CN102180022B - An imaging box, imaging device and imaging control method - Google Patents

Abstract

Translated fromChinese

本发明公开了一种成像盒、成像装置和成像控制方法，其中，所述成像盒具有存储芯片，存储芯片包括：第一存储模块，用于存储成像盒中记录材料的已消耗量；第二存储模块，用于存储成像盒的状态标识；第三存储模块，用于存储预设的第一门限值；变更模块，用于当所述记录材料的已消耗量大于等于第一门限值时，将所述状态标识变更为剩余量不足标识；第一门限值小于等于成像盒的满墨量；记录材料的已消耗量为记录材料实际的已消耗量与成像盒记录材料满量的百分比或记录材料实际的已消耗量；第一门限值与记录材料的已消耗量的表征方式一致。当记录材料已消耗量达到第一门限值时，存储芯片强行将状态标识变更为剩余量不足标识以使成像装置此时停止成像。

The invention discloses an imaging box, an imaging device and an imaging control method, wherein the imaging box has a storage chip, and the storage chip includes: a first storage module for storing the consumed amount of recording materials in the imaging box; a second The storage module is used to store the state identification of the imaging box; the third storage module is used to store the preset first threshold value; the change module is used for when the consumed amount of the recording material is greater than or equal to the first threshold value , change the state flag to the insufficient remaining amount logo; the first threshold value is less than or equal to the full ink volume of the imaging box; the consumed amount of the recording material is the actual consumed amount of the recording material and the full amount of the imaging box recording material The percentage or the actual consumed amount of the recording material; the first threshold value is consistent with the characterization method of the consumed amount of the recording material. When the consumed amount of recording material reaches the first threshold value, the memory chip forcibly changes the state flag to the flag of insufficient remaining amount so that the imaging device stops imaging at this time.

Description

A kind of imaging box, imaging device and image formation control method

Technical field

The present invention relates to imaging developing technique field, particularly relate to a kind of imaging box, imaging device and image formation control method.

Background technology

Along with the development of imaging technique, extensively be employed such as the imaging device of duplicator, facsimile machine and printer.In the imaging device imaging process, image-forming information on being recorded in imaging device, also be recorded on the storage chip, this storage chip operated by rotary motion is on the imaging box.In storage chip, record imaging box initial informations such as imaging box model, color, recording material capacity, date of manufacture and manufacturer code, and the information such as sign consumption amount of recording material that in follow-up imaging process, obtain.The ink that described recording materials can be used for ink powder or the ink-jet printer of duplicator, facsimile machine, laser printer.

When the beginning imaging, the initial information of storing in the imaging device elder generation detection of stored chip is controlled to the recording materials imaging in the picture box then.In imaging process, imaging device and storage chip carry out information interaction, are recorded as the image-forming informations such as recording materials total amount in the picture box.In the course of the work, imaging device can be estimated the consumption of recording materials based on the information that forms image.Be that ink-jet printer is example with the imaging device, ink-jet printer can be determined its consumed ink amount according to the China ink amount of its inkjet mouth ejection, judge whether ink remaining amount can finish this imaging, if, then carry out imaging process, and according to the exhausted amount of ink of its inner setting and the relation between the ink total amount, obtain ink remaining amount, send the data that characterize new exhausted amount of ink to storage chip, so that storage chip upgrades the exhausted amount of ink on it and preserves.If the exhausted amount of ink data in the storage chip demonstrate the ink surplus deficiency in the print cartridge, inkjet printing chance reminding user to replace print cartridge or control stop print procedure.

At present, some OEM (original equipment manufacturer, original equipment manufacturer) imaging device production firm has increased the means of other detection residue of ink amount, for example realize the auxiliary control of residue of ink amount by sensor, namely use sensor detection residue of ink amount and estimate the residue of ink amount based on forming the combined mode of image estimation residue of ink amount.A kind of situation may appear in this residue of ink amount detection mode: when ink consumption reaches certain level, imaging device is judged the residue of ink amount according to the detection of sensor, when judging Mo Jinshi according to sensor, the black amount of total use that imaging device estimates according to image-forming information may exceed the scope of full China ink amount.

Because OEM imaging device production firm is when making imaging device, not only be provided with the process that is matched to the picture box, also be provided with the whether plentiful process of the recording materials of picture in the box that is matched to, for the normal imaging device that uses OEM imaging device manufacturer to provide, the imaging box that must use OEM imaging device manufacturer to provide, this brings inconvenience for user's use and raises the cost, and has also limited the fair competition of other imaging box manufacturers.In addition, fixedly there is the imaging box of sensor assembly after using up, can't carry out recycling, can causes environmental pollution.

Compatible imaging box manufacturer can normally use the imaging box of its production on the printer that these OEM imaging device production firms produce, the imaging box of its production is satisfied and coupling that whether the China ink amount of OEM imaging device fills.To this, compatibility imaging box production firm adopts the analog sensor response characteristic to satisfy the coupling of imaging device and the imaging box of OEM imaging device production firm, namely satisfy imaging device to the analog signal detection requirement of China ink amount by analog sensor, with the use amount of the data working control imaging box ink in the storage chip, realize the accurate metering to imaging device imaging box China ink amount.

Because the imaging of the imaging device that each imaging device OEM production firm produces control is different, compatible imaging box production firm runs into new puzzlement.For example, realize the auxiliary printer of controlling of residue of ink amount in the course of the work what OEM production firm produced by sensor, when the China ink amount information that estimates according to image-forming information when printer shows black quantity not sufficient, if detecting, sensor still has China ink, printer can allow to continue to print certain China ink amount, just can control to stop to print.So just may cause: for some types, printer may allow the imaging box just control printer when print consuming 130% China ink amount to stop to print, and for some other type, printer may allow the imaging box just control printer when print consuming 100% China ink amount to stop to print.

Above-mentioned situation can cause occurring following problem: when using compatible imaging box, storage chip may record and use 100% China ink amount for the printer of some types on the imaging box, and can record and use 130% China ink amount for the printer of some other type.Therefore, for avoiding printer when exceeding 100% China ink amount, to show that reality does not have China ink again in the in addition black imaging box, continue to print the situation that to damage printer, compatibility imaging box production firm has to, and perfusion exceeds black 30% the ink of measuring of OEM imaging box in the imaging box, with the China ink amount of defence printer printing 130%.But, can only print the printer of 100% China ink amount for some, if use the compatible imaging box of the 130% China ink amount of having poured into, the ink of the remaining 30% China ink amount of then having to causes the serious waste of ink, nor environmental protection.

Summary of the invention

The purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of imaging box, imaging device and image formation control method, in recording materials waste in being reduced to the picture box, avoid imaging device to damage.

The invention provides a kind of imaging box, described imaging box has storage chip, and described storage chip comprises:

First memory module is used for being stored as the consumption as the box recording materials;

Second memory module is used for being stored as the status indicator as box;

The 3rd memory module is used for the storage preset first threshold;

The change module when being used for consumption when described recording materials more than or equal to first threshold value, changes to the not enough sign of surplus with described status indicator, so that imaging device stops imaging when recording materials surplus deficiency;

Wherein, described first threshold value is smaller or equal to the full China ink amount of imaging box;

The consumption of described recording materials isThe consumption of recording materials realityThe percentage of completely measuring with imaging box recording materials or the consumption of recording materials reality;

Described first threshold value is consistent with the characteristic manner of the consumption of recording materials.

Preferably, described storage chip also comprises the 4th memory module, is used for storage preset second threshold value; Second threshold value is less than first threshold value;

Described change module also is used for: when the consumption of recording materials during less than first threshold value, changes to early warning sign with described status indicator more than or equal to second threshold value.

Preferably, the difference of described first threshold value and second threshold value is 5%～20% of the full China ink amount of imaging box.

Preferably, the difference of described first threshold value and second threshold value is 10% of the full China ink amount of imaging box.

The present invention also provides a kind of imaging device, and described imaging device comprises: imaging device main body and imaging box;

Described imaging box comprises storage chip, described storage chip is used for: be stored as the consumption of picture box recording materials, status indicator and the preset first threshold of imaging box, and when the consumption of described recording materials during more than or equal to first threshold value, described status indicator is changed to the not enough sign of surplus;

Wherein, described first threshold value is smaller or equal to the full China ink amount of imaging box;

The consumption of described recording materials is the consumption of recording materials reality and percentage that imaging box recording materials are completely measured or the consumption of recording materials reality;

Described first threshold value is consistent with the characteristic manner of the consumption of recording materials;

Described imaging device main body is used for: when the described status indicator on detecting storage chip is surplus deficiency sign, stop imaging.

Preferably, described storage chip also is used for: storage preset second threshold value, and, described status indicator is changed to early warning identify during less than first threshold value more than or equal to second threshold value when the consumption of described recording materials; Second threshold value is less than first threshold value;

Then described imaging device main body also is used for: when the described status indicator on detecting storage chip is the early warning sign, send early warning information.

The present invention also provides a kind of image formation control method, comprising:

The recording materials of storing in detecting imaging box storage chip are when consumption is more than or equal to preset first threshold, the status indicator of the imaging box in the storage chip is changed to the not enough sign of surplus, so that imaging device stops imaging when the recording materials surplus is not enough;

Wherein, described first threshold value is smaller or equal to the full China ink amount of imaging box;

The consumption of described recording materials is the consumption of recording materials reality and percentage that imaging box recording materials are completely measured or the consumption of recording materials reality;

Described first threshold value is consistent with the characteristic manner of the consumption of recording materials.

Preferably, also comprise: when detect described recording materials consumption during less than first threshold value, described status indicator is changed to the early warning sign more than or equal to the preset second threshold value; Second threshold value is less than first threshold value.

Imaging box of the present invention, imaging device and image formation control method; by storage chip storage first threshold value at the imaging box; when the recording materials that record in storage chip consumption reach first threshold value; storage chip changes to the not enough sign of surplus with the status indicator of imaging box by force; can make imaging device when the recording materials surplus is not enough, stop imaging; thereby the protection imaging device is avoided damaging; simultaneously the imaging box can pour into and equal or slightly more than the recording materials of first threshold value, avoid waste.By storing second threshold value at storage chip, when the recording materials that record in storage chip consumption reach second threshold value, storage chip changes to the early warning sign with the status indicator of imaging box by force, in order to point out the user to prepare new print cartridge or to prepare the perfusion ink powder, in order to avoid influence the imaging operation.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the structural representation of first embodiment of storage chip in the imaging box of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the structural representation of second embodiment of storage chip in the imaging box of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the structural representation of imaging device of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is the schematic flow sheet of image formation control method of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

For above-mentioned purpose of the present invention, feature and advantage can be become apparent more, below in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments the embodiment of the invention is described in further detail.

Embodiment one

Present embodiment provides a kind of imaging box, and described imaging box has storage chip, and as shown in Figure 1, described storage chip comprisesfirst memory module 10,second memory module 20, the3rd memory module 30 andchange module 40.

First memory module 10 is used for being stored as the consumption of picture box recording materials.

The effect of storage chip is the coupling that is controlled between picture box and the imaging device main body, and in follow-up imaging process record data with information is provided.Record imaging box initial informations such as imaging box model, color, recording material capacity, date of manufacture and manufacturer code in the storage chip, and the sign recording materials that in follow-up imaging process, obtain information such as consumption.

Described recording materials can be the ink powder of usefulness such as duplicator, facsimile machine, laser printer or the ink that ink-jet printer is used.Here, store recording materials consumption in the storage chip, described recording materials consumption can reflect the amount of the recording materials that consumed, can be the consumption of recording materials reality and the percentage that imaging box recording materials are completely measured, it also can be the consumption of recording materials reality, for example the consumption of recording materials reality accounts for 70% of the full China ink amount of imaging box, or the consumption of recording materials is 11.2ml, or adopts other the form of expression such as residuals weight.

Second memory module 20 is used for being stored as the status indicator of picture box.

Store the status indicator of imaging box on the storage chip, described status indicator can be represented by the character string of a string 16 systems, for example, for printer, when the status indicator of imaging box was FF, the expression print cartridge remained black quantity not sufficient, printer can stop to print, and the user need change print cartridge; When status indicator was EF, black the measuring of expression print cartridge residue was not very abundant, and printer can continue printing, and residue is black in user's print cartridge measures seldom but can point out, and like this, the user understands the new print cartridge of corresponding preparation or prepares the perfusion ink powder.And for other status indicator, for example 0F, 1F etc. can think normal operating conditions, and printer is normally carried out print job.Described status indicator also can adopt other the form of expression, does not enumerate one by one at this.

The3rd memory module 30 is used for the storage preset first threshold.

Whether first threshold value reaches the threshold value that need stop to print as the consumption of storage chip monitoring record material.The percentage (for example can be 99%) that first threshold value can completely be measured for consumption record quantity of material and imaging box recording materials, also can be the reality of recording materials consumption (for example can be 15.8ml), as long as first threshold value is consistent with the characteristic manner of the consumption of recording materials.

First threshold value can be smaller or equal to the full China ink amount of imaging box, among the present invention, owing to need be reduced to the waste of recording materials in the picture box, therefore recording materials can not surpass 100%, therefore, when first threshold value adopted the form of the percentage of completely measuring with imaging box recording materials to represent, first threshold value for example can be 90% smaller or equal to 100%; When first threshold value adopts the consumption of recording materials reality, the numerical value that first threshold value is completely measured smaller or equal to imaging box recording materials.

Whenchange module 40 is used for consumption when described recording materials more than or equal to first threshold value, described status indicator changed to surplus is not enough to identify.

Storage chip can compare the consumption of recording materials in the imaging box infirst memory module 10 and first threshold value in the3rd memory module 30, when the consumption of recording materials during more than or equal to first threshold value,change module 40 can change to the status indicator insecond memory module 20 the not enough sign of surplus by force, for example for printer, status indicator can be changed to FF.

As shown in Figure 2, described storage chip preferably also comprises the4th memory module 50, is used for storage preset second threshold value; Second threshold value is less than first threshold value.Whether second threshold value reaches the threshold value that needs early warning as the consumption of storage chip monitoring record material.The percentage (for example can be 80%) that second threshold value can completely be measured for consumption record quantity of material and imaging box recording materials, also can be the reality of recording materials consumption (for example can be 12.8ml), as long as the characteristic manner of the consumption of second threshold value and recording materials and first threshold value is consistent.

Then changingmodule 40 can also be used for: when the consumption of recording materials during less than first threshold value, changes to early warning sign with described status indicator more than or equal to second threshold value.For example for printer, the status indicator in second memory module can be changed to EF.

The difference of described first threshold value and second threshold value can be 5%～20% of the full China ink amount of imaging box.When adopting the characteristic manner of percentage, the difference DELTA T offirst threshold T 1 and second threshold T 2 (Δ T=T1-T2) can be 5%～20%, for example preferred 10%; When adopting recording materials reality during the characteristic manner of consumption, described difference DELTA T can be 5%～20% of the full China ink amount of imaging box, for example is preferably 10% of the full China ink amount of imaging box.Numerical value such as above-mentioned 5%～20%, 10% only is a kind of example of preferred embodiment, is not the restriction to span, and first threshold value and second threshold value can be set according to concrete needs in the implementation process, and the present invention does not do restriction to this.

The imaging box of present embodiment; memory chip stores on it has first threshold value; when the recording materials that record in storage chip consumption reach first threshold value; storage chip can be by force changes to the not enough sign of surplus with the status indicator of imaging box; can make imaging device when the recording materials surplus is not enough, stop imaging; thereby the protection imaging device is avoided damaging, and the box of imaging simultaneously can pour into and equal or slightly more than the recording materials of first threshold value, avoid waste.By storing second threshold value at storage chip, when the recording materials that record in storage chip consumption reach second threshold value, storage chip can be by force changes to the early warning sign with the status indicator of imaging box, in order to point out the user to prepare new print cartridge or to prepare the perfusion ink powder, in order to avoid influence the imaging operation.

Embodiment two

Present embodiment provides a kind of imaging device, and described imaging device can be duplicator, facsimile machine or printer etc.As shown in Figure 3, described imaging device comprises: imaging devicemain body 1 andimaging box 2.

Imaging box 2 comprisesstorage chip 20,storage chip 20 is used for: be stored as the consumption ofpicture box 2 recording materials, status indicator and the preset first threshold ofimaging box 2, and when the consumption of described recording materials during more than or equal to first threshold value, described status indicator is changed to the not enough sign of surplus (for example for printer, the surplus deficiency is designated FF).Described first threshold value can be smaller or equal to the full China ink amount of imaging box.

Imaging devicemain body 1 is used for: when the described status indicator on detectingstorage chip 20 is surplus deficiency sign, stop imaging.

Storage chip 20 can also be used for: storage preset second threshold value, and when the consumption of described recording materials more than or equal to second threshold value during less than first threshold value, described status indicator is changed to early warning sign (for example for printer, early warning is designated EF); Described second threshold value is less than first threshold value.The difference DELTA T of describedfirst threshold T 1 andsecond threshold T 2 can be 5%～20% of the full China ink amount of imaging box, is preferably 10% of the full China ink amount of imaging box.

Imaging devicemain body 1 can also be used for: when the described status indicator on detectingstorage chip 20 is the early warning sign, send early warning information.Early warning information can be at user's display demonstration exclamation mark or word dialog box etc., notices that with the prompting user recording materials in the imaging box are about to exhaust.

The imaging device of present embodiment; memory chip stores on its imaging box has first threshold value; when the recording materials that record in storage chip consumption reach first threshold value; storage chip can be by force changes to the not enough sign of surplus with the status indicator of imaging box; can make imaging device when the recording materials surplus is not enough, stop imaging; thereby the protection imaging device is avoided damaging, and the box of imaging simultaneously can pour into and equal or slightly more than the recording materials of first threshold value, avoid waste.By storing second threshold value at storage chip, when the recording materials that record in storage chip consumption reach second threshold value, storage chip can be by force changes to the early warning sign with the status indicator of imaging box, in order to point out the user to prepare new print cartridge or to prepare the perfusion ink powder, in order to avoid influence the imaging operation.

Embodiment three

Present embodiment provides a kind of image formation control method, as shown in Figure 4, comprising:

S101, the recording materials of storing in detecting imaging box storage chip are when consumption is more than or equal to preset first threshold, and storage chip changes to the not enough sign of surplus with the status indicator of the imaging box in the storage chip.

Described first threshold value can be smaller or equal to the full China ink amount of imaging box.

Described method can also comprise S102: consumption is more than or equal to the preset second threshold value during less than first threshold value when detecting described recording materials, and storage chip changes to the early warning sign with described status indicator.

Second threshold value is less than first threshold value, and the difference of described first threshold value and second threshold value can be 5%～20% of the full China ink amount of imaging box, and for example described difference is 10% of the full China ink amount of imaging box.

The image formation control method of present embodiment; in the storage chip of imaging box, store first threshold value; when the recording materials that record in storage chip consumption reach first threshold value; storage chip can be by force changes to the not enough sign of surplus with the status indicator of imaging box; can make imaging device when the recording materials surplus is not enough, stop imaging; thereby the protection imaging device is avoided damaging, and the box of imaging simultaneously can pour into and equal or slightly more than the recording materials of first threshold value, avoid waste.By storing second threshold value at storage chip, when the recording materials that record in storage chip consumption reach second threshold value, storage chip can be by force changes to the early warning sign with the status indicator of imaging box, in order to point out the user to prepare new print cartridge or to prepare the perfusion ink powder, in order to avoid influence the imaging operation.

Because embodiment two is more to the similar content of embodiment one with embodiment three, that therefore describes is simpler, and relevant part sees also embodiment one.

Need to prove, in this article, relational terms such as first and second grades only is used for an entity or operation are made a distinction with another entity or operation, and not necessarily requires or hint and have the relation of any this reality or in proper order between these entities or the operation.And, term " comprises ", " comprising " or its any other variant are intended to contain comprising of nonexcludability, thereby make and comprise that process, method, article or the equipment of a series of key elements not only comprise those key elements, but also comprise other key elements of clearly not listing, or also be included as the intrinsic key element of this process, method, article or equipment.Do not having under the situation of more restrictions, the key element that is limited by statement " comprising ... ", and be not precluded within process, method, article or the equipment that comprises described key element and also have other identical element.

The above is preferred embodiment of the present invention only, is not for limiting protection scope of the present invention.All any modifications of doing within the spirit and principles in the present invention, be equal to replacement, improvement etc., all be included in protection scope of the present invention.

Claims (8)

1. an imaging box is characterized in that, described imaging box has storage chip, and described storage chip comprises:

First memory module is used for being stored as the consumption as the box recording materials;

Second memory module is used for being stored as the status indicator as box;

The 3rd memory module is used for the storage preset first threshold;

The change module when being used for consumption when described recording materials more than or equal to first threshold value, changes to the not enough sign of surplus with described status indicator, so that imaging device stops imaging when recording materials surplus deficiency;

Wherein, described first threshold value is smaller or equal to the full China ink amount of imaging box;

The consumption of described recording materials isThe consumption of recording materials realityThe percentage of completely measuring with imaging box recording materials or the consumption of recording materials reality;

Described first threshold value is consistent with the characteristic manner of the consumption of recording materials.

2. imaging box as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described storage chip also comprises the 4th memory module, is used for storage preset second threshold value; Second threshold value is less than first threshold value;

Described change module also is used for: when the consumption of recording materials during less than first threshold value, changes to early warning sign with described status indicator more than or equal to second threshold value.

3. imaging box as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, the difference of described first threshold value and second threshold value is 5%～20% of the full China ink amount of imaging box.

4. imaging box as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, the difference of described first threshold value and second threshold value is 10% of the full China ink amount of imaging box.

5. an imaging device is characterized in that, described imaging device comprises: imaging device main body and imaging box;

Described imaging box comprises storage chip, described storage chip is used for: be stored as the consumption of picture box recording materials, status indicator and the preset first threshold of imaging box, and when the consumption of described recording materials during more than or equal to first threshold value, described status indicator is changed to the not enough sign of surplus;

Wherein, described first threshold value is smaller or equal to the full China ink amount of imaging box;

The consumption of described recording materials is the consumption of recording materials reality and percentage that imaging box recording materials are completely measured or the consumption of recording materials reality;

Described first threshold value is consistent with the characteristic manner of the consumption of recording materials; Described imaging device main body is used for: when the described status indicator on detecting storage chip is surplus deficiency sign, stop imaging.

6. imaging device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that,

Described storage chip also is used for: storage preset second threshold value, and, described status indicator is changed to early warning identify during less than first threshold value more than or equal to second threshold value when the consumption of described recording materials; Second threshold value is less than first threshold value;

Then described imaging device main body also is used for: when the described status indicator on detecting storage chip is the early warning sign, send early warning information.

7. an image formation control method is characterized in that, comprising:

The recording materials of storing in detecting imaging box storage chip are when consumption is more than or equal to preset first threshold, the status indicator of the imaging box in the storage chip is changed to the not enough sign of surplus, so that imaging device stops imaging when the recording materials surplus is not enough;

Wherein, described first threshold value is smaller or equal to the full China ink amount of imaging box;

The consumption of described recording materials is the consumption of recording materials reality and percentage that imaging box recording materials are completely measured or the consumption of recording materials reality;

Described first threshold value is consistent with the characteristic manner of the consumption of recording materials.

8. method as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, also comprises: when detect described recording materials consumption during less than first threshold value, described status indicator is changed to the early warning sign more than or equal to the preset second threshold value; Second threshold value is less than first threshold value.

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