. .. Moreover, the third password and the random code designation information are updated every time the collation by the third collation means 20 matches. That is, since the third password and the random code designation information are managed as dynamic information, the accuracy of authentication can be further improved.

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, so that 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. Similarly, when the collation by the first collation means 12 and the collation by the second collation means 13 match, the collation by the third collation means 20 is performed, but the collation is not limited to this, and the collation by the first collation means 12 and Either the collation by the second collation means 13 or the collation by the third collation means 20 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 extraction means 19. The printing device 2 is provided with the third collation means 20, the update determination means 21, and the password generation means 22, but the printing device 2 is not limited to this, and is mounted on the CPU 154 to execute each process. You may do it.

For example, the printing device 2 includes a wireless communication means 11, a first collation means 12, a password generation means 14, a position information acquisition means 15, an authentication means 16, a display means 17, and an update determination means 21. , CPU 154 may include a second collation means 13, an extraction means 19, a third collation means 20, and a password generation means 22.

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, the third collation means 20 of the CPU 154 is based on the first password (second collation information), the second password (fourth collation information), and the first random code extracted by the extraction means 19. A random code that satisfies the password (fifth verification information), the first password (second verification information), the second password (fourth verification information), and the random code designation information generated by the password generation means 22. The third password (sixth collation information) generated based on the above and stored in the memory 153K is collated, and the collation result is transmitted to the update determination means 21 of the printing device 2.

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

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the ink cartridge 150 is configured to include the CPU 154, but the CPU 154 is not always necessary.

For example, the wireless communication means 11 may directly access the memory 153 to read various data such as an ID and a first password, or the non-contact IC (reference numeral 152) may be provided with a data transmission function for wireless communication. Upon receiving the data transmission request from the means 11, the data requested from the memory 153 may be transmitted to the wireless communication means 11.

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, 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 refilled with low quality ink.

Further, for each collation by the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20, 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, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20, 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 performs the collation in any of the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20 when the number of collations exceeds the upper limit, or from the first collation. If the elapsed time exceeds the upper limit, authentication may be disallowed. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure due to illegal collation by repeating password input for each collation.

Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the authentication means 16 determines that the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20 all match the results of the collation, and the update determination means 21. When it is determined that the ink cartridge 150 has been updated, the ink cartridge 150 is authorized and authenticated, but the authentication means 16 collates the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20. If it is determined that all of the results match, the ink cartridge 150 may be authorized and authenticated.

For example, a user who has a function of accepting a setting for omitting the update determination process by the update determination means 21 and wants to start a printing operation early can use the update determination means 21 when performing a setting operation for omitting the update determination process. The update determination process may be omitted. Further, for each user, it is determined that the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20 all match as a result of collation in the most recent plurality of times, and the update determination means 21 updates. If it is determined that the user has no problem, it can be inferred that the user has no problem. Therefore, the update determination process by the update determination means 21 may be omitted.

Further, when the authentication means 16 determines that the collation results by the third collation means 20 match and the update determination means 21 determines that the ink cartridge 150 has been updated, the ink cartridge 150 may be authorized and authenticated.

For example, the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20 all match the results of collation in a managerial position, a professional in charge of a specific task, or the most recent multiple times. Then, the user who is determined to be updated by the update determination means 21 can be presumed to be a user without any problem. Therefore, the authentication means 16 determines that the results of the collation by the third collation means 20 match. Moreover, when it is determined that the ink cartridge 150 has been updated by the update determination means 21, the ink cartridge 150 is authorized and authenticated.

<Example 2>
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of random codes are stored in the memory 18 in association with the random code numbers, and one random code is extracted by designating the random code designation information (random code number) as the extraction condition. Random.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the random code start point information, the direction information, and the character number information is used as an extraction condition for extracting the random code.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a random code stored in the memory 18 included in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the characters are arranged and stored in the memory 18 so that one character is determined by the XY coordinates. The letters also include numbers.

The random code start point information is the coordinates of the first character of the random code. The direction information is information indicating one of eight directions from the position of the coordinates of the first character specified by the random code start point information to the up, down, left, right, and diagonal directions. The character number information is information indicating the length of a character string of a random code.

For example, it is assumed that the random code start point information is (x5, y4), the direction information is "lower right", and the character number information is "4" characters.

At this time, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the character indicated by the random code start point information is "n", and the character "4" is the character "4" in the "lower right" direction from this coordinate position, starting from this character "n". “N”, “7”, “6” and “s” are applicable. Therefore, the extraction means 19 extracts "n76s" in which these characters are continuous as a random code.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of random codes stored in the memory 18 are composed of character arrays, and the extraction means 19 extracts the location of the character array stored in the memory 18. Random code can be extracted based on the conditions. As a result, by storing characters in the memory 18 with XY coordinates, the random code start point information, the direction information, and the character number information are changed, and various combinations of character strings are extracted as random codes. be able to.

As a result, a password with high security can be generated with a small storage capacity, so that the accuracy of authentication can be further improved.

Further, in Examples 1 and 2 of the present invention, an inkjet printing apparatus including an ink cartridge which is a consumable item has been described as an example, but the printing apparatus is not limited to this, and the printing apparatus includes a stencil ink cartridge and a stencil master. Any printing device with consumables, such as a stencil printing device as a consumable item and an electrophotographic device using a toner bottle as a consumable item, can be applied.

(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
A storage means for storing multiple random codes,
An extraction means for extracting a random code satisfying the extraction condition as a first random code from a plurality of random codes stored in the storage means, and an extraction means.
The second collation with the fifth collation information generated by the printing apparatus based on the second collation information, the fourth collation information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means. A third collation means for collating the information, the fourth collation information, and the sixth collation information generated based on the random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory.
When it is determined by the third collation means that the collations match, the extraction conditions are changed, a random code satisfying the changed extraction conditions is extracted from the storage means as a second random code, and the second random code is used. An update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth collation information has been updated based on the second collation information and the fourth collation information.
When the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are the same and it is determined that the consumables have been updated by the update determination means, the authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables.
A printing device characterized by being equipped with.

As a result, permission authentication is not performed unless all of the multi-step collations of the first collation means, the second collation means, and the third collation means match, so that the accuracy of authentication can be improved. Further, after the collation by the third collation means matches, the permission authentication is not performed unless the update determination means completes the update of the third password and the extraction condition, so that the accuracy of the authentication can be further improved. Moreover, the third password and the extraction condition are updated each time the collation by the third collation means matches. That is, since the third password and the extraction condition are managed as dynamic information, the accuracy of authentication can be further improved.

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, so that it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure.

(Appendix 2)
The extraction conditions are stored in the memory.
The printing apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the update determination means further determines whether or not the extraction conditions stored in the memory have been updated to the changed extraction conditions.

Therefore, when it is determined that the extraction condition itself, which is a condition for extracting the random code, has been updated, the random code is authenticated by the authentication means, so that a more secure random code can be set.

(Appendix 3)
The plurality of random codes stored in the storage means are composed of a character array.
The printing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the extraction condition is a condition for extracting one random code by designating the location of the character array stored in the storage means.

Therefore, various combinations of character strings can be extracted as random codes by storing them in a storage means as a character array and updating the extraction conditions. As a result, a password with high security can be generated with a small storage capacity, so that the accuracy of authentication can be further improved.

(Appendix 4)
It is a consumable item that has a memory inside and is installed in a printing device.
The printing device is
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
A storage means for storing multiple random codes,
An extraction means for extracting a random code satisfying the extraction condition as a first random code from a plurality of random codes stored in the storage means, and an extraction means.
The second collation with the fifth collation information generated by the printing apparatus based on the second collation information, the fourth collation information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means. A third collation means for collating the information, the fourth collation information, and the sixth collation information generated based on the random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory.
When it is determined by the third collation means that the collations match, the extraction conditions are changed, a random code satisfying the changed extraction conditions is extracted from the storage means as a second random code, and the second random code is used. An update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth collation information has been updated based on the second collation information and the fourth collation information.
When the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are the same and it is determined that the consumables have been updated by the update determination means, the authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables and the authentication means.
With
In the memory of the consumable,
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 collation by the third collation means. The sixth collation information for the purpose is stored.
The sixth collation information is a consumable item that is updated based on the second random code, the second collation information, and the fourth collation information.

(Appendix 5)
In the memory, extraction conditions used when extracting the first random code from the plurality of random codes are stored.
The consumable item according to Appendix 4, wherein the extraction condition is updated every time the collation is determined to match by the third collation means.

1 Image forming device 2 Printing device 11 Wireless communication means 12 First collation means 13 Second collation means 14 Password generation means 15 Location information acquisition means 16 Authentication means 17 Display means 18 Memory 19 Extraction means 20 Third collation means 21 Update determination means 22 Password generation means 110 Ink cartridge head 120 Downstream tank 130 Upstream tank 150 Ink cartridge 151 Ink bottle 153 Memory

Claims (5)

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
A storage means for storing multiple random codes,
An extraction means for extracting a random code satisfying the extraction condition as a first random code from a plurality of random codes stored in the storage means, and an extraction means.
The second collation with the fifth collation information generated by the printing apparatus based on the second collation information, the fourth collation information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means. A third collation means for collating the information, the fourth collation information, and the sixth collation information generated based on the random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory.
When it is determined by the third collation means that the collations match, the extraction condition is changed, a random code satisfying the changed extraction condition is extracted from the storage means as a second random code, and the second random code is used. An update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth collation information has been updated based on the second collation information and the fourth collation information.
When the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are the same and it is determined that the consumables have been updated by the update determination means, the authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables.
A printing device characterized by being equipped with. The extraction conditions are stored in the memory.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update determination means further determines whether or not the extraction conditions stored in the memory have been updated to the changed extraction conditions. The plurality of random codes stored in the storage means are composed of a character array.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction condition is a condition for extracting one random code by designating the location of the character array stored in the storage means. It is a consumable item that has a memory inside and is installed in a printing device.
The printing device is
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
A storage means for storing multiple random codes,
An extraction means for extracting a random code satisfying the extraction condition as a first random code from a plurality of random codes stored in the storage means, and an extraction means.
The second collation with the fifth collation information generated by the printing apparatus based on the second collation information, the fourth collation information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means. A third collation means for collating the information, the fourth collation information, and the sixth collation information generated based on the random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory.
When it is determined by the third collation means that the collations match, the extraction conditions are changed, a random code satisfying the changed extraction conditions is extracted from the storage means as a second random code, and the second random code is used. An update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth collation information has been updated based on the second collation information and the fourth collation information.
When the results of the collation between the first collation means and the second collation means are the same and it is determined that the consumables have been updated by the update determination means, the authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables and the authentication means.
With
In the memory of the consumable,
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 collation by the third collation means. The sixth collation information for the purpose is stored.
The sixth collation information is a consumable item that is updated based on the second random code, the second collation information, and the fourth collation information. In the memory, extraction conditions used when extracting the first random code from the plurality of random codes are stored.
The consumable item according to claim 4, wherein the extraction condition is updated every time the matching is determined by the third collation means to match.

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