CN117261441A - Communication method, consumable chip and consumable - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, consumable chips, and consumables. The method includes: receiving a first instruction sent by the image forming device, the first instruction including first duration information, and the first instruction Used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus that lasts for a first duration; to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus that lasts for a second duration, and the second duration is longer than the first duration. , the second duration includes the first duration and the delay duration. The embodiment of the present application establishes a delay trust mechanism between the image forming device and the consumable chip, and determines whether the consumable is legal based on whether there is a low-level signal with a long delay, thereby avoiding interference from third-party equipment during the communication process.

Description

A communication method, consumable chips and consumables

Technical field

This application relates to the field of communication technology, specifically to a communication method, consumable chips and consumables.

Background technique

In order to enrich the characteristics of the image forming device, the image forming device is often used in conjunction with some peripheral consumables. When consumables are used in an image forming device, the image forming device often needs to certify the source of the consumables. The consumables often include a consumable chip for identity authentication. The image forming device is communicatively connected to the consumable chip so that the authentication of the consumable chip can be completed through information exchange between the image forming device and the consumable chip, that is, the authentication of the consumable.

An authentication method for a consumable chip in the prior art is as follows: the image forming device sends a first instruction to the consumable chip, and the first instruction is used to instruct the consumable chip to pull down on the data bus for a specified period of time; if the image forming device is on the data bus If the low-level signal of the specified duration is detected, the authentication passes; otherwise, the authentication fails.

However, if the third-party device receives the first command sent by the image forming device, it can also pull the data bus low for a specified period of time, causing the image forming device to mistakenly believe that the third-party device is a legitimate device, and the image forming device authenticates the third-party device. . Therefore, the above-mentioned solutions in the prior art are susceptible to interference from third-party equipment, leading to misjudgments by the image forming device.

It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background technology section of this application is only intended to deepen the understanding of the general background technology of this application, and should not be regarded as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes what is already known to those skilled in the art. existing technology.

Contents of the invention

In view of this, the present application provides a communication method, consumable chips and consumables to help solve the problem that the existing technology is susceptible to interference from third-party equipment during the process of authenticating consumables, resulting in misjudgment by the image forming device.

In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, which is applied to a consumable chip. The consumable chip is used to communicate with an image forming device through a clock bus and a data bus. The method includes:

Receive a first instruction sent by the image forming device, the first instruction including first duration information, the first instruction being used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low voltage on the data bus that lasts for a first duration. condition;

A low voltage condition is generated on the data bus for a second duration, the second duration is greater than the first duration, and the second duration includes the first duration and a delay duration.

In a possible implementation, the delay lengths corresponding to the first instructions sent multiple times by the image forming apparatus are different.

In a possible implementation, generating a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration includes:

After detecting a high level signal on the clock bus, start generating a low voltage condition on the data bus;

After detecting a low-level signal on the clock bus, stop generating a low-voltage condition on the data bus;

Wherein, after the image forming device sends the first instruction to the consumable chip, the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming device; after the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming device for a third time Finally, the clock bus is released, and the third duration is approximately the same as the second duration.

In a possible implementation, generating a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration includes:

After receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming device, start generating a low voltage condition on the data bus, and start timing through the first clock unit;

When the timing duration of the first clock unit reaches the second duration, stop generating a low voltage condition on the data bus.

In a possible implementation, the first clock unit is different from the second clock unit that generates a clock signal on the clock bus.

In a possible implementation, the first instruction also includes service request information, and after receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming device, the method further includes:

Service response information corresponding to the service request information is sent to the image forming apparatus.

In a possible implementation, receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming device includes: receiving an encrypted first instruction sent by the image forming device; decrypting the encrypted first instruction to obtain a first instruction. 1. Instruction information and business request information;

The sending of service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming apparatus includes: determining the service response information corresponding to the service request information according to the service request information; and encrypting the service response information. Obtain encrypted service response information; send the encrypted service response information to the image forming device.

In a possible implementation manner, the service response information corresponding to the service request information is determined according to the service request information; the service response information is encrypted to obtain the encrypted service response information; and the service response information is provided to the image forming device. Send the encrypted service response information, including:

Before a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration is generated on the data bus, determine service response information corresponding to the service request information according to the service request information; encrypt the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information; After generating a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration, sending the encrypted service response information to the image forming device;

or,

After a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration is generated on the data bus, determine service response information corresponding to the service request information according to the service request information; encrypt the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information; The encrypted service response information is sent to the image forming apparatus.

In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication method applied to an image forming device. The image forming device is configured to communicate with a consumable chip through a clock bus and a data bus. The method includes:

Send a first instruction to the consumable chip, where the first instruction includes first duration information, and the first instruction is used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus that lasts for a first duration;

Detect the low level duration on the data bus;

If the low-level duration is the first duration, the authentication of the consumable chip is not passed;

If the low-level duration is a second duration, the authentication of the consumable chip is passed, wherein the second duration is longer than the first duration.

In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

After sending the first instruction to the consumable chip, pull up the clock bus;

After the clock bus is pulled high for a third period of time, the clock bus is released.

In a possible implementation, the first instruction also includes service request information, and after sending the first instruction to the consumable chip, the method further includes:

Receive service response information corresponding to the service request information sent by the consumable chip.

In a possible implementation, sending the first instruction to the consumable chip includes: sending an encrypted first instruction to the consumable chip;

The receiving the service response information corresponding to the service request information sent by the consumable chip includes: receiving the encrypted service response information corresponding to the service request information sent by the consumable chip; and processing the encrypted service response information Decrypt and obtain business response information.

In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a consumable chip for communicating with an image forming device through a clock bus and a data bus. The consumable chip includes:

A first controller, the first controller is configured to perform the method according to any one of the first aspects.

One possible implementation also includes:

A storage unit configured to store the first duration, the delay duration and/or the delay duration coefficient, and the delay duration coefficient is used to calculate the delay duration.

In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a consumable, including the consumable chip described in any one of the third aspects.

In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide an image forming device for communicating with a consumable chip through a clock bus and a data bus. The image forming device includes:

A second controller, the second controller is configured to perform the method according to any one of the second aspects.

In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide an image forming system, including:

The consumables mentioned in the fourth aspect;

The image forming device according to the fifth aspect;

Wherein, the consumable is installed on the image forming device, so that the consumable chip and the image forming device are communicatively connected through a clock bus and a data bus.

The embodiment of the present application establishes a delay trust mechanism between the image forming device and the consumable chip, and determines whether the consumable is legal based on whether there is a low-level signal with a long delay, thereby avoiding interference from third-party equipment during the communication process.

Description of the drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required to be used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without exerting any creative effort.

Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an image forming system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 2 is a signal timing diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 4 is another signal timing diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 5A is another signal timing diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 5B is another signal timing diagram provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 6 is a structural block diagram of a consumable chip provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 7 is a structural block diagram of another consumable chip provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Figure 8 is a structural block diagram of a consumable provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is a structural block diagram of an image forming apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

In order to better understand the technical solution of the present application, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It should be clear that the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of this application.

The terminology used in the embodiments of the present application is only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present application. As used in the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "the" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It should be understood that the term "and/or" used in this article is only an association relationship describing related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and/or B, which can mean: A alone exists, and A and A exist simultaneously. B, there are three situations of B alone. In addition, the character "/" in this article generally indicates that the related objects are an "or" relationship.

Refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic structural diagram of an image forming system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming system includes an image forming device and consumables. The image forming device is a part of the image forming system that performs image forming operations, and the consumables are replaceable accessories in the image forming system. For example, when the image forming apparatus is an inkjet printer, a laser printer, a 3D printer, a label printer, or a dot matrix printer, correspondingly, the consumables are ink cartridges, toner cartridges, toner cartridges, toner cartridges, ribbon cartridges, etc.

One possible way is that the consumables have a split structure, including a drum cartridge and a developer cartridge that are detachable from each other. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a charging roller, and the developer cartridge includes a developer container, a developer roller, and a developer transporter. element. Another possible way is that the consumables have an integrated structure. For example, the consumables include a developer accommodating part, a developing roller, a developer conveying element, a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, etc. Furthermore, the consumable may only include a housing and a developer accommodating portion. It should be added that the consumable may also be the aforementioned developing cartridge or drum cartridge. Wherein, the aforementioned developer accommodating part is used to accommodate a developer such as toner, and the developer conveying element is a component such as a powder feeding roller, a powder feeding screw, etc. for stirring and/or conveying the toner. Of course, the aforementioned developing cartridge may also include only the aforementioned developer accommodating portion, which is not limited here. Furthermore, the aforementioned developing cartridge may also include only the aforementioned developer accommodating portion and the developer conveying element, which is not limited here.

In order to facilitate the management and authentication of consumables, consumables are usually provided with consumable chips. When the consumables are installed on the image forming device, the consumable chips and the image forming device can be connected through communication links. Specifically, the communication link may include a clock bus and a data bus, for example, an I2C clock bus and an I2C data bus. Among them, the clock bus is used to transmit clock signals, and the data bus is used to transmit data signals.

In some possible implementations, the image forming device can send various types of requests (or commands) to the consumable chip through the above communication link. After receiving the request (or command), the consumable chip can respond to the request. . Specifically, the request may include a request for data (i.e., a "read" request), such as identification and/or authentication information; or, the request may include a "write" request, that is, writing relevant data in the consumable chip; or , the request may include a data processing request, that is, performing relevant data processing actions, etc.

It should be noted that in FIG. 1 for convenience of description, the consumables are shown as being located outside the image forming device, but in some possible implementations, the consumables may be accommodated inside the image forming device. In addition, a storage unit can also be provided in the consumable chip, and information about the consumables can be stored through the storage unit, such as version, production date, manufacturer logo, type, color, capacity and usage of imaging substances (toner, ink), etc. This application This will not be described again in the embodiment.

Normally, the image forming device needs to authenticate the consumable chip to confirm whether the consumable is legal. The authentication method of a consumable chip in the related art is as follows:

The image forming apparatus sends a first instruction to the consumable chip. The first instruction is used to instruct the consumable chip to pull the data bus low for a specified period of time. For example, in the application scenario shown in Figure 2, the specified duration is T’. When the consumable chip receives the first command, it parses the first command to obtain the specified duration T', and then the data bus can be pulled low for the specified duration T' within the time period t1-t2. Further, the image forming device can detect a low-level signal on the data bus. If the image forming device detects a low-level signal of specified duration T' on the data bus, it means that the consumable is a legal device, and the authentication is passed; otherwise , indicating that the consumables are illegal equipment and the certification will not pass.

However, in the above consumable chip authentication method, if the third-party device receives the first command sent by the image forming device, it can also pull the data bus low for a specified period of time, causing the image forming device to mistakenly believe that the third-party device is a legitimate device. The image forming device has passed the certification of third-party equipment. Therefore, the above-mentioned solutions in the related art are susceptible to interference from third-party equipment, leading to misjudgment by the image forming device.

In response to the above problems, embodiments of the present application establish a delay trust mechanism between the image forming device and the consumable chip, and determine whether the consumable is legal based on whether there is a low-level signal with a long delay, thereby avoiding interference from third-party equipment during the communication process.

Refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied to the image forming system shown in Figure 1, as shown in Figure 3, and mainly includes the following steps.

Step S301: The image forming apparatus sends a first instruction to the consumable chip.

In the embodiment of the present application, when the image forming apparatus needs to authenticate the consumables (for example, after the image forming apparatus is turned on; after the consumables are loaded into the image forming apparatus; after the image forming apparatus receives an authentication instruction input by the user, etc.), you can Send a first instruction including first duration information to the consumable chip associated with the consumable. The first instruction is used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus for a first duration. The first duration is the image forming device. specified duration.

In specific implementation, the image forming device can send the first instruction to the consumable chip through the data bus. Of course, in other circuit connection relationships, the image forming device can also send the first instruction to the consumable chip through other communication links.

For example, in the application scenario shown in FIG. 4 , the first duration is T, that is, the image forming device instructs the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus that lasts for the first duration T.

Step S302: The consumable chip generates a low voltage condition on the data bus that lasts for a second duration, and the second duration is longer than the first duration.

Specifically, when the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming device, it can generate a low voltage condition on the data bus that lasts for a second duration, so that the data bus generates a low-level signal for a second duration, and the second duration The duration is longer than the first duration. That is to say, after receiving the first command sent by the image forming device, the consumable chip ignores the first duration information specified in the first command and lowers the second duration. For ease of explanation, the second duration is divided into a first duration and a delay duration. That is to say, in addition to pulling the data bus low for the first duration according to the instructions of the first instruction, the delay duration is also pulled low, so that the total duration of the consumable chip pulling the data bus low is the first duration + the delay duration, that is, Second duration.

In a possible implementation, after the image forming device sends the first instruction to the consumable chip, the clock bus is pulled up by the image forming device for a third duration, which is approximately the same as the second duration, and then released, and the release is The clock bus returns to a state where the clock signal alternates between low and high levels repeatedly. Therefore, the consumable chip can refer to the clock signal on the clock bus to determine the second duration. Specifically, the consumable chip can monitor the level signal on the clock bus in real time. When a high-level signal is detected on the clock bus, it begins to generate a low-voltage condition on the data bus; when a low-level signal is detected on the clock bus Thereafter, generating a low voltage condition on the data bus is stopped, causing a low voltage condition to be generated on the data bus for a second duration.

For example, the image forming device sends the first instruction to the consumable chip at time t1 and simultaneously pulls the clock bus high. Wherein, the first duration indicated in the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus is T. After receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming device, the consumable chip starts to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus. After pulling the clock bus high for a first time period T (from time t1 to time t2), the image forming apparatus continues to pull the clock bus high until it releases the clock bus at time t3. That is to say, after the image forming device pulls the clock bus high for the first time T, it continues to pull the clock bus high for the delay time aT (from time t2 to time t3), so that the total time the clock bus is high is T+aT, that is, the first Three hours long. In addition, when the consumable chip detects the falling edge of the clock signal at time t3, it starts to release the data bus and stops generating low-voltage conditions on the data bus, causing a low-voltage condition lasting for t1-t3 to be generated on the data bus, that is, a continuous low-voltage condition is generated on the data bus. Second duration of low voltage condition.

In a possible implementation, the consumable chip can determine the second duration through its own timing function. Specifically, when the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming device, it starts to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus and starts timing through the first clock unit; when the timing duration of the first clock unit reaches the second duration , stops generating a low voltage condition on the data bus, causing a low voltage condition to be generated on the data bus for a second duration.

As mentioned above, in some application scenarios, after the image forming device sends the first instruction to the consumable chip, the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming device. Therefore, during this period, the consumable chip cannot perform timing based on the clock signal on the clock bus. . To address this problem, an independent clock unit can be set up for the consumable chip for timing. For ease of distinction, the clock unit that provides an independent timing function for the consumable chip is called the "first clock unit"; the clock unit that generates the clock signal on the clock bus in the image forming apparatus is called the "second clock unit". It can be understood that the consumable chip performs timing based on an independently set first clock unit and will not be interfered by changes in the working state of the clock bus. In a specific implementation, the first clock unit may be a timer provided inside the consumable chip, and the timer is configured specifically to provide timing for the consumable chip. Of course, the first clock unit can also be arranged outside the consumable chip, and the consumable chip is communicatively connected with the first clock unit through a communication interface to determine the timing duration.

It can be understood that in the solution of "the consumable chip determines the second duration through its own timing function", the consumable chip first needs to know the size of the second duration (for example, 200ms, 300ms, etc.). In a possible implementation, the consumable chip can determine the size of the second duration based on the data stored in the storage unit.

Specifically, the second duration can be stored in the storage unit of the consumable chip. After the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming device, the second duration can be read in the storage unit to determine that it needs to be generated on the data bus. The duration of the low voltage condition (second duration). Alternatively, the delay duration is stored in the storage unit of the consumable chip. After the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming device, the delay duration can be read in the storage unit according to the first duration specified in the first instruction. and the delay duration determine the duration required to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus (second duration = first duration + delay duration). Alternatively, the delay duration coefficient a is stored in the storage unit of the consumable chip. After the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming device, the delay duration coefficient a can be read in the storage unit, and the delay duration coefficient a is specified in the first instruction. The first duration T and the delay duration coefficient a determine the delay duration aT, and then determine the duration that needs to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus based on the first duration T and the delay duration aT (the second duration = the first duration T+delay length aT).

It is understandable that if the delay time aT is too long, the communication efficiency between the image forming device and the consumable chip may be low. Therefore, the delay time aT should not be too long. Typically, a∈(0,0.2). In some possible implementations, in order to improve the reliability of verification, the delay lengths corresponding to the first instructions sent multiple times by the image forming apparatus are different. For example, after the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming device for the first time, the corresponding delay length is 0.1T; after the consumable chip receives the first instruction sent by the image forming device for the second time, the corresponding delay length is 0.1T. The delay length is 0.2T, etc.

It should be pointed out that the "high level" and "low level" involved in the embodiments of this application are a set of relative concepts. As long as the "high level" is higher than the "low level", and during the signal transmission process It is enough to distinguish these two signals. For example, the high level can be between 3-6v, and the low level can be between 0-1v.

Further, after the second period of time, the consumable chip can release the data bus, so that normal information interaction can be carried out between the image forming device and the consumable chip.

Step S303: The image forming device detects the low level duration on the data bus.

Specifically, after sending the first instruction to the consumable chip, the image forming device can detect the low-level duration on the data bus in real time, and then determine whether an expected response signal is received. According to the above description, the expected response signal is a low-level signal that lasts for a second duration.

Step S304: If the low-level duration is the first duration, the image forming device does not pass the authentication of the consumable chip; if the low-level duration is the second duration, the image forming device passes the authentication of the consumable chip.

Specifically, if the consumable associated with the consumable chip is an illegal device, the consumable chip generates a low voltage condition on the data bus that lasts for a first duration according to the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus. Correspondingly, the low-level duration detected by the image forming device on the data bus is the first duration, and the authentication of the consumable chip is not passed.

If the consumable associated with the consumable chip is a legitimate device, the consumable chip generates a low voltage condition on the data bus that lasts for a second duration according to the delay trust mechanism agreed with the image forming device. Correspondingly, the low-level duration detected by the image forming device on the data bus is the second duration, and the consumable chip is then authenticated.

In the embodiment of the present application, a delay trust mechanism is established between the image forming device and the consumable chip to determine whether the consumable is legal based on whether there is a low-level signal with a long delay, thereby avoiding interference from third-party equipment during the communication process.

It should be pointed out that the signal timing diagram shown in Figure 4 is only an ideal situation. In practical applications, there may be a certain time difference between the consumable chip receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming device and the generation of a low voltage condition on the data bus; and the determination by the consumable chip that it is necessary to stop generating a low voltage condition on the data bus. There may also be a time lag between when the data bus is completely released. Therefore, the second time period during which the consumable chip generates a low voltage condition on the data bus may be approximately equal to the third time period during which the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming device. That is to say, it is not strictly equal to the third time period, which should also fall within the scope of this application. within the scope of protection.

Exemplarily, in the application scenario shown in FIG. 5A , the image forming device sends the first instruction to the consumable chip at time t1 and simultaneously pulls the clock bus high. Wherein, the first duration indicated in the first instruction sent by the image forming apparatus is T. After receiving the first command sent by the image forming device, the consumable chip analyzes the first command. After completing the analysis (for example, 1-2 ms), it starts to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus at time t1'. After pulling the clock bus high for a first time period T (from time t1 to time t2), the image forming apparatus continues to pull the clock bus high until time t3 releases the clock bus. That is to say, after the image forming device pulls the clock bus high for the first time T, it continues to pull the clock bus high for the delay time aT (from time t2 to time t3), so that the total time the clock bus is high is T+aT, that is, the first Two hours. In addition, when the consumable chip detects the falling edge of the clock signal at time t3, it starts to release the data bus. This process still takes a certain amount of time (for example, 2ms), so that the consumable chip releases the data bus at time t3'.

It can be understood that in this application scenario, the time period for the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus is t1’-t3’. Since the duration t1-t1' and the duration t3-t3' are affected by many factors (data processing capability of the consumable chip, data processing volume, etc.), the duration t1-t1' and the duration t3-t3' cannot be completely determined, which leads to The time t1'-t3' for the consumable chip to generate a low voltage condition on the data bus is not exactly equal to the time t1-t3 for the image forming device to pull high on the clock bus. That is, the time t1'-t3' is approximately equal to the time t1-t3. .

Therefore, the "generating a low voltage condition lasting a second duration on the data bus" related to the embodiment of the present application should include a situation that is approximately equal to the second duration. In specific implementation, in order to quantify "approximately equal to the second duration", the second duration threshold can be set. When it is within the range of (second duration - second duration threshold, second duration + second duration threshold), then It is considered to be approximately equal to the second duration. Those skilled in the art can set the size of the second duration threshold based on experience, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this.

In a possible implementation, the image forming apparatus further includes service request information in the first instruction sent to the consumable chip, and the service request information is used to instruct the consumable chip to feed back corresponding service response information. Therefore, after receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming device, the method further includes: sending service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming device.

Further, in order to improve the security of information interaction between the image forming device and the consumable chip, the image forming device and the consumable chip can transmit information through ciphertext. Specifically, the consumable chip sending the first instruction to the image forming device includes: the consumable chip sends the encrypted first instruction to the image forming device, and the consumable chip decrypts the encrypted first instruction to obtain the first instruction information and the service request information. It can be understood that when the image forming device and the consumable chip can transmit information through ciphertext, the time required to parse the first instruction will increase, that is, the time difference between t1 and t1' in Figure 5A will increase.

In addition, sending the service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming device includes: determining the service response information corresponding to the service request information according to the service request information; encrypting the service response information to obtain the encrypted service response information; and sending the service response information to the image forming device. Send encrypted business response information.

In a possible implementation manner, the consumable chip can encrypt the service response information to obtain the encrypted service response information after generating a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration. For example, in the application scenario shown in Figure 5A, after time t3', the consumable chip service response information is encrypted, the encryption is completed at time t4', the encrypted service response information is obtained, and then the encrypted service response information is sent to the image forming device. It can be understood that in the application scenario shown in Figure 5A, the time period for generating a low voltage condition on the data bus is t1’-t3’.

In a possible implementation, the consumable chip can encrypt the service response information to obtain the encrypted service response information before generating a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration on the data bus. For example, in the application scenario shown in Figure 5B, after time t1', the consumable chip service response information is encrypted, the encryption is completed at time t2', the encrypted service response information is obtained, and then a second duration is generated on the data bus. Low voltage condition; after time t3', encrypted service response information is sent to the image forming device. It can be understood that in the application scenario shown in Figure 5B, the time period for generating a low voltage condition on the data bus is t2’-t3’.

Comparing Figure 5A and Figure 5B, it can be found that the "low voltage condition duration t2'-t3' on the data bus" in Figure 5B is slightly shorter than the "low voltage condition duration t1'-t3' on the data bus" in Figure 5A. However, they are all approximately equal to the second duration defined in the embodiment of this application.

Corresponding to the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application also provide a consumable chip.

Refer to Figure 6, which is a structural block diagram of a consumable chip provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6 , the consumable chip includes a first controller configured to execute part or all of the methods in the above method embodiments.

Refer to Figure 7, which is a structural block diagram of another consumable chip provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, the consumable chip further includes a storage unit on the basis of Figure 6, the storage unit is used to store the second duration, the delay duration and/or the delay duration coefficient. Corresponding to the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application also provide consumables.

Refer to Figure 8, which is a structural block diagram of a consumable provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the consumable includes the consumable chip described in the above embodiment.

Corresponding to the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application also provide an image forming device.

Refer to FIG. 9 , which is a structural block diagram of an image forming apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9 , the image forming apparatus includes a second controller configured to perform some or all of the steps in the above method embodiment.

Corresponding to the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application also provide an image forming system. The image forming system includes the consumables and the image forming device described in the above embodiments, wherein the consumables are installed on the image forming device such that the consumable chips and the image forming device are communicatively connected through a clock bus and a data bus. .

It should be pointed out that for the specific contents of the consumable chips, consumables, image forming devices and system embodiments involved in the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the description of the above method embodiments. For the sake of brevity, they will not be described again here.

Corresponding to the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application also provide a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium can store a program, and when the program is running, the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located can be controlled to execute Some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments. In specific implementation, the computer-readable storage medium can be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (English: read-only memory, abbreviation: ROM) or a random access memory (English: random access memory, abbreviation: RAM). wait.

Corresponding to the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product. The computer program product contains executable instructions. When the executable instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute part of the above method embodiments or All steps.

In the embodiments of this application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. "And/or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and/or B can represent the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, or the existence of B alone. Where A and B can be singular or plural. The character "/" generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and c can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that each unit and algorithm step described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by a combination of electronic hardware, computer software, and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality using different methods for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

In the several embodiments provided in this application, if any function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the existing technology or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including Several instructions are used to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage media include: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk, etc., which can store program code. medium.

The above are only specific embodiments of the present application. Any person familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and they should be covered by the protection scope of the present application. The protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims (11)

1. A communication method, applied to a consumable chip, the consumable chip is used to communicate with an image forming device through a clock bus and a data bus, characterized in that the method includes: Receive a first instruction sent by the image forming device, the first instruction including first duration information, the first instruction being used to instruct the consumable chip to generate a low voltage on the data bus that lasts for a first duration. condition; A low voltage condition is generated on the data bus for a second duration, the second duration is greater than the first duration, and the second duration includes the first duration and a delay duration. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the delay lengths corresponding to the first instructions sent multiple times by the image forming device are different. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein generating a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration includes: After detecting a high level signal on the clock bus, start generating a low voltage condition on the data bus; After detecting a low-level signal on the clock bus, stop generating a low-voltage condition on the data bus; Wherein, after the image forming device sends the first instruction to the consumable chip, the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming device; after the clock bus is pulled high by the image forming device for a third time Finally, the clock bus is released, and the third duration is approximately the same as the second duration. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein generating a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration includes: After receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming device, start generating a low voltage condition on the data bus, and start timing through the first clock unit; When the timing duration of the first clock unit reaches the second duration, stop generating a low voltage condition on the data bus. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first clock unit is different from the second clock unit that generates a clock signal on the clock bus. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first instruction further includes service request information, and after receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming device, the method further includes: Service response information corresponding to the service request information is sent to the image forming apparatus. 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The receiving the first instruction sent by the image forming device includes: receiving the encrypted first instruction sent by the image forming device; decrypting the encrypted first instruction to obtain the first instruction information and service request information; The sending of service response information corresponding to the service request information to the image forming apparatus includes: determining the service response information corresponding to the service request information according to the service request information; and encrypting the service response information. Obtain encrypted service response information; send the encrypted service response information to the image forming device. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: determining the service response information corresponding to the service request information according to the service request information; encrypting the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information; Sending the encrypted service response information to the image forming device includes: Before a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration is generated on the data bus, determine service response information corresponding to the service request information according to the service request information; encrypt the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information; After generating a low voltage condition on the data bus for a second duration, sending the encrypted service response information to the image forming device; or, After a low voltage condition lasting for a second duration is generated on the data bus, determine service response information corresponding to the service request information according to the service request information; encrypt the service response information to obtain encrypted service response information; The encrypted service response information is sent to the image forming apparatus. 9. A consumable chip for communicating with an image forming device through a clock bus and a data bus, characterized in that the consumable chip includes: A first controller configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-8. 10. The consumable chip according to claim 9, further comprising: A storage unit configured to store the first duration, the delay duration and/or the delay duration coefficient, and the delay duration coefficient is used to calculate the delay duration. 11. A consumable material, characterized by comprising the consumable chip according to claim 9 or 10.