KR100769738B1 - Universal reseter for cartridge chips of printing devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A universal reseter for a cartridge chip of a printing device is provided to recognize and initialize data stored in various cartridge chips employing different data structures and different wireless frequencies automatically. An input/outer interface module communicates with a cartridge chip using a synchronized wireless frequency after a wireless frequency of the cartridge chip is scanned. A memory(120) has chip data for various cartridge chips including a cartridge identifying code, an initialization information item identifying code, and initial information of the initialization information item. A controller(130) receives the cartridge identifying code through the input/output interface module, searches for chip data corresponding to the cartridge identifying code in the chip data stored in the memory(120), and then outputs the initialization information item of the chip data and the initial information of the initialization information item. The initialization information item identifying code includes a variable name of an initialization information item, or a storage block number allocated to the initial information item in the memory embedded in the cartridge chip. The initial information of the initialization information item includes an initial value, an initial value operating function, an initial value operating program, or the combination thereof.

Description

Universal resetter for cartridge chips of printing devices

1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a general purpose resetter of the present invention.

United States Patent US 7,088,928 B2.

The present invention relates to a recycling means of a coloring material cartridge of a printing device, and more particularly to a resetter capable of initializing data of a cartridge chip.

Typically, for example, a printing device such as a printer, copier or facsimile is equipped with a removable color cartridge such as, for example, an ink cartridge or a toner cartridge. The colorant cartridge may include colorant storage means for storing colorants (pigments or dyes) for monochrome and / or color printing; And colorant emitting means for emitting colorant for image formation at the request of the printing apparatus. In addition, the color cartridge may be provided with a "cartridge chip" incorporating memory means for storing various data relating to the color cartridge or the printing apparatus.

The memory means built in the cartridge chip may include, for example; A cartridge identification code for allowing a printing device to determine whether the installed color cartridge is suitable for the printing device; The maximum number of pages that can be output from the color cartridge according to the color storage capacity of the color cartridge; The amount of colorant remaining in the colorant cartridge; The number of remaining pages that can be output according to the amount of colorant remaining in the colorant cartridge; History of use of colorant cartridges; Or a combination thereof.

Among the data stored in the cartridge chip, there may be data whose value is changed according to the use of the colorant cartridge. Therefore, in order to reuse the color cartridge provided with such a cartridge chip, not only replenishment of the color material but also initialization of the change data stored in the cartridge chip is required.

Conventionally, for the initialization of the cartridge chip data, a method of replacing the cartridge chip of the used color cartridge with a new cartridge chip storing the initialized data has been widely used. In this case, the cartridge chip of the used color cartridge is discarded, thus causing a problem of environmental pollution and resource waste caused by the disposal of the cartridge chip. In addition, from the point of view of color cartridge regeneration companies, the "cartridge chip data initialization method" of discarding used cartridge chips and introducing new cartridge chips is a significant increase in regeneration costs.

In order to solve the environmental pollution problem and the waste of resources caused by the disposal of the used cartridge chip, there is an urgent need to provide a resetter that can initialize the change data of the cartridge chip. If the change data of the cartridge chip can be initialized using the resetter, it is possible to initialize the data of the colorant cartridge without replacing the new cartridge chip, and there is no need to discard the used cartridge chip.

A problem to be noted in providing a resetter capable of initializing change data of a cartridge chip is that each colorant is generally different because different data input / output schemes and / or different data structures are applied between models of different colorant cartridges. Many separate resetter models must be provided to match the cartridge model. Accordingly, in particular for the color cartridge regeneration company, it is necessary to have a number of separate resetters for each model of the number of color cartridges being handled. Accordingly, the cost of introducing and maintaining the resetter can be seriously increased. In addition, in performing the operation of initializing the change data of the cartridge chip, it is very cumbersome to initialize the change data of the cartridge chip if a different resetter model is used for each model of the different color cartridge. As a result, the efficiency of the color cartridge recycling industry can be greatly degraded.

If, for example, a single model general purpose cartridge chip such as that disclosed in US Pat. No. 7,088,928 B2 is mounted on all color cartridge models, this problem may not occur. However, in the actual industrial field, since the use of different color cartridge cartridge chips is intentionally carried out by printing apparatus manufacturers or printing apparatus models, single modeling of the cartridge chips seems to be practically impossible. Thus, the use of a universal cartridge chip as disclosed in US Pat. No. 7,088,928 B2 only results in the addition of the necessary resetter model and may not effectively solve the problem of using different resetter models for different colorant cartridge models. .

In the present invention, for the reproduction of the color cartridge, the technical problem that the following problems occur when a number of separate resetters for each model of a number of color cartridges occurs. That is, not only can the costs associated with the introduction and maintenance of the resetter be significantly increased, but also in the operation of initializing the change data of the cartridge chip, if different resetter models are used for different models of different color cartridges, Initializing the change data of the cartridge chip becomes very cumbersome. As a result, the efficiency of the color cartridge recycling industry can be greatly degraded.

In order to solve these technical problems and other possible problems, the present invention, by automatically recognizing the data stored in the cartridge chip of various models that are applied to different radio frequency communication frequency and / or different data structure, It provides a "universal reseter" that can be initialized.

Provided by the present invention, "a general purpose resetter for initializing a color cartridge cartridge (hereinafter simply referred to as a 'cartridge chip') of a printing apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a" general purpose resetter "),

An input / output interface unit having a function of scanning a radio frequency of the cartridge chip and a function of communicating with the cartridge chip at a radio frequency;

A memory unit including chip data for a plurality of model cartridge chips, the cartridge identification code, the initialization information item identification code, and initial value information of the initialization information item; And

A function of receiving a cartridge identification code through the input / output interface unit, a function of retrieving chip data corresponding to the received cartridge identification code from chip data stored in the memory unit, and identification of an initialization information item of the retrieved chip data And a controller having a function of outputting initial value information of a code and an initialization information item to the input / output interface unit.

Hereinafter, the general purpose resetter of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 1. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a general purpose resetter of the present invention. The general purpose resetter 100 of FIG. 1 includes an input / output interface unit 110, a memory unit 120, and a control unit 130.

The input / output interface 110 communicates with a cartridge chip (not shown) to be initialized through a radio frequency (RF) scheme. That is, the input / output interface 110 transmits the data received from the cartridge chip by the radio frequency method to the controller 130 and transmits the data received from the controller 130 to the cartridge chip by the radio frequency method. For such radio frequency communication, the input / output interface 110 may include an antenna 111 for radio frequency transmission and reception and a radio frequency communication circuit unit 112.

The general purpose resetter 100 of the present invention should be able to communicate with cartridge chips of multiple models. The cartridge chip may include a radio frequency communication circuit of a different frequency for each model. Therefore, the input / output interface 110 should have a radio frequency scan function. To this end, the radio frequency communication circuit unit 112 may include radio frequency modulation means.

For example, the radio frequency communication circuit unit 112 finds a frequency synchronized with the radio frequency communication circuit of the cartridge chip to be initialized while changing a radio frequency in a predetermined range. When the tuning frequency is specified, the input / output interface 110 performs radio frequency communication with the cartridge chip to be initialized using the specified tuning frequency.

In another embodiment, the input / output interface 110 may use a plurality of preset frequencies in the function of scanning the radio frequency of the cartridge chip. As a result, the time for scanning a frequency synchronized with the cartridge chip can be significantly shortened. The plurality of preset frequencies may be set in, for example, the frequency modulation means itself embedded in the input / output interface unit 110. As another example, the plurality of preset frequencies may be stored in the memory unit 120. In this case, the control unit 130 refers to the plurality of preset frequencies stored in the memory unit 120 and then controls the frequency modulation means of the input / output interface unit 110, whereby the input / output interface unit 110 sets the plurality of preset frequencies. The frequencies can be used to scan the radio frequency of the cartridge chip.

When the radio frequency communication between the input / output interface unit 110 and the cartridge chip is started using the specified tuning frequency, the input / output interface unit 110 records the cartridge recorded at a predetermined address of the memory means built in the cartridge chip. After the identification code is received from the cartridge chip, the identification code is transmitted to the control unit 130. In addition, the input / output interface unit 110 transmits the identification code of the initialization information item and the initial value information of the initialization information item received from the control unit 130 to the cartridge chip to be initialized using the specified tuning frequency.

The memory unit 120 stores a plurality of sets of chip data corresponding to cartridge chips of a plurality of models. Each "chip data" set includes a cartridge identification code; Initialization information item identification code; And initial value information of the initialization information item. For example, the memory unit 120 includes a plurality of cartridge identification codes; And a plurality of sets of initialization information item identification codes required for each cartridge chip model identified by each cartridge identification code and initial value information of the initialization information items; and may be stored in the form of a table. Each set of "chip data" may have a different data structure, depending on changes in the corresponding cartridge chip model.

The initialization information item literally means an information item that must be changed to reflect the reproduction state of the colorant cartridge by replenishing or replacing the colorant among the information items stored in the memory means built in the colorant cartridge chip. For example, the initialization information item may include a remaining amount of colorant left in the colorant cartridge; The number of remaining pages that can be output according to the amount of colorant remaining in the colorant cartridge; Color cartridge regeneration counts; Or a combination thereof.

The initialization information item identification code may be, for example, a variable name of the initialization information item. As another example, the initialization information item identification code may be an address number assigned to each initialization information item in the memory means built in the colorant cartridge chip to be initialized. In the latter example, the color cartridge cartridge to be initialized resets the storage location number of the information item in its memory means in order to correct the value of the information item stored in its memory means. ) Can be useful if you need to specify one.

The initial value information of the initialization information item may be, for example, an initial value value itself, a function for initial value calculation, a program for initial value calculation, or a combination thereof. When the initial value information is the initial value itself, the resetter 100 simply initializes the cartridge chip by transferring the initial value of the corresponding initialization information item stored in the memory 120 to the cartridge chip to be initialized. Can be achieved. When the initial value information is an initial value calculation function or an initial value calculation program, the resetter 100 uses the cartridge chip as an initialization target to initialize the initial value obtained through the calculation of the control unit 130 built in the resetter 100. By the transmission, the initialization of the cartridge chip can be achieved. When the initial value calculation function or the initial value calculation program needs to refer to the "reference information item" other than the "initialization information item", the chip data of the memory unit 120 is the identification code of the "reference information item". And a value may be further included. In the calculation of the initial value calculation function or the initial value calculation program, when the resetter 100 directly obtains the cartridge chip to be initialized, the value of the " reference information item " The chip data does not necessarily include the identification code and value of the "reference information item". On the other hand, when the initial value information is an initial value calculation function or an initial value calculation program, and the colorant cartridge chip to be initialized has a function or a program calculation function, the resetter 100 is used for the initial value calculation function or the initial value calculation. By transferring the program to the cartridge chip to be initialized, initialization of the cartridge chip can also be achieved.

Since the memory unit 120 includes such chip data in a plurality of sets, the resetter 100 of the present invention can be used "universally" in the initialization of cartridge chips of a plurality of models.

The controller 130 may include a function of receiving a cartridge identification code through the input / output interface 110, a function of retrieving chip data corresponding to the received cartridge identification code from chip data stored in the memory 120, And outputting the identification code of the initialization information item of the found chip data and the initial value information of the initialization information item to the input / output interface 110.

For example, the controller 130 inquires the storage location for the cartridge identification code of the cartridge chip through radio frequency communication between the cartridge chip (not shown) and the input / output interface unit 110 that are initialized after frequency tuning. Alternatively, the cartridge chip can send the cartridge identification code recorded in its storage location to the resetter 100. Through this process, the controller 130 receives the cartridge identification code of the color material cartridge to be initialized through the input / output interface 110.

After receiving the cartridge identification code, the controller 130 retrieves the chip data corresponding to the received cartridge identification code from the chip data stored in the memory unit 120. The retrieved chip data includes information items that must be changed to reflect the reproduction state of the color cartridge model matching the received cartridge identification code.

Next, the controller 130 outputs the identification code of the initialization information item of the found chip data and the initial value information of the initialization information item to the input / output interface unit 110. Accordingly, the identification code of the initialization information item and the initial value information of the initialization information item required for the initialization of the cartridge chip of the reproduced colorant cartridge are transferred to the cartridge chip to be initialized by radio frequency communication through the input / output interface unit 110. Delivered.

As described above, the identification code of the initialization information item stored in the memory unit 120 may be, for example, a variable name of the initialization information item or a memory means embedded in the cartridge chip of the colorant cartridge to be initialized. May be a storage location number assigned to each initialization information item. Therefore, the identification code of the initialization information item that the control unit 130 outputs to the input / output interface unit 110 may also be, for example, a variable name of the initialization information item or a storage location number assigned to the initialization information item. . Of course, the variable name of the initialization information item may also be, for example, any string, numeric string, hexadecimal code string, or a combination thereof.

Depending on the cartridge chip model, the cartridge chip may or may not have a function for recognizing the variable name of the initialization information item.

If the initialization target cartridge chip has a function of recognizing the variable name of the initialization information item, that is, a function of designating a storage location of the initialization information item by referring to the variable name of the initialization information item, the controller ( The type of the identification code of the initialization information item that 130 outputs to the input / output interface unit 110 may be a variable name of the initialization information item. In this case, eventually, using the identification code of the initialization information item transferred to the cartridge chip and the initial value information of the initialization information item, the cartridge chip initializes the initialization information item recorded in its memory means.

If the initialization target cartridge chip does not have the function of recognizing the variable name of the initialization information item, that is, the function of designating the storage location of the initialization information item by referring to the variable name of the initialization information item, The form of the identification code of the initialization information item which the 130 outputs to the input / output interface unit 110 is a storage location number assigned to each initialization information item in the memory means built in the cartridge chip of the color material cartridge to be initialized. Is preferably. In this case, the cartridge chip initializes the initialization information item assigned to the storage location number designated by the resetter 100. In other words, the resetter 100 accesses a specific storage location of the memory means built in the cartridge chip and modifies the value of the initialization information item assigned to the specific storage location.

As described above, the initial value information of the initialization information item stored in the memory unit 120 may be, for example, an initial value itself, a function for initial value calculation, a program for initial value calculation, or a combination thereof. Therefore, the controller 130 may output the initial value read from the memory unit 120 to the input / output interface unit 110, or the initial value calculation function or the initial value calculation stored in the memory unit 120. The initial value obtained by calling and calculating the program may be output to the input / output interface unit 110.

As described above, the control unit 130 searches for chip data corresponding to the cartridge identification code received from the cartridge chip to be initialized among the plurality of sets of chip data stored in the memory unit 120, and then the retrieved chip data. Since the identification code of the initialization information item and the initial value information of the initialization information item is output to the input / output interface 110, the resetter 100 of the present invention can be used as a "general purpose" for the initialization of the cartridge chip of a plurality of models. .

General purpose resetter of the present invention, the physical module constituting the input and output interface; A physical module constituting the memory unit; And a physical module constituting the control unit. Or the input / output interface unit; The memory unit; And two components selected by the controller may be combined into one physical module. Or the input / output interface unit; The memory unit; And the controller may be combined into one physical module.

The general-purpose resetter of the present invention can automatically recognize and initialize initialization information items stored in cartridge chips of various models to which different radio frequency communication frequencies and / or different data structures are applied. Therefore, by using the general-purpose resetter of the present invention, in the reproduction of the colorant cartridge, the necessity of having a number of separate resetters for each model of a number of colorant cartridges is essentially prevented. Thus, the cost associated with the introduction and maintenance of the resetter can be reduced, the initializing operation of the cartridge chip becomes very simple, and as a result, the efficiency of the color cartridge regeneration industry can be greatly improved. Moreover, by using the general-purpose resetter of the present invention, since the cartridge chip that has been discarded after being used can be regenerated very easily, environmental pollution by the waste cartridge chip can be effectively prevented, and the manufacture of a new cartridge chip can be achieved. It can effectively save resources.

Claims (7)

An input / output interface unit configured to scan a radio frequency of the cartridge chip and then communicate with the cartridge chip at a tuned radio frequency; A memory unit including chip data for a plurality of model cartridge chips, the cartridge identification code, the initialization information item identification code, and initial value information of the initialization information item; And After receiving the cartridge identification code through the input / output interface unit, the chip data corresponding to the received cartridge identification code is retrieved from the chip data stored in the memory unit, and then the identification code of the initialization information item of the retrieved chip data. And a controller for outputting initial value information of an initialization information item to the input / output interface unit. The initialization information item identification code is a variable name of the initialization information item; Or a storage location number assigned to an initialization information item in a memory means built into the cartridge chip. The initial value information of the initialization information item is an initial value value, an initial value calculation function, an initial value calculation program, or a combination thereof, General purpose resetter for the initialization of the color cartridge chip of the printing device. The method of claim 1, wherein the input / output interface unit, while scanning the radio frequency of the cartridge chip, by finding a frequency synchronized with the radio frequency communication circuit of the cartridge chip, while changing a radio frequency of a predetermined range to a predetermined width, A general purpose resetter for initializing a color cartridge cartridge chip of a printing apparatus, characterized by scanning the radio frequency of the cartridge chip. The radio frequency of the cartridge chip according to claim 1, wherein the input / output interface unit uses a plurality of preset frequencies to scan the radio frequency of the cartridge chip, thereby finding a frequency synchronized with the radio frequency communication circuit of the cartridge chip. A general purpose resetter for initializing a color cartridge chip of a printing apparatus, characterized by scanning a frequency. 4. The universal resetter according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of preset frequencies are set in the input / output interface unit or stored in the memory unit. The method according to claim 1, wherein the initialization information item comprises: a colorant remaining amount remaining in the colorant cartridge; The number of remaining pages that can be output according to the amount of colorant remaining in the colorant cartridge; Color cartridge regeneration counts; Or a combination thereof. A general purpose resetter for initializing a color cartridge cartridge of a printing apparatus. delete delete

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