JP2013049180A - Image forming apparatus and replacement component - Google Patents

Abstract

In the conventional apparatus, since it is determined whether or not the individual information of the toner cartridge is compatible with the apparatus main body for the extraction of the counterfeit toner cartridge, there is a toner cartridge having different individual information for each apparatus, and management is possible. There was a problem that was getting hard.
A color printer includes a color printer control unit 37 that controls the whole, an authentication data storage unit 38 that stores authentication data, and an RF communication unit 21 that communicates with a memory tag 23. The memory tag 23 includes: , Communication units (29, 31, 32, 33) communicating with the RF communication unit 21, an authentication information storage unit 35 capable of storing authentication information, and receiving authentication data by communication, and authenticating from the authentication data and the authentication information. And an authentication information control unit 34 that outputs a determination result for determining whether or not the device is acceptable. The color printer control unit 37 determines the contents of the device control based on the acquired determination result.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that detachably mounts a plurality of replacement parts, and a replacement part to be mounted.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, or the like has a plurality of developing devices each containing a predetermined toner as a developer and arranged to face an image carrier. Generally, the latent image formed on the image carrier is visualized. A toner replenishing container such as a toner cartridge or a toner bottle is externally attached to the toner replenishing portion of these developing devices during maintenance for replenishing toner.

  In such a conventional image forming apparatus, in order to extract a counterfeit toner cartridge, two-way communication is performed between the communication unit on the toner cartridge side and the communication unit on the apparatus body side, and received from the communication unit on the toner cartridge side. In accordance with the information on the toner cartridge, it is determined whether or not this toner cartridge is compatible with the main body of the apparatus, and when it is determined that the mounted toner cartridge is incompatible, the image forming conditions that are different from usual, such as increasing the charging potential, It is known to extract a toner cartridge that has become nonconforming as a counterfeit product by decreasing the amount of exposure light to increase the amount of toner consumption or lowering the fixing temperature to deteriorate the fixing property (for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-284581 (7th and 8th pages, FIG. 8)

  However, since it is conventionally determined whether or not the individual information of the toner cartridge is compatible with the apparatus main body for the extraction of the counterfeit toner cartridge, there are toner cartridges having different individual information for each apparatus. In spite of the fact that there is no change, there is a problem that management becomes difficult because inconveniences such as incompatibility between devices occur.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus provided with a replacement part in a detachable manner,
An apparatus control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus, an authentication data storage unit that stores authentication data given to the image forming apparatus, and a first unit that is provided in the image forming apparatus and communicates with the replacement part. Communication section,
The replacement part includes a second communication unit communicating with the first communication unit, an authentication information storage unit capable of storing a plurality of types of authentication information, the authentication data received by the communication, and the authentication data An authentication information control unit that outputs a determination result of determining whether authentication is possible from the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit,
The device control unit determines content of device control based on the determination result acquired through the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

A replacement part according to the present invention is a replacement part that is provided with authentication data and is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus including a first communication unit,
A second communication unit communicating with the first communication unit; an authentication information storage unit capable of storing a plurality of types of authentication information; and receiving the authentication data from the image forming apparatus through the communication; And an authentication information control unit that outputs a determination result for determining whether authentication is possible from authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit.

  According to the present invention, since a replacement part can store a plurality of pieces of authentication information corresponding to authentication data of an image forming apparatus that authenticates itself as a replacement part, a compatible replacement part can also be reliably authenticated, and the apparatus Appropriate operation can be prevented. In addition, since compatible replacement parts can be recognized, the management thereof is also easy.

1 is a main part configuration diagram showing a main part configuration of a color printer as an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; It is an internal block diagram of the RF communication part shown in FIG. It is an internal block diagram of the memory tag shown in FIG. In Embodiment 1, it is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of an authentication information control part with input-output data. It is a block diagram which shows the content of the data stored in the authentication information storage part. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of a control system of the entire color printer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. In Embodiment 1, it is explanatory drawing which shows the authentication data stored in each authentication data storage part for every color printer from which a specification changes with the difference in a model or a manufacturing lot. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an authentication operation executed by the color printer in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a route diagram illustrating a data flow of an authentication operation in the first embodiment. In Embodiment 2, it is explanatory drawing which shows the authentication data stored in each authentication data storage part for every color printer from which a specification differs. In Embodiment 2, it is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of an authentication information control part with input-output data. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an authentication operation executed by a color printer in the second embodiment. In Embodiment 2, it is a path | route figure which shows the flow of data of authentication operation | movement.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a main part configuration diagram showing a main part configuration of a color printer 1 as an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the color printer 1 includes a main body 1a and a top cover 1b.

  In the main body 1a, there are a recording medium storage unit 4, a paper feed roller 5, a travel system sensor 6, a first registration roller 7, a travel system sensor 8, a second registration roller 9, a travel system sensor 10, and black (K). Image forming unit 2K for yellow (Y), image forming unit 2M for magenta (M), image forming unit 2C for cyan (C), fixing unit 16, traveling system sensor 17, and The discharge stacker unit 18 is arranged in order from the upstream side of the conveyance path of the recording medium 3.

  Transfer rollers 15K, 15Y, 15M, and 15C (particularly need to be distinguished) are located at positions facing the respective image forming units 2K, 2Y, 2M, and 2C (the image forming unit 2 is designated when it is not particularly necessary to distinguish them). If not, the transfer roller 15 is provided. A conveyance path in which the four transfer rollers 15 and the image forming unit 2 are arranged to face each other includes a conveyance belt unit 50 having a conveyance belt 11 that conveys the recording medium 3 therebetween. The image forming unit 2, the transfer roller 15, the conveyance belt unit 50, and the LED head 12 described later constitute an image forming unit.

  The recording medium 3 printed by the color printer 1 is stored in a state where a plurality of recording media are stacked by the recording medium storage unit 4. The paper feed roller 5 feeds the recording medium 3 one by one from the recording medium storage unit 4, and the first registration roller 7 and the second registration roller 9 are fed from the recording medium storage unit 4 by the paper feed roller 5. The recording medium 3 is conveyed to the image forming unit.

  The traveling system sensor 6 and the traveling system sensor 8 installed immediately before the first registration roller 7 and the second registration roller 9 respectively in the conveyance path of the recording medium 3 detect that the recording medium 3 has arrived. The traveling system sensor 10 disposed at the subsequent stage of the second registration roller 9 can obtain the operation timing of the roller, and can detect the timing at which the recording medium 3 reaches the image forming unit by detecting the reached recording medium 3. To do.

  The image forming units 2K, 2Y, 2M, and 2C are toner cartridges 13K, 13Y, 13M, and 13C (respectively, the toner cartridges 13 are used unless otherwise distinguished) and photosensitive drums 14K and 14Y. , 14M, 14C (in the case where there is no need to distinguish between them, the photosensitive drum 14 is provided). Each of the toner cartridges 13K, 13Y, 13M, and 13C stores developer such as black (K), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) toner, and memory tags 23K, 23Y, and 23M. , 23C (when there is no need to distinguish between them, the memory tag 23 is provided). Each toner cartridge 13 is configured to be detachable from the image forming unit 2 disposed in the main body 1a because the toner cartridge 13 needs to be replaced when the remaining amount of toner to be stored decreases.

  Each memory tag 23 has a data processing function to be described later. Each photoconductor drum 14 is a photoconductor drum capable of forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to print data on the drum surface by electrostatic force, and each electrostatic latent image is developed with a developer such as toner that differs for each color. Then, the toner image to be transferred to the recording medium 3 is held.

  The transfer rollers 15K, 15Y, 15M, and 15C are disposed to face the photosensitive drums 14K, 14Y, 14M, and 14C, respectively, via the conveyor belt 11, and the respective photosensitive drums 14K, 14Y, 14M, and 14C are arranged. The toner images of the respective colors formed on the outer peripheral surface are sequentially superimposed and transferred onto the image forming surface of the recording medium 3 conveyed by the conveying belt 11. A high voltage is applied to the photosensitive drum 14 and the transfer roller 15 by a high voltage power source 19 disposed in the main body 1a, thereby enabling an electrophotographic process such as electrostatic charging / developing / transferring.

  The fixing unit 16 fixes the toner image formed on the recording medium 3 by heat and pressure. The traveling system sensor 17 disposed in the subsequent stage of the fixing unit 16 in the conveyance path of the recording medium 3 detects the recording medium 3 on which the toner image is fixed, so that the recording medium 3 is finally discharged to the discharge stacker unit. 18 can be detected.

  Each of the traveling system sensors 6, 8, 10, and 17 described above is connected to a color printer control unit 37 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, via a cable. Each roller (paper feed roller 5, first registration roller 7, second registration roller 9, photosensitive drum 14, transfer roller 15, and fixing unit 16) is mechanically driven by an actuator (not shown), and the recording medium 3. Can be transported in the downstream direction of the transport path.

  On the other hand, the top cover portion 1b is electrically connected to the LED heads 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C (the LED head 12 is used when there is no need to distinguish between them), the RF communication unit 21, and the RF communication unit 21. Antenna units 22K, 22Y, 22M, and 22C (when there is no need to distinguish between them, the antenna unit 22) and the display unit 20 are arranged.

  The LED heads 12K, 12Y, 12M, and 12C are arranged to be opposed to the photosensitive drums 14K, 14Y, 14M, and 14C of the respective image forming units 2, and are exposure units that emit light according to received print data. And is supported so as to be displaceable so as not to prevent the opening and closing of the top cover portion 1b. The LED head 12 is close to the surface of the photosensitive drum 14 and can be exposed when the top cover portion 1b is closed. Each LED head 12 is connected to a color printer control unit 37 in the main body 1a of the color printer 1 via a cable. The antenna portions 22K, 22Y, 22M, and 22C face each other in the vicinity of the corresponding memory tags 23K, 23Y, 23M, and 23C of the toner cartridge 13 attached to the image forming unit 2 when the top cover portion 1b is closed. To be arranged.

  The display unit 20 is a printed circuit board composed of a liquid crystal display panel, a switch, and the like, and is connected to a color printer control unit 37 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, via a cable to display the status of the color printer 1 and input by the user. Enable operation. The liquid product display panel displays, for example, 24 characters × 2 lines of characters (characters).

  FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the RF communication unit 21 shown in FIG. The RF communication unit 21 includes four sets of circuits having the same configuration corresponding to each of the antennas 22K, 22Y, 22M, and 22C. A set of circuits corresponding to the antenna 22 is illustrated and described as a representative without distinguishing these. The RF communication unit 21 and the antenna 22 correspond to a first communication unit.

The RF communication unit 21 includes an RF control unit 24, a modulation circuit unit 25, an output amplification unit 26, a reception amplifier unit 27, and a detection circuit unit 28, and is connected to the antenna unit 22 via a cable. Further, a transmission signal (including transmission data, command command, etc.) and power are supplied from a color printer control unit 37 (see FIG. 6) in the main body 1a of the color printer 1 via a cable.
The transmission data included in the transmission signal includes authentication data (FIG. 4) described later, data stored in the nonvolatile memory of the memory tag 23, and the like.

  The RF control unit 24 becomes an I / F with a color printer control unit 37 to be described later, and further performs communication control such as data reading / writing with the memory tag 23. For example, when a transmission signal (including transmission data, a command command, etc.) is input, the command command is decoded to generate binary signal data and output it to the modulation circuit unit 25.

  The modulation circuit unit 25 performs ASK (amplitude shift keying) modulation of the carrier wave with the binary signal data generated by the RF control unit 24 and sends the modulated signal to the output amplification unit 26. The output amplifying unit 26 amplifies the ASK-modulated modulation signal, sends it to the antenna unit 22 that can transmit and receive, and transmits it as an ASK modulated wave (radio wave). The reception amplifier unit 27 amplifies a modulation wave (described later) from the memory tag 23 received by the antenna unit 22 and sends the amplified wave to the detection circuit unit 28. The detection circuit unit 28 demodulates the received signal into a binary signal and sends it to the RF control unit 24. ASK modulation is a modulation method in which data information is added to the amplitude of a carrier wave.

  FIG. 3 is an internal block diagram of the memory tag 23 shown in FIG. Since the memory tags 23K, 23Y, 23M, and 23C have the same configuration, they will be described as an example of the memory tag 23 without distinguishing them.

  The memory tag 23 includes a transmission / reception antenna unit 29, a rectification unit 30, a detection circuit unit 31, a modulation data generation unit 32, a reception data determination unit 33, an authentication information control unit 34, an authentication information storage unit 35, and a nonvolatile memory 36. Is done. Of these, the transmission / reception antenna unit 29, the detection circuit unit 31, the modulation data generation unit 32, and the reception data determination unit 33 correspond to a second communication unit.

  The rectification unit 30 rectifies the alternating magnetic field received by the transmission / reception antenna unit 29 and supplies power to each unit of the memory tag 23. The detection circuit unit 31 demodulates the ASK modulated wave received by the transmission / reception antenna unit 29 into binary signal data and outputs it to the reception data determination unit 33.

The reception data determination unit 33 mainly performs the following signal processing.
(1) When the input signal is binary signal data demodulated by the detection circuit unit 31, the received data, the command command, etc. are extracted from the binary signal data, and the decoded result of the command command is related to authentication. If it is, the authentication information control unit 34 is accessed. On the other hand, if the decoded result of the command command is reading / writing of memory data after successful authentication, the nonvolatile memory 36 is accessed.
(2) If the input signal is determination data indicating an authentication (comparison) result from the authentication information control unit 34, read data from the non-volatile memory 36, and a read / write result as described later, these The response data is output as it is to the modulation data generation unit 32 as a carrier signal.

  The modulation data generation unit 32 performs, for example, ASK modulation on the input various response data, outputs the response data to the transmission / reception antenna unit 29, and transmits it as an ASK modulation wave (radio wave).

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the authentication information control unit 34 together with input / output data. As shown in the figure, the authentication information control unit 34 includes a selection information generation unit 34a and a comparison information generation unit 34b configured by complex logic circuits, and a comparison determination unit 34c that performs comparison determination based on input information. Composed. In order to acquire authentication information from the subsequent authentication information storage unit 35 (FIG. 3), the selection information generation unit 34a performs a logical operation on the input authentication data (input value) to obtain selection information (output value).

  Here, the selection information is an address value of the authentication information storage unit 35. The logical operation circuit a constituting the selection information generation unit 34a is configured by an authentication algorithm that is difficult to decipher. The comparison information generation unit 34b performs a logical operation on the input authentication data (input value) to obtain comparison information (output value). Here, the comparison information is information used for comparison determination by the comparison determination unit 34 c of the authentication information control unit 34. The logical operation circuit b constituting the comparison information generation unit 34b is configured by an authentication algorithm that is difficult to decipher.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing the contents of data stored in the authentication information storage unit 35. As shown in the figure, the authentication information storage unit 35 stores a plurality of pieces of authentication information for each address. For example, authentication information 1 is stored at address 1, authentication information 2 at address 2,... When the selection information as an address value is input from the authentication information control unit 34, the authentication information storage unit 35 reads out the authentication information at that address and transmits it to the authentication information control unit 34.

  The non-volatile memory 36 (FIG. 3) is a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM. When there is an access from the received data determination unit 33, the memory data is read / written according to the access, and read / write is performed. The result is output to the reception data determination unit 33, and for example, type information such as color, usage, destination, etc. is held.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the control system of the entire color printer 1 according to this embodiment. The color printer control unit 37 as an apparatus control unit includes, for example, a CPU that is arranged in the main body unit 1a and controls each operation of the color printer, and executes various processes according to a program for controlling the entire color printer 1. The color printer control unit 37 is connected to the fixing unit 16, the high-voltage power supply 19, the display unit 20, the RF communication unit 21, and the authentication data storage unit 38 via an input / output port. Further, although not shown, each traveling system sensor and actuator are also connected and controlled.

  The authentication data storage unit 38 is a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM and stores authentication data. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing authentication data stored in each authentication data storage unit 38 for each color printer having different specifications depending on the model and production lot. Here, the authentication data is information sent to the memory tag 23 to authenticate the memory tag 23, and the selection information generation unit 34a and the comparison information generation unit 34b of the authentication information control unit 34 of the memory tag 23 shown in FIG. It is the information that is input to. As shown in FIG. 7, the authentication data holds different information for each color printer having different specifications. For example, the authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) is used for the color printer 1, and the authentication data 2 (“CCC1” is used for the color printer 2. "), ... The authentication data N is held in the color printer N, respectively. Here, the color printers 1 to N indicate color printers having different specifications.

  The color printers 1 to N have the same authentication function, although the specifications differ depending on, for example, the model and production lot.

  In the above configuration, first, a basic printing operation executed by the color printer 1 will be described with reference mainly to FIGS.

  When the color printer 1 receives a print instruction from a host controller such as a PC, each operation is controlled by the color printer control unit 37 based on the control program, and the print operation is executed. First, each actuator such as a motor is controlled, and the recording medium 3 is conveyed from the recording medium storage unit 4 to the inside of the color printer by mechanically driving the paper feeding roller 5, the first registration roller 7, and the second registration roller 9. Is done. The driving timing of the first registration roller 7 and the second registration roller 9 is determined by detecting the position of the transported recording medium 3 by the traveling system sensors 6 and 8.

  When the traveling system sensor 10 detects the leading edge of the recording medium 3, the printing process operation is started. As a result, the high voltage power source 19 is controlled, and a voltage necessary for charging and developing the photosensitive drum 14 is applied to a charging unit, a developing unit, and the like (not shown) of the image forming unit 2. The drum surface of the photosensitive drum 13 is uniformly charged by a charging unit (not shown), and recording light corresponding to a print data signal from a host controller is irradiated from an LED head 12 (not shown) and exposed. Print data is formed as an electrostatic latent image on the exposed drum surface of the photosensitive drum 14. At this time, the photosensitive drum 14 and the transfer roller 15 are driven in the direction of transporting the recording medium 3 in the downstream direction (arrow A direction) by each actuator.

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the drum surface of the photosensitive drum 14 is developed with toner supplied from the toner cartridge 13 by a developing unit (not shown), and a toner image is formed on the drum surface of the photosensitive drum 14. The A voltage corresponding to a desired condition is applied to the transfer roller 15 from a high voltage power source 19, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 14 is transferred to the surface of the recording medium 3 being conveyed by the transfer roller 15. Is done. If the print data is color image data, the process operation of each color is executed by the transfer roller 15 corresponding to each image forming unit 2, and the toner images of each color are sequentially transferred onto the surface of the recording medium 3 to transfer the color image. Is formed.

  The recording medium 3 on which the image is formed is conveyed to the fixing unit 16 and fixed by heat and pressure. The fixing unit 16 has two rollers incorporating a heating element such as halogen, and the temperature is controlled so that the fixing temperature is detected by a temperature detection element such as a thermistor and the fixing is performed at an appropriate fixing temperature. The recording medium 3 that has undergone the printing process passes through the traveling system sensor 17 and is discharged to the discharge stacker 18.

  Next, an authentication operation executed by the color printer 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the authentication operation executed by the color printer 1, and FIG. 9 is a path diagram showing the data flow of the authentication operation. Based on this flowchart, an example of the authentication operation of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. Although FIG. 9 shows a plurality of color printers, these color printers have the same authentication function except that they store different authentication data, so here the color printer 1 is taken as an example. explain. Here, authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) is stored in the color printer 1, and authentication data 2 (“CCC1”) is stored in the color printer 2.

  The color printer control unit 37 monitors when the apparatus is turned on or when the top cover 1b (FIG. 1) is opened and closed (step S101), and at these timings, the RF communication unit 21 is controlled and incorporated in the toner cartridge 13. In order to authenticate the current memory tag 23, RF communication is started and authentication data is transmitted to the memory tag 23 (step S102).

  That is, when the power is turned on or when the top cover 2 is opened / closed, the color printer control unit 37 reads the authentication data held at the address 0 as shown in FIG. 7 from the authentication data storage unit 38 which is a nonvolatile memory. In the case of the color printer 1 here, authentication data 1 (“AAA1”). The authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) read by the color printer control unit 37 is transmitted as a transmission signal (authentication data 1 + command command) to the RF control unit 24 (FIG. 2) of the RF communication unit 21 via a cable. Sent. When receiving this transmission signal, the RF control unit 24 decodes the command and generates binary signal data. The generated binary signal data is output to the modulation circuit unit 25. The modulation circuit unit 25 ASK modulates the carrier wave with the input signal data. The ASK modulated signal is amplified by the output amplifying unit 26 and then transmitted as a radio wave (ASK modulated wave) from the antenna unit 22.

  The ASK modulated wave transmitted from the antenna unit 22 is received by the transmission / reception antenna unit 29 of the memory tag 23, the authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) is extracted, and the authentication information control unit 34 (FIG. 3) of the memory tag 23 is extracted. Sent (step S103).

  That is, in the memory tag 23 shown in FIG. 3, by receiving ASK modulation data, the induced voltage generated at both ends of the antenna unit 29 is rectified by the rectifying unit 30 and supplied to the memory tag 23 as electric power. The unit 31 demodulates the received ASK modulation data into binary signal data and outputs the demodulated data to the reception data determination unit 33. The reception data determination unit 33 extracts authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) and an instruction command as reception data from the demodulated signal data, and decodes the instruction command. Here, since the command is related to authentication, the authentication information control unit 34 is accessed and authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) is sent to the authentication information control unit 34.

  In the authentication information control unit 34 (FIG. 4), the selection information generation unit 34a generates selection information 1 (“0001”) from the input authentication data 1 (“AAA1”), and the authentication information storage unit 35 (FIG. 5). (Step S104).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the authentication information control unit 34 includes a selection information generation unit 34a, a comparison information generation unit 34b, and a comparison determination unit 34c, and the received authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) The information is input to the selection information generation unit 34a and the comparison information generation unit 34b. The selection information generation unit 34a is composed of a complex logical operation circuit a, and performs a logical operation on the input data, and selects selection information for acquiring authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 35. Generate.

  The logical operation circuit a is configured based on an authentication algorithm, and as shown in FIG. 4, selection information corresponding to input authentication data can be obtained. Here, the selection information 1 (“0001”) is obtained for the authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) of the color printer 1. The selection information 1 (“0001”) corresponds to the address value of the authentication information storage unit 35 at the subsequent stage, and here, the address 1 is selected.

  The authentication information storage unit 35 selects the authentication information (“BBB1”) of the address 1 based on the selection information 1 (“0001”) and notifies the authentication information control unit 34 (step S105).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the authentication information storage unit 35 holds the authentication information for each address, and the authentication information corresponding to the selection information generated from the authentication data is selected. Here, authentication information 1 (“BBB1”) stored at address 1 is selected and sent to the comparison determination unit 34 c of the authentication information control unit 34.

  On the other hand, in the authentication information control unit 34, the comparison information generation unit 34b generates the comparison information 1 (“BBB1”) from the input authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) and outputs it to the comparison determination unit 34c (step S106). .

  That is, the comparison information generation unit 34b that inputs the authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) together with the selection information generation unit 34a is composed of a complex logical operation circuit b, and performs a logical operation on the input data. Comparison information for comparison with the authentication information 1 (“BBB1”) acquired in S105 is generated. The logical operation circuit b is configured based on an authentication algorithm, and as shown in FIG. 4, comparison information corresponding to input authentication data can be obtained. Here, comparison information 1 (“BBB1”) is obtained for authentication data 1 (“AAA1”) of the color printer 1. The comparison information 1 is sent to the comparison / determination unit 34 c in the authentication information control unit 34.

  The comparison / determination unit 34c of the authentication information control unit 34 compares the authentication information obtained in step S105 and step S106 with the comparison information (step S107). Here, the authentication information 1 and the comparison information 1 are both (“BBB1”), and therefore match. When the comparison data matches in this way (step S107, match), the comparison result of “authentication OK” is expressed by a binary signal and sent to the modulation data generation unit 32 via the reception data determination unit 33. . The modulated data generating unit 32 performs, for example, ASK modulation of the carrier wave with the binary information of the comparison result, and transmits the modulated wave from the transmission / reception antenna 29 (step S108).

  The transmitted modulated wave is received by the antenna 22 of the RF communication unit 21 (FIG. 2), amplified by the reception amplifier unit 27, demodulated into a binary signal by the detection circuit unit 28, and color-coded by the RF control unit 24. It is sent to the printer control unit 37. Since the binary signal here indicates the comparison result of “authentication OK”, the color printer control unit 37 can communicate with the nonvolatile memory 36 of the memory tag 23 and set the color printer 1 in the standby state. Alternatively, the printing operation of the color printer 1 is started (step S109).

  On the other hand, when the authentication information 1 and the comparison information 1 do not match in the comparison in step S107 (step S107, mismatch), the comparison result of “authentication NG” is represented by a binary signal and passes through the reception data determination unit 33. Then, it is sent to the modulation data generation unit 32. The modulated data generation unit 32 performs, for example, ASK modulation of the carrier wave with the binary information of the comparison result, and transmits the modulated wave from the transmission / reception antenna 29 as a modulated wave (step S110).

  The transmitted modulated wave is received by the antenna 22 of the RF communication unit 21 (FIG. 2), amplified by the reception amplifier unit 27, demodulated into a binary signal by the detection circuit unit 28, and color-coded by the RF control unit 24. It is sent to the printer control unit 37. Since the binary signal here indicates the comparison result of “authentication NG”, the color printer control unit 37 disables communication with the nonvolatile memory 36 of the memory tag 23 and controls the display unit 20 to obtain error information, For example, “Non-genuine toner” is notified and the operation is stopped (step S111).

  Here, although the authentication process performed between the color printer 1 shown in FIG. 9 and the memory tag 23 provided in the toner cartridge 13 (FIG. 1) has been described, other color printers 2 to N having different specifications are described. In this case, the same authentication process is performed.

  Here, the authentication process performed between the RF communication unit 21 shown in FIG. 1 and the memory tag 23 provided in one toner cartridge 13 that is not specified has been described. However, in the case of color printing, four toner cartridges 13K are used. , 13Y, 13M, and 13C, authentication processing is similarly performed.

  As described above, according to the color printer and the toner cartridge of the first embodiment, the authentication information corresponding to the authentication data unique to the color printer that can use the toner cartridge is stored in the memory tag provided in the toner cartridge. Since a plurality of toner cartridges can be stored, a toner cartridge having such a memory tag can be used by authenticating it with a plurality of different color printers. Therefore, on the color printer side, a compatible toner cartridge can be definitely selected by authentication, and the toner cartridge side can be used only for an authenticable color printer.

  In addition, toner cartridges having memory tags that store the same authentication information can be recognized as compatible with a color printer to which authentication data corresponding to the authentication information is given. It becomes easy to do.

In addition, since the comparison information generation unit 34b generates comparison information by a complicated logical operation, even if a third party who does not know the logic cannot know the device information, the authentication information cannot be written in the memory tag. Therefore, unauthorized use of the cartridge can be prevented.
Furthermore, even when a device with a different specification is newly developed, the authentication information of the new device is added to the memory tag of the conventional cartridge, so that the cartridge is commonly used for both the old device and the new device. be able to.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing authentication data stored in each authentication data storage unit 38 for each color printer having different specifications depending on the model and production lot in the second embodiment based on the present invention. In Embodiment 2 based on this invention, it is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the authentication information control part 34 with input-output data.

  The main difference between the color printer of the second embodiment and the color printer 1 of the first embodiment is that there are two types of authentication data stored in the authentication data storage unit 38. Accordingly, in the color printer of the second embodiment, parts that are the same as those of the color printer 1 of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, or the description is omitted by omitting the drawings, and different points are mainly described. To do. The main configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is the same as the main configuration of the color printer according to the first embodiment. Therefore, FIGS. 1 to 6 are referred to as necessary.

  The authentication data storage unit 38 is a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM and stores authentication data. As shown in FIG. 10, the authentication data here is information sent to the memory tag 23 in order to authenticate the memory tag 23, and the selection information generation unit of the authentication information control unit 34 of the memory tag 23 shown in FIG. 34a and the comparison information generation unit 34b. As shown in FIG. 10, the authentication data holds two pieces of different information for each color printer having different specifications. For example, the authentication data 1a and the authentication data 1b for the color printer 1 and the authentication data 2a and the authentication data 2a for the color printer 2. Authentication data 2b,... The color printer N holds authentication data Na and authentication data Nb, respectively. Here, the color printers 1 to N indicate color printers having different specifications.

  An authentication operation performed by the color printer 1 of the present embodiment in the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of authentication operation executed by the color printer 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a path diagram showing a data flow of the authentication operation. Based on this flowchart, an example of the authentication operation of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, and 13. FIG. 13 shows color printers of a plurality of specifications. Since these color printers have the same authentication function except that they store different authentication data, the color printer 1 is taken as an example here. explain. Here, authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and authentication data 1b (“AAA2”) are stored in the color printer 1, and authentication data 2a (“CCC1”) and authentication data 2b (“CCC2”) are stored in the color printer 2. Is stored.

  The color printer control unit 37 (FIG. 6) monitors when the apparatus is turned on or when the top cover 1b (FIG. 1) is opened and closed (step S201), and controls the RF communication unit 21 at these timings to control the toner cartridge. In order to authenticate the memory tag 23 incorporated in the memory tag 13, RF communication is started, and authentication data is transmitted to the memory tag 23 (step S202).

  That is, when the power is turned on or when the top cover 2 is opened and closed, the color printer control unit 37 reads the authentication data held at the addresses 0 and 1 from the authentication data storage unit 38 which is a nonvolatile memory as shown in FIG. . In the case of the color printer 1 here, the authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and the authentication data 1b (“AAA2”). The authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and authentication data 1b (“AAA2”) read by the color printer control unit 37 are transmitted to the RF control unit 24 (FIG. 2) of the RF communication unit 21 via a cable. It is sent as a signal (authentication data 1a, authentication data 1b + command command). When receiving this transmission signal, the RF control unit 24 decodes the command and generates binary signal data. The generated binary signal data is output to the modulation circuit unit 25. The modulation circuit unit 25 ASK modulates the carrier wave with the input signal data. The ASK modulated signal is amplified by the output amplifying unit 26 and then transmitted as a radio wave (ASK modulated wave) from the antenna unit 22.

  The ASK modulated wave transmitted from the antenna unit 22 is received by the transmission / reception antenna unit 29 of the memory tag 23, and authentication data 1a ("AAA1") and authentication data 1b ("AAA2") are extracted to authenticate the memory tag 23. The information is sent to the information control unit 34 (FIG. 3) (step S203).

  That is, in the memory tag 23 shown in FIG. 3, by receiving ASK modulation data, the induced voltage generated at both ends of the antenna unit 29 is rectified by the rectifying unit 30 and supplied to the memory tag 23 as electric power. The unit 31 demodulates the received ASK modulation data into binary signal data and outputs the demodulated data to the reception data determination unit 33. The reception data determination unit 33 extracts the authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and the authentication data 1b (“AAA2”) as the reception data and the command from the demodulated signal data, and decodes the command. Here, since the command is related to authentication, the authentication information control unit 34 is accessed, and authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and authentication data 1b (“AAA2”) are sent to the authentication information control unit 34.

  In the authentication information control unit 34 (FIG. 11), the selection information generation unit 34a generates selection information 1 (“0001”) from the input authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and authentication data 1b (“AAA2”). It outputs to the information storage part 35 (step S204).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the authentication information control unit 34 includes a selection information generation unit 34a, a comparison information generation unit 34b, and a comparison determination unit 34c, and receives the received authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and authentication. Data 1b (“AAA2”) is input to the selection information generation unit 34a and the comparison information generation unit 34b. The selection information generation unit 34a is composed of a complex logical operation circuit a, and performs a logical operation on the input data, and selects selection information for acquiring authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit 35. Generate.

  The logical operation circuit a is configured based on the authentication algorithm, and as shown in FIG. 11, selection information corresponding to the input authentication data can be obtained. Here, selection information 1 (“0001”) is obtained for authentication data 1 a (“AAA1”) and authentication data 1 b (“AAA2”) of the color printer 1. The selection information 1 (“0001”) corresponds to the address value of the authentication information storage unit 35 at the subsequent stage, and here, the address 1 is selected.

  The authentication information storage unit 35 selects the authentication information (“BBB1”) of the address 1 based on the selection information 1 (“0001”) and notifies the authentication information control unit 34 (step S205).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the authentication information storage unit 35 holds the authentication information for each address, and the authentication information corresponding to the selection information generated from the authentication data is selected. Here, authentication information 1 (“BBB1”) stored at address 1 is selected and sent to the comparison determination unit 34 c of the authentication information control unit 34.

  On the other hand, in the authentication information control unit 34, the comparison information generation unit 34b generates comparison information 1 (“BBB1”) from the input authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and authentication data 1b (“AAA2”), and performs comparison determination. It outputs to the part 34c (step S206).

  That is, the comparison information generation unit 34b that inputs the authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and the authentication data 1b (“AAA2”) together with the selection information generation unit 34a is configured by a complex logic operation circuit b, and the input data Is subjected to a logical operation to generate comparison information for comparison with the authentication information 1 (“BBB1”) acquired in step S205. The logical operation circuit b is configured based on the authentication algorithm, and as shown in FIG. 11, comparison information corresponding to the input authentication data can be obtained. Here, comparison information 1 (“BBB1”) is obtained for authentication data 1a (“AAA1”) and authentication data 1b (“AAA2”) of the color printer 1. The comparison information 1 is sent to the comparison / determination unit 34 c in the authentication information control unit 34.

  The comparison determination unit 34c of the authentication information control unit 34 compares the authentication information obtained in Step S205 and Step S206 with the comparison information (Step S207). Here, the authentication information 1 and the comparison information 1 are both (“BBB1”), and therefore match. When the comparison data matches in this way (step S207, match), the comparison result of “authentication OK” is represented by a binary signal, which is sent to the modulation data generation unit 32 via the reception data determination unit 33. Then, the modulated data generation unit 32 performs, for example, ASK modulation of the carrier wave with the binary information of the comparison result, and transmits the modulated wave from the transmission / reception antenna 29 (step S208).

  The transmitted modulated wave is received by the antenna 22 of the RF communication unit 21 (FIG. 2), amplified by the reception amplifier unit 27, demodulated into a binary signal by the detection circuit unit 28, and color-coded by the RF control unit 24. It is sent to the printer control unit 37. Since the binary signal here indicates the comparison result of “authentication OK”, the color printer control unit 37 can communicate with the non-volatile memory 36 of the memory tag 23 and set the color printer 1 to the standby state. Alternatively, the printing operation of the color printer 1 is started (step S209).

  On the other hand, when the authentication information 1 and the comparison information 1 do not match in the comparison in step S207 (step S207, mismatch), the comparison result of “authentication NG” is represented by a binary signal and passes through the reception data determination unit 33. Then, it is sent to the modulation data generation unit 32. In the modulated data generation unit 32, the carrier wave is ASK-modulated, for example, with the binary information of the comparison result, and is transmitted as a modulated wave from the transmission / reception antenna 29 (step S210).

  The transmitted modulated wave is received by the antenna 22 of the RF communication unit 21 (FIG. 2), amplified by the reception amplifier unit 27, demodulated into a binary signal by the detection circuit unit 28, and color-coded by the RF control unit 24. It is sent to the printer control unit 37. Since the binary signal here indicates the comparison result of “authentication NG”, the color printer control unit 37 disables communication with the nonvolatile memory 36 of the memory tag 23 and controls the display unit 20 to obtain error information, For example, “Non-genuine toner” is notified and the operation is stopped (step S211).

  Here, although the authentication process performed between the color printer 1 shown in FIG. 13 and the memory tag 23 provided in the toner cartridge 13 (FIG. 1) has been described, other color printers 2 to N having different specifications are described. In this case, the same authentication process is performed.

  Here, the authentication process performed between the RF communication unit 21 shown in FIG. 1 and the memory tag 23 provided in one toner cartridge 13 that is not specified has been described. However, in the case of color printing, four toner cartridges 13K are used. , 13Y, 13M, and 13C, authentication processing is similarly performed.

  As described above, according to the color printer and the toner cartridge of the second embodiment, the authentication information corresponding to the authentication data unique to the color printer that can use the toner cartridge is stored in the memory tag provided in the toner cartridge. Since a plurality of toner cartridges can be stored, a toner cartridge having such a memory tag can be used by authenticating it with a plurality of different color printers. Therefore, on the color printer side, a compatible toner cartridge can be definitely selected by authentication, and the toner cartridge side can be used only for an authenticable color printer.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to a tandem color printer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be an MFP having a printing function such as a copying machine or a facsimile. Good. Further, although a color printer has been described, a monochrome printer may be used. In each of the above-described embodiments, the example in which the memory tag is attached to the toner cartridge has been described. However, the replacement part to which authentication data is input from the outside, for example, the image forming unit including the photosensitive drum, the conveyance (transfer) It is also possible to perform authentication in the same manner by attaching a memory tag to a belt or a fixing device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color printer, 1a Main body part, 1b Top cover part, 2 Image forming unit, 3 Recording medium, 4 Recording medium storage part, 5 Paper feed roller, 6 Travel system sensor, 7 1st registration roller, 8 Travel system sensor, 9 Second registration roller, 10 travel system sensor, 11 transport belt, 12 LED head, 13 toner cartridge, 14 photosensitive drum, 15 transfer roller, 16 fixing unit, 17 travel system sensor, 18 discharge stacker unit, 19 high voltage power supply, 20 Display unit, 21 RF communication unit, 22 antenna unit, 23 memory tag, 24 RF control unit, 25 modulation circuit unit, 26 output amplification unit, 27 reception amplifier, 28 detection circuit unit, 29 transmission / reception antenna unit, 30 rectification unit, 31 Detection circuit unit, 32 modulation data generation unit, 33 received data determination unit, 34 authentication information control unit, 4a selection information generating unit, 34b comparison information generating unit, 34c comparison determination unit, 35 the authentication information storage unit, 36 non-volatile memory, 37 a color printer controller, 38 the authentication data storage unit, 50 the conveyor belt unit.

Claims (10)

In the image forming apparatus that is detachably provided with replacement parts,
An apparatus controller for controlling the entire image forming apparatus;
An authentication data storage unit for storing authentication data given to the image forming apparatus;
A first communication unit provided in the image forming apparatus and communicating with the replacement part;
The replacement part is:
A second communication unit communicating with the first communication unit;
An authentication information storage unit capable of storing multiple types of authentication information;
An authentication information control unit that receives the authentication data by the communication and outputs a determination result for determining whether authentication is possible from the authentication data and the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the device control unit determines the content of device control based on the determination result acquired via the first communication unit and the second communication unit. The authentication information control unit
A selection information generating unit that receives the authentication data by the communication and outputs selection information corresponding to the authentication data;
A comparison information generating unit that receives the authentication data by the communication and outputs comparison information corresponding to the authentication data;
The authentication information read out based on the selection information from the authentication information storage unit that selectively stores the authentication information at an address determined by the selection information is compared with the comparison information, and the determination as to whether or not they match The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a comparison / determination unit that outputs a result to the second communication unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the selection information generation unit and the comparison information generation unit generate the selection information and the comparison information by performing a logical operation on the input authentication data.   4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second communication unit, the authentication data storage unit, and the authentication information control unit are memory tags, and the replacement part includes the memory tag. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the memory tag includes a nonvolatile memory capable of writing and reading data.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the memory tag includes a rectifying unit that supplies electric power based on an induced voltage generated by the communication. In a replacement part that is provided with authentication data and is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus including the first communication unit.
A second communication unit communicating with the first communication unit;
An authentication information storage unit capable of storing multiple types of authentication information;
An authentication information control unit that receives the authentication data from the image forming apparatus by the communication and outputs a determination result for determining whether authentication is possible from the authentication data and the authentication information stored in the authentication information storage unit; Replacement parts characterized by having. The authentication information control unit
A selection information generating unit that receives the authentication data by the communication and outputs selection information corresponding to the authentication data;
A comparison information generating unit that receives the authentication data by the communication and outputs comparison information corresponding to the authentication data;
The authentication information read out based on the selection information from the authentication information storage unit that selectively stores the authentication information at an address determined by the selection information is compared with the comparison information, and the determination as to whether or not they match The replacement part according to claim 7, further comprising: a comparison determination unit that outputs a result to the second communication unit.   9. The replacement part according to claim 8, wherein the selection information generation unit and the comparison information generation unit generate the selection information and the comparison information by performing a logical operation on the input authentication data.   The replacement part according to claim 7, wherein the second communication unit, the authentication data storage unit, and the authentication information control unit are memory tags, and include the memory tag.

Images