Authentication devices, procedures, and recording media

Abstract

This invention provides an authentication device, a program, and a recording medium that change the security level of a maintenance mode based on the installed consumables. A printing device (1) (an example of an authentication device) is fitted with consumables (100). The printing device (1) includes: a maintenance mode control unit (51) for controlling the maintenance mode; and a matching degree determination unit (52) for determining the matching degree of the consumables (100) relative to the printing device (1). The maintenance mode control unit (51) changes the security level of the maintenance mode based on the matching degree determined by the matching degree determination unit (52) (step S5) (steps S8, S10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an authentication device and procedure for installed consumables. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, improper maintenance of devices such as printers could prevent them from functioning properly or lead to malfunctions or abnormal operation. Therefore, a password was set to allow the execution of maintenance mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-258770 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] Furthermore, in certification devices such as printing machines where consumables are installed, sometimes not only highly compatible consumables (e.g., ink containers filled with ink) are installed, but also consumables with low compatibility. When low-compatibility consumables are installed in certification devices, proper maintenance is difficult to perform, and as mentioned above, this can easily lead to insufficient device functionality, malfunctions, or abnormal operation. Therefore, when low-compatibility consumables are installed in certification devices, it is desirable to improve the security level of the maintenance mode to prevent inappropriate maintenance by unsuitable personnel.

[0008] On the other hand, when highly compatible consumables are installed on the authentication device, unlike when consumables with low compatibility are installed, improper maintenance is less likely. Therefore, allowing the execution of maintenance modes as smoothly as possible without increasing the security level of the maintenance mode contributes to user convenience.

[0009] The present invention provides an authentication device and procedure capable of changing the security level of the maintenance mode based on the installed consumables.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] In one embodiment, an authentication device is equipped with consumables, the authentication device comprising: a maintenance mode control unit for controlling a maintenance mode; and a matching degree determination unit for determining the matching degree of the consumables relative to the authentication device, wherein the maintenance mode control unit changes the security level of the maintenance mode based on the matching degree determined by the matching degree determination unit.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to the method described, the security level of the maintenance mode can be changed based on the consumables installed. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a printing apparatus in one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a flowchart used to illustrate a maintenance mode in one implementation method.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a password input screen in one implementation.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a maintenance mode screen in one implementation.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a password change screen in one implementation. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, regarding an authentication device and procedure according to one embodiment of the present invention, an example of an authentication device will be a printing device, and will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a printing apparatus 1 in one embodiment.

[0021] The printing device 1 includes a media supply unit 10, a conveying unit 20, a printing unit 30, a media discharge unit 40, a control unit 50, a storage unit 60, an operation panel 70, and a communication unit 80, and is fitted with consumables 100. The printing device 1 is an example of an authentication device with consumables 100 installed. Furthermore, the consumables 100 may be, for example, ink (ink container), a stencil printing master, etc., but if the authentication device is a device other than the printing device 1, any other consumables can be used.

[0022] The media supply unit 10 has a stacking platform for stacking media such as paper, and supplies the media stacked on the stacking platform to the inside of the printing device 1.

[0023] The conveying unit 20 has, for example, rollers, belts, etc., for conveying media inside the printing device 1.

[0024] The printing unit 30 prints on the media conveyed by the conveying unit 20. The printing method of the printing unit 30 is not particularly limited, such as stencil printing or inkjet printing.

[0025] The media discharge section 40 has a stacking platform for stacked media that is exposed outside the printing device 1, and discharges the media printed by the printing section 30 to the stacking platform.

[0026] The control unit 50, for example, has one or more processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit) that function as a processing unit to control the operation of each part of the printing device 1. This processor functions as a maintenance mode control unit 51 and a matching degree determination unit 52 by reading and executing a predetermined program, for example, from the storage unit 60 or from a storage medium (a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium) that can be installed and removed from the printing device 1.

[0027] The maintenance mode control unit 51 controls the maintenance mode of the printing device 1. Furthermore, the maintenance mode control unit 51 changes the security level of the maintenance mode based on the matching degree determined by the matching degree determination unit 52 (described later). For example, when a consumable 100 with a low matching degree is installed in the printing device 1, the maintenance mode control unit 51 increases the security level by making a password change request for executing the maintenance mode; details will be described later.

[0028] The matching degree determination unit 52 determines the matching degree of the consumable 100 with the printing device 1. Taking the case where the consumable 100 is an ink container as an example, the guarantee ink characteristics (viscosity, pigment dispersion, etc.) for ensuring print quality and preventing malfunctions are predetermined based on the characteristics of the printing device 1 (the target paper, the target ink (oil-based, water-based, etc.), the durability (heat resistance) of each component (ejection properties of the head nozzle, etc.), the heat generation under normal printing operation, etc.). (The range of guarantee, the range of print quality degradation, and the range of device malfunction or poor operation are determined through experiments). In addition, the actual ink characteristics (viscosity, pigment dispersion, etc.) of the ink contained in the consumable 100 are stored in the storage unit 112 of the IC tag 110. The power supply voltage varies from 100V to 200V depending on the region of use, and the heat generated in the printing device 1 varies accordingly. Therefore, heat resistance is also included in the actual ink characteristics. When consumable 100 is inserted into printing device 1 and the label information is read by printing device 1, matching degree determination unit 52 compares the actual ink characteristics read with the guaranteed ink characteristics (using the determination of a table in printing device 1, using the determination of a threshold based on the percentage difference, etc.) to determine the matching degree of the ink (consumable 100). This matching degree can be arranged into multiple levels such as "high" (within a specified range), "medium" (small difference outside the specified range), and "low" (large difference outside the specified range), or it can be expressed numerically. In addition, if the information stored in the storage unit 112 of IC tag 110 cannot be obtained, matching degree determination unit 52 can regard consumable 100 with the lowest matching degree. In addition, matching degree determination unit 52 can also determine the matching degree based on information other than the information stored in the storage unit 112 of consumable 100 (e.g., appearance information obtained by photography). In addition, when multiple consumables 100 are installed in the printing device 1, the matching degree determination unit 52 can determine the matching degree based on the consumable 100 with the lowest matching degree, or it can obtain the average matching degree of multiple consumables 100.

[0029] When the processing of the maintenance mode control unit 51 and the matching degree determination unit 52 described above is understood from the methodological point of view, the maintenance mode control method determines the matching degree of the consumable 100 with respect to the printing device 1 (authentication device) through the matching degree determination unit 52, and changes the security level of the maintenance mode based on the matching degree determined by the matching degree determination unit 52.

[0030] Furthermore, when the processing of the maintenance mode control unit 51 and the matching degree determination unit 52 is understood from the program's point of view, the program causes the computer (e.g., the control unit 50 of the printing device 1 or the processor of the control unit 50) to perform the following functions: determine the matching degree of the consumable 100 with respect to the printing device 1 (authentication device); and change the security level of the maintenance mode based on the determined matching degree.

[0031] Storage unit 60 may include, for example, memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), hard disk device, etc. ROM is a read-only semiconductor memory that has a pre-recorded specified control program, and RAM is a semiconductor memory that can be written to and read at any time and is used as a working storage area as needed when the processor executes various control programs.

[0032] The operation panel 70 has a display unit 71 and an input unit 72. The display unit 71 is a display for showing various information, and the input unit 72 accepts various information inputs from users (e.g., ordinary maintenance personnel selected from ordinary users who are capable of performing basic maintenance-related operations, professional maintenance personnel with professional knowledge and skills, etc.). When the display unit 71 has a touch panel, the display unit 71 also serves as the input unit 72.

[0033] Display unit 71 displays the following description. Figures 3-5 The password input screen 71a, maintenance mode screen 71b, and password change screen 71c are shown.

[0034] The input unit 72 accepts inputs such as passwords used to execute maintenance mode.

[0035] The communication unit 80 reads information stored in the storage unit 112 of the consumable 100. For example, the communication unit 80 includes: an R / W unit, which includes an antenna capable of communicating with the IC tag 110 (communication unit 111), an R / W (reader / writer) control unit, etc.; and an interface unit, which transmits various information with various devices such as user terminals connected wirelessly or wiredly via a network.

[0036] Consumable 100 includes an IC tag 110. The IC tag 110 has a communication unit 111 and a storage unit 112.

[0037] The communication unit 111 includes an antenna for communicating with the communication unit 80 of the printing device 1. Furthermore, the IC tag 110 preferably does not have its own power supply and has a built-in antenna with the same resonant frequency as the communication unit 80. In this case, for example, when an alternating current with the resonant frequency flows through the built-in antenna of the communication unit 80, an alternating current with the resonant frequency is generated in the built-in antenna of the communication unit 111 of the IC tag 110 through a resonance phenomenon based on electromagnetic coupling, thus supplying the IC tag 110 with sufficient power to communicate with the communication unit 80. The IC tag 110 uses this power to read and write information of the consumable 100 to the storage unit 112, transmitting and receiving data with the communication unit 80 in a known manner known as the so-called passive method.

[0038] The storage unit 112 preferably stores an ID for uniquely identifying the consumable 100, attribute data of the consumable 100 (e.g., color, ink characteristics, etc.), and remaining quantity information of the consumable 100. Furthermore, the communication unit 111 and the storage unit 112 are controlled by a processor (control unit) such as an IC chip (not shown) of the IC tag 110.

[0039] Next, regarding maintenance modes, I will omit the details that overlap with the above description.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart used to illustrate the maintenance mode.

[0041] For example, when consumable 100 is inserted (installed) into printing device 1, or when the power to printing device 1 is turned on, etc. Figure 2 The processing shown.

[0042] First, the communication unit 80 of the printing device 1 reads the information stored in the storage unit 112 of the IC tag 110 of the consumable 100 (step S1).

[0043] Next, the maintenance mode control unit 51 repeatedly determines whether a request to switch to maintenance mode has been made (step S2). This switch request is a predetermined operation for displaying the authentication password input screen 71a on the display unit 71. As an example, this predetermined operation is pressing a number of predetermined keys on the input unit 72.

[0044] When the maintenance mode control unit 51 determines that a request to switch to maintenance mode has been made (step S2: "Yes"), the display unit 71 displays... Figure 3 The password input screen 71a shown is step S3.

[0045] Next, the maintenance mode control unit 51 obtains the password entered by the user in the input unit 72 (step S4). Furthermore, if the entered password does not match the predetermined password for maintenance, the user is notified of the discrepancy, and the process is repeated from, for example, the steps S2 or S3 described above.

[0046] Next, the maintenance mode control unit 51 determines whether the matching degree of the consumable 100 with respect to the printing device 1, as determined by the matching degree determination unit 52, is "high", "medium" or "low" (step S5). Furthermore, the matching degree determination unit 52 can determine the matching degree only after the communication unit 80 performs the tag information (information stored in the storage unit 112 of the IC tag 110) reading process (step S1).

[0047] When the matching degree of consumable 100 with the printing device 1 is "high" (step S5: "high"), the maintenance mode control unit 51 executes the maintenance mode (step S6). When this maintenance mode is executed, the maintenance mode control unit 51 preferably displays, for example, the display unit 71. Figure 4 The maintenance mode screen 71b shown allows users to select maintenance items ("No. 11...", "No. 12...", "No. 13...", etc.). When the maintenance mode ends, Figure 2 The processing shown is now complete. Furthermore, "matching parts" refers to consumables 100 (e.g., ink) that are compatible with the operation and performance of the printing device 1 and can be used. Consumables 100 other than matching parts (e.g., consumables 100 with "low" compatibility, as described later) lack a guarantee of compatibility with the operation and performance of the printing device 1 and can be used; therefore, continued use may lead to device malfunction and deterioration of print quality. Therefore, in the case of consumables 100 other than matching parts, maintenance related to device malfunctions (voltage, etc.) can be configured to be performed only by qualified maintenance personnel. Furthermore, maintenance other than that related to device malfunctions (voltage, etc.) can be configured to be performed only by qualified maintenance personnel, or it can be configured to be performed by ordinary maintenance personnel.

[0048] When the matching degree is "medium" (step S5: "medium". For example, although it is not easy to cause malfunctions or failures, the print quality may be degraded), the maintenance mode control unit 51 performs the maintenance mode in the same way as when the matching degree is "high" (step S7).

[0049] Then, the maintenance mode control unit 51 causes the display unit 71 to display... Figure 5 The password change screen 71c shown requests the user to change the password (step S8).

[0050] Then, the maintenance mode control unit 51 determines whether the password has been changed because a modified password was entered into the input unit 72 (step S9). If the password has been changed (step S9: "Yes"), Figure 2 The process shown is now complete. Alternatively, if the password has not been changed (step S9: "No"), the password change request process is repeated (step S8).

[0051] When the matching degree is "low" (step S5: "low". For example, situations where malfunctions, failures, and deterioration of print quality are prone to occur), the maintenance mode control unit 51 causes the display unit 71 to display... Figure 5The password change screen 71c shown requests the user to change their password (step S10). Preferably, this password increases the number of characters compared to the initial number, or increases the variety of characters used, to improve the security level. Furthermore, it is preferable that, unless it is desired that someone other than a professional maintenance personnel (e.g., a regular maintenance personnel) perform the password change to improve the security level, the password change is only performed when the user is identified as a professional maintenance personnel (e.g., when a request is made for a professional maintenance personnel to authenticate with the password and complete the authentication). Otherwise, the maintenance mode is not executed, and the process ends. Figure 2 The processing shown.

[0052] Then, the maintenance mode control unit 51 determines whether the password has been changed by inputting a modified password into the input unit 72 (step S11). If the password has been changed (step S11: "Yes"), the maintenance mode control unit 51 executes maintenance mode (step S12). When maintenance mode ends, Figure 2 The processing shown is now complete.

[0053] When the matching degree is "low" (an example of a case where the second benchmark is not met), the maintenance mode can be the same as when the matching degree is "high" or "medium" (e.g., changes to the drive voltage, frequency, and timing diagram), or it can be set to perform setting changes that restrict the operation of the printing device 1. For example, setting changes that restrict the operation of the printing device 1 could be setting changes that slow down the printing speed or setting changes that reduce the print density. As a result, even when the matching degree of the consumable 100 is low, the printing device 1 will not malfunction or the quality of the printed matter will not deteriorate.

[0054] Furthermore, if the password is not changed (step S11: "No"), the maintenance mode control unit 51 will not allow the execution of maintenance mode and will decide to request a password change upon the next startup (e.g., when a maintenance mode change request is made) (step S13). Figure 2 The processing shown is now complete. That is, the maintenance mode control unit 51 is set so that maintenance mode cannot be executed without entering the changed password while continuing to use the same consumable 100. Furthermore, the maintenance mode control unit 51 can also stop the use of the printing device 1 (e.g., printing operation) until the password is changed.

[0055] In the above explanation, when the matching degree is "medium" or "low" (an example of a case where the first criterion is not met), the maintenance mode control unit 51 increases the security level of the maintenance mode by making a request to change the password used to perform the maintenance mode (steps S8 and S10). As another example of changing the security level of a maintenance mode, it is also listed that when the matching degree is "high," the security level is decreased by setting the password to a simple password. Furthermore, the change of security level is not limited to changing the password; for example, it can also be done by at least one of the following: increasing the security level by requesting the user to authenticate using an authentication card; decreasing the security level by setting it so that no password is required.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above description, the maintenance mode control unit 51 makes a request to change the password for executing the maintenance mode (steps S8 and S10). However, if there is a second or subsequent request to switch to maintenance mode (step S2) after the consumable 100 is installed in the printing device 1, this step can be omitted. Figure 2 The flowchart shown illustrates the process where the maintenance mode control unit 51 performs a process that allows the execution of maintenance mode only when a specified password has been entered.

[0057] In addition, in the above description, the matching degree is divided into three levels: "high", "medium" and "low", and the maintenance mode control unit 51 processes it in three modes. However, the matching degree can also be divided into two or more levels, and the maintenance mode control unit 51 processes it in two or more modes.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, the printing device 1, which serves as an authentication device and on which the consumable 100 is installed, includes: a maintenance mode control unit 51 for controlling the maintenance mode; and a matching degree determination unit 52 for determining the matching degree of the consumable 100 with respect to the printing device 1. The maintenance mode control unit 51 changes the security level of the maintenance mode based on the matching degree determined by the matching degree determination unit 52. Alternatively, in other viewpoints, a program causes a computer to perform the following functions: determining the matching degree of the consumable 100 with respect to the printing device 1, which serves as an authentication device and on which the consumable 100 is installed; and changing the security level of the maintenance mode of the printing device 1 based on the determined matching degree.

[0059] When consumables 100 with low compatibility are installed in the printing device 1, proper maintenance is relatively difficult; when consumables 100 with high compatibility are installed, proper maintenance is relatively easy. Therefore, when consumables 100 with low compatibility are installed in the printing device 1, proper maintenance is impossible, which can easily lead to insufficient functionality of the printing device 1 or cause malfunctions or abnormal operation. According to this embodiment, when consumables 100 with low compatibility are installed in the printing device 1, the security level of the maintenance mode can be increased to prevent inappropriate maintenance by unqualified personnel who have cracked the password, thereby ensuring full functionality of the printing device 1 and suppressing malfunctions and abnormal operation. Furthermore, when consumables 100 with high compatibility are installed in the printing device 1, inappropriate maintenance is less frequent; therefore, by allowing the maintenance mode to be executed as smoothly as possible without increasing its security level, user convenience can be improved. As described above, according to this embodiment, the security level of the maintenance mode can be changed depending on the installed consumables 100.

[0060] In addition, in this embodiment, if the matching degree determined by the matching degree determination unit 52 does not meet the first benchmark (for example, if the matching degree is "medium" and "low"), the maintenance mode control unit 51 makes a request to change the password for executing the maintenance mode (steps S8 and S10).

[0061] Therefore, by changing the password, the security level of the maintenance mode can be reliably improved.

[0062] In addition, in this embodiment, if the matching degree determined by the matching degree determination unit 52 does not meet the second reference (for example, if the matching degree is "low"), the maintenance mode control unit 51 enables the execution of setting changes to restrict the operation of the printing device 1 in the maintenance mode (for example, setting changes to slow down the printing speed, setting changes to reduce the printing density, etc.) (step S12).

[0063] Therefore, in cases where the mismatch between the consumable 100 and the printing device 1 may prevent the printing device 1 from functioning fully or cause malfunctions or poor operation, limiting the operation of the printing device 1 can suppress the inability to fully function the printing device 1 or cause malfunctions or poor operation.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from its spirit during the implementation phase. Additionally, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments can be appropriately combined. Of course, various modifications and applications can be made within such a scope without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention described in the claims of the original application is hereby appended.

[0065] [Postscript 1]

[0066] An authentication device, equipped with consumables, is characterized by comprising:

[0067] Maintenance mode control unit, which is used to control maintenance mode; and

[0068] The matching degree determination unit determines the matching degree of the consumables with respect to the authentication device.

[0069] The maintenance mode control unit changes the security level of the maintenance mode based on the matching degree determined by the matching degree discrimination unit.

[0070] [Postscript 2]

[0071] The authentication device described in Appendix 1 is characterized in that,

[0072] If the matching degree determined by the matching degree discrimination unit does not meet the first benchmark, the maintenance mode control unit makes a password change request for executing the maintenance mode.

[0073] [Postscript 3]

[0074] The authentication device according to Appendix 1 or 2 is characterized in that,

[0075] If the matching degree determined by the matching degree discrimination unit does not meet the second benchmark, the maintenance mode control unit enables the execution of setting changes to restrict the operation of the authentication device in the maintenance mode.

[0076] [Postscript 4]

[0077] A program characterized in that it causes a computer to perform the following functions:

[0078] Determine the compatibility between the consumable and the authentication device, which is installed with the consumable; and

[0079] Based on the determined matching degree, the security level of the maintenance mode of the authentication device is changed.

[0080] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0081] 1: Printing unit; 10: Media supply unit; 20: Conveying unit; 30: Printing unit; 40: Media discharge unit; 50: Control unit; 51: Maintenance mode control unit; 52: Matching degree determination unit; 60: Storage unit; 70: Operation panel; 71: Display unit; 71a: Password input screen; 71b: Maintenance mode screen; 71c: Password change screen; 72: Input unit; 80: Communication unit; 100: Consumables; 110: IC tag; 111: Communication unit; 112: Storage unit.

Claims

1. An authentication device, wherein consumables are installed, the authentication device being characterized by comprising: Maintenance mode control unit, which is used to control maintenance mode; and The matching degree determination unit determines the matching degree of the consumable relative to the authentication device. in, The maintenance mode control unit changes the security level of the maintenance mode based on the matching degree determined by the matching degree discrimination unit. If the matching degree determined by the matching degree discrimination unit does not meet the first benchmark, the maintenance mode control unit makes a password change request for executing the maintenance mode.

2. The authentication device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the matching degree determined by the matching degree discrimination unit does not meet the second benchmark, the maintenance mode control unit enables the execution of setting changes to restrict the operation of the authentication device in the maintenance mode.

3. A computer program product comprising a program, characterized in that, When the program is executed, it causes the computer to perform the following functions: Determine the compatibility between the consumable and the authentication device, which is installed with the consumable; and Based on the determined matching degree, the security level of the authentication device's maintenance mode is changed. If the determined matching degree does not meet the first benchmark, a password change request is made for executing the maintenance mode.

4. A computer-readable recording medium for storing a program, characterized in that, When the program is executed, it causes the computer to perform the following functions: Determine the compatibility of the consumables with the authentication device, which is then fitted with the consumables; as well as Based on the determined matching degree, the security level of the authentication device's maintenance mode is changed. If the determined matching degree does not meet the first benchmark, a password change request is made for executing the maintenance mode.

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