JP4311170B2 - Image forming apparatus and communication method between image forming apparatus and IC memory - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is a communication device that can be attached to and detached from an image processing apparatus such as a digital copying machine or a printer and communicates with a unit that records operation information for image formation. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of communication even in such a situation.

  Conventionally, there are units that can be attached to and detached from image processing apparatuses such as printers, scanners, and copiers, and some of these units have a memory. For example, in an electrophotographic printer using an electrophotographic image forming process, a process cartridge system in which a process unit, a developing unit, a cleaning unit and the like that act on an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a removable unit is employed. ing. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the electrophotographic printer can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person, so the convenience can be improved. Currently, this process cartridge system is widely used in electrophotographic printers.

  Some of such electrophotographic printers are provided with a non-volatile memory capable of communication inside the process cartridge. The non-volatile memory stores and holds an ID number, a manufacturer name, a reuse history, the number of times, and the like. ing.

  The electrophotographic printer is provided with a transmission / reception unit that reads information necessary for an image forming operation from a nonvolatile memory. When starting the printing operation, the information stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory is read via the transmission / reception unit, and the information is used to control each part of the electrophotographic printer. I do.

  In recent years, troubles due to poor contact at the process cartridge terminals have occurred, and information on the nonvolatile memory of the process cartridge has been read from the terminals of the process cartridge, management information of the nonvolatile memory has been rewritten, and unauthorized use due to forgery of the process cartridge has occurred. Yes. Therefore, there is a movement to adopt a wireless communication method in order to obtain a process cartridge without a terminal. As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-228688, the non-volatile memory is a non-contact memory, and includes a non-contact communication antenna necessary for printing operation and a control unit that controls them.

JP 2002-366008 A

  When there is an electromagnetic noise source that generates mechanical or electromagnetic noise, such as a motor or high-voltage application device of several thousand volts, in the vicinity of the communication device, when communicating with a nonvolatile memory wirelessly, these electromagnetic Noise may get on and cause communication errors.

  Conventionally, when a communication error occurs, the following three means are used. In the first procedure, restoration is performed by a restoration means such as error correction data such as CRC. The second means performs a retry such as trying communication again. In the third method, when the number of retries reaches a certain number, it is determined that the recovery is impossible, and an error message is displayed and communication is stopped. Abnormalities such as communication errors have been detected by the above procedure.

  However, in order to maintain communication as much as possible, it is necessary to increase the number of retries in order to repeat retries even if a communication error occurs. However, the writing speed of the nonvolatile memory being used is 10 ms or more. On the other hand, since the processing speed of the CPU is slow, it is desirable to reduce the number of retries in order to quickly determine an abnormality such as a reduction in communication time or a failure. Conventionally, since the number of retries is set at the worst value in order to secure the time including the communication time, the communication time becomes longer at the time of the result, and the failure cannot be detected promptly.

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is detachable from a main body, an IC memory storing a plurality of control information necessary for printing electronic image data, and a main body for printing A controller for controlling internal devices, wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information between the controller and the IC memory, an image forming device for forming an image on a medium in the vicinity of the wireless communication means, and the IC in the image forming apparatus having a communication error detecting means for detecting a communication error in a wireless communication with the memory and the main body, estimates the occurrence of noise by detecting the operating situation of said image forming device comprising a noise source a noise state estimation means for, based on information from the noise state estimation means, a reading means for reading by increasing the number of reads by radio communication at least at the time of noise generation, the Characterized in that it obtain.

Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is detachable from the main body, and controls an IC memory for storing a plurality of control information necessary for printing electronic image data, and a device inside the main body for printing. A controller that wirelessly transmits and receives control information between the controller and the IC memory , an image forming device that forms an image on a medium in the vicinity of the wireless communication means, and the IC memory and the main body. in the image forming apparatus having a communication error detecting means for detecting a communication error in a wireless communication, the noise state estimation means for estimating the occurrence of noise by detecting the operating situation of said image forming device comprising a noise source If, based on information from the noise state estimation means, a reading means for reading the at least when the noise generated by increasing the read count of the data communication, a predetermined Erachi Features and click code, that and a determining failure detection means a failure of the IC memory if the error check code of the control information read from the IC memory, does not coincide with the reading unit And

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the failure detection unit includes a communication error content obtained from the communication error detection unit, and an operating state of the image forming unit serving as a noise generation source inside the image forming apparatus. The communication error content corresponding to the number of retransmissions increased by the reading means is followed by determining a failure of the IC memory or the communication device by excluding at least a communication error related to a noise situation of the image forming device. It is characterized by.

Furthermore, the communication method between the image forming apparatus and the IC memory according to the present invention includes an IC memory that is detachable from the main body and stores a plurality of control information necessary for printing electronic image data, and for printing. A controller for controlling the devices inside the main body, wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information between the controller and the IC memory, an image forming device for forming an image on a medium in the vicinity of the wireless communication means, a communication method of a communication error detecting step, an image forming apparatus and an IC memory having a detecting communication errors in wireless communication with said IC memory and the body, detecting the operating situation of said image forming device comprising a noise source increasing noise condition estimation step of estimating the occurrence of noise, based on information from the noise state estimation process, the read count of data communication at least at the time of noise generation by It characterized by having a a reading step of reading with.

Furthermore, the communication method between the image forming apparatus and the IC memory according to the present invention includes an IC memory that is detachable from the main body and stores a plurality of control information necessary for printing electronic image data, and for printing. A controller for controlling the devices inside the main body, wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information between the controller and the IC memory, an image forming device for forming an image on a medium in the vicinity of the wireless communication means, a communication method of a communication error detecting step, an image forming apparatus and an IC memory having a detecting communication errors in wireless communication with said IC memory and the body, detecting the operating situation of said image forming device comprising a noise source increasing noise condition estimation step of estimating the occurrence of noise, based on information from the noise state estimation process, the read count of data communication at least at the time of noise generation by A reading step of then read out, the predetermined error check code to the control information stored in the IC memory is applied, it does not match the error check code of the control information read from the IC memory by the reading step A failure detection step for determining that the IC memory is faulty and outputting an error, wherein the failure detection step includes a plurality of communication error contents obtained from the communication error detection step, and a plurality of failures in the image forming device. If there is a noise generation source, the operation status of the image forming device serving as a noise generation source inside the image forming apparatus in the noise status estimation step, and the communication error corresponding to the number of retransmissions increased or decreased by the reading means Based on the content, a failure of the IC memory or the communication device is determined by excluding at least a communication error related to a noise situation of the image forming device. It is characterized in.

In the communication method between the image forming apparatus and the IC memory according to the present invention , the number of retransmissions of data in the communication between the IC memory and the controller is a predetermined number of retransmissions when no noise occurs. If at least one of the noise sources by the noise condition estimation step is estimated to be operating, characterized by further increasing the number of retransmissions.

In the communication method between the image forming apparatus and the IC memory according to the present invention , the number of retransmissions of data in the communication between the IC memory and the controller is a predetermined number of retransmissions when no noise occurs. When only one noise source is activated by the noise situation estimation process, the number of retransmissions is increased by n (natural number including 0) times, and when two or more noise sources are activated by the noise situation estimation process , increasing the number of retransmissions n + 1 times, the noise source by the noise condition estimation step when operating all is characterized by increasing the number of retransmissions n + 2 times.

In the image forming apparatus and a communication method between IC memory according to the present invention, the number of retransmissions of the data in the communication of the controller and the IC memory, in the case where noise is not generated, a predetermined number of retransmissions, a plurality If there is a noise source, the noise state estimation step by setting the weighting with numerical each noise source, weighted with a value by the sum of the noise sources are operating, m (a natural number) And the value obtained by the quotient is added to the number of retransmissions.

Further , in the communication method between the image forming apparatus and the IC memory according to the present invention, when the controller does not control the device, the amplitude of the carrier wave is acquired and a noise generation situation larger than the output amplitude level from the IC memory is detected. has a wireless noise detection step of detecting, the number of retransmissions of the data in the communication of the controller and the IC memory, in the case where noise is not generated, a predetermined number of retransmissions, the radio noise detection step, the control when vessels detects the amplitude of the carrier of the radio signal when not controlling the image forming device, characterized in that increasing only the number of times of retransmission a predetermined number of times.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress unnecessary failure detection at high noise by monitoring a noise generation source, and to suppress communication time due to unnecessary retransmission processing by performing rapid failure detection at low noise. Can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Overall Configuration First, the overall configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the digital copying system.

In FIG. 2, the digital copying system includes a controller 22, a scanner 24, a digital copying machine 20, and a sorter 23. The PC 25 and the controller 22 are connected via a LAN, and the scanner 24, the digital copying machine 20 and the sorter 23 are connected to the controller. It is connected. In addition to operating as a normal copying machine, this digital copying system can cause the digital copying machine 20 to print out a printout request from the PC 25 on the LAN as a printer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a digital copying machine 20 is controlled by a CPU 1. The CPU 1 includes a ROM / RAM 7, a control I / O port 8, a CRUM I / F circuit 2, an IIT (Image Input Terminal) 9b, and an IPS (Image Processing System). ) 9a and IOT (Image Output Terminal) 9c. A CRUM (Customer Replaceable Unit Memory) is a module including an EEP-ROM 6 which is a nonvolatile memory that can be freely replaced by a user, and is built in a process cartridge of a digital copying machine. Further, the CRUM I / F circuit 2 is connected to the antenna 3a by a power line and a signal line for transmitting data, and power can be supplied from the antenna 3b to the CRUM 21 by electromagnetic waves and information can be transmitted via radio. ing. The CRUM 21 receives power from the antenna 3 b and transmits / receives signals, and the CRUM circuit 5 writes and reads data in the EEP-ROM 6.

  Further, the CPU 1 is connected to a plurality of units via an IIT (Image Input Terminal) 9 b, an IPS (Image Processing System) 9 a, an IOT (Image Output Terminal) 9 c, and a control I / O port 8. Control signals from the CPU 1 to the plurality of units are transmitted via the control I / O port 8 to the optical writing unit 40, the bias application roll (BCR) 10, the bias transfer roll (BTR) 11, the transport motor 1 (12), and the supply motor. It is transmitted to the paper motor 2 (13).

  The IIT 9b is a module that processes a signal obtained by optically reading a document to be copied, such as the scanner 24 of FIG. The IPS 9a is a module that performs processing such as color tone correction and data compression on image data of a document obtained by IIT. The image data compressed by the IPS 9a is supplied to the IOT 9c under the control of the CPU 1. The IOT 9c receives the received image data via the control I / O port 8 shown in FIG. 1, the optical writing unit 40, the bias application roll (BCR) 10, the bias transfer roll (BTR) 11, the transport motor 1 (12), and the paper feed. An image is formed on a sheet by a unit such as the motor 2 (13).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment. The CPU 1 of the digital copying machine 20 according to the embodiment is connected to the controller 22 and controlled as a copying system. The digital copying machine 20 is equipped with a process cartridge 30 that is detachable from the apparatus main body, and the process cartridge 30 has a CRUM 21 including a nonvolatile memory. The digital copying machine 20 also includes a cassette 52 containing paper 14, a paper feed roll 15, a paper feed motor 2 (13) for driving the paper feed roll 15, a photosensitive drum 34 of the process cartridge 30, and a bias application roll (BCR). ) 10, a developing roll 33, a bias transfer roll (BTR) 11, a fixing roll 35, and a transport motor 1 (12) for driving other drums, a tray 53 on which printed and discharged paper is placed, an optical writing module 40, There is a CRUM I / F circuit 2, a maintenance door 51 and a door switch 50 for the digital copying machine.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the process cartridge 30 and the optical writing unit 40 according to the embodiment. A process cartridge 30 shown in FIG. 4 includes a photosensitive drum 34, a bias applying roll (BCR) 10, a developing roll 33 that applies toner from the developing device 32 to the photosensitive drum 34, and a bias transfer roll (BTR) that transfers charges to the paper 14. 11) There is a waste toner collecting cleaner 31 provided with a cleaning means, and an optical writing unit 40 for partially removing the charge of the photosensitive drum 34 by laser light. The optical writing unit 40 sends the laser light from the laser diode 45 to the mirror 44 through the condenser lens 42 and the spectroscopic lens 43 by the polygon mirror 41 and guides it to the photosensitive drum 34 through the mirror 44. Further, the process cartridge incorporates a CRUM 21 and includes an antenna 3b, a CRUM circuit 5, and an EEP-ROM 6. Further, an antenna 3 a of the digital copying machine 20 is disposed in the vicinity of the CRUM 21.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The paper 14 stored in the cassette 52 is conveyed toward the photosensitive drum 34 by the paper feed roll 15 driven by the paper feed motor 2 (13). Of the plurality of units or rolls driven by the transport motor 1 (12), the photosensitive drum 34 is rotationally driven in the clockwise direction. At this time, the surface is charged by the bias application roll (BCR) 10, and the optical writing unit. A laser beam is irradiated from 40 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 34. This latent image is visualized by toner as it passes through the developing roll 33. The visible image on the photosensitive drum 34 is transferred to the paper 14 conveyed to the photosensitive drum 34 by the bias transfer roll (BTR) 11 and then conveyed to the fixing roll 35, where the visible image on the paper 14 is fixed. The paper is discharged outside the digital copying machine 20 and stored in the tray 53.

  The process cartridge 30 of the digital copying machine 20 of the present embodiment receives an IC chip having a readable / writable memory built in the process cartridge 30 and a substrate composed of an ASIC, and a power source provided on the substrate. An antenna for transmitting and receiving signals is provided. Various data relating to the process cartridge 30 are stored in the EEP-ROM 6 using this communication line. The data includes (1) the number of printed sheets, (2) the cumulative rotational speed and time of the photosensitive drum 34 of the process cartridge 30, (3) the cumulative rotational speed of the toner supply motor, and (4) the deterioration of the photosensitive drum 34. Includes surface potential indicating the situation, (5) charging current or voltage due to wear of the photosensitive drum 34, (6) data for managing the laser light quantity and process cartridge usage limit, and reading / writing data that changes with use Is performed from time to time. Since reading / writing control for the EEP-ROM is performed by the CPU 1 that controls the main body, the EEP-ROM and the main CPU are connected via the antennas 3a and 3b when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the CRUM 21 having the nonvolatile memory in the process cartridge 30 and the CRUM I / F circuit 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 1 controls the operation of the digital copying machine 20, and data in the EEP-ROM 6, which is a nonvolatile memory, is transmitted to the communication antenna 3 b and the digital copying machine 20 via the wireless IC 17 b of the CRUM circuit 5. The antenna 3a is wirelessly connected, and can be read and written by the CPU 1 via the antenna 3a, the wireless IC, and the buffer RAM 18. Further, the digital copying machine 20 supplies power to the CRUM 21 with the power supply ICs (16a, 16b) and the power supply antennas (3c, 3d). The power supply antenna 3d of the CRUM21 is connected to the power supply IC 16b, and transmits the necessary power with the CRUM21. Yes.

In the present embodiment, a CRUM I / F circuit 2 is arranged between the CRUM 21 and the CPU 1 on the main body side, and is connected to the EEPROM-ROM 6 which is a nonvolatile memory of the CRUM 21 by an I ² C (eye square sea) bus. ing. The I ² C bus is a two-wire serial bus that performs serial communication using a clock line and a data line one by one. In this embodiment, the I ² C bus is converted into a radio signal using a wireless IC.

2. Communication Method In this embodiment, the used wireless communication method is a reception carrier frequency of about 13 MHz, an ASK modulation, and an asynchronous method, and a return carrier frequency of about 900 kHz, a subcarrier system, a PSK modulation, and an asynchronous method. However, in the vicinity of the process cartridge 30, a high voltage charge and bias charge of several thousand volts are used, and frequency noise generated by PWM control of the transport motor 1 (12) and the paper feed motor 2 (13). The signal on the carrier wave cannot be demodulated due to the higher harmonic component, and a communication error occurs.

  In addition, the writing time of the EEP-ROM 6 requires about 10 ms per 8 bytes, and if the digital copying machine prints 50 sheets per minute, the communication can be completed within 1200 ms per sheet at a maximum of 1200 × 8. Byte / 10 ms = 960 bytes can be written. Since the average number of bytes to be written is about 100 bytes, it is possible to perform a maximum of 9 retries due to a communication error in a process that takes time to write.

Referring to FIG. 5, the flow of data communication is shown. The CPU 1 is connected to the buffer RAM 18 and the wireless IC 17a. When a data read request is received from the CPU 1 to the CRUM IF circuit 2, an electromagnetic wave is output from the power supply antenna 3c connected to the power supply IC 16a, and the power supply IC 16b connected to the power supply antenna 3d of the CRUM 21 is activated to supply power to the CRUM 21. The CRUM 21 is activated. Thereafter, the wireless IC 17a connected to the buffer RAM 18 transmits a read request to the buffer RAM 18 by performing radio modulation on the I ² C protocol and placing the read request on the carrier wave. The antenna 3b of the CRUM 21 transmits a radio signal to the radio IC, and the radio IC 17b demodulates the information on the carrier wave, executes a request for reading the information of the EEP-ROM 6, and modulates the data by the I ² C protocol. The data is transmitted to the CRUM I / F circuit 2, the radio signal from the antenna 3 a is demodulated by the radio IC 17 a, written to the buffer RAM 18, the data is sent to the CPU 1, and the CPU 1 obtains the data of the EEP-ROM 6.

3. Example of state during operation (1) At start-up / when the door is open Next, an example relating to the use limit management of the process cartridge will be described. In the present embodiment, a process for notifying the user when the cumulative value of the CRUM print number reaches the use limit number indicated by the use limit print number as a management item is performed. FIG. 6 is a flowchart regarding door opening / closing detection processing necessary for calling up the number of printed sheets recorded in the CRUM 21 in the process cartridge. Since the process cartridge can be attached and detached by the user, the process cartridge is activated by a door opening / closing process of the digital copying machine as a method of knowing attachment / detachment.

  The CPU 1 can detect the opening and closing of the door 51 shown in FIG. In step S1, it is confirmed whether the main body is turned on. If not, the process does not proceed. If the power is ON, the process proceeds to step S2. If the door switch 50 detects that the door is open, the process waits until the door is closed. If the door is closed, the process cartridge is set in step S3. It is checked whether or not there is a process cartridge 30 by supplying power.

  If it is detected by power feeding that the process cartridge 30 is present, communication is started using the communication protocol determined in step S4, and it is checked whether or not normal communication is possible. If the time related to communication is measured and there is no response after the time (about 20 ms) that the EEP-ROM 6 always responds, or if communication is not established, more than 5 errors will continue in step S6. If it occurs, the failure is detected and an error is displayed. Here, if communication is established, the number of prints is called from the process cartridge which is the start-up process, and it is determined whether the use limit number is exceeded.

(2) At the time of read / write processing Next, the flow of calling the number of prints from the process cartridge 30 and printing the number of prints by printing one sheet and incrementing the number of prints will be described. FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a flow of messages relating to data reading and writing processes performed by the print task with respect to the CRUM 21 in the process cartridge.

  From the left, the print task in the CPU 1, the process in the CRUM I / F task, and the process in the CRUM task are shown. In step S11, when the CPU 1 sends a message “connection request” for referring to the data of the CRUM task to the CRUM I / F task, the CRUM I / F task “starts power supply” to the CRUM task in step S12. Is transmitted to check whether or not the process cartridge is present and communication is established, and in step S13, an “operation OK” signal from the CRUM task is transmitted to the print task.

  In step 14, the print task transmits "read request 1" of the print accumulated value to the CRUM task. Since the reading speed of the EEP-ROM 6 of the CRUM 21 is the same as that of a normal ROM, “Data 1” immediately returns to the printing task in step S15. Thereafter, when printing of one sheet is completed by the print task, a value “data 2” obtained by adding 1 to the accumulated print value is transmitted to the CRUM I / F task in step S16. Here, since the writing speed of the EEP-ROM 6 is about 10 ms, an interrupt process is performed when data can be acquired for the print task, and data 2 is written to the CRUM task in step S17.

  If another read request is received from the print task in step S18 during writing, the CRUM I / F task substitutes steps S19a to 19e for “read request 3”, and after the write processing of the CRUM 21 is completed, step S20 is performed. "Data 3" is transmitted to the print task. When such a process is repeated and the print task ends, a “connection request” is sent to the CRUM I / F task in step S22. In step S23, the CRUM I / F task sends a “ "Power supply end" is transmitted, and a series of processing is completed.

(3) When an error due to noise occurs FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing a flow of messages relating to data read processing performed by a print task for a CRUM task that accesses a nonvolatile memory in a process cartridge when electromagnetic noise occurs. is there. In the reading process, normally, retransmission is performed three times, and normal data with no CRC error is used.

  In this embodiment, since wireless data transfer is performed, noise is generated by a noise source inside the digital copying machine. The CPU 1 controls units such as the optical writing unit 40, the bias application roll (BCR) 10, the bias transfer roll (BTR) 11, the transport motor 1 (12), and the paper feed motor 2 (13). When all units are operated, electromagnetic noise and mechanical noise increase. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 8, the number of retries is changed from the usual 3 times to 5 times, and data is read out.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, a description will be given of processing for increasing the number of retries up to five times when electromagnetic noise occurs and performing reading. The tasks that transmit and receive messages are a print task, a CRUMI / F task, and a CRUM task from the left in FIG. In step S30, a “connection request” from the print task to the CRUM task is sent to the CRUM I / F task. In step S31, “power supply start” is sent to the CRUM task, and the CRUM task is activated. In step S32, the “activate OK” message is sent from the CRUM task to the print task.

  In step S <b> 33, “reading request 1 (1)” of the ID information of the CRUM 21 is issued from the printing task to the CRUM task. As described above, in the reading process, the EEP-ROM 6 of the CRUM 21 is processed at a reading speed that is not different from that of a normal ROM, and therefore does not go through the CRUM I / F task. Here, the number of retries is shown in parentheses.

  In response to the first read request, “data (1)” is sent to the print task in step S34, and it is confirmed that there is no CRC communication error. Next, the second “reading request 1 (2)” is issued in step S35, and “data 1 (2)” is sent from the CRUM task to the printing task in step S36, but electromagnetic noise is generated here. As shown by the oblique lines in the CRUM data in the figure, the contents of “data 1 (2)” are destroyed and a CRC error occurs. Next, the third “reading request 1 (3)” is issued in step S37, and “data 1 (3)” is sent from the CRUM task to the printing task in step S38, and it is confirmed that there is no CRC error. . Next, the fourth “read request 1 (4)” is issued in step S39, and “data 1 (4)” is sent from the CRUM task to the print task in step S40. As a result, the contents of “Data 1 (4)” are destroyed as indicated by hatching in the CRUM data in the figure. Finally, the fifth “read request 1 (5)” is issued in step S41, and “data 1 (5)” is sent from the CRUM task to the print task in step S42. In this way, two pieces of data destroyed by electromagnetic noise can be discarded, and a normal data value can be selected by majority decision of data values based on three normal data.

4). Failure Detection Method FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing in which the CPU detects a failure in the nonvolatile memory of the CRUM 21 and the communication line. The failure detection is to determine that the nonvolatile memory or the communication circuit is failed when five CRC errors occur continuously even though no noise is generated. Hereinafter, FIG. 9 will be described. In step S50, when at least one CPU 1 is operating depending on the operating status of the device that is a noise source, the normal processing shown in step S57 is performed as noise generation. This normal process is a retry process according to the noise source.

  Next, in step S51, retry is performed three times, and error detection by CRC error detection is performed. In step S51, if there is no error in all three times, it is determined to be normal, and the normal process in step S56 sets the status and returns to the normal process. If a CRC error has occurred three times in step S52, the process proceeds to step S53, and retry is further performed twice. In step S54, it is determined whether or not a CRC error has occurred both times obtained by the retry. If both are CRC errors, it is determined that a failure has occurred, the process proceeds to step S55, and the status is set to detect the failure. The process ends. Thereafter, the CPU 1 performs an error display process (not shown) and notifies the operator of the failure of the nonvolatile memory or the communication circuit.

  Next, a specific method for performing the retry a plurality of times will be described. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing a flow of messages related to data writing and reading processing performed by the print task to the CRUM 21 in the process cartridge when electromagnetic noise occurs. The tasks that transmit and receive messages from the left in FIG. 10 are a print task, a CRUM I / F task, and a CRUM task.

  In communication, there are three types of modes: start and stop, write and read. Steps S60 to S62 in FIG. 10 are start-up modes. Similarly, steps S63 to S69 are write modes, and steps S70 to S71 are read modes. The repetitive processing for each mode will be described below.

(i) Starting and Stopping In step S60, a “connection request” from the print task is sent to the CRUM I / F task, and in step S61, “power supply start” is sent to the CRUM task. When the CRUM task is activated, an “operation OK” message is sent from the CRUM task in step S62.

(ii) Writing process Since the information is written to the CRUM task as in step S63 for about 10 ms, the CRUM I / F task receives a request from the printing task (step S65), and the CRUM task periodically receives the request. (Steps S66a to S66d), waits for a response from the CRUM task, sends the read data from the CRUM to the CRUM I / F task in step S68, and sends "data 3 (1)" to the print task in step S69. Send in.

  As described above, the writing process is performed in steps S63 and S64. However, since there is a response delay of about 10 ms, proxy processing by the CRUM I / F task occurs. Note that the writing process repeats step 72, which is a writing process indicated by a dotted line.

(iii) Reading process Further, the reading process sends a read request from the print task to the CRUM task as in steps S70 and S71, and the CRUM task sends data to the print task. The reading process repeats step S73, which is a reading process indicated by a dotted line.

  5). Communication processing depending on noise source operating conditions

(1) Communication process based on detection of activation or stop of noise source A first embodiment will be described. In this control method, a bias application roll (BCR) 10, a bias transfer roll (BTR) 11, a transport motor 1 (12), and a paper feed motor 2 (13) are determined as noise sources, and the CPU 1 performs control and driving. Is recognized as a noise source, and when the CPU 1 and the CRUM 21 communicate with each other, if the above-described noise generation source is not operating, a failure detection process is performed. Thereby, useless failure detection at the time of high noise can be suppressed, and the worst communication time can be suppressed by performing rapid failure detection at the time of low noise.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing for noise generation detection according to the first embodiment. In step S80, it is determined whether the transport motor 1 (12) is operating. If it is operating, the retry count is set to 5 in step S85. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step. In step S81, it is determined whether the paper feed motor 2 (13) is operating. If it is operating, the retry count is set to 5 in step S85. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step. In step S82, it is determined whether the bias application roll (BCR) 10 is operating. If it is operating, the number of retries is set to 5 in step S85. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step. In step S83, it is determined whether the bias transfer roll (BTR) 11 is operating. If it is operating, the retry count is set to 5 in step S85. If no unit defined as a noise source is operating, it is determined that the frequency of error due to noise is low, and the number of retries in step S84 is set to three.

(2) Communication processing by detecting the number of operating noise sources In the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of noise generating sources, a second embodiment will be described in which the number of communication trials is changed depending on the number of operating sources. . FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing for noise generation detection according to the second embodiment. For example, when the noise source is stopped, the number of retries is defined as 3 times. When only one noise source is operating, “retry number +0”, when two or more noise sources are operating, “retry number + 1” Further, when all the noise sources are operating, the failure detection of the first embodiment can be performed more precisely by the number of operating noise sources, such as “retry count +2”.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S90, the number of retries is set to 3, and in step S91, the noise counter (noise CN) is set to “0”. Thereafter, in step S92, it is determined whether or not the conveyance motor 1 is operating. If it is operating, in step S93, 1 is added to the noise CN and the count is incremented. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step. In step S94, it is determined whether the paper feed motor 2 is operating. If it is operating, the noise CN is similarly counted up in step S95. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step. Thereafter, in step S96, it is determined whether the bias application roll (BSR) 10 is generating a high voltage. If it is operating, the noise CN is similarly counted up in step S97. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step. Further, in step S98, it is determined whether the bias transfer roll (BTR) 11 similarly generates a high voltage. If it is operating, the noise CN is similarly counted up in step S99. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step.

  Next, the determination process of the noise source detected in steps S92 to S99 will be described. In step S100, in order to determine the number of retries based on the counted noise CN, when the noise CN is 1 or less, there is no increment in the number of retries, and in step S101, the number of retries is three. Furthermore, if the noise CN is 2 or more in step S102, adding 1 to the number of retries in step S103 results in the number of retries = 4. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S104 that the noise CN indicates that all noise sources are operating, in step S105, 2 is added to the number of retries, and the number of retries is set to a maximum of five.

(3) Communication processing by weighting for each noise source In the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of noise sources, weighting is performed for each of the noise sources, and the number of communication tries is changed by the total weighting value. Will be explained.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing for noise generation detection according to the third embodiment. First, the number of retries is set to 3 in step S110. Thereafter, the noise weight (noise WT) is set to “0” in step S111. If the operation of the transport motor 1 is determined in step S112, and if it is operating, three points are added to the noise WT in step S113. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step.

The operation of the paper feed motor 2 is determined in step S114, and if it is operating, two points are added to the noise WT in step S115. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step. If it is determined in step S116 that a high voltage is applied to the bias application roll (BCR), 1 is added to the noise WT in step S117. Further, if it is determined in step S117 that a high voltage is applied to the bias transfer roll (BTR), two points are added to the noise WT in step S119. Moreover, when not operating (No), the process proceeds to the next step.

In step S120, the expression “Retry = Retry + (Noise WT DIV 4)” changes the number of communication tries by increasing the number of repetitions once every four points. (DIV is a function for obtaining a quotient.) For example, a maximum of 8 points such as “conveyance motor 1 = 3 points”, “feed motor 2 = 2 points”, “BCR = 1 point”, “BTR = 2 points” As described above, the number of repetitions is increased by 1 every 4 points, and the process returns to the beginning. By this processing, failure detection can be performed precisely.

(4) Communication Method Based on Number of Noise Sources and Weighting In the first embodiment, particularly when at least one of communication paths with a communication target is wireless, only the number of wireless communication is the first embodiment. The retry procedure of the third embodiment can be performed, and the failure detection of the first embodiment can be suitably performed by a similar process on a wired line.

(5) Detection of Noise Occurrence Status by Direct Method In the first embodiment, particularly when the noise source is not directly controlled by the control means (CPU) that controls the image forming apparatus, the carrier level of the wireless IC is caused by electromagnetic noise. The effect of the first embodiment can be obtained even if the noise generation state of the noise generation source is detected by using a phenomenon that fluctuates and the control unit (CPU) that controls the image forming apparatus does not control the noise source by the detection unit. It can also be suitably implemented.

It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a digital copying system. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the process cartridge and optical writing unit of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of CRUM and CRUM I / F circuit which have the non-volatile memory in a process cartridge. It is a flowchart regarding the door opening / closing detection process required for the process which calls the number of printed sheets currently recorded on CRUM which has the non-volatile memory in a process cartridge. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a flow of messages related to data reading and writing processes with respect to a CRUM having a nonvolatile memory in a process cartridge by a print task. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a flow of a message relating to a data reading process performed by a print task for a CRUM task that accesses a nonvolatile memory in a process cartridge when electromagnetic noise occurs. It is a flowchart which shows the process which CPU detects the failure of CRUM which has a non-volatile memory. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a flow of messages related to data writing and reading processing performed by a print task on a CRUM in a process cartridge when electromagnetic noise occurs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a noise generation detection process in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of noise generation detection in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of noise generation detection in 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1 CPU, 2 CRUM I / F circuit, 3 antenna, 5 CRUM circuit, 6 EEP-ROM, 7 ROM / RAM, 8 control I / O port, 9a IPS, 9b IIT, 9c IOT, 10 bias application roll (BCR) , 11 Bias transfer roll (BTR), 12 Transport motor 1, 13 Paper feed motor 2, 14 Paper, 15 Paper feed roll, 16 Power supply IC, 17 Wireless IC, 18 Buffer RAM, 20 Digital copier, 21 CRUM, 22 Controller , 23 Sorter, 24 Scanner, 25 PC, 30 Process cartridge, 31 Cleaner, 32 Developer, 33 Developing roll, 34 Photosensitive drum, 40 Optical writing unit, 41 Polygon mirror, 42 Condensing lens, 43 Spectroscopic lens, 44 Mirror, 45 Laser diode, 50 Door switch, 51 door, 52 cassette, 53 tray.

Claims (9)

An IC memory that can be detached from the main body and stores a plurality of control information necessary for printing electronic image data, a controller for controlling devices in the main body for printing, the controller, and the IC memory Communication error detection for detecting communication errors by wireless communication between the IC memory and the main body , wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information between the wireless communication means, an image forming device for forming an image on a medium in the vicinity of the wireless communication means, and the IC memory And an image forming apparatus comprising:
A noise state estimation means for estimating the occurrence of noise by detecting the operating situation of said image forming device comprising a noise source,
Based on information from the noise state estimation means, a reading means at least noise for reading by increasing the number of reads by radio communication,
An image forming apparatus comprising: An IC memory that can be detached from the main body and stores a plurality of control information necessary for printing electronic image data, a controller for controlling devices in the main body for printing, the controller, and the IC memory Communication error detection for detecting communication errors by wireless communication between the IC memory and the main body , wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information between the wireless communication means, an image forming device for forming an image on a medium in the vicinity of the wireless communication means, and the IC memory And an image forming apparatus comprising:
A noise state estimation means for estimating the occurrence of noise by detecting the operating situation of said image forming device comprising a noise source,
Based on information from the noise state estimation means, a reading means at least noise for reading by increasing the read count of data communication,
An error check code which is predetermined, said an error check code of the control information read from the IC memory, and determines the failure detection means a failure of the IC memory if the mismatch by the reading means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The failure detection means includes
Communication error content obtained from the communication error detection means;
It relates to at least the noise status of the image forming device based on the operating status of the image forming device serving as a noise generation source inside the image forming device and the content of the communication error for the number of retransmissions increased by the reading unit. An image forming apparatus, wherein a communication error is excluded and a failure of the IC memory or the communication device is determined. An IC memory that can be detached from the main body and stores a plurality of control information necessary for printing electronic image data, a controller for controlling devices in the main body for printing, the controller, and the IC memory Communication error detection for detecting communication errors by wireless communication between the IC memory and the main body , wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information between the wireless communication means, an image forming device for forming an image on a medium in the vicinity of the wireless communication means, and the IC memory A communication method between the image forming apparatus having the process and the IC memory,
A noise state estimation step of estimating the occurrence of noise by detecting the operating situation of said image forming device comprising a noise source,
Based on information from the noise state estimation step, during at least noise generation and reading step of reading by increasing the read count of data communication,
A communication method between an image forming apparatus and an IC memory. An IC memory that can be detached from the main body and stores a plurality of control information necessary for printing electronic image data, a controller for controlling devices in the main body for printing, the controller, and the IC memory Communication error detection for detecting communication errors by wireless communication between the IC memory and the main body , wireless communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving control information between the wireless communication means, an image forming device for forming an image on a medium in the vicinity of the wireless communication means, and the IC memory A communication method between the image forming apparatus having the process and the IC memory,
A noise state estimation step of estimating the occurrence of noise by detecting the operating situation of said image forming device comprising a noise source,
Based on information from the noise state estimation step, during at least noise generation and reading step of reading by increasing the read count of data communication,
Said predetermined error check code to the control information stored in the IC memory is granted, the if the reading process does not match the error check code of the control information read from the IC memory of said IC memory A failure detection process for determining a failure and outputting an error;
With
The failure detection step includes
The communication error content obtained from the communication error detection step and the image that becomes a noise generation source inside the image forming apparatus by the noise state estimation step when there are a plurality of noise generation sources in the image forming device. Based on the operation status of the image forming device and the content of the communication error corresponding to the number of retransmissions increased / decreased by the reading means, at least the communication error related to the noise status of the image forming device is excluded and the IC memory or the communication device A communication method between an image forming apparatus and an IC memory, characterized by determining a failure. The communication method between the image forming apparatus according to claim 5 and the IC memory,
The number of retransmissions of data in the communication between the IC memory and the controller is a predetermined number of retransmissions when no noise occurs.
A communication method between an image forming apparatus and an IC memory, wherein the number of retransmissions is further increased when it is estimated that at least one noise generation source is operating in the noise state estimation step. The communication method between the image forming apparatus according to claim 5 and the IC memory,
The number of retransmissions of data in the communication between the IC memory and the controller is a predetermined number of retransmissions when no noise occurs.
When only one noise source is operating in the noise state estimation step,
Increase the number of retransmissions n (natural number including 0) times,
When two or more noise sources are operating in the noise state estimation step,
Increase the number of retransmissions n + 1 times,
When all the noise sources are operating in the noise state estimation step,
A communication method between an image forming apparatus and an IC memory, wherein the number of retransmissions is increased n + 2. The communication method between the image forming apparatus according to claim 5 and the IC memory,
The number of retransmissions of data in the communication between the IC memory and the controller is a predetermined number of retransmissions when no noise occurs.
When there are a plurality of noise sources, set a weight by numerical value for each noise source in the noise state estimation step, and divide the weight value by the sum of operating noise sources by m (natural number), A communication method between an image forming apparatus and an IC memory, wherein a value obtained by quotient is added to the number of retransmissions. The communication method between the image forming apparatus according to claim 5 and the IC memory,
A wireless noise detection step of acquiring a carrier wave amplitude when the controller is not controlling the device and detecting a noise generation situation larger than an output amplitude level from the IC memory;
The number of retransmissions of data in the communication between the IC memory and the controller is a predetermined number of retransmissions when no noise occurs.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the wireless noise detecting step increases the number of retransmissions by a predetermined number of times when the amplitude of a carrier wave of a wireless signal is detected when the controller is not controlling the image forming device; Communication method with IC memory.

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