JP2002166609A - Functional member, image forming apparatus using the same, and image forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a functional member capable of efficiently using a data storage area of a nonvolatile memory mounted on a functional member such as a process cartridge. SOLUTION: The basic data length of a data storage area of a nonvolatile memory is 16 bits, and the total number of print data for each paper size having 17 bits or the total print number data having 18 bits is stored in the nonvolatile memory. The storage location of the lower 16 bits and the upper 1 or 2 bits of the total print number data for each paper size is specified in advance. Further, the upper one or two bits are stored collectively at address 07H. By devising the method of using the memory in this way, the unused memory can be reduced to 1/4 as compared with the conventional memory using method.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a functional member, an image forming method, and a storage medium using an electrophotographic image forming process, and more particularly, to a non-contact type detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus main body. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a process cartridge, an image forming method, and a storage medium using a functional member having a type IC memory unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge to form an image. A process cartridge system that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus body has been used.

In order to improve the image quality of the image forming apparatus and accurately manage the life of the process cartridge, a non-volatile memory for recording life information is attached to the process cartridge. Generally, a connector has been used to connect the nonvolatile memory to the image forming apparatus main body.

However, since the signal to the nonvolatile memory is weak and even a slight contact failure of the connector causes a malfunction, the main body of the image forming apparatus and the nonvolatile memory are disconnected from each other in order to avoid a contact failure of the connector portion. An image forming apparatus configured to be connected by electromagnetic coupling as a contact has been considered (JP-A-11-338329).

FIG. 10 shows an example of a data structure stored in a nonvolatile memory used in an image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus main body and the nonvolatile memory are connected to each other by electromagnetic coupling in a non-contact manner. .

The data structure stored in the nonvolatile memory shown in FIG. 10 is composed of 8-bit data, and an address 1002 is set for each 8-bit data storage area 1001. The engine control unit in the main body of the image forming apparatus designates the address 1002 of the nonvolatile memory to the read / write control unit, thereby storing desired data stored in the nonvolatile memory, for example, data of various data lengths. Access to cartridge-specific information.

In this configuration, the nonvolatile memory has 1
As shown in 003 to 1014, a data frame of 10 bits is secured for each paper size so that the total number of prints for each paper size can be counted. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, in 1003, the lower 8-bit data of the 10 bits of data indicating the total number of sheets of A4 paper size is stored in the basic data storage area (8 bits) of the address 00, and the A4 paper size printing is performed. The remaining upper 2 bits in the 10-bit data indicating the total number are assigned to the next address 01.

By using the data storage area (16 bits) of the two addresses of the non-volatile memory as described above, a data frame capable of counting the total number of prints for each paper size as shown by 1003 to 1014 is provided by 10 bits. Can be secured. In the above example, the total number of prints for each paper size uses only 10 bits of the data storage area (16 bits) of the two addresses, and the remaining 6 bits are unused. However, data manipulation can be performed without being aware of these unused 6 bits.

[0009]

However, if the non-volatile memory is used in the above-mentioned manner simply because it is easy to operate, an area larger than the actually required number of bits is used, so that the non-volatile memory is used. , The amount of memory that can be used effectively decreases, and the effective use rate of the memory decreases. In addition, when the nonvolatile memory is used in the above-described manner, when the amount of data to be held in the nonvolatile memory increases, the memory of the nonvolatile memory may be insufficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to efficiently use a data storage area of a nonvolatile memory mounted on a functional member such as a process cartridge. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a functional member thereof which can be performed.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, in order to store predetermined data,
An image forming apparatus for detachably holding a functional member for image formation having a readable / writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit are assigned, The non-volatile memory has an auxiliary data storage area for storing data of a portion exceeding the data length of the basic data storage area when the predetermined data to be stored is long, and the image forming apparatus stores the predetermined data in the It is characterized by having data management means for storing data in the basic data storage area or the auxiliary data storage area specified by a desired address of the nonvolatile memory.

Also, for example, the auxiliary data storage area is
It is characterized by comprising a basic data storage area in which the fixed data length is a basic unit, and a predetermined address is allocated in advance.

[0012] For example, the data management means, when storing the predetermined data in the basic data storage area,
The data of the upper part exceeding the predetermined data length is stored in the auxiliary data storage area.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, in order to store predetermined data, a functional member for image formation having a readable and writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit is assigned is detachably attached. The non-volatile memory, when storing the predetermined data in a basic data storage area of the non-volatile memory, the length of the predetermined data exceeds the data length of the basic data storage area In this case, there is an auxiliary data storage area for storing upper-level data that cannot be stored in the basic data storage area, and for storing the predetermined data when the length of the predetermined data is shorter than the data length of the basic data storage area. The image forming apparatus may store the predetermined data in the basic data storage area at a desired address in the nonvolatile memory or Characterized in that it has a data management means for storing the serial auxiliary data storage region.

For example, the auxiliary data storage area is
It is characterized by comprising a basic data storage area in which the fixed data length is a basic unit, and a predetermined address is allocated in advance.

Further, for example, when the data management means stores the predetermined data in the basic data storage area,
The data of the upper part exceeding the predetermined data length is stored in the auxiliary data storage area, and when the predetermined data length is shorter than the predetermined data length, the predetermined data is stored in the auxiliary data storage area. It is characterized by the following. Further, for example, the predetermined data length is a data length that is a constant multiple of 4 bits.

Also, for example, the functional member is a process cartridge having at least one of a photosensitive drum and a developing machine.

A functional member according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, in order to store predetermined data, the image forming functional member includes a readable / writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit are assigned. The non-volatile memory has an auxiliary data storage area for storing data of a portion exceeding the data length of the basic data storage area when the predetermined data to be stored is long, and the functional member stores the predetermined data. The functional member is stored in the basic data storage area or the auxiliary data storage area specified by a desired address of the nonvolatile memory in accordance with an instruction from the image forming apparatus that detachably holds the functional member.

Also, for example, the auxiliary data storage area is
It is characterized by comprising a basic data storage area in which the fixed data length is a basic unit, and a predetermined address is allocated in advance.

Also, for example, when the data management means stores the predetermined data in the basic data storage area,
The data of the upper part exceeding the predetermined data length is stored in the auxiliary data storage area.

Also, for example, the predetermined data length is a data length that is a constant multiple of 4 bits.

Further, for example, the functional member is a process cartridge having at least one of a photosensitive drum and a developing machine.

An image forming apparatus control method according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, in order to store predetermined data, a functional member for image formation having a readable and writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit is assigned is detachably attached. The non-volatile memory has an auxiliary data storage area for storing data of a portion exceeding the data length of the basic data storage area when the predetermined data to be stored is long. The control method includes a data management step of storing the predetermined data in the basic data storage area or the auxiliary data storage area specified by a desired address of the nonvolatile memory.

An image forming apparatus control method according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, in order to store predetermined data, a functional member for image formation having a readable and writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit is assigned is detachably attached. The non-volatile memory, when storing the predetermined data in a basic data storage area of the non-volatile memory, the length of the predetermined data is the data of the basic data storage area. Auxiliary data storage for storing upper part data that cannot be accommodated in the basic data storage area when the length exceeds the length, and for storing the predetermined data when the length of the predetermined data is shorter than the data length of the basic data storage area Having a region, wherein the control method comprises:
A data management step of storing the predetermined data in the basic data storage area or the auxiliary data storage area at a desired address of the nonvolatile memory.

A storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, in order to store predetermined data, a functional member for image formation having a readable and writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit is assigned is detachably attached. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an image forming apparatus to be stored in the non-volatile memory, wherein the non-volatile memory stores data of a portion exceeding a data length of the basic data storage area when the predetermined data to be stored is long. An auxiliary data storage area, wherein the program has a data management step of storing the predetermined data in the basic data storage area or the auxiliary data storage area specified by a desired address of the nonvolatile memory. I do.

A storage medium according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has the following configuration. That is, in order to store predetermined data, a functional member for image formation having a readable and writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit is assigned is detachably attached. A non-volatile memory storing a program for controlling an image forming process in the image forming apparatus, wherein the non-volatile memory stores the predetermined data in a basic data storage area of the non-volatile memory; When the length exceeds the data length of the basic data storage area, stores data of an upper part that cannot be accommodated in the basic data storage area, and when the predetermined data length is shorter than the data length of the basic data storage area. An auxiliary data storage area for storing the predetermined data, and the program stores the predetermined data in the non- It characterized by having a program code of the data management process to be stored in the basic data storage region or the auxiliary data storage region of the desired address in the outgoing memory.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below based on an embodiment with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, a laser beam printer as an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge which is detachable from the laser beam printer and has a nonvolatile memory are described. However, the scope of the present invention is limited to the described example. It is not intended.

[System Configuration Diagram] FIG. 1 shows a laser beam printer 1 which is an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a system configuration at the time of use of FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a photosensitive drum as an electrostatic carrier, 102 denotes a semiconductor laser as a light source, 103 denotes a rotating polygon mirror rotated by a scanner motor 104, and 105 denotes a light emitted from the semiconductor laser 102. And a laser beam for scanning the photosensitive drum 101. Reference numeral 106 denotes a charging roller for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 101, and reference numeral 107 denotes a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 101 with toner. And 108, a transfer roller for transferring the toner image developed by the developing device 107 to a predetermined recording sheet.
Is a fixing roller for fusing the toner transferred to the recording paper by heat. Reference numeral 110 denotes a cassette paper feed roller that feeds a sheet from a cassette having a function of identifying the size of a recording sheet by one rotation and feeds the sheet to a conveyance path. Reference numerals 111 and 112 denote transport rollers for transporting the paper fed from the cassette. 113 is a pre-feed sensor for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the paper fed from the cassette; 114 is a pre-transfer roller for feeding the transported paper to the photosensitive drum 101; 115 is the fed paper Is a top sensor for synchronizing image writing (recording / printing) on the photosensitive drum 101 and paper conveyance, and measuring the length of the fed paper in the conveyance direction. Reference numeral 116 denotes a sheet discharge sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet after fixing, and 117 denotes a discharge roller for discharging the sheet after fixing outside the apparatus.

[Control Unit of Laser Beam Printer] FIG.
5 shows a control configuration for performing data transfer between the nonvolatile memory 212 mounted on the process cartridge 211 detachable from the laser beam printer 1 as an image forming apparatus and the laser beam printer 1 main body.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes an image code for expanding image code data sent from an external device (not shown) such as a host computer into bit data necessary for printing by a printer, and reading and displaying information inside the printer. Video controller.

An engine control unit 202 controls the operation of each unit of the printer engine in accordance with an instruction from the video controller 201 and notifies the video controller 201 of printer internal information.

A sequential remaining amount detection unit 209 calculates the remaining amount of toner based on information in a nonvolatile memory 212 described later and stores the calculation result as a status in a RAM (not shown) in the engine control unit 202. is there.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a drive of a motor, rollers, and the like for conveying a recording sheet in accordance with an instruction from the engine control unit 202.
A paper transport control unit 205 that stops and stops the printing operation is a high-voltage control unit that controls output of each high voltage in each process such as charging, development, and transfer in accordance with an instruction from the printer engine control unit 202.

Reference numeral 206 denotes drive / stop of the scanner motor,
An optical system control unit that controls lighting of the laser beam in accordance with an instruction from the engine control unit 202. 207, a sensor input unit for inputting an ON / OFF signal from each sensor;
Reference numeral 208 denotes a fixing temperature control unit for adjusting the temperature of the fixing unit to a temperature specified by the engine control unit 202. 21
2 is a process cartridge 2 which is detachable from the printer.
11 is a non-volatile memory that stores data on the use status of the process cartridge.

[Process Cartridge] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a detachable process cartridge 211. 301
Is a toner container for storing toner, 302 is a stirring rod for stirring the toner in the toner container 301, 303 is a sleeve for carrying and transporting the toner, 101 is a photosensitive drum,
Reference numeral 212 denotes a non-volatile memory that stores information unique to the cartridge, such as the usage status of the process cartridge. The toner contained in the toner container 301 is stirred by the stirring rod 302 and is sent to the sleeve as needed.

The engine control unit 202 controls the process cartridge 2 based on the information stored in the nonvolatile memory 212.
The usage status of the printer 11 is grasped, and the control of the high-voltage controller 205 is optimized, the remaining amount of toner is detected, and the like.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 213 denotes a data management unit for instructing the read / write (R / W) control unit 210 which address data in the nonvolatile memory 212 is to be read or written. A read / write control unit 210 relays data transfer between the data management unit 213 and the nonvolatile memory 212, and transfers data having a long data length in synchronization with a high-speed clock signal.

The read / write control unit 210 takes a checksum of the entire data area of the nonvolatile memory 212 every predetermined period and compares it with the checksum in the nonvolatile memory 212 so that there is no abnormality in the data in the memory. Checks for failures such as

The data transfer between the laser beam printer 1 and the non-volatile memory 212 using the laser beam printer 1 and the non-volatile memory 212 mounted on the detachable process cartridge 211 will be described below. .

FIG. 4 shows a detailed configuration of the nonvolatile memory 212 used in the following embodiment. Non-volatile memory 2
12 shows a data storage area 402 to which individual addresses 401 are allocated as shown in FIG. The basic data length of the nonvolatile memory 212 is 1 as shown in FIG.
6-bit data storage area 40 of 16-bit length
Addresses from 00H to FFH are assigned to 2 as shown in FIG.

[Data Storage Area of First Embodiment] First, the data storage area of the nonvolatile memory 212 in the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 shows a data structure of data stored in the nonvolatile memory 212 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a data configuration diagram of the nonvolatile memory 212 in a state where the data of FIG. 5 is assigned to the address and data storage area of the nonvolatile memory 212 shown in FIG.

In the first embodiment, the unique information of the process cartridge stored in the memory includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the total number of prints 501, and the paper size, for example, A4 paper (502), B5 paper (503), L
ETER paper (504), EXEXCIVE paper (50
5), LEGAL paper (506), and UNIVERSAL paper (507). FIG. 6 shows a data configuration for storing the above data (total number of prints 501, total number of prints 502 to 507 for each paper size) in the nonvolatile memory 212.

First, data of the total number of prints for each paper size will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The total number of A4-size prints 502 is 17-bit data including A4-0th bit to A4-16th bit, and the total number of B5-size prints 503 is 17 including B5-zeroth bit to B5-16th bit. Bit data.

Also, the total number of prints of the LETER size prints 504
Is the 17-bit data consisting of the LTR-0th bit to the LTR-16th bit, and the total EXECUTE SIZE print number 506 is EXE-0th bit to EXE-16th bit.
17-bit data consisting of bits
The total RSAL size print number 507 is 17-bit data consisting of UNI-0th bit to UNI-16th bit. Further, the total print number 501 is 18-bit data including PG-0th bit to PG-16th bit.

That is, the data 502 to 507 of the total number of prints for each paper size shown in FIG.
A data frame of bits is required, and data 5 of the total number of prints is required.
Since 01 requires an 18-bit data frame,
Both the total print number data and the total print number data for each paper size are longer than the basic data storage area 16 bits of the nonvolatile memory 212 shown in FIG. Therefore, those data frames do not fit in 16 bits of the basic data storage area of the nonvolatile memory 212.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the uppermost 16th data of the total print number data 502 to 507 for each paper size described above.
As shown in FIG. 6, the data frames of the 16th bit and the upper 2 bits of the 17th bit, which are the upper bits of the bit and the total print number data 501, are all stored together at the address 07H of the nonvolatile memory 212.

Here, when counting the total number of prints,
Data storage areas 603 to 609 of lower data of the total number of prints of each paper size shown in FIG.
Each data storage area corresponding to address 06H) is accessed to count up each data.

If the data storage areas 603 to 609 of lower data of the total number of prints of each paper size overflow, the data storage area 610 at the address 07H is overflowed.
To access the lower data 60 of the total number of prints of each paper size.
The upper bits corresponding to 3 to 609 are set to 1.

As described above, in the data storage method of the non-volatile memory 212 according to the first embodiment, the basic data length of the data storage area of the non-volatile memory 212 is 16 bits, and the basic data length is 17 bits as shown in FIG. When storing the total number of print data for each paper size and the total number of print data having 18 bits in the non-volatile memory 212, as shown in FIG. The location where the upper one or two bits are stored is specified.

Furthermore, the upper one or two bits are
Are collectively stored at address 07H. By devising the usage of the memory in this way, unused memory can be reduced. For example, the number of unused memories in the case of FIG. 6 is eight indicated by “0” in the data storage area 610 at the address 07H, and the number of unused memories in the case of FIG. 0 "36
), The amount of unused memory can be reduced to ４.

[Count Up of Total Page Count] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart when the data management unit 213 described above counts up the total page count stored in the nonvolatile memory 212.

First, in step S701, it is determined whether or not printing has been completed. If the printing has not been completed, the process waits until the printing has been completed. If completed, the process proceeds to step S702.

Next, in step S702, the data management section 213 stores the lower bits of the total page count number shown in FIG. 6 in the read / write control section 210 (hereinafter referred to as R / W control section). An instruction is issued to read data D6 at address 0006H. The R / W control unit 210 accesses the address 0006H in the memory according to the instruction and reads the data D6.

Next, in step S 703, the data management unit 213 makes the R / W control unit 210
It is checked whether the access to the T.12 has been completed. If the access is being performed, the process waits until the access is completed. If the access is completed, the process proceeds to step S704 after receiving the data D6 from the R / W control unit 210.

Next, in step S704, the data D
6 is 65535, and if the data D6 is not 65535, that is, FFFFH in hexadecimal.
If so, the process proceeds to step S720.

In step S720, data obtained by counting up data D6 by one sheet, that is, D6 + 1 is added to data D6.
6 and again instructs the R / W control unit 210 to write D6 to address 0006H where the lower bits of the total page count shown in FIG. 6 are stored, and then proceeds to step S721. The R / W control unit 210 accesses the address 0006H in the memory according to the instruction,
Write data D6.

In step S721, the data management unit 21
3 checks whether the R / W control unit 210 has completed the access to the nonvolatile memory 212. If the access is being performed, the R / W control unit 210 waits until the access is completed. If the access is completed, the process returns to step S701. On the other hand, if D6 is 65535 in step S704, the process advances to step S705. In step S705, the data management unit 213 determines that the data D7 at address 0007H in which the upper bits of the total page count are stored. , And then proceeds to step S706.

In step S706, the R / W control unit 21
0 determines whether the access to the nonvolatile memory 212 has been completed. If the access has been completed, the R / W control unit 210 waits until the access has been completed.
After receiving the data D7, the process proceeds to step S707.

Next, in step S707, the data D
If the seventh bit of No. 7 is 0, the process proceeds to step S715, and in step S715, the data management unit 213
Sets D6 to 0, and sets D6 to address 0006H.
After instructing the R / W control unit 210 to write No. 6, the process proceeds to step S716.

In step S716, the R / W control unit 21
0 checks whether the access to the nonvolatile memory 212 has been completed. If the access is being performed, the process waits until the access is completed, and if the access is completed, the process proceeds to step S717.

In step S717, the data management unit 21
3 sets 1 to the seventh bit of the data D7 and again sets R
/ W control unit 210 receives D at address 0007H.
7 is instructed to be written, and the process proceeds to step S718.

In step S718, the R / W control unit 21
0 checks whether the access to the nonvolatile memory 212 has been completed. If the access is being performed, the process waits until the access is completed. If the access has been completed, the process returns to step S701.

On the other hand, if the seventh bit of the data D7 is 1 in step S707, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S708, the state of the eighth bit is determined. Proceeding to S709, a series of operations ends.

If it is determined in step S708 that the eighth bit is 0, the flow advances to step S710 to proceed to step S710.
In step 710, the data management unit 213 sets the data D6 to 0, instructs the R / W control unit 210 to write D6 at address 0006H, and then proceeds to step S711.

In step S708, the data D
When the eighth bit of 7 is 1, the data in the nonvolatile memory is not operated because of the full count. However, the data frame of the total number of printed pages is allocated about 20K (17-bit frame) which is approximately double the cartridge life of 10K so that the full count state is not reached.

In step S711, the R / W control unit 21
0 checks whether the access to the nonvolatile memory 212 has been completed. If the access is being performed, the process waits until the access is completed. If the access is completed, the process proceeds to step S712.

In step S712, the data management unit 21
3 sets 1 to the 8th bit of the data D7 and again sets R
/ W control unit 210 receives D at address 0007H.
After an instruction to write 7 is given, the process proceeds to step S713.

In step S713, the R / W control unit 21
0 checks whether the access to the nonvolatile memory 212 has been completed. If the access is being performed, the process waits until the access is completed. If the access has been completed, the process returns to step S701.

[Data Storage Area of Second Embodiment] Next, a data storage area of the nonvolatile memory 212 according to the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 shows the data structure of data stored in the nonvolatile memory 212 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the address 40 of the nonvolatile memory 212 shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a data configuration diagram of the nonvolatile memory 212 in a state where the data of FIG.

In the second embodiment, the basic data length of the nonvolatile memory 212 is 16 bits, and addresses 901 from 00H to FFH are assigned to a 16-bit basic data storage area 902.

In the second embodiment, the process cartridge specific information stored in the memory includes the total number of prints 801 and the paper size (A4, B4) as shown in FIG.
5, LETER, EXCIVE, LEGAL, UN
IVERSAL), the total number of prints 802 to 807, and the remaining amount of toner 808. FIG. 8 shows the data (total number of prints 801, total number of prints by paper size 802 to 8).
07) is shown.

As shown in FIG. 8, the total number of A4-size prints 802 is 17-bit data consisting of A4-0th bit to A4-16th bit, and the B5-size total prints 8
03 is 17-bit data consisting of B5-0th bit to B5-16th bit, and the LETER size print total number 804 is 17-bit data consisting of LTR-0th bit to LTR-16th bit. , EXECUTE
The total number of size prints 806 is EXE-0th bit to E
XE—This is 17-bit data consisting of the 16th bit.
This is 17-bit data consisting of the NI-th bit and the UNI-the 16th bit.
The remaining toner value 808 is written in the memory in units of 100%, so that the TN-0th bit to TN-
This is 7-bit data consisting of the sixth bit.

Therefore, the remaining toner value 808 is 7 bits, and the total number of printed sheets of each size 802 to 807 is 17 bits.
The bit and the total number of prints 801 require an 18-bit data frame. As shown in FIG.
Since the data of 02 to 807 and the total number of prints 801 are all longer than the basic data storage area 16 bits shown in FIG. 4, the data frame does not fit in the area of the basic data length 16 bits.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper two bits of the data frame of the 16th bit and the 17th bit are all stored in the data storage area 903 of the address 901 at the address 07H.

Since the data frame of the remaining toner value 808 is composed of 7 bits, the remaining toner value is stored in the unused data storage area 904 at the address 07H of the address 901 where the upper two bit frames of the total number of prints are collected. Assign a data frame.

As described above, the use efficiency of the data storage area 902 of the nonvolatile memory 212 can be improved by using the unused data storage area 904 at the address 07H of the address 901.

As described above, in the data storage method of the nonvolatile memory 212 according to the second embodiment, the basic data length of the data storage area of the nonvolatile memory 212 is 16 bits, and the basic data length is 17 bits as shown in FIG. When storing in the nonvolatile memory 212 the total print number data for each paper size and the total print number data having 18 bits, the lower 16 bits of the total print number data for each paper size as shown in FIG. The location where the upper one or two bits are stored is specified.

Furthermore, the upper one or two bits are
Are collectively stored at address 07H. By devising the usage of the memory in this way, unused memory can be reduced. For example, the number of unused memories in the case of FIG. 9 is one indicated by “0” in the data storage area at the address 07H, and the number of unused memories in the case of FIG. 10 is 36 (the “0” in each data storage area). ), The amount of unused memory can be reduced to 1/36, and the remaining toner value data can be additionally stored.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the data frame for storing certain data is longer than the basic data storage area 402 of the nonvolatile memory 212 shown in FIG. Is achieved by storing at least two fractional data frames that do not fit in the basic data storage area 402 in the basic data storage area 402 at the predetermined address 401 (for example, the data storage areas 903 and 904 in FIG. 9). .

When a data frame for storing certain data is longer than the basic data storage area or a multiple thereof, a fractional data frame which does not fit in the basic data storage area and another data frame consisting of one or more bits are defined as basic data of a predetermined address. This is achieved by storing the data in the data storage area.

In the present invention, if the data to be held in the non-volatile memory is data longer than the basic data length or a multiple thereof, a plurality of data frames which do not fit in the basic data length are collected and stored. By storing data of a short data length consisting of bits or more in the same address, it is possible to further increase the use efficiency of the memory. Further, if the memory capacity can be reduced, it leads to cost reduction.

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus Or a CPU or MPU) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium,
It goes without saying that this is achieved. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
In addition, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program code,
It goes without saying that an operating system (OS) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. , The CPU provided in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowchart (shown in FIG. 7).

As described above, according to the present invention,
An image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a functional member that can efficiently use a data storage area of a nonvolatile memory mounted on a functional member such as a process cartridge can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a detachable process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an address and a data storage area of the nonvolatile memory according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data storage in a nonvolatile memory according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for measuring the total number of pages counted stored in the nonvolatile memory according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data storage in a nonvolatile memory according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in a conventional nonvolatile memory.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 201 Video controller 202 Engine control unit 203 Display unit 204 Paper transport control unit 205 High voltage control unit 206 Optical system control unit 207 Sensor input unit 208 Fixing unit temperature control control unit 209 Sequential remaining amount detection unit 210 R / W control unit 211 Cartridge 212 Non-volatile memory

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 12/04 510 G03G 15/00 556 5C062 H04N 1/00 21/00 392 F-term (Reference) 2C087 AA09 AC08 BC01 BD53 2C187 AC07 2H027 DA44 ED01 ED08 EE08 EJ08 HB15 HB17 2H071 BA04 BA13 BA34 DA08 DA15 5B060 DA01 DA10 5C062 AB42 AC22 AC60 AD05 AF07

Claims (17)

[Claims] An image forming functional member having a readable and writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit are stored in order to store predetermined data. The non-volatile memory has an auxiliary data storage area for storing data of a portion exceeding the data length of the basic data storage area when the predetermined data to be stored is long. The image forming apparatus includes a data management unit that stores the predetermined data in the basic data storage area or the auxiliary data storage area specified by a desired address of the nonvolatile memory. . 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary data storage area is constituted by a basic data storage area having the fixed data length as a basic unit, and a predetermined address is assigned in advance. Image forming device. 3. The data management means, when storing the predetermined data in the basic data storage area, stores data of an upper part exceeding the predetermined data length in the auxiliary data storage area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. A function member for image formation having a readable and writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit are stored in order to store predetermined data. An image forming apparatus that detachably holds the non-volatile memory, wherein when storing the predetermined data in a basic data storage area of the non-volatile memory, the length of the predetermined data is the data of the basic data storage area. Auxiliary data storage for storing upper part data that cannot be accommodated in the basic data storage area when the length exceeds the length, and for storing the predetermined data when the length of the predetermined data is shorter than the data length of the basic data storage area The image forming apparatus stores the predetermined data in the basic data storage area at a desired address of the nonvolatile memory. An image forming apparatus, comprising a data management means for storing in the auxiliary data storage region. 5. The auxiliary data storage area according to claim 4, wherein the auxiliary data storage area is constituted by a basic data storage area having the fixed data length as a basic unit, and a predetermined address is assigned in advance. Image forming device. 6. The data management means, when storing the predetermined data in the basic data storage area, stores data of an upper part exceeding the predetermined data length in the auxiliary data storage area, 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the length is shorter than the predetermined data length, the predetermined data is stored in the auxiliary data storage area. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined data length is a data length that is a constant multiple of 4 bits. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said functional member is a process cartridge having at least one of a photosensitive drum and a developing machine.
Item 10. The image forming apparatus according to item 1. 9. A function member for image formation having a readable / writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit are stored in order to store predetermined data. Wherein the non-volatile memory has an auxiliary data storage area for storing data of a portion exceeding the data length of the basic data storage area when the predetermined data to be stored is long, A function member for storing data in the basic data storage area or the auxiliary data storage area designated by a desired address of the nonvolatile memory in accordance with an instruction from an image forming apparatus which detachably holds the function member . 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the auxiliary data storage area comprises a basic data storage area having the fixed data length as a basic unit, and a predetermined address is assigned in advance. Functional members. 11. The data management means, when storing the predetermined data in the basic data storage area, stores data of an upper part exceeding the predetermined data length in the auxiliary data storage area. The functional member according to claim 9 or 10, wherein 12. The functional member according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined data length is a data length that is a constant multiple of 4 bits. 13. The functional member according to claim 9, wherein said functional member is a process cartridge having at least one of a photosensitive drum and a developing machine. 14. A function member for image formation, comprising a readable / writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit are stored for storing predetermined data. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus that detachably holds data, wherein said non-volatile memory stores auxiliary data for storing data of a portion exceeding a data length of said basic data storage area when said predetermined data to be stored is long. And a data management step of storing the predetermined data in the basic data storage area or the auxiliary data storage area specified by a desired address of the nonvolatile memory. Method. 15. A function member for image formation, comprising a readable / writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit are stored for storing predetermined data. A method of controlling the image forming apparatus to detachably hold the non-volatile memory, when storing the predetermined data in a basic data storage area of the non-volatile memory, the length of the predetermined data is the basic data storage area. When the data length exceeds the data length of the area, the upper part data that cannot be stored in the basic data storage area is stored, and when the predetermined data length is shorter than the data length of the basic data storage area, the predetermined data is stored. An auxiliary data storage area, wherein the control method stores the predetermined data in the basic data format of a desired address of the nonvolatile memory. Control method characterized by having a data management step of storing in the region or the auxiliary data storage region. 16. A functional member for image formation, comprising: a readable / writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit are stored for storing predetermined data. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an image forming apparatus which detachably holds the data, wherein the non-volatile memory stores data of a portion exceeding a data length of the basic data storage area when the predetermined data to be stored is long. And a data management step of storing the predetermined data in the basic data storage area or the auxiliary data storage area specified by a desired address of the nonvolatile memory. A storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 17. A function member for image formation, comprising a readable and writable nonvolatile memory having a plurality of basic data storage areas to which individual addresses each having a fixed data length as a basic unit are stored for storing predetermined data. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an image forming process in an image forming apparatus that detachably holds the data, wherein the non-volatile memory stores the predetermined data in a basic data storage area of the non-volatile memory; When the length of the predetermined data exceeds the data length of the basic data storage area, data of an upper part that cannot be stored in the basic data storage area is stored, and the length of the predetermined data is the data length of the basic data storage area. An auxiliary data storage area for storing the predetermined data when the predetermined data is shorter; Serial desired address of the basic data storage region or the auxiliary data storage storage medium characterized by having a program code of a data management process to be stored in the area of the nonvolatile memory.