JP7213131B2 - Printers and consumables - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device and consumables that prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure by authorizing and authenticating only suitable consumables.

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

For example, an inkjet printing apparatus is provided with detachable ink cartridges that store ink for each color as consumables. to print images and characters.

At this time, if an inappropriate ink cartridge is installed in the inkjet printing device and used, for example, the ink will aggregate, and the aggregated ink will clog the nozzles, causing ejection failure, or the ink that lands on the paper will bleed. , 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 apparatus, which may cause an apparatus failure.

Therefore, in Patent Document 1, information is transmitted between the attached consumables and the main unit, and consumables information (for example, compatible model information, matching parameter setting information, date of manufacture) installed in the consumables There is disclosed a technique related to an image recording device that matches characteristics based on date, etc.).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-18507

However, in the image recording apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200011, since the characteristics are collated based on the transmitted consumables information, there is a problem that the accuracy of collation is low.

If the collation accuracy is low, an inappropriate consumable may be installed, which may cause deterioration in print image quality or failure of the printing apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention 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 printing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by:
A printing device in which a consumable having an internal memory is mounted and which prints using the mounted consumable,
First collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and second collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory a first collation means for collating the collation information of 2;
The third verification information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is verified against the fourth verification information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumable and stored in the memory. a second verification means for
a storage means for storing a plurality of random codes;
extracting means for extracting, as a first random code, a random code that satisfies an extraction condition from among the plurality of random codes stored in the storage means;
fifth verification information generated by the printing device based on the second verification information, the fourth verification information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means; and the second verification. third collation means for collating information with sixth collation information generated based on the fourth collation information and a random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory;
When the third collation means determines that the collation matches, 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 extracted from the storage means. and update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth verification information has been updated based on the second verification information and the fourth verification information;
authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumable when the results of matching by the first matching means and the second matching means match and the update determination means determines that the consumable has been updated;
It has been prepared.

Here, the consumable storage information is information stored in the consumable, such as position information, ID, or a combination thereof.

In addition, the acquired information of the printing press is information that is input to the printing press from the outside or information that is acquired by being generated inside the printing press, and may be acquired at the time of manufacture or during 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 printer includes an ID input from an external device such as a connected consumable, a clock or other input device, destination information (location information), information on the remaining amount of ink, time information, or a combination thereof, and information on whether the printer is This includes time information obtained inside the printing machine using a built-in clock, etc., and position information obtained inside the printing machine using a GPS (Global Positioning System) function built into the printing machine.

Acquisition information of consumables is information that is input externally to consumables or information that is acquired by being generated inside consumables, and may be acquired at the time of manufacture or during the distribution process. It may be acquired at the beginning of use, and the time of acquisition does not matter. For example, the acquired information includes an ID input from an external device such as a connected printer, clock, or other input device, destination information (location information), ink remaining amount information, time information, or a combination thereof, or a clock built into the consumable. This includes time information acquired inside the consumable by means such as GPS (Global Positioning System) function, etc., and position information acquired inside the consumable by the GPS (Global Positioning System) function built into the consumable.

According to the features of the printing apparatus and consumables according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality and apparatus failure by authorizing and authenticating only appropriate consumables.

1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating functions of a printing device and an ink cartridge included in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a diagram showing an example of random codes stored in a memory included in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of random codes stored in a memory included in the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent parts and components throughout each drawing. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and differ from reality. In addition, it is a matter of course that there are portions with different dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings.

Further, the embodiments shown below are examples of devices and the like for embodying the technical idea of this invention. It does not specify the layout, etc., to the following. The technical idea of this invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of claims.

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

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

<Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to Example 1 of the present invention.

An 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. 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, and 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 conveying belt (not shown) provided on the opposite surface of the inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y and 110K, while being conveyed by the inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y and 110K. printed line by line with ink ejected from the

Each ink is supplied from an ink bottle provided in a detachable ink cartridge. An ink bottle 151C for supplying C (cyan) ink, an 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 addition, in the following description, the ink bottle 151 will be used as a representative when the ink color is not particular. The same applies to other functional units.

Ink supplied from the ink bottle 151 is temporarily stored in a downstream tank provided downstream 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 downstream tanks 120Y and K (black) for storing Y (yellow) ink. is provided with a downstream tank 120K for storing ink.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a pump 170C, a pump 170M, a pump 170Y, a pump 170K, an upstream tank 130C, an upstream tank 130M, an upstream tank 130Y, and an upstream tank 130K. Ink stored in the downstream tank 120 is sent by a pump to an upstream tank provided upstream 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 with the common air chamber 172 . The common air chamber 172 is provided with a pump 173 and an unillustrated atmosphere release valve. When the atmosphere release valve is fully closed, air is sent into the upstream tank 130 by the pump 173, or when the atmosphere release valve is fully opened, atmospheric pressure is released. The pressure of the air in the upstream tank 130 is adjusted by, for example,

Ink not ejected by the inkjet head 110 is returned to the downstream tank 120 . The return of ink 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 ink has a temperature range that guarantees print quality, and if the ambient temperature is low and the ink temperature is below the printable lower limit temperature, it is necessary to heat the ink. On the other hand, the drivers and piezo elements provided in the inkjet head 110 generate heat when they operate, and it is necessary to suppress the effects of ink temperature rise at high temperatures due to these heat generation and Joule heat of ink vibration. Therefore, a temperature controller 161 is provided on the ink circulation path, and the temperature controller 161 heats or cools the ink.

When an inappropriate ink cartridge is installed in the inkjet printing apparatus having such a configuration, for example, the ink aggregates and the aggregated ink clogs the nozzles of the inkjet head 110, causing an ejection failure or being transported. The ink that lands on the printed paper bleeds, resulting in defective edges of the image. Furthermore, if the ink coagulates in the ink circulation path, an excessive load is applied to the ink feeding means such as the pump 170, which may cause a failure of the apparatus.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention authenticates whether or not the installed ink cartridge is usable in order to prevent deterioration of print quality and failure of the printing apparatus.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a printing device 2 and ink cartridges 150K, 150C, 150M and 150Y mounted on the printing device 2. The ink cartridges It is authenticated whether or not 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 cartridges 150K corresponding to K (black) ink each include an ink bottle 151K and a non-contact IC (reference numeral 152K).

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

The memory 153K stores an ID that uniquely identifies the ink cartridge 150K, a first password generated and stored using a first algorithm based on the ID, attribute data of the ink stored in the ink bottle 151K, A second password that is generated and stored using a second algorithm based on destination information that indicates the region where the ink cartridge 150K is used, and a random code that is one of extraction conditions for extracting a random code to be described later. Designation information and a third password generated and stored using a third algorithm based on a first password, a second password, and a random code that satisfies the random code designation information are stored. The ink attribute data includes ink color information, ink solvent type information, and remaining ink amount information.

The CPU 154K has an arithmetic processing function, and for example, based on the amount of ink ejected from the inkjet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, and 110K, determines the amount of remaining ink in the ink bottles 151C, 151M, 151Y, and 151K for each ink color. The amount is calculated and stored in the memory 153K as remaining ink amount information. Further, the CPU 154K includes a first verification means 12, a second verification means 13, a password generation means 14, a position information acquisition means 15, an authentication means 16, an extraction means 19, a third verification 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 include ink bottles 151C, 151M, and 151Y, and non-contact ICs (reference numerals 152C, 152M, and 152Y), respectively. ), and performs wireless data communication with the printer 2 .

The printing device 2 includes wireless communication means 11 , first verification means 12 , second verification means 13 , password generation means 14 , position information acquisition means 15 , authentication means 16 , display means 17 , memory 18 . , extraction means 19 , third verification means 20 , update determination means 21 , and password generation means 22 .

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 uses the read information as the first collation means 12 and the second It is supplied to the collation means 13, the password generation 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 the transmission, and the receiving side deletes the added random number to extract information. . This makes it possible to prevent interception of information to be communicated.

The first collation means 12 generates a static password (first collation information) and the first password (second collation information) generated based on the ID (consumables storage information) and stored in the memory 153K. Here, static information is fixed information that does not change each time verification or authentication is performed.

The second verification unit 13 generates a password (third verification information) generated by the password generation unit 14 of the printing device 2 based on the positional information (acquired information) of the printing device 2 and the positional information (acquired information) of the ink cartridge 150 . information) and is stored in the memory 153K.

Password generating means 14 generates a password (first verification information) using a first algorithm stored in memory 18 based on the ID read by wireless communication means 11 . Also, the password generation means 14 generates a password (third verification information) using the second algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means 15 .

The password generation means 22 stores in the memory 18 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. A password (fifth collation information) is generated using the third algorithm.

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

The extracting means 19 extracts a random code that satisfies the random code designation information stored in the memory 153K from among the plurality of random codes stored in the memory 18 as a first random code.

The third verification means 20 uses the 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 (fifth verification information), the first password (second verification information), the second password (fourth verification information), and the random code that satisfies the random code designation information generated by The third password (sixth verification information) generated and stored in the memory 153K is collated.

The update determining means 21 updates the random code designation information when the third matching means 20 determines that the matching matches. Further, the update determination means 21 extracts a random code that satisfies the updated random code designation information from the memory 18 as a second random code. Based on the extracted second random code, first password (second verification information), and second password (fourth verification information), the update determination means 21 generates a third password (sixth verification information). ) is updated.

The authentication means 16 determines that the first verification means 12, the second verification means 13, and the third verification means all match as a result of verification, and the update determination means 21 determines that the ink has been updated. The cartridge 150 is authorized and authenticated. The installed ink cartridge 150 can be used by this authentication permission.

The display means 17 displays a warning message to the effect that the installed ink cartridge 150 cannot be used when the authentication means 16 does not permit the authentication.

The memory 18 generates destination information indicating the area where the image forming apparatus 1 is used, a first algorithm that is a program for generating a password (first verification information), and a password (third verification information). A second 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 memory 18. As shown in FIG.

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

For example, if the random code number is "RC2", the random code is "987654321". That is, by designating the random code number as the random code designating information, one random code whose storage 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, operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention will be described.

4 and 5 are flowcharts showing processing procedures 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, recovery from the power saving mode, or detection result of a sensor (not shown). (Step S101; YES), the wireless communication means 11 of the printing device 2 establishes wireless communication with the non-contact IC (code 152K), and the ID and number are transmitted from the non-contact IC (code 152K). 1 password is read (step S103).

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

Then, the first verification means 12 determines whether or not the first password (second verification information) read by the wireless communication means 11 matches the password (first verification information) generated in step S105. is collated (step S107). Here, since the first password is generated in advance using the first algorithm based on the ID and stored, if the ink cartridge 150K is a product compatible with the image forming apparatus 1, the first password , and the password generated in step S105.

If the first password does not match the password generated in step S105 (step S107; NO), the ink cartridge 150K is not compatible with the image forming apparatus 1. A warning message is displayed to the effect that the ink cartridge attached to the 17 cannot be used (step S109).

On the other hand, if the first password matches the password generated in step S105 (step S107; YES), there is a possibility that the installed ink cartridge is appropriate.

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

Further, the position information acquisition unit 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 verification information) using the second algorithm stored in the memory 18 based on the ID read in step S103 and the position information obtained in step S113. (step S115).

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

If the second password does not match the password generated in step S115 (step S117; NO), the ink cartridge 150K is not compatible with the image forming apparatus 1. A warning message is displayed to the effect that the ink cartridge attached to the 17 cannot be used (step S109).

On the other hand, if the second password matches the password generated in step S115 (step S117; YES), there is a possibility that the installed ink cartridge is 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 extracting means 19 extracts a random code that satisfies the random code designation information (random code number here) stored in the memory 153K from among the plurality of random codes stored in the memory 18 as a first random code ( step S121).

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

The third verification means 20 verifies whether or not the third password (sixth verification information) read by the wireless communication means 11 matches the password (fifth password) generated in step S123 ( step S125).
If it is determined that the third password (sixth verification information) and the password (fifth password) generated in step S123 do not match (step S125; Since the product is not compatible, the authentication means 16 causes the display means 17 to display a warning message to the effect that the attached ink cartridge cannot be used (step S109).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the third password (sixth verification information) matches the password (fifth password) generated in step S123 (step S125; YES), the update determination means 21 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).

Password generating means 22 generates a password using the third algorithm stored in 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 write-protected, the authentication unit 16 determines not to update the third password because it cannot be updated. become.

In addition, even if the memory 153K is writable, if the update determination means does not update the third password within the predetermined time, or if the update determination means does not update the third password in the memory 153K. If the updating operation is not performed in the predetermined place of (1) and the updating operation is performed in another place, the authenticating means 16 also determines that the third password is not to be updated.

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

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

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

In this way, if none of the multi-stage checks by the first checking means 12, the second checking means 13, and the third checking means 20 match, permission and authentication cannot be granted, so the accuracy of authentication can be improved. In addition, authorization and authentication are 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 after the verification by the third verification means 20 matches, so that the accuracy of authentication can be further improved. . Moreover, the third password and the random code designation information are updated each time the verification by the third verification means 20 matches. That is, since the third password and the random code designation information are managed as dynamic information, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of authentication.

Since the accuracy of authentication can be improved in this way, it is possible to reliably identify inappropriate ink cartridges so that they are not used, thereby preventing deterioration in print quality and device failure.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, in step S115, the password generating means 14 generates the second password stored in the memory 18 based on the ID read in step S103 and the location information obtained in step S113. Although the password (third verification information) is generated using the algorithm, it is not limited to this. For example, the password (third verification information) may be generated using the second algorithm stored in the memory 18 based only on the position information acquired in step S113. At this time, naturally, the second password (fourth verification information) is generated based only on the position information and stored in advance in the memory 153K.

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

Specifically, the first verification unit 12 uses the static information generated by the password generation unit 14 of the printer 2 using the first algorithm based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K. A certain password (first verification information) is verified against the first password (second verification information) generated based on the ID using the first algorithm and stored in the memory 153K. Then, the second verification means 13 generates a password (third verification information) by the password generation means 14 of the printer 2 using the second algorithm based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K. and a second password (fourth verification information) generated using a second algorithm based on the ID and stored in the memory 153K.

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

In addition, the printing device 2 has a clock inside, and the password generation means 14 uses the second algorithm stored in the memory 18 to generate a password (third verification information) based on the time measured by the clock. may be generated. At this time, the time measured by the clock provided in the printing apparatus 2 is transmitted to the ink cartridge 150 by the wireless communication means 11, and the CPU 154K generates the second password (fourth collation information) based on the transmitted time. Store in memory 153K.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the first verification unit 12 is static information generated by the password generation unit 14 of the printer 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K. The password (first verification information) and the first password (second verification information) generated based on the ID and stored in the memory 153K are verified, and if they match, the second verification means 13 A password (third verification information) generated by the password generating means 14 of the printing device 2 based on the location information of the printing device 2 and a second password (third verification information) generated based on the location information and stored in the memory 153K ( (fourth collation information), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first collation means 12 may collate when the second collation means 13 collates and matches. In other words, either the collation by the first collation means 12 or the collation by the second collation means 13 may be performed first. Similarly, when the collation by the first collating means 12 and the collation by the second collating means 13 match, the collation by the third collating means 20 is performed. Either the collation by the second collation means 13 or the collation by the third collation means 20 may be performed first.

Also, the first collation unit 12 uses static information generated by the password generation unit 14 of the printing device 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the location information of the printing device 2. A certain password (first verification information) is verified against a first password (second verification information) generated based on the ID and the position information of the printing device 2 and stored in the memory 153K. The collation means 13 generates a password (third collation information) generated by the password generation means 14 of the printer 2 based on the ID stored in the ink cartridge 150K, which is a consumable item, and the remaining ink amount information, and the ID and the remaining amount of ink information and stored in the memory 153K.

Further, the first collation unit 12 uses the static information generated by the password generation unit 14 of the printing device 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the location information of the printing device 2. A certain password (first verification information) is verified against a first password (second verification information) generated based on the ID and the position information of the printing device 2 and stored in the memory 153K. The verification means 13 verifies the password (third verification information) generated by the password generation means 14 of the printer 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the time measured by the clock. , ID, and the second password (fourth verification information) generated based on the clocked time and stored in the memory 153K.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the printing device 2 includes first verification means 12, second verification means 13, password generation means 14, position information acquisition means 15, authentication means 16, and extraction means 19. , the third verification means 20, the update determination means 21, and the password generation means 22, and the printing device 2 executes each process. can be

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

Then, the first verification means 12 of the printing apparatus 2 generates a password (first verification 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.

Then, the second verification means 13 of the CPU 154 generates a password (third verification information) generated by the password generation means 14 based on the position information of the printing device 2 and the position information and stores it 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 .

Furthermore, the third verification means 20 of the CPU 154 generates a A password (fifth verification information) generated by password generation means 22, a first password (second verification information), a second password (fourth verification information), and a random code that satisfies random code designation information. and the third password (sixth verification information) stored in the memory 153K, and the verification result is transmitted to the update determination means 21 of the printing device 2. FIG.

In this way, when collation is performed by the CPU 154, the memory 153K has a readable area where information can be read from outside the ink cartridge 150K and a non-readable area where information cannot be read from outside the ink cartridge 150K. and storing the information (here, the second password and the third password) used for verification in the non-readable area, it is possible to further improve the precision of verification.

For example, the second verification unit 13 of the CPU 154 acquires the location information from the printing device 2, and generates a password (third verification information) generated by the password generation unit 14 based on the acquired location 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 non-readable area of the memory 153K is collated, and the collation result is transmitted to the authentication means 16 of the printing apparatus 2. .

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

Also, the first collation unit 12 generates a password using the first algorithm by the password generation unit 14 of the printing device 2 based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the location information of the printing device 2. A first password (second verification information) generated using a first algorithm based on a password (first verification information), which is static information obtained from the ID and location information, and stored in the memory 153K. ), and the password generation means 14 of the printer 2 generates a second algorithm based on the ID stored in the consumable ink cartridge 150K and the location information of the printer 2. and a second password (third verification information) generated using a second algorithm based on the ID and position information and stored in the memory 153K. 4 collation information) may be collated.

Further, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the ink cartridge 150 is configured to include the CPU 154, but the CPU 154 is not necessarily required.

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

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the location information acquiring means 15 acquires the destination information stored in the memory 18 as the location information, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the positional information obtaining means 15 may have a GPS (Global Positioning System) function and may obtain, as the destination information, an area including the positional coordinates obtained by the GPS function.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the first collating means 12 uses the password generated by the password generating means 14 of the printing device 2 based on the ID (consumable storage information) stored in the ink cartridge 150K. 1 verification information) and the first password (second verification information) generated based on the ID (consumables storage information) and stored in the memory 153K. A password may be used only once. For example, when the first collation means 12 determines that the collation matches, the first password used in the collation is stored in the memory 18, and the first password stored in the memory 18 is disabled. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure caused by using a used ink cartridge refilled with low-quality ink.

In addition, it is possible to set limits on the time and number of times until the completion of matching for each of the matching by the first matching means 12, the second matching means 13, and the third matching means 20. FIG. Specifically, for each of the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20, the number of collation times and the elapsed time since the first collation are stored in the memory 18. FIG. Then, the authentication means 16, when the number of verifications performed by any of the first verification means 12, the second verification means 13, and the third verification means 20 exceeds the upper limit, or from the first verification If the elapsed time exceeds the upper limit time, the authentication may be disapproved. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality and device failure caused by repeated password input for each verification.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the authentication means 16 determines that the first verification means 12, the second verification means 13, and the third verification means 20 all match as a result of verification, and the update determination means 21 , the ink cartridge 150 is authorized and authenticated when it is determined that the ink cartridge 150 has been updated. If it is determined that both of them match, the ink cartridge 150 may be authorized and authenticated.

For example, a user who has a function of accepting a setting to omit update determination processing by the update determination unit 21 and wants to start the printing operation sooner performs a setting operation to omit the update determination processing. The update determination process may be omitted. Further, for each user, it is determined that all of the results of matching by the first matching means 12, the second matching means 13, and the third matching means 20 match in the most recent multiple 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.

Further, the authentication means 16 may permit and authenticate the ink cartridge 150 when the result of the collation by the third collating means 20 is judged to be consistent and the update judging means 21 judges that it has been updated.

For example, a manager, a professional who is in charge of a specific task, or the like, and in the most recent multiple times, the results of the first collation means 12, the second collation means 13, and the third collation means 20 all match. Since it can be inferred that the user who is determined to be updated by the update determination means 21 is a user with no problem, the authentication means 16 determines that the result of the collation by the third collation means 20 matches, When the update determination means 21 determines that the update has been performed, the ink cartridge 150 is authorized and authenticated.

<Example 2>
In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a plurality of random codes are stored in memory 18 in association with random code numbers, and one random code is extracted by designating random code designation information (random code number) as an extraction condition. be.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 6, the memory 18 stores characters arranged in such a manner that one character is determined by the XY coordinates. Letters also include numbers.

The random code starting point information is the coordinates of the leading 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, up, down, left, right, or oblique directions. The number-of-characters information is information indicating the length of the character string of the random code.

For example, assume 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 starting point information is "n". "n", "7", "6", and "s" correspond. Therefore, the extracting means 19 extracts "n76s", which is a sequence of these characters, 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 extracting means 19 is an extraction code specifying the location of the character array stored in the memory 18. A random code can be extracted based on a condition. Thus, by storing characters in the memory 18 in XY coordinates, by changing random code start point information, direction information, and number of characters information, 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.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, an ink jet printing apparatus equipped with a consumable ink cartridge was described as an example, but the printing apparatus is not limited to this and may include a stencil ink cartridge and a stencil master. Any type of printing apparatus can be applied as long as the printing apparatus is equipped with consumables, such as a stencil printing apparatus using consumables and an electrophotographic apparatus using toner bottles as consumables.

(Appendix)
This application discloses the following inventions.

(Appendix 1)
A printing device in which a consumable having an internal memory is mounted and which prints using the mounted consumable,
First collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and second collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory a first collation means for collating the collation information of 2;
The third verification information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is verified against the fourth verification information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumable and stored in the memory. a second verification means for
a storage means for storing a plurality of random codes;
extracting means for extracting, as a first random code, a random code that satisfies an extraction condition from among the plurality of random codes stored in the storage means;
fifth verification information generated by the printing device based on the second verification information, the fourth verification information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means; and the second verification. third collation means for collating information with sixth collation information generated based on the fourth collation information and a random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory;
When the third collation means determines that the collation matches, 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 extracted from the storage means. and update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth verification information has been updated based on the second verification information and the fourth verification information;
authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumable when the results of matching by the first matching means and the second matching means match and the update determination means determines that the consumable has been updated;
A printing device comprising:

As a result, authorization and authentication cannot be performed unless all of the multi-stage checks by the first, second, and third checking means match, so that the accuracy of authentication can be improved. In addition, since the third password and the extraction conditions must be updated by the update determination means after the matching by the third collation means is completed, permission and authentication cannot be performed, so that the accuracy of the authentication can be further improved. Moreover, the third password and the extraction condition are updated every time the third verification means matches. That is, since the third password and extraction conditions are managed as dynamic information, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of authentication.

Since the accuracy of authentication can be improved in this way, it is possible to reliably identify inappropriate ink cartridges so that they are not used, thereby preventing deterioration in 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 the condition for extracting the random code, has been updated, authentication is performed by the authentication means, so a random code with higher security can be set.

(Appendix 3)
The plurality of random codes stored in the storage means are composed of character arrays,
3. 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, by storing character arrays in the storage means and updating the extraction conditions, character strings of various combinations can be extracted as random codes. 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)
A consumable that has an internal memory and is attached to a printing device,
The printing device
First collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and second collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory a first collation means for collating the collation information of 2;
The third verification information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is verified against the fourth verification information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumable and stored in the memory. a second verification means for
a storage means for storing a plurality of random codes;
extracting means for extracting, as a first random code, a random code that satisfies an extraction condition from among the plurality of random codes stored in the storage means;
fifth verification information generated by the printing device based on the second verification information, the fourth verification information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means; and the second verification. third collation means for collating information with sixth collation information generated based on the fourth collation information and a random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory;
When the third collation means determines that the collation matches, 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 extracted from the storage means. and update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth verification information has been updated based on the second verification information and the fourth verification information;
authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables when the results of the matching by the first verifying means and the second verifying means match and the update determining means determines that the consumables have been updated;
with
The memory of the consumable includes:
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 and the sixth collation information for
A consumable product, wherein the sixth verification information is updated based on the second random code, the second verification information, and the fourth verification information.

(Appendix 5)
the memory stores an extraction condition used when extracting the first random code from the plurality of random codes;
5. The consumable item according to appendix 4, wherein the extraction condition is updated each time the third collation unit determines that the collation matches.

1 image forming device 2 printing device 11 wireless communication means 12 first verification means 13 second verification means 14 password generation means 15 location information acquisition means 16 authentication means 17 display means 18 memory 19 extraction means 20 third verification means 21 update determination means 22 password generating means 110 inkjet 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 an internal memory is mounted and which prints using the mounted consumable,
First collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and second collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory a first collation means for collating the collation information of 2;
The third verification information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is verified against the fourth verification information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumable and stored in the memory. a second verification means for
a storage means for storing a plurality of random codes;
extracting means for extracting, as a first random code, a random code that satisfies an extraction condition from among the plurality of random codes stored in the storage means;
fifth verification information generated by the printing device based on the second verification information, the fourth verification information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means; and the second verification. third collation means for collating information with sixth collation information generated based on the fourth collation information and a random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory;
When the third collation means determines that the collation matches, 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 extracted from the storage means. and update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth verification information has been updated based on the second verification information and the fourth verification information;
authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumable when the results of matching by the first matching means and the second matching means match and the update determination means determines that the consumable has been updated;
A printing device comprising: The extraction conditions are stored in the memory,
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said update determination means further determines whether or not the extraction condition stored in said memory has been updated to said changed extraction condition. The plurality of random codes stored in the storage means are composed of character arrays,
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, 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. A consumable that has an internal memory and is attached to a printing device,
The printing device
First collation information, which is static information generated by the printing apparatus based on the consumables storage information stored in the memory, and second collation information generated based on the consumables storage information and stored in the memory a first collation means for collating the collation information of 2;
The third verification information generated by the printing device based on the acquisition information of the printing device is verified against the fourth verification information generated based on the acquisition information of the consumable and stored in the memory. a second verification means for
a storage means for storing a plurality of random codes;
extracting means for extracting, as a first random code, a random code that satisfies an extraction condition from among the plurality of random codes stored in the storage means;
fifth verification information generated by the printing device based on the second verification information, the fourth verification information, and the first random code extracted by the extraction means; and the second verification. third collation means for collating information with sixth collation information generated based on the fourth collation information and a random code satisfying the extraction condition and stored in the memory;
When the third collation means determines that the collation matches, 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 extracted from the storage means. and update determination means for determining whether or not the sixth verification information has been updated based on the second verification information and the fourth verification information;
authentication means for permitting and authenticating the consumables when the results of the matching by the first verifying means and the second verifying means match and the update determining means determines that the consumables have been updated;
with
The memory of the consumable includes:
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 and the sixth collation information for
A consumable product, wherein the sixth verification information is updated based on the second random code, the second verification information, and the fourth verification information. the memory stores an extraction condition used when extracting the first random code from the plurality of random codes;
5. The consumable item according to claim 4, wherein said extraction condition is updated each time said third collation unit determines that the collation matches.

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