JP7517841B2 - Electronic device, attachment unit and communication method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic device, an attachment unit, and a communication method.

Some electronic devices, such as printers, are equipped with attachment units that hold consumables such as ink.

One of the attachment units used in such electronic devices is one that is equipped with a tag such as an RFID tag that stores information about consumables. Electronic devices that use such attachment units are provided with a tag communication section that can send and receive information to and from the tag. When the attachment unit is attached to such electronic devices, communication takes place between the tag of the attachment unit and the tag communication section, and information is read from the tag (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-53742 A

Various commands and response signals are exchanged between the tag communication unit of the electronic device and the tag of the attachment unit as described above.

In contrast, there are situations where the tag of the attached unit responds normally only to certain commands that are a subset of all commands.

For example, even if the power supplied to the tag from the electronic device becomes limited for some reason, the tag may be set to a state in which it responds normally only to certain commands that are important, so that important commands can still be communicated.

In such a situation, it is desirable to stabilize the communication between the tag and the tag communication unit in order to communicate specific commands, which are important commands. If this communication is unstable, it will lead to a decrease in the reliability of the electronic device.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an electronic device, an attachment unit, and a communication method that can improve reliability.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device to which an attachment unit having a tag capable of communicating with the outside is attached, the electronic device comprising a tag communication unit that communicates with the tag, and a control unit that controls the tag communication unit, the control unit causing the tag to put the tag into the specific state by transmitting a command from the tag communication unit to the tag to transition the tag to a specific state in which the tag only responds normally to a specific command, causing the tag communication unit to transmit a non-specific command to the tag, checking the communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the non-specific command, causing the tag communication unit to transmit the specific command to the tag, and checking the communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the specific command.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment unit that is attached to an electronic device and includes a tag that communicates with the electronic device, the tag goes into a specific state in which it responds normally only to specific commands according to commands from the electronic device, and in the specific state, when it receives a non-specific command sent from the electronic device, it does not respond normally, but when it receives the specific command sent from the electronic device, it responds normally.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication method is provided that transitions a tag of an attachment unit attached to an electronic device to a specific state in which the tag responds normally only to a specific command, transmits a non-specific command from a tag communication unit of the electronic device to the tag, checks communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the non-specific command, transmits the specific command from the tag communication unit to the tag, and checks communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the specific command.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method in an attachment unit that is equipped with a tag that communicates with an electronic device and is attached to the electronic device, characterized in that the tag enters a specific state in which it responds normally only to specific commands in accordance with commands from the electronic device, and in the specific state, when it receives a non-specific command transmitted from the electronic device, it does not respond normally, but when it receives the specific command transmitted from the electronic device, it responds normally.

The present invention can improve the reliability of electronic devices.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of state transition of an RFID tag. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a communication confirmation process.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device (corresponding to an electronic device) 1 according to this embodiment includes a printing unit 2, an operation panel 3, four tag communication units 4, four mounting units 5, and a control unit 6.

The printing unit 2 prints on paper transported by a transport unit (not shown). The printing unit 2 has four inkjet heads 11.

The inkjet heads 11 eject ink onto paper to form an image. Each of the four inkjet heads 11 ejects ink of a different color (e.g., black, cyan, magenta, and yellow).

The operation panel 3 displays various input screens and accepts input operations by the user. The operation panel 3 includes an input section having various operation keys, a touch panel, and the like, and a display section having a liquid crystal display panel, and the like (neither shown).

The tag communication unit 4 communicates with the RFID tag (corresponding to a tag) 22 of the ink cartridge (corresponding to a mounting unit) 21 described below. The tag communication unit 4 is a reader/writer device that reads information from the RFID tag 22 of the ink cartridge 21 mounted in the mounting unit 5 and writes information to the RFID tag 22 by wireless communication. One tag communication unit 4 is provided for each of the four mounting units 5, and is disposed close to the corresponding mounting unit 5.

The mounting sections 5 are sections into which the ink cartridges 21 are replaceably mounted. One ink cartridge 21 can be mounted in each mounting section 5. One mounting section 5 is provided corresponding to each of the four inkjet heads 11, and an ink cartridge 21 that holds the ink of the color ejected by the corresponding inkjet head 11 is mounted therein. The four mounting sections 5 are arranged in parallel in the printing device 1.

The ink cartridge 21 holds ink used for printing by the printing device 1. The ink cartridge 21 also has an RFID tag 22 that can communicate with the outside. When the ink cartridge 21 is attached to the mounting portion 5, the tag communication portion 4 corresponding to the ink cartridge 21 can communicate with the RFID tag 22 of the ink cartridge 21 attached to the mounting portion 5.

The RFID tag 22 has a memory (not shown) that stores various information such as a UID (identifier) unique to the ink cartridge 21, ink physical property information indicating the viscosity and surface tension of the ink held in the ink cartridge 21, and remaining ink amount information. The RFID tag 22 reads information from the memory in accordance with various commands transmitted from the tag communication unit 4, and transmits a response signal to the tag communication unit 4.

The RFID tag 22 is supplied with power from the printing device 1. In the normal state, in which the printing device 1 supplies the RFID tag 22 with enough power to communicate with the tag communication unit 4, the RFID tag 22 operates using the power supplied from the printing device 1. In the normal state, the RFID tag 22 responds to all commands.

The RFID tag 22 may enter a power-restricted state (corresponding to a specific state) in which the power supply from the printing device 1 is restricted. For example, the RFID tag 22 may enter a power-restricted state when the power supply from the printing device 1 becomes less than normal due to some malfunction or the like. The RFID tag 22 may also enter a sleep state, which is one of the power-restricted states, when the printing device 1 enters a sleep state or in response to a command from the printing device 1. Here, the power-restricted state includes a state in which there is no power supply from the printing device 1.

In a power-restricted state, the RFID tag 22 responds normally only to specific commands. Specific commands are important commands that need to be communicated even when the power supplied from the printing device 1 to the RFID tag 22 is restricted to less than in the normal state. Examples of specific commands include a UID acquisition command that enables the printing device 1 to acquire the UID of the ink cartridge 21.

In the power-limited state, the RFID tag 22 responds to specific commands by operating on its own power. Here, the RFID tag 22 has a mechanism for storing electricity, and stores electricity in the normal state. In the power-limited state, the RFID tag 22 can operate on its own power by using the stored electricity.

As shown in FIG. 2, the RFID tag 22 can transition between a normal state and a sleep state in response to a command from the tag communication unit 4. The state transition caused by this command is performed in the communication confirmation process described below.

When the RFID tag 22 receives a sleep state transition command for transitioning the RFID tag 22 from the normal state to the sleep state during the communication confirmation process, it transitions from the normal state to the sleep state. In the sleep state, the RFID tag 22 responds normally to specific commands. Even if a non-specific command, which is a command other than a specific command, is transmitted, the RFID tag 22 in the sleep state does not generally respond to the non-specific command. When the RFID tag 22 receives a normal state transition command for transitioning the RFID tag 22 from the sleep state to the normal state, the RFID tag 22 returns from the sleep state to the normal state and responds accordingly.

When the RFID tag 22 goes into a sleep state as a result of the printing device 1 going into a sleep state, no commands are sent from the sleeping printing device 1, and therefore the RFID tag 22 does not receive and respond to commands.

The control unit 6 controls the overall operation of the printing device 1. The control unit 6 is configured with a CPU, RAM, ROM, a hard disk, etc.

The control unit 6 executes a communication confirmation process at a predetermined timing. The communication confirmation process is a process for confirming the communication (whether communication is performed normally) between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 when the RFID tag 22 is in a power-limited state.

In the communication confirmation process, the control unit 6 causes the tag communication unit 4 to send a sleep state transition command to the RFID tag 22, causing the RFID tag 22 to enter a sleep state. After this, the control unit 6 causes the tag communication unit 4 to send a non-specific command to the RFID tag 22, and confirms the communication between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 based on the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to this non-specific command. The control unit 6 also causes the tag communication unit 4 to send a specific command to the RFID tag 22, and confirms the communication between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 based on the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to this specific command.

Here, if communication between the printing device 1 and the ink cartridge 21 is normal when the RFID tag 22 is in a sleep state, which is one of the power-restricted states, then communication in a power-restricted state other than the sleep state can also be said to be normal. For this reason, in the communication confirmation process, the RFID tag 22 is placed in a sleep state, and communication in a power-restricted state is confirmed.

Next, the communication confirmation process will be explained with reference to the sequence diagram in Figure 3.

The communication confirmation process is performed, for example, when the ink cartridge 21 is installed, when the printing device 1 is turned on, when the printing device 1 is turned off, and at regular intervals at specified times. When performing the communication confirmation process, the communication confirmation process may be performed between the RFID tags 22 of all ink cartridges 21 and their corresponding tag communication units 4, or it may be performed only between the RFID tags 22 of some ink cartridges 21 and their corresponding tag communication units 4.

Here, we will explain the process of confirming communication between the RFID tag 22 of one ink cartridge 21 and its corresponding tag communication unit 4.

In step S1 of FIG. 3, the control unit 6 sends a non-specific command transmission request to the tag communication unit 4.

When the tag communication unit 4 receives the non-specific command transmission request, in step S2, it transmits the requested non-specific command to the RFID tag 22. Here, the non-specific command may be an ink remaining amount information acquisition command that allows the printing device 1 to acquire information on the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge 21, etc.

When the RFID tag 22 receives the non-specific command, in step S3, it responds to the non-specific command. Specifically, the RFID tag 22 transmits a response signal according to the content of the non-specific command to the tag communication unit 4.

When the tag communication unit 4 receives the response signal from the RFID tag 22, in step S4, it transmits the response signal from the RFID tag 22 to the control unit 6 as a response to the non-specific command transmission request.

When the control unit 6 receives the response signal, in step S5, it sends a sleep state transition request to the tag communication unit 4.

When the tag communication unit 4 receives the sleep state transition request, in step S6, it sends a sleep state transition command to the RFID tag 22.

When the RFID tag 22 receives the sleep state transition command, it transitions from the normal state to the sleep state. As described above, in the sleep state, the RFID tag 22 operates on its own power.

When the tag communication unit 4 transmits the sleep state transition command to the RFID tag 22, it responds to the sleep state transition request in step S7. Specifically, the tag communication unit 4 transmits a response signal to the control unit 6 to notify that the sleep state transition command has been transmitted to the RFID tag 22.

When the control unit 6 receives the response signal, in step S8, it sends a non-specific command transmission request to the tag communication unit 4 to request the transmission of the same non-specific command as that sent in step S2.

When the tag communication unit 4 receives a request to send a non-specific command, in step S9, it transmits the requested non-specific command to the RFID tag 22.

Next, in step S10, the control unit 6 checks the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the non-specific command.

As mentioned above, an RFID tag 22 in the sleep state will not generally respond to a non-specific command. Furthermore, if there is a response from an RFID tag 22 in the sleep state to a non-specific command, the response will be different from that in the normal state. In other words, an RFID tag 22 in the sleep state will not respond normally to a non-specific command.

Therefore, if there is no response even after a predetermined time has elapsed since sending the non-specific command transmission request in step S8, the control unit 6 determines that there is no response to the non-specific command and that the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the non-specific command is normal.

The control unit 6 also determines that the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the non-specific command is normal if a response is received within a predetermined time after sending the non-specific command transmission request in step S8 and the content of the response is different from the content of the response signal received in step S4.

If the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to non-specific commands is normal, it can be confirmed that the RFID tag 22 has definitely transitioned to the sleep state.

Here, for example, if the RFID tag 22 has not transitioned to a sleep state and remains in a normal state, a response with the same content as the response signal received in step S4 is received within a predetermined time from the transmission of the non-specific command transmission request in step S8. In this case, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the non-specific command.

In addition, it may be determined that there is an abnormality in the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to non-specific commands due to an abnormality other than the RFID tag 22 not transitioning to a sleep state.

If it is determined in step S10 that the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the non-specific command is normal, the control unit 6 determines that the communication between the RFID tag 22 in the power-limited state and the tag communication unit 4 is normal. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the non-specific command, the control unit 6 determines that there is an abnormality in the communication between the RFID tag 22 in the power-limited state and the tag communication unit 4.

Next, in step S11, the control unit 6 sends a specific command transmission request to the tag communication unit 4.

When the tag communication unit 4 receives the specific command transmission request, in step S12, it transmits the specific command to the RFID tag 22.

When the RFID tag 22 receives the specific command, in step S13, it responds to the specific command. Specifically, the RFID tag 22 transmits a response signal according to the content of the specific command to the tag communication unit 4.

When the tag communication unit 4 receives the response signal from the RFID tag 22, in step S14, it transmits the response signal from the RFID tag 22 to the control unit 6 as a response to the specific command transmission request.

When the control unit 6 receives the response signal, in step S15, the control unit 6 checks the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the specific command. Specifically, the control unit 6 checks whether the response time, which is the time from sending a request to send the specific command to receiving a response signal, is within a reference time, and checks whether the processing has been performed as instructed by the specific command based on the contents of the response signal.

If the response time is within the reference time and the processing is performed as instructed by the specific command, the control unit 6 determines that the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the specific command is normal. In any other case, the control unit 6 determines that there is an abnormality in the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the specific command.

If it is determined in step S15 that the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the specific command is normal, the control unit 6 determines that the communication between the RFID tag 22 in the power-limited state and the tag communication unit 4 is normal. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the specific command, the control unit 6 determines that there is an abnormality in the communication between the RFID tag 22 in the power-limited state and the tag communication unit 4.

Next, in step S16, the control unit 6 sends a normal state transition request to the tag communication unit 4.

When the tag communication unit 4 receives the normal state transition request, in step S17, it sends a normal state transition command to the RFID tag 22.

When the RFID tag 22 receives the normal state transition command, it transitions from the sleep state to the normal state.

Furthermore, in step S18, the RFID tag 22 responds to the normal state transition command. Specifically, the RFID tag 22 transmits a response signal to the tag communication unit 4 to notify that the RFID tag 22 has transitioned to the normal state.

When the tag communication unit 4 receives the response signal from the RFID tag 22, in step S19, it transmits the response signal from the RFID tag 22 to the control unit 6 as a response to the specific command transmission request. This ends the communication confirmation process.

In the above-mentioned communication confirmation process, if it is determined in at least one of steps S10 and S15 that there is an abnormality in the communication between the RFID tag 22 in a power-limited state and the tag communication unit 4, the control unit 6 causes the display unit of the operation panel 3 to display a notification screen to notify the user of the abnormality. At this time, the control unit 6 also displays a message urging the user to take measures to stabilize the communication, such as replacing the RFID tag 22.

As described above, in the printing device 1, in the communication confirmation process, the control unit 6 causes the tag communication unit 4 to send a sleep state transition command to the RFID tag 22. The RFID tag 22 enters a sleep state, which is one of the power-restricted states, in accordance with the sleep state transition command. Thereafter, the control unit 6 causes the tag communication unit 4 to send a non-specific command to the RFID tag 22, and confirms the communication between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 based on the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to this non-specific command. The control unit 6 also causes the tag communication unit 4 to send a specific command to the RFID tag 22, and confirms the communication between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 based on the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to this specific command.

In this way, by checking the communication between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 in a power-limited state, any abnormality in the communication can be discovered and measures can be taken to stabilize the communication, thereby improving the reliability of the printing device 1.

In addition, since communication is checked using a non-specific command in a power-limited state and communication is checked using a specific command, communication between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 in a power-limited state can be checked with high accuracy.

In addition, because the power-limited state is a state in which the device responds normally only to specific commands, it is possible to respond to requests to communicate important commands even in a power-limited state.

In addition, since the RFID tag 22 in a power-limited state operates on its own power, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag 22 from being unable to communicate due to insufficient power supply.

In the above embodiment, the specific command is transmitted only once in the communication confirmation process, but the specific command may be transmitted multiple times. In this case, if there is an abnormality in the responsiveness to the specific command even once, it can be determined that there is an abnormality in the communication between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4. The same applies to the transmission of a non-specific command after the transmission of the sleep state transition command in the communication confirmation process.

In addition, when a specific command is sent multiple times as described above, the specific command may be sent a specified number of times at a specified interval, and depending on whether the responsiveness is normal, it may be determined whether the RFID tag 22 is a normal product. In this case, the interval and the number of times the specific command is sent may be set according to the range within which the RFID tag 22 can respond according to its specifications. The same applies to the case where a non-specific command is sent multiple times.

In addition, when a specific command is sent multiple times as described above, the transmission interval may be shortened or lengthened to determine whether the responsiveness is normal or not, and whether the RFID tag 22 is a normal product or not. The same applies to the case where a non-specific command is sent multiple times.

In addition, when a specific command is transmitted multiple times as described above, the electric field strength between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 may be changed for each transmission, and the RFID tag 22 may be judged as being normal or not depending on whether the responsiveness of each is normal or not. In this case, the range of the electric field strength to be changed may be set according to the range in which the RFID tag 22 can respond according to its specifications. Instead of the electric field strength, the frequency in the communication between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4, the impedance of the RFID tag 22, the distance between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4, the modulation method, the modulation degree, etc. may be changed. The same applies to the case where a non-specific command is transmitted multiple times. Here, since the distance between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 changes when the ink cartridge 21 is attached, the above-mentioned judgment process can be performed using this timing.

In addition, an irregular command, which is a command to which a normal RFID tag 22 will not respond, may be transmitted, and whether the RFID tag 22 is normal or not may be determined based on whether the response to the irregular command is normal (whether or not the RFID tag 22 responds).

The process of determining whether the RFID tag 22 is a normal product may be performed at any time separately from the communication confirmation process.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the RFID tag 22 in a power-restricted state is assumed to operate on its own power, but if the printing device 1 supplies enough power to enable communication even in a power-restricted state, the RFID tag 22 may be configured to operate on the power supplied from the printing device 1.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a non-specific command is transmitted to the RFID tag 22 before transmitting the sleep state transition command, and after transmitting the sleep state transition command, the same non-specific command as that transmitted before transmitting the sleep state transition command is transmitted. Then, when a response is received to the non-specific command transmitted after transmitting the sleep state transition command, it is determined whether the content of the response differs from the content of the response to the non-specific command transmitted before transmitting the sleep state transition command.

However, if the content of the response corresponding to the non-specific command to be sent after sending the sleep state transition command is known in advance, it is possible to omit sending the non-specific command before sending the sleep state transition command. In this case, if a response is received within a predetermined time after sending the request to send a non-specific command and the content of the response differs from the content of the response corresponding to the non-specific command, it can be determined that the responsiveness of the RFID tag 22 to the non-specific command is normal.

In addition, the above-mentioned communication confirmation process may be performed when the ink cartridge 21 is installed, and if it is confirmed that communication is normal, the following billing process may be performed.

First, the control unit 6 acquires model information indicating the model in which the ink cartridge 21 can be used from the RFID tag 22 of the ink cartridge 21. Next, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the ink cartridge 21 can be used with the printing device 1 based on the acquired model information.

If it is determined that the ink cartridge 21 can be used with the printing device 1, the control unit 6 acquires billing mode information indicating the billing mode of the ink cartridge 21 from the RFID tag 22 of the ink cartridge 21. Next, the control unit 6 determines whether the billing mode of the ink cartridge 21 is network billing based on the acquired billing mode information.

If it is determined that the billing method for the ink cartridge 21 is network billing, the control unit 6 requests payment for the ink cartridge 21 from a server device on the network.

The server device, upon receiving the request for payment, pays for the ink cartridge 21 and notifies the control unit 6 of the printing device 1 that payment has been completed.

When the control unit 6 receives notification that payment for the ink cartridge 21 has been completed, it enables printing using that ink cartridge 21.

As a result, the price of the ink cartridge 21 is paid each time the ink cartridge 21 is first used, so changes in the price can be responded to quickly. For example, the benefit of a reduction in the price of the ink cartridge 21 can be enjoyed immediately.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the power-restricted state of the RFID tag 22 has been described as a state (specific state) in which the RFID tag 22 responds normally only to specific commands, but the state in which the RFID tag 22 responds normally only to specific commands is not limited to the power-restricted state. For example, in a configuration in which the communication method between the RFID tag 22 and the tag communication unit 4 can be switched between FM modulation and AM modulation, the state in which the RFID tag 22 communicates with the tag communication unit 4 using one of the communication methods may be the state in which the RFID tag 22 responds normally only to specific commands.

Furthermore, there may be multiple types of states (specific states) in which the RFID tag 22 responds normally only to specific commands.

In addition, in the communication confirmation process, if it is determined in step S10 of FIG. 10 that there is an abnormality in the communication between the RFID tag 22 in a power-limited state and the tag communication unit 4, the communication confirmation process may be terminated without performing the subsequent processes. In other words, if it is determined in step S10 that the communication between the RFID tag 22 in a power-limited state and the tag communication unit 4 is normal, the subsequent processes may be performed.

In addition, in the communication confirmation process, confirmation of communication by a specific command may be performed before confirmation of communication by a non-specific command.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an inkjet printing device using ink cartridges has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to any electronic device that is equipped with an attachment unit having a tag that can communicate with the electronic device. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a stencil printing device that uses, as an attachment unit, a master (stencil paper) wound around a paper tube to which a tag is attached.

[Additional Notes]
This application discloses the following inventions.

(Appendix 1)
An electronic device to which an attachment unit having a tag capable of communicating with the outside is attached,
A tag communication unit that communicates with the tag;
A control unit that controls the tag communication unit,
The control unit is
A command for transitioning the tag to a specific state in which the tag normally responds only to a specific command is transmitted from the tag communication unit to the tag, so that the tag is placed in the specific state;
transmitting a non-specific command from the tag communication unit to the tag, and confirming communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the non-specific command;
An electronic device characterized by transmitting the specific command from the tag communication unit to the tag, and confirming communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the specific command.

(Appendix 2)
The electronic device described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the specific state is a state in which power supply from the electronic device to the tag is limited.

(Appendix 3)
A mounting unit to be mounted on an electronic device,
a tag for communicating with the electronic device;
The tag enters a specific state in which it responds normally only to specific commands according to commands from the electronic device, and in the specific state, when it receives a non-specific command sent from the electronic device, it does not respond normally, but when it receives the specific command sent from the electronic device, it responds normally.

(Appendix 4)
The attachment unit according to claim 3, wherein the specific state is a state in which power supply from the electronic device to the tag is limited.

(Appendix 5)
The mounting unit according to claim 4, wherein the tag operates on its own power when the power supply from the electronic device is limited.

(Appendix 6)
Transitioning the tag of the attachment unit attached to the electronic device to a specific state in which the tag responds normally only to specific commands;
A non-specific command is transmitted from a tag communication unit of the electronic device to the tag, and communication between the tag and the tag communication unit is confirmed based on a response of the tag to the non-specific command.
A communication method comprising the steps of: transmitting the specific command from the tag communication unit to the tag; and confirming communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the specific command.

(Appendix 7)
The communication method according to claim 6, wherein the specific state is a state in which power supply from the electronic device to the tag is limited.

(Appendix 8)
A communication method in an attachment unit that is equipped with a tag that communicates with an electronic device and is attached to the electronic device, comprising:
A communication method characterized in that the tag enters a specific state in which it responds normally only to specific commands in accordance with commands from the electronic device, and in the specific state, when it receives a non-specific command sent from the electronic device, it does not respond normally, but when it receives the specific command sent from the electronic device, it responds normally.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Printing device 2 Printing unit 3 Operation panel 4 Tag communication unit 5 Mounting unit 6 Control unit 11 Inkjet head 21 Ink cartridge 22 RFID tag

Claims (6)

An electronic device to which an attachment unit having a tag capable of communicating with the outside is attached,
A tag communication unit that communicates with the tag;
a control unit for controlling the tag communication unit,
The control unit is
A command for transitioning the tag to a specific state in which the tag normally responds only to a specific command is transmitted from the tag communication unit to the tag, so that the tag is placed in the specific state;
a non-specific command transmission request is sent to the tag communication unit, causing the tag communication unit to transmit a non-specific command to the tag; determining whether or not the tag's responsiveness to the non-specific command is normal based on the time period during which there is no response from the tag after the non-specific command transmission request is sent and the content of a response signal to the non-specific command, if such a response signal is received from the tag; and confirming communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the tag's responsiveness to the non-specific command;
An electronic device characterized in that it transmits a specific command transmission request to the tag communication unit, causing the tag communication unit to transmit the specific command to the tag, determines whether the tag's responsiveness to the specific command is normal based on the time between transmitting the specific command transmission request and receiving a response signal from the tag to the specific command and whether processing was performed as instructed by the specific command, and confirms communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the tag's responsiveness to the specific command. An electronic device to which an attachment unit having a tag capable of communicating with the outside is attached,
A tag communication unit that communicates with the tag;
A control unit that controls the tag communication unit,
The control unit is
A command for transitioning the tag to a specific state in which the tag normally responds only to a specific command is transmitted from the tag communication unit to the tag, so that the tag is placed in the specific state;
transmitting a non-specific command from the tag communication unit to the tag, and confirming communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the non-specific command;
transmitting the specific command from the tag communication unit to the tag, and confirming communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the specific command;
The specific state is a state in which power supply from the electronic device to the tag is limited. A mounting unit to be mounted on an electronic device,
a tag for communicating with the electronic device;
the tag goes into a specific state in which it responds normally only to specific commands according to a command from the electronic device, and in the specific state, when it receives a non-specific command transmitted from the electronic device, it does not respond normally, and when it receives the specific command transmitted from the electronic device, it responds normally;
The attachment unit is characterized in that the specific state is a state in which power supply from the electronic device to the tag is limited. The attachment unit according to claim 3 , wherein the tag operates on its own power when the power supply from the electronic device is limited. Transitioning the tag of the attachment unit attached to the electronic device to a specific state in which the tag responds normally only to specific commands;
A non-specific command transmission request is transmitted from a control unit of the electronic device to a tag communication unit, and a non-specific command is transmitted from the tag communication unit upon receiving the non-specific command transmission request to the tag, and based on the time period during which there is no response from the tag after the control unit transmits the non-specific command transmission request and the content of a response signal from the tag to the non-specific command when the control unit receives the response signal, the control unit determines whether the responsiveness of the tag to the non-specific command is normal or not, and based on the responsiveness of the tag to the non-specific command, confirms communication between the tag and the tag communication unit,
A communication method characterized by transmitting a specific command transmission request from the control unit to the tag communication unit, transmitting the specific command from the tag communication unit which has received the specific command transmission request to the tag, determining whether the tag's responsiveness to the specific command is normal based on the time from when the control unit transmitted the specific command transmission request to when it received a response signal from the tag to the specific command and based on whether processing was performed as instructed by the specific command, and confirming communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the tag's responsiveness to the specific command. Transitioning the tag of the attachment unit attached to the electronic device to a specific state in which the tag responds normally only to specific commands;
A non-specific command is transmitted from a tag communication unit of the electronic device to the tag, and communication between the tag and the tag communication unit is confirmed based on a response of the tag to the non-specific command.
transmitting the specific command from the tag communication unit to the tag, and confirming communication between the tag and the tag communication unit based on the responsiveness of the tag to the specific command;
The communication method, wherein the specific state is a state in which power supply from the electronic device to the tag is limited.