JP3758013B2 - Memory unit and ink cartridge - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a memory unit that can be attached to a POS system or a POS printer used for a cash register and an ink cartridge having the memory unit, and in particular, receives accounting information such as journal recording information and transaction information from the printer , and The present invention relates to a memory unit that stores information in a nonvolatile manner and an ink cartridge having the memory unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Traditionally, register devices, accounting devices, and small electronic desk calculators have POS (Point Of Sales) printers (printing) for printing documents that represent accounting information, such as deposit and withdrawal statements, receipts, receipts, and sales slips. Device). The POS printer uses a liquid ink in an ink jet type POS printer and an ink soaked in an ink ribbon in a wire dot type printer when printing characters and figures representing such accounting information on paper. These inks are generally stored in an ink cartridge and attached to a POS printer.
[0003]
On the other hand, journal information and transaction information related to accounting processing are stored in the POS printer, or accounting information sent to the POS printer for printing is stored in the POS printer as it is. Some are provided for use in accounting and tax audits. Such information is called FISCAL information, that is, tax law information, and some countries require that such information be submitted to the state.
[0004]
Conventionally, when such accounting information is recorded by a POS printer, a journal recording printer is installed, or a printer having a printing unit for both receipts and journals is installed to create journal recording paper printed and recorded with this. However, there is a method of saving, or, in part, a method of recording in an accounting information flash EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). In order to entrust such accounting information to government agencies, for example, a flash memory card compliant with the PC (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) standard (PCMCIA standard) is used as a POS printer. I was wearing it. The flash memory card is mounted in a dedicated slot provided inside the POS printer or outside the housing of the POS printer.
[0005]
Furthermore, ink cartridges are generally made of plastic cases, and these are landfilled as non-combustible waste. However, as environmental problems are being discussed in recent years, reliable collection has become necessary.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional POS printer, if the printing ink runs out, the ink cartridge needs to be replaced, and if the accounting information is entrusted to the inspection of the government agency, the memory card needs to be replaced. For this reason, it has been necessary for a general user or the like to replace two types of devices. For this reason, it has been desired to simplify the replacement work, shorten the work training period until the general user can use the POS printer, and reduce the education cost.
[0007]
Further, in accounting information for tax processing such as FISCAL information, there is a demand that only a person having a legitimate authority can store the FISCAL information in a nonvolatile manner.
[0008]
Further, as a power source necessary for storing only correct accounting information in this way, a more reliable power source is desired instead of a power source that is exhausted like a battery.
[0009]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. When the printer is attached to a POS printer, it receives accounting information such as FISCAL information from the printer and stores the accounting information in a nonvolatile manner. An object is to provide an ink cartridge.
[0010]
Another object of the present invention is to ensure that an ink cartridge is collected by a government agency so that data in a memory provided in the cartridge can be used, and a used cartridge can be recycled.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Inventions for achieving the above object are the following inventions.
[0012]
The present invention is an ink cartridge having a memory unit attachable to the printer, and (a) if the ink cartridge is mounted to the printer, the ink supplying means for supplying ink to the attached printer, (b A) an electrode part provided in the memory unit and for receiving accounting information from the attached printer when attached to the printer ; and ( c ) an electrode part built in the memory unit via the electrode part. has a accounting information receiving means for receiving the accounting information from the attached printer, and; (d) is incorporated in the memory unit, accounting information storage means for storing the accounting information received by the accounting information receiving means in a non-volatile It is characterized by that.
[0013]
The ink cartridge of the present invention further includes (e) power supply means for supplying the power received from the mounted printer to the accounting information storage means.
[0014]
The ink cartridge of the present invention, further, (f) the built in memory unit, and the authority information holding means for holding the authorization information for permitting write access of at least the accounting information storage means, (g) POS receiving data indicating the presence or absence of authorization to store accounting information from the printer, the authority information receiving and comparing means for comparing the authorization information stored in the authority information holding means, by (h) said authority information receiving and comparing means when received the data is determined to have authority, and having a storage control means for storing in a nonvolatile in the accounting information storage means accounting information received by the accounting information receiving means thereafter .
[0015]
Furthermore, the memory unit of the present invention, when mounted in the printer, is electrically connected to the printer, receiving an electrode portion that can receive data, the data from the attached printer via the electrode portion data receiving means for a data storage means for storing data received by said data receiving means in a non-volatile, and authority information holding means for holding the authorization information for permitting write access at least said data storage means, said receiving data through the data receiving means, wherein the authority information receiving and comparing means for comparing the authorization information stored in the authority information holding means, received by the authority information receiving and comparing means compares data permission Storage control means for storing the subsequent data in a non-volatile manner in the data storage means when determined to be present, A memory unit that. Memory unit is further said storage control means, DSP; characterized in that it is constituted by (Digital Signal Processor Digital signal processor) or a gate array.
[0016]
Furthermore, the accounting information of the present invention is characterized in that it is journal recording information or transaction information of a POS printer.
[0017]
Further, the storage means of the present invention is characterized in that data is stored in a nonvolatile manner by a flash EEPROM.
[0018]
Further, the memory unit of the present invention is detachably attached to the ink cartridge.
[0019]
Furthermore, the present invention is an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer containing liquid ink.
[0020]
Furthermore, the present invention is an ink cartridge for a wire dot printer that contains an ink ribbon soaked with ink.
[0021]
Furthermore, the present invention is a memory unit and an ink cartridge having the same, characterized in that the authorization information holding means for storing authority information consists of ROM.
[0022]
Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that authority information holding means for holding authority information is detachably attached to the memory unit.
[0023]
Furthermore, the memory unit of the present invention includes a storage circuit for storing data, a latch circuit for passing input data while shifting, an authority information holding circuit for holding access authority information, and a predetermined timing input to the latch circuit. between the input data and the comparator circuit for comparing said accelerator authority information stored in the authority information holding circuit, compares the data holding circuit for holding an output of the result, to the memory circuit of the input data by the output of the data holding circuit A gate circuit for controlling the passage of the input data, and when the predetermined data of the input data matches the access authority information held in the authority information holding circuit, the subsequent data can be stored in the storage circuit It is characterized by that.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments described below are for explanation, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each of these elements or all of the elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0025]
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of an example of an embodiment of an ink cartridge of the present invention. Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the ink cartridge of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0026]
The ink cartridge 101 includes an ink tank 102, a supply port 103 for supplying ink stored in the ink tank 102 to the printer, and a memory unit 104 for processing accounting information.
[0027]
In this embodiment, an inkjet print head is assumed as the POS printer. As for the embodiments of the ink tank 102 and the supply port 103, the same technique as that of an ink cartridge for a normal ink jet printer can be employed.
[0028]
The ink tank 102 and the memory unit 104 are fixed together. However, after the government agency collects the ink cartridge 101 and conducts tax examination, it can be separated so that it can be recycled independently. On the other hand, a seal seal 105 is affixed between the ink tank 102 and the memory unit 104 in order to prevent modification by an unauthorized person. Even if a fraudster tries to remodel, the seal seal 105 is broken, and the remodeling is easily found. Therefore, unauthorized modification can be prevented by the seal seal 105.
[0029]
An electrode unit 106 is provided on the surface of the memory unit 104. When the ink cartridge 101 is mounted on the POS printer, the POS printer accesses the memory unit 104 via the electrode unit 106 and stores accounting information. At the time of tax examination of the government agency, the accounting information stored in the memory unit 104 is accessed via the electrode unit 106.
[0030]
In addition, power is supplied from the POS printer to the memory unit 104 via the electrode unit 106, whereby the internal circuit of the memory unit 104 operates.
[0031]
As described above, since the memory unit 104 for storing accounting information such as FISCAL information is integrally fixed to the ink cartridge 101, a general user only has to learn how to install the ink cartridge 101 in the printer. The period until work proficiency can be shortened, and the educational cost can be reduced.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the memory unit 104 of the ink cartridge shown in FIG. Constituent elements having functions similar to those in FIG.
[0033]
Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the memory unit of the ink cartridge of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The electrode unit 106 of the memory unit 104 includes a power supply unit 201 and an information reception unit 202. With the power supplied from the power supply unit 201, the gate array 203, the authority information holding circuit 205, and a kind of flash EEPROM 204, which is a non-volatile memory serving as a storage circuit, operate. As the power source, a battery provided in the cartridge may be used.
[0034]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an internal circuit of the gate array 203.
[0035]
The gate array 203 includes a latch circuit 301, a data comparison circuit 302, a flip-flop 303, and a gate circuit 304 inside. When a data string at a predetermined timing is input from the DATA-IN terminal 305 to the latch circuit 301 having a shift register as a constituent element, the data stored in the authority information holding circuit 205 is compared with the data comparison circuit 302, and the information matches. In this case, the flip-flop circuit 303 as a data holding circuit is set by the output of the comparison circuit, the gate circuit 304 is opened, and the subsequent data passes through the latch circuit 301 and passes through the gate circuit 304 to access the flash EEPROM 204. It has become. As the data comparison circuit 302, an exclusive-OR circuit is generally used. The pattern of a specific data string serving as authority information is determined in advance and can be easily changed depending on the circuit configuration of the authority information holding circuit 205 or stored data when a ROM is used. Further, this circuit can be provided integrally with the gate array 203. Furthermore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which this portion can be detachably attached to a socket type as a ROM for encryption storage. The pattern of this specific data string is used as authority information for writing accounting information. On the printer side, an authority information generating circuit for generating the same signal pattern as the signal pattern stored in the authority information holding circuit 205 is provided.
[0036]
This specific data string is located at the beginning of the input data, and the data string after the data having a predetermined timing from the start of the data input can be the data permitted to be accessed. In order to prevent the data string from being tried repeatedly, if the leading data string does not match this specific pattern, a reset circuit (FIG. 5) prevents the output of the flip-flop circuit from switching unless the power is turned off. (Not shown).
[0037]
As described above, when the gate circuit 304 is opened, thereafter, the accounting information is stored in the flash EEPROM 204 based on the information received by the information receiving unit 202. That is, the gate array 203 functions as a comparison unit that compares authority information and as a storage control unit that controls storage of data in the flash EEPROM 204.
[0038]
On the other hand, when the memory unit is disconnected from the predetermined printer and accessed without the authority information, the gate circuit 304 is closed, and even if the information receiving unit 202 receives the information, the information is stored in the flash EEPROM 204. Will not be remembered.
[0039]
As described above, the accounting information cannot be accessed unless a predetermined “encryption” representing the authority to store the accounting information is input. Thereby, falsification of FISCAL information can be prevented.
[0040]
In the tax examination of the government agency, an embodiment is possible in which the encryption is specified from the management number of the authority information holding circuit 205 and the FISCAL information stored in the flash EEPROM 204 is accessed via the electrode unit 106. As described above, it is possible to prevent access from other than a government agency by making the access possible only from a specific printer. Further, the gate array 203 prevents the EEPROM from being partially altered by controlling the EEPROM so that only the additional recording can be performed.
[0041]
Further, since the seal seal 105 ensures that the ink tank 102 and the memory unit 104 are fixedly operated, the memory unit 104 is in contact with the ink tank 102 and is used for reading information from the flash EEPROM 204. An embodiment in which electrodes are separately prepared may be employed. In this case, the circuit configuration of the gate array 203 can be simplified, and the cost can be reduced.
[0042]
In the above embodiment, the ink tank 102 and the supply port 103 cooperate to function as an ink supply unit, and the information reception unit 202 of the electrode unit 106 functions as a transaction information reception unit and an authority information reception / comparison unit. The flash EEPROM 204 functions as a transaction information storage unit, the power supply unit 201 of the electrode unit 106 functions as a power supply unit, and the gate array 203 functions as a storage control unit.
[0043]
In the above description, an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer has been described as an example for convenience of description, but an ink cartridge to which the present invention can be applied is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can be applied to various ink cartridges such as an ink cartridge that supplies ink using a thermal transfer method or a dot impact method ink ribbon, and an ink cartridge that uses laser-type toner as ink. Embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.
[0044]
Further, in the above description, the embodiment that exclusively stores accounting information such as FISCAL information and transaction information is given as an example. However, the usage period of the ink cartridge, the date of manufacture, the serial number, the remaining amount of ink, An embodiment in which the use frequency of ink and the like are further stored in the flash EEPROM may be employed. In this case, statistical information such as the use frequency of ink stored in the collected ink cartridge can be examined.
[0045]
In the above description, the access to the accounting information to the flash EEPROM is controlled using a DSP or a gate array. However, an embodiment in which the accounting information is controlled by a CPU or a microcomputer can be used. It is included in the scope of the invention.
[0046]
In addition, in the above description, power is supplied from the printer to the flash EEPROM, DSP, and gate array. However, an embodiment may be adopted in which a backup battery is provided in the ink cartridge, or the ink cartridge has its own power supply. These embodiments are possible and are within the scope of the present invention.
[0047]
The capacity of the flash EEPROM can be determined in consideration of recycling of the ink cartridge. Also, there is a correlation between the usage and the amount of information stored in the memory of the ink, the more journal data, since of course becomes greater amount of ink used for printing as a receipt, the capacity of the ink If it is approximately one month, the capacity for entering journal data for that period can be determined. In addition, since the frequency of use differs depending on the store, the government organization may determine an appropriate data collection frequency depending on the circumstances of the store. The ink cartridge to collect data, and sent to the factory for refilling, after refilling ink, so that the ship installing a memory unit taking over government agencies.
[0048]
This makes it possible to efficiently recycle ink cartridges, and if the correlation between the amount of ink used and the memory usage area is too strange, tax evasion is suspected, making it difficult for fraud. It also has a side effect.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention has the following effects.
[0050]
First, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge that receives accounting information such as FISCAL information and transaction information from the printer when it is mounted on a POS printer, and stores the accounting information in a nonvolatile manner.
[0051]
Second, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge in which accounting information storage means such as a flash EEPROM operates using a stable power source supplied from a printer.
[0052]
Thirdly, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge in which only authorized persons can store accounting information such as FISCAL information in a nonvolatile manner.
[0053]
Fourth, the storage control means can also be operated by a stable power supply from the printer, and an ink cartridge that guarantees a reliable storage operation can be provided.
[0054]
Fifth, it is possible to provide an inexpensive ink cartridge that does not use a complicated electronic circuit such as a CPU or a microcomputer.
[0055]
Sixth, by using a flash EEPROM, it is possible to provide an ink cartridge that is easy to handle, has strong resistance to vibration and dust, and securely stores accounting information.
[0056]
Seventh, when the FISCAL information is stored in the ink cartridge, since the government agency collects the ink cartridge, it is easy to recycle, prevents the occurrence of environmental problems, and can be recycled at a low cost. Can be provided.
[0057]
Eighth, the memory unit is configured with a circuit centered on the gate array, and the access right can be managed by a circuit that does not have an intelligent function, such as a data comparison circuit. Can be provided with high security functions.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an example of an embodiment of an ink cartridge of the present invention.
2 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a memory unit of the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an internal circuit of the gate array 203 of FIG. 2;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Ink cartridge 102 Ink tank 103 Supply port 104 Memory unit 105 Sealing seal 106 Electrode part 201 Power supply part 202 Information receiving part 203 Gate array 204 Flash EEPROM
205 Authority information holding circuit 301 Latch circuit 302 Data comparison circuit 303 Flip-flop circuit 304 Gate circuit

Claims (16)

An ink cartridge having a memory unit that can be attached to a printer, comprising:
(A) if the ink cartridge is mounted to the printer, provided ink in the ink supply hand stage (b) said memory unit for supplying to the attached printer, when mounted to the printer, it is the placement electrode portion for receiving accounting information from the printer (c) incorporated in said memory unit, accounting information receiving means to receive accounting information from the attached printer via the electrode portion; (d) a memory unit built in, accounting information storage means to store the accounting information received by the accounting information receiving means in a non-volatile The ink cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising the following means.
(E) power supply hand stage supplies power received from the attached printer in the accounting information storage means through said electrode portions The ink cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising:
(F) incorporated in the memory unit, the authority to store accounting information from at least the accounting information storage means authorization information holding means to hold the authority information for permitting write access (g) the attached printer receiving data indicating the presence or absence, there the data is permission received by the authority information authority information held in the holding means and comparing authorization information received and compare hand stage (h) said authority information receiving and comparing means and determination Storage control means for storing accounting information received by the accounting information receiving means thereafter in a non-volatile manner in the accounting information storage means When mounted on the printer, is electrically connected to the printer, and an electrode portion which can receive data, and a data receiving means for receiving data from the attached printer via the electrode portion, the data receiving Data storage means for storing the data received by the means in a non-volatile manner, authority information holding means for holding at least authority information for permitting write access to the data storage means, and receiving data via the data receiving means and, wherein the authority information receiving and comparing means for comparing the authorization information stored in the authority information holding means, said received by the authority information receiving and comparing means, when the compared data is determined to have authority, thereafter And a storage control means for storing the data in a nonvolatile manner in the data storage means. Memory unit. 5. The memory unit according to claim 4, wherein the authority information receiving / comparing unit and the storage control unit are configured by a DSP or a gate array. 6. The memory unit according to claim 4, wherein the data is POS printer journal recording information or transaction information. 7. The memory unit according to claim 4, wherein the data storage means stores data in a nonvolatile manner by a flash EEPROM. A storage circuit for storing data, and a latch circuit for passing while shifting the input data, and the authority information holding circuit for holding access authorization information, the input data and the authority information holding circuit with a predetermined timing that is input to the latch circuit A comparison circuit that compares the access authority information held in the memory, a data holding circuit that holds an output of the comparison result, and a gate circuit that controls the passage of input data to the storage circuit by the output of the data holding circuit And a memory configured to store subsequent input data in the storage circuit when the predetermined data of the input data matches the access authority information held in the authority information holding circuit. unit. 9. The memory unit according to claim 8, wherein the storage circuit is a flash EEPROM. 4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit is detachably attached to the ink cartridge. 4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the accounting information is POS printer journal recording information or transaction information. 4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the accounting information storage unit stores data in a nonvolatile manner by a flash EEPROM. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ink cartridge is an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer containing liquid ink. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ink cartridge is an ink cartridge for a wire dot printer that contains an ink ribbon soaked with ink. Memory unit according to any of claims 4 to 6 which authorization information holding means for storing the privilege information is characterized by comprising the ROM. 16. The memory unit according to claim 15 , wherein authority information holding means for holding the authority information is detachably attached to the memory unit.

Images