Patent ID: 12187046

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A. Embodiment

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing system1000as an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printing system1000includes a printing device20, a plurality of cartridges100that are removably mounted on the printing device20, and a computer90. The printing device20is an ink jet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink as a liquid onto a printing medium PA. The printing device20is coupled, via a connector80, to a computer90to enable communication of data with the computer90.

The printing device20includes a sub-scanning feed mechanism and a main-scanning feed mechanism, a head drive mechanism, and a device controller40. The sub-scanning feed mechanism, which includes a paper feed motor22and a platen26, transports the printing medium PA in a sub-scanning direction by transmitting the rotation of the paper feed motor22to the platen26. The main-scanning feed mechanism includes a carriage motor32, a pulley38, a drive belt36extending between the carriage motor32and the pulley38, and a sliding shaft34provided parallel with the axis of the platen26. The sliding shaft34slidably holds a carriage30fixed to the drive belt36. The rotation of the carriage motor32is transmitted through the drive belt36to the carriage30, so that the carriage30reciprocates along the sliding shaft34in the main scanning direction, which is the axis direction of the platen26. The head drive mechanism includes the carriage30. The carriage30includes a mount portion4on which the cartridges100can be mounted, a print head5that ejects ink, a liquid introducer6illustrated inFIG.6described below, a coupling mechanism400illustrated inFIG.6described below, and a sub-control board500illustrated inFIG.6described below. The head drive mechanism drives the print head5of the carriage30to eject ink onto the printing medium PA.

The device controller40implements a printing process by controlling the mechanisms mentioned above. The device controller40is electrically coupled via a bus46to the sub-control board500described below of the carriage30. The device controller40, for example, receives a print job of the user via the computer90and controls the mechanisms mentioned above based on the content of the received print job so that the mechanisms perform printing operations. The device controller40also performs a mounting determination as to whether the cartridge100has been mounted on the mount portion4and performs data communication with the circuit board120.

On the mount portion4of the carriage30, a plurality of cartridges100can be removably mounted. That is, the cartridges100for supplying inks as liquids to the print head5are included in the mount portion4of the carriage30such that the cartridges100can be attached and removed by a user operation. In the present embodiment, the number of cartridges100that are able to be mounted on the mount portion4is four. Inks of different colors or types are contained in four cartridges100. Reference numerals100A,100B,100C, and100D are used to refer to the plurality of cartridges100when they are discriminated from each other. The four cartridges100A to100D are mounted on their respective predetermined mounting positions of the mount portion4. In other embodiments, the number of cartridges100that are able to be mounted on the mount portion4is not limited to four and may be less than or greater than four. The printing device20further includes an operation unit70with which the user performs various settings for the printing device20and confirms the status of the printing device20. The operation unit70includes a display unit72for displaying various types of information such as the status of the printing device20.

In the present embodiment, the printing system1000is of a type called on-carriage in which the cartridges100are mounted on the mount portion4of the carriage30; however, the printing system1000is not limited to this. For example, the printing system1000may be of a type called off-carriage in which the cartridges100are mounted on a mount portion at a different location from the carriage30.

With reference toFIG.2andFIG.3, the configuration of the cartridge100will be described.FIG.2is a first perspective view illustrating the configuration of the cartridge100.FIG.3is a second perspective view illustrating the configuration of the cartridge100. In FIG.2and the subsequent figures, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis perpendicular to each other are added as desired. InFIG.2, the directions in which the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are pointing indicate the positive directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The positive directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are assumed as the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction, respectively. The directions opposite to the directions in which the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are pointing are the negative directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The negative directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are assumed as the −X direction, −Y direction, and −Z direction, respectively. The directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are referred to as the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction, respectively, irrespective of whether these directions are negative or positive. The same applies to the subsequent figures and descriptions. The directions of the XYZ axes illustrated in the other figures correspond to those of the XYZ axes inFIG.2. The orientations of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis for the cartridge100are based on a condition where the printing device20is disposed on a horizontal plane parallel to the X-direction and Y-direction and the cartridge100is mounted on the printing device20.

As illustrated inFIG.2andFIG.3, the outward shape of the cartridge100is approximately rectangular. As illustrated inFIG.2, the cartridge100includes a main body101forming an outer shell and the circuit board120mounted on the main body101. The main body101includes a front wall101wf, which is a wall in the −Y direction, and a bottom wall101wb, which is a wall in the +Z direction. The main body101also includes a liquid container150for containing an ink, which is a liquid. The front wall101wf, which crosses the bottom wall101wb, is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall101wbin the present embodiment. The bottom wall101wbof the main body101includes a liquid supplier104that, when mounted on the mount portion4of the carriage30, supplies a liquid of the liquid container150to the carriage30. The liquid supplier104communicates with the liquid container150. An opening104opof the liquid supplier104is sealed with a film104f. The film104fis broken by mounting the cartridge100onto the carriage30, and the liquid introducer6included in the carriage30illustrated inFIG.6is inserted into the liquid supplier104. The ink contained in the liquid container150is supplied through the liquid introducer6to the print head5of the printing device20. As the ink in the liquid container150is consumed, air is introduced from an atmosphere release hole (not illustrated) to the liquid container150.

A film surface sealed with the film104fis herein assumed as an opening end of the liquid supplier104. The Z-direction is a direction perpendicular to the opening end of the liquid supplier104. Additionally, the +Z direction is the same as the opening direction of the liquid supplier104. Additionally, the X-direction is the array direction of a plurality of cartridges100A to100D mounted on the carriage30and is the width direction of the cartridge100. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the Z-direction is a direction along the gravity direction, the +Z direction is the gravity direction, and the −Z direction is the antigravity direction. In addition, the direction in which the cartridge100is mounted on the carriage30of the printing device20is a mounting direction MD, and a direction including the component of the mounting direction MD is assumed as a first direction FD. In the present embodiment, the mounting direction MD and the first direction FD are the same direction, which is the +Z direction. In other embodiments, the mounting direction MD and the first direction FD may not be the same direction. The first direction FD is a direction extending straight and is the opening direction of the liquid supplier104in the present embodiment. The first direction FD is a direction substantially along a front surface120faof the circuit board120. In other embodiments, when the front surface120fais inclined relative to the mounting direction MD, the mounting direction MD and the first direction FD are different directions, not the same direction.

The circuit board120is mounted on the front wall101wfof the main body101. The circuit board120includes a terminal group290made up of a plurality of terminals. In the present embodiment, nine terminals make up the terminal group290. The terminal group290will be described below in more detail.

The cartridge100is collected, for example, by a trader after the liquid contained in the cartridge100has been consumed, and then the liquid container150is again filled with a liquid. Thereby, the cartridge100is restored to the initial state, that is, the cartridge100is reused. In refilling the liquid container150of the cartridge100with a liquid, at least part of information stored in a memory of the circuit board120is overwritten. The memory will be described below in more detail.

FIG.4is a first diagram illustrating a configuration of the circuit board120according to the present embodiment.FIG.5is a second diagram illustrating the configuration of the circuit board120. The circuit board120includes the terminal group290on the front surface120faas illustrated inFIG.4and a nonvolatile memory130on a back surface120fbas illustrated inFIG.5. As illustrated inFIG.4, the terminal group290includes a memory terminal group230and a mount detection terminal group210.

The memory terminal group230is terminals for the memory130. The memory terminal group230includes a data terminal235, a clock terminal232, a power supply terminal233, a reset terminal231, and a ground terminal234. The data terminal235is used for transmitting and receiving various types of data, such as ink color data and consumption data regarding the consumption of a liquid contained in each cartridge100, between the memory130and the printing device20.

The mount detection terminal group210includes a first detection terminal211, a second detection terminal212, a third detection terminal213, and a fourth detection terminal214. The four detection terminals211to214are arranged at four corners of the set of the memory terminal group230.

The terminals211,212,213,214,231,232,233,234, and235are each formed in a substantially rectangular shape and are arranged to form two rows perpendicular to the first direction FD. That is, the two rows are parallel to the second direction SD, which is perpendicular to the first direction FD. The two rows are aligned in the first direction FD. Of the two rows, a row located toward one end of the first direction FD is referred to as a first row R1, and a row located toward the opposite end of the first direction FD is referred to as a second row R2. A contact point cp in contact with a device terminal described below is located at the center of each of the terminals211,212,213,214,231,232,233,234, and235.

Each of the terminals211,212,213,214,231,232,233,234, and235of the terminal group290is coupled to the memory130through a wiring pattern layer on the front or back surface of the circuit board120or a through hole disposed in the circuit board120, which is not illustrated in the figures.

The memory130illustrated inFIG.5is a NAND-type flash memory. In another embodiment, the memory130may be a memory, such as a NOR-type flash memory or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The memory130includes a memory controller136and a storage138constituted of a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell constituting the storage138is capable of storing 1 bit of data. In addition, the memory130is capable of performing data communication with the device controller40of the printing device20.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating the way that the cartridge100is mounted on the mount portion4of the carriage30.FIG.7is a first diagram illustrating the coupling mechanism400.FIG.8is a second diagram illustrating the coupling mechanism400.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the carriage30includes the mount portion4, the print head5, the liquid introducer6, the coupling mechanism400, and the sub-control board500. The mount portion4forms a mount chamber65in which the cartridges100are mounted. The print head5, which includes a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of piezoelectric elements, forms a dot on the printing medium PA by ejecting an ink droplet from each nozzle in accordance with a voltage applied to each piezoelectric element. The liquid introducer6is disposed on the print head5to supply ink from the cartridge100to the print head5. In the present embodiment, four liquid introducers6, the number of which corresponds to the number of cartridges100A to100D, are provided. The coupling mechanism400electrically couples the sub-control board500to the circuit board120of the cartridge100. In the present embodiment, four coupling mechanisms400, the number of which corresponds to the number of cartridges100A to100D, are provided. As illustrated inFIG.8, the sub-control board500includes a relay unit50. The relay unit50, in conjunction with the device controller40, performs control related to the cartridge100.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the cartridge100is mounted on the mount portion4of the printing device20by being inserted in the mounting direction MD. In this way, the cartridge100is removably mounted on the printing device20. In addition, when the cartridge100is properly mounted on the printing device20, the circuit board120is electrically coupled to the device controller40of the printing device20via the coupling mechanism400, the sub-control board500, and the bus46.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the coupling mechanism400includes a terminal holder405and a plurality of contact formation members403having conductivity and elasticity held in the terminal holder405. The terminal holder405has a plurality of slits301. The contact formation members403are inserted into the slits301. In the present embodiment, each coupling mechanism400is provided with nine contact formation members403, the number of which is the same as the number of terminals of the terminal group290.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the contact formation member403is a member that electrically couples the terminal group290to board terminals590of the sub-control board500. The board terminals590are provided for each mount chamber65. Additionally, nine board terminals590, the number of which corresponds to the number of terminals of the terminal group290, are provided. Reference numerals511,512,513,514,531,532,533,534, and535are used to refer to the nine board terminals590when they are discriminated from each other. Of the contact formation member403, a portion protruding toward the mount chamber65forms a device terminal490in contact with the terminal group290. Additionally, of the contact formation member403, a portion protruding toward the sub-control board500forms a relay terminal439in contact with the board terminal590. When the nine contact formation members403are discriminated from each other, characters A to I are added to the ends of the reference numerals. Additionally, reference numerals411,412,413,414,431,432,433,434, and435are used to refer to the nine device terminals490when they are discriminated from each other. Additionally, reference numerals411a,412a,413a,414a,431a,432a,433a,434a, and435aare used to refer to the nine relay terminals439when they are discriminated from each other. Additionally, reference numerals511,512,513,514,531,532,533,534, and535are used to refer to the nine board terminals590when they are discriminated from each other.

The contact formation member403A including the device terminal411and the relay terminal411aelectrically couples the first detection terminal211to the board terminal511. The contact formation member403B including the device terminal412and the relay terminal412aelectrically couples the second detection terminal212to the board terminal512. The contact formation member403C including the device terminal413and the relay terminal413aelectrically couples the third detection terminal213to the board terminal513. The contact formation member403D including the device terminal414and the relay terminal414aelectrically couples the fourth detection terminal214to the board terminal514. The contact formation member403E including the device terminal431and the relay terminal431aelectrically couples the reset terminal231to the board terminal531. The contact formation member403F including the device terminal432and the relay terminal432aelectrically couples the clock terminal232to the board terminal532. The contact formation member403G including the device terminal433and the relay terminal433aelectrically couples the power supply terminal233to the board terminal533. The contact formation member403H including the device terminal434and the relay terminal434aelectrically couples the ground terminal234to the board terminal534. The contact formation member403I including the device terminal435and the relay terminal435aelectrically couples the data terminal235to the board terminal535.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the printing device20together with one cartridge100.FIG.10is a diagram illustrating the storage138.FIG.11is a diagram illustrating mounting determination.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the memory130of the circuit board120includes the memory controller136and the storage138. The memory controller136controls operations of the memory130. For example, the memory controller136performs operations of writing and reading data to and from the storage138according to commands transmitted from the printing device20.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the storage138includes a storage area consisting of a plurality of memory cells designated by addresses A0to An. A storage area having at least addresses A0to A6is a rewritable area in which replacement with new data is permissible. This rewritable area is set such that, in addition to readout of data, erasure of previously stored data and writing of new data are permissible. That is, the rewritable area is a read/write area. For example, the addresses of a rewritable area and the addresses of a read-only area, in which only reading is permissible, are specified in advance by the memory controller136. Thereby, the rewritable area and the read-only area are set.

A storage area designated by the addresses A0to A3is an area for storing manufacturing information regarding the manufacture of the cartridge100. The area for storing the manufacturing information includes a storage area designated by address A0for storing the number of refills and a storage area designated by address A1for storing the date of manufacture of the cartridge100. The area for storing the manufacturing information further includes a storage area designated by address A2for storing the serial number and a storage area designated by address A3for storing the type of a liquid contained in the cartridge100.

The number of refills is the number of times that after the liquid contained in the cartridge100has been consumed, the liquid container150of the cartridge100is again filled with a liquid. In the storage area at address A0, a value representing zero is stored as the number of refills when the cartridge100is manufactured, and the value is incremented by one each time the cartridge100is refilled with a liquid. The date of manufacture is the date of manufacture of the cartridge100. In the storage area at address A1, a value representing the date of manufacture is stored as the date of manufacture, regardless of whether the liquid container150of the cartridge100has been refilled with a liquid. In other embodiments, the date of manufacture may be the date when the liquid container150of the cartridge100is first filled with a liquid or when the liquid container150is refilled with a liquid. That is, in the storage area at address A1, the date of manufacture may be updated to have a new value each time the liquid container150of the cartridge100is refilled with a liquid. The serial number is an identifier for identifying the cartridge100. In the present embodiment, in the storage area at address A2, the serial number has the same value as that at the time of manufacture even when the liquid container150of the cartridge100is refilled with a liquid. The liquid type is, for example, information indicating an ink color. In the storage area at address A3, each time the liquid container150of the cartridge100is filled with a liquid, the liquid type is updated to have a value representing the type of the liquid used for filling.

The storage area designated by address A4is an area for storing an electronic signature of manufacturing information. The electronic signature is generated using manufacturing information stored in the storage areas at addresses A0to A3and is stored in the storage area at address A4. In more detail, the electronic signature stored at address A4is information in which a hash value, which is generated by converting manufacturing information by using a hash function, is encrypted with the secret key corresponding to the public key. The electronic signature at address A4is generated and updated using the manufacturing information each time the liquid container150of the cartridge100is filled with a liquid.

The storage area designated by address A5is an area for storing a first error-detecting code of the manufacturing information. In the present embodiment, the first error-detecting code is a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value that is a value for checking used for CRC. The first error-detecting code is generated using manufacturing information stored in the storage area at addresses A0to A3and is stored in the storage area at address A5.

The storage area designated by address A6is an area for storing consumption data of ink of the cartridge100. The consumption data is, for example, a value indicating the ratio [%] of the consumed amount of ink [mg] to the initial filling amount of ink [mg] measured prior to consumption. The consumption data at address A6is updated by transmitting a command for writing consumption data from a control device85of the printing device20to the memory controller136of the cartridge100to which the consumption data is to be written, each time a liquid with an amount larger than or equal to a predetermined amount is consumed from the cartridge100by a printing operation and a cleaning operation of the printing device20.

As described above, the manufacturing information, the electronic signature, the first error-detecting code, and the consumption data are stored in the rewritable area of the storage area.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the sub-control board500includes a reset signal line LRST, a clock signal line LSCK, a power supply signal line LVDD, a data signal line LSDA, a ground signal line LVSS, a first detection signal line LM1, a second detection signal line LM2, a third detection signal line LM3, and a fourth detection signal line LM4. The reset signal line LRST electrically couples the relay unit50to the board terminal531. The clock signal line LSCK electrically couples the relay unit50to the board terminal532. The power supply signal line LVDD electrically couples the relay unit50to the board terminal533. The ground signal line LVSS electrically couples the relay unit50to the board terminal534. The data signal line LSDA electrically couples the relay unit50to the board terminal535. The first detection signal line LM1to the fourth detection signal line LM4electrically couple the relay unit50to the board terminals511to514. The relay unit50, which includes a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device, and other components, relays data and power supplied via the bus46and a power supply line to transmit the data and power to the cartridge100. In other embodiments, the relay unit50may have some functions, described below, of the device controller40.

The printing device20includes the display unit72mentioned above, a power supply440, and the control device85. The control device85includes the device controller40and the relay unit50. The power supply440includes a first power supply441that generates a first power supply voltage VDD and a second power supply442that generates a second power supply VHV. The first power supply voltage VDD is a normal power supply voltage for use in a logic circuit and is rated at 3.3 V. The second power supply VHV is a high voltage used for driving the print head5to eject ink and is rated, for example, at 42 V. These voltages VDD and VHV are supplied to the sub-control board500and are also supplied to other components, such as circuits, as desired.

The device controller40includes a CPU415and a device storage420. The CPU415executes various programs stored in the device storage420to control the operations of the printing device20. For example, the device controller40controls the operations of the display unit72and controls the operations of the relay unit50. In addition, the CPU415executes various programs stored in the device storage420to function as a communication controller416, a calculator417, a comparison determiner418, and a mount determiner419. At least some of the functions of the CPU415are not limited to software and may be implemented by hardware such as circuits.

The communication controller416exchanges data with the memory controller136of the memory130via the bus46and the data signal line LSDA. For example, the communication controller416exchanges data with the memory controller136by transmitting a read command for reading out data from the memory130to the memory controller136serving as the target and transmitting a write command for writing data to the memory130to the memory controller136serving as the target.

The calculator417calculates a second error-detecting code from the manufacturing information of the memory130obtained from the memory130via the communication controller416. The second error-detecting code is a value generated using the same type of error-detecting method, that is, the same algorithm as that used for a first error-detecting code and, in the present embodiment, cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value that is a value for checking used for CRC.

The comparison determiner418compares the first error-detecting code stored at address A5in the memory130with the second error-detecting code calculated by the calculator417. In addition, the comparison determiner418performs verification of the electronic signature stored at address A4in the memory130. In more detail, the comparison determiner418obtains the manufacturing information and the electronic signature stored at addresses A0to A4in the memory130via the communication controller416and generates a first hash value, as a hash value, from the obtained manufacturing information by using a hash function. This hash function is the same function as the hash function used for the electronic signature stored at address A4in the memory130. The comparison determiner418also obtains a second hash value, as a hash value, by decoding the obtained electronic signature with the public key. The comparison determiner418then performs verification of the electronic signature by comparing the first hash value with the second hash value. If the first hash value matches the second hash value, then it may be determined that the verification of the electronic signature is successful. The comparison determiner418performs the verification of the electronic signature mentioned above when the first error-detecting code matches the second error-detecting code.

The comparison determiner418also performs a process in accordance with a comparison result between the first error-detecting code and the second error-detecting code and a verification result of the electronic signature. This will be described below in more detail.

The mount determiner419determines whether the cartridge100is mounted on the mount portion4. The first to fourth detection terminals211to214of the circuit board120are electrically coupled via the corresponding coupling mechanism400, the board terminals511to514, and so on to the mount determiner419. The first to fourth detection terminals211to214of the circuit board120are grounded as illustrated inFIG.11. Electrical wires that couple the board terminals511to514to the mount determiner419are each coupled through a pull-up resistor to the first power supply voltage VDD rated at 3.3 V.

In the example illustratedFIG.11, among the first to fourth detection terminals211to214of the circuit board120, the first to third detection terminals211to213are excellently coupled to the corresponding device terminals411to413. In contrast, the fourth detection terminal214is in poor contact with the corresponding device terminal414. The voltages of wires of the three device terminals411,412, and413in an excellently coupled state are at a low level whereas the voltage of the wire of the device terminal414in a poorly coupled state is at a high level. Accordingly, by examining the voltage level of each of these wires, the mount determiner419may determine whether the contact condition of the corresponding one of the four detection terminals211,212,213, and214is excellent or poor. In the present embodiment, if the voltage level of each of wires of the four device terminals411to414is low, the mount determiner419determines that the cartridge100is properly mounted; otherwise, the mount determiner419determines that the cartridge100is not properly mounted.

FIG.12is a flowchart illustrating a determination process for the cartridge100performed by the printing device20. The determination process is performed at a predetermined timing. Examples of the predetermined timing include a first timing at which the power supply of the printing device20is turned on and a second timing at which it is determined by the mount determiner419that at least one cartridge100of the four cartridges100is newly mounted on the mount portion4. In addition, the determination process is performed for each of the cartridges100A to100D mounted on the mount portion4. In the case of the second timing, the determination process may be performed only for the newly mounted cartridge100.

In the determination process, first, at step S10, the calculator417calculates a second error-detecting code from the manufacturing information of the memory130obtained from the memory130. Subsequently, at step S20, the comparison determiner418compares the first error-detecting code with the second error-detecting code and determines whether the first error-detecting code matches the second error-detecting code. The first error-detecting code is obtained from the memory130via the communication controller416at or prior to step S20.

In the first case where, at step S20, the comparison determiner418determines that the first error-detecting code does not match the second error-detecting code, at step S70, the comparison determiner418performs a first process related to the first case. The first process is, for example, a process related to data stored in the memory130, and in particular to corruption of the manufacturing information. The first process includes a first output process that causes the display unit72to display first information related to the first case. Specifically, the first output process is a process of displaying that data corruption has occurred in the memory130of the target cartridge100and, because of the data corruption, the target cartridge100is not recognized by the printing device20, as the first information on the display unit72of the printing device20. The first output process may prompt the user to replace the cartridge100mounted on the mount portion4with the cartridge100in which data in the memory130has not been corrupted. The comparison determiner418may perform, as the first process, another process in addition to, or instead of, the first output process. Examples of the other process include a process of prohibiting use of some of the functions, such as a monochrome printing function, a color printing function, and a high-quality printing function, of the printing device20.

If, at step S20, the comparison determiner418determines that the first error-detecting code matches the second error-detecting code, then at step S30the comparison determiner418performs verification of the electronic signature. When, at step S30, the first hash value matches the second hash value, that is, in a second case where verification of the electronic signature is successful, then at step S50the comparison determiner418performs a second process related to the second case. The second process is a process related to the fact that manufacturing information, such as the number of refills, is written to the memory130by an intended manufacturer. The second process includes a second output process that causes the display unit72to display second information related to the second case. The second information is information different from the first information. Specifically, the second output process is a process of displaying that, for the target cartridge100, verification of the electronic signature is successful, printing operations are able to be performed, and the cartridge100is properly mounted on the mount portion4, as the second information on the display unit72of the printing device20. The second output process enables the user to recognize that printing is able to be performed using the cartridge100mounted on the mount portion4. The comparison determiner418may perform, as the second process, another process in addition to, or instead of, the second output process. Examples of the other process include a process of receiving an instruction from the user and performing printing without restricting the functions of the printing device20.

When, at step S30, the first hash value does not match the second hash value, that is, in a third case where verification of the electronic signature has failed, then at step S60the comparison determiner418performs a third process related to the third case. The third process is a process related to the fact that manufacturing information, such as the number of refills, is written to the memory130by an unintended manufacturer. The third process includes a third output process that causes the display unit72to display third information related to the third case. The third information is information different from the first information and the second information. Specifically, the third output process is a process of displaying that, for the target cartridge100, verification of an electronic signature has failed and the cartridge100is manufactured by an unintended manufacturer, as the third information on the display unit72of the printing device20. The third output process enables the user to recognize that the cartridge100is not a genuine product. The comparison determiner418may perform, as the third process, another process in addition to, or instead of, the third output process. Examples of the other process include a process of inhibiting printing operations of the printing device20.

According to the embodiment described above, since the memory130stores the first error-detecting code and the electronic signature as illustrated inFIG.10, by using the first error-detecting code, the printing device20may determine whether manufacturing information, which is information stored in the memory130, has been corrupted. Thus, prior to performing verification of the electronic signature, whether data corruption has occurred in the memory130is determined by using the first error-detecting code. This may reduce the possibility of data corruption causing the printing device20to determine that, based on a verification result of the electronic signature, the cartridge100is not a genuine product even though the cartridge100is a genuine product. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.12, prior to performing verification of the electronic signature, at step S20, the printing device20determines whether the first error-detecting code matches the second error-detecting code, and, if so, at step S30, the printing device20performs verification of the electronic signature. Thus, verification of the electronic signature is performed when, at step S20, it is determined that corruption of the manufacturing information, which is data stored in the memory130, has not occurred. This may reduce the possibility of data corruption causing the printing device20to determine that, based on a verification result of the electronic signature, the cartridge100is not a genuine product even though the cartridge100is a genuine product.

In addition, according to the present embodiment described above, as indicated at steps S50, S60, and S70inFIG.12, the control device85may perform the first process, the second process, and the third process respectively related to the first case, the second case, and the third case. In addition, according to the present embodiment described above, in each of the first case, second case, and third case, information related to the case is displayed by the display unit72, which may notify the user of a processing result of the comparison determiner418. In particular, in the first case where the first error-detecting code does not match the second error-detecting code, the printing system1000informs the user that, for example, data corruption has occurred, and, in the third case where verification of the electronic signature has failed, the printing system1000informs the user that, for example, verification of an electronic signature has failed. This enables the user to easily grasp whether an error regarding the cartridge100that has occurred in the printing system1000is caused by data corruption in the memory130or by a failure in the verification of an electronic signature.

In addition, according to the embodiment described above, the manufacturing information, electronic signature, and first error-detecting code illustrated inFIG.10are stored in a write/erase area of the storage138. Thereby, when the cartridge100is refilled with a liquid, a storage area at the same address of the memory130may easily be reused to update information to be stored in the memory130.

B. Other Embodiments

B-1. First Other Embodiment

In the embodiment described above, the manufacturing information illustrated inFIG.10is the number of refills, date of manufacture, serial number, and liquid type. However, the manufacturing information may be other information related to the manufacture of the cartridge100when the other information includes at least the number of refills. For example, the manufacturing information may include a value representing the amount of filled liquid.

B-2. Second Other Embodiment

In the embodiment described above, in the storage138of the memory130, each of the rewritable area and the read-only area is set by specifying the addresses of the storage138in advance. However, the areas may be used differently using a rewritable memory, such as an EEPROM, and a memory incapable of being rewritten, such as a mask ROM.

B-3. Third Other Embodiment

In the embodiment described above, the first information to the third information are displayed on the display unit72of the printing device20. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first information to the third information may be displayed on a display unit of the computer90of the printing system1000.

B-4. Fourth Other Embodiment

The present disclosure is not limited to an ink jet printer and its cartridges and may be applied to cartridges that are mounted on any printing device that ejects a liquid other than ink. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to various printing devices and their cartridges as follows:

(1) Image recording devices such as facsimile machines,

(2) Printing devices that eject color materials for use in manufacture of color filters for image display devices, such as liquid crystal displays,

(3) Printing devices that eject electrode materials used for formation of electrodes of organic electro luminescence displays and field emission displays (FEDs),

(4) Printing devices that eject liquids containing bioorganic substances used for biochip fabrication,

(5) Sample printing devices as precision pipettes,

(6) Lubricating oil printing devices,

(7) Resin liquid printing devices,

(8) Printing devices that perform pinpoint ejection of lubricating oil to precision machines, such as watches and cameras,

(9) Printing devices that eject a transparent resin liquid, such as an ultraviolet-curing resin liquid, for forming micro-hemispherical lenses or the like used in optical communication elements and so on,

(10) Printing devices that eject an acid or alkaline etchant for etching substrates or the like, and

(11) Printing devices with liquid ejecting heads that eject very small amounts of any other liquid droplets.

The term liquid droplet refers to the state of a liquid ejected from a printing device and includes the state of a liquid that leaves a granular, tear-shaped, or thread-like tail. In addition, the term liquid as used herein may be a material that the printing device can eject. For example, the liquid may be a material in a state where the substance is in the liquid phase, and examples of the liquid include a material in a liquid state in which the viscosity is high or low and a material in a liquid state, such as sol, gel water, and other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals. In addition, the liquid includes not only a liquid as one state of a substance but also ones in which particles of a functional material made of a solid material, such as a pigment or metal particles, dissolve, disperse, or are mixed in a solvent. In addition, typical examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as mentioned in the embodiment described above. The ink is assumed here to include various liquid compositions such as gel ink and hot melt ink, as well as typical water ink and oil ink.

C. Other Forms

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented in various configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the forms described below may be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the issues described above or to achieve some or all of the effects described above. In addition, the technical features may be appropriately deleted when they are not described as essentials herein.

(1) According to the first form of the present disclosure, a memory that is attached to a cartridge is provided. This memory stores manufacturing information including at least a number of refills, an electronic signature of the manufacturing information, and a first error-detecting code of the manufacturing information. The number of refills is a number of times that, after consumption of a liquid contained in the cartridge, the cartridge is refilled with the liquid. According to the form described above, since the memory stores the first error-detecting code and the electronic signature, by using the first error-detecting code, a printing device on which the cartridge is mounted may determine whether manufacturing information, which is data stored in the memory, has been corrupted. Thus, prior to performing verification of the electronic signature, whether data corruption has occurred in the memory is determined by using the first error-detecting code. This may reduce the possibility of data corruption causing the printing device to determine that, based on a verification result of the electronic signature, a cartridge is not a genuine product even though this cartridge is a genuine product.

(2) In the form described above, the memory may include a rewritable area in which replacement with new data is permissible, and the manufacturing information, the electronic signature, and the first error-detecting code may be stored in the rewritable area. According to the form described above, when the cartridge to which a memory is attached is refilled with a liquid, the memory may easily be reused.

(3) According to the second form of the present disclosure, a cartridge is provided. This cartridge includes a liquid container for containing a liquid, a liquid supplier configured to supply the liquid of the liquid container, and a memory. The memory stores manufacturing information including at least a number of refills, an electronic signature of the manufacturing information, and a first error-detecting code of the manufacturing information. The number of refills is a number of times that after consumption of the liquid contained in the cartridge, the cartridge is refilled with the liquid. According to the form described above, since the memory stores the first error-detecting code and the electronic signature, whether manufacturing information, which is data stored in the memory, has been corrupted may be determined by using the first error-detecting code. Thus, prior to performing verification of the electronic signature, whether data corruption has occurred in the memory is determined by using the first error-detecting code. This may reduce the possibility of data corruption causing the printing device to determine that, based on a verification result of the electronic signature, a cartridge is not a genuine product even though this cartridge is a genuine product.

(4) In the form described above, the memory may include a write/erase area in which writing and erasing of data is permissible, and the manufacturing information, the electronic signature, and the first error-detecting code may be stored in the write/erase area. According to the form described above, when the cartridge is refilled with a liquid, the memory may easily be reused.

(5) According to the third form of the present disclosure, a printing system is provided. This printing system includes the cartridge according to the form described above, and a control device. The control device includes a calculator configured to calculate a second error-detecting code from the manufacturing information of the memory, and a comparison determiner configured to compare the first error-detecting code of the memory with the calculated second error-detecting code. The comparison determiner is configured to, when the first error-detecting code matches the second error-detecting code, verify the electronic signature of the memory. According to the form described above, verification of the electronic signature is performed when the first error-detecting code matches the second error-detecting code, that is, when it is determined that corruption of the manufacturing information, which is data stored in the memory, has not occurred. This may reduce the possibility of data corruption causing a printing device to determine that, based on a verification result of the electronic signature, a cartridge is not a genuine product even though this cartridge is a genuine product.

(6) In the form described above, the comparison determiner is configured to, in a first case where the first error-detecting code does not match the second error-detecting code, perform a first process related to the first case, in a second case where verification of the electronic signature is successful, perform a second process related to the second case, and, in a third case where verification of the electronic signature has failed, perform a third process related to the third case. According to the form described above, the respective processes related to the first case, second case, and third case may be performed.

(7) In the form described above, a display unit may further be included, and the first process may include a first output process that causes the display unit to display first information that is related to the first case, the second process may include a second output process that causes the display unit to display second information that is related to the second case and that is different from the first information, and the third process may include a third output process that causes the display unit to display third information that is related to the third case and is different from the first information and the second information. According to the form described above, in each of the first case, second case, and third case, information related to the case is displayed by the display unit, which may notify the user of a processing result of the comparison determiner.

The present disclosure may be implemented in the forms of a method for manufacturing a memory, a method for controlling a printing system, and so on in addition to the forms described above.