Consumable chip, consumable cartridge, and consumable chip authentication method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a consumable chip, a consumable box and a consumable chip authentication method. The consumable chip stores authentication data, the authentication data at least includes first authentication data and second authentication data, the second authentication data is different from the first authentication data; the consumable chip is used to output only the first authentication data when receiving an access instruction of authentication data before a first preset time; output only the second authentication data when receiving an access instruction of authentication data after the first preset time; wherein the first preset time is determined by the consumable chip itself. In the embodiments of the present application, the consumable chip is not cracked or interfered by external signals, has strong anti-upgrade capability, avoids invalidation of the switching mode of the consumable chip caused by the intervention of external signals, or the authentication data of the consumable chip is read in advance by the printing device and added to the blacklist.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application, the parent application of which is the Chinese Patent Application No. CN202111599956.4, filed on December 24, 2021, entitled "Consumable Chip, Consumable Box and Consumable Chip Authentication Method and Usage Method", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of electronic technology, specifically to a consumable chip, a consumable box, and a method for authenticating and using the consumable chip. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of technology, people need to print more and more documents and images, and printing equipment such as laser printers and inkjet printers have been widely used. Initial information about the consumable cartridge, such as its model, color, material capacity, production date, and manufacturer code, as well as imaging auxiliary information, is usually recorded on a consumable chip in the printing equipment. This chip is attached to the consumable cartridge (usually by adhesive or clipping). The consumable chip is used to control the authentication and data matching between the consumable cartridge and the printing equipment. To authenticate the chip, a unique set of authentication data is typically stored on it. When the chip is installed in the printing equipment, the equipment reads this authentication data and performs the corresponding authentication process.

[0004] In the prior art, in order to prevent the unique set of authentication data stored on the consumable chip from being unrecognized by the printing device, the consumable chip usually contains multiple sets of switchable authentication data. When the printing device finds that it cannot recognize the consumable chip, these consumable chips will switch to another set of authentication data so that the switched authentication data can be recognized by the printing device, and then the consumable chip can be used on the printing device.

[0005] However, existing consumable chips often determine whether a printer has recognized them by identifying differences in external signal characteristics such as the printer's communication command format. Printers can interfere with the consumable chip's operation by upgrading its communication command format, making it impossible for the consumable chip to determine if the printer has recognized it. Furthermore, printers can proactively trigger frequent switching of authentication data by the consumable chip through firmware updates, pre-blacklisting multiple sets of authentication data and rendering the consumable chip unusable. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, this application provides a consumable chip, a consumable box, and a method for authenticating and using the consumable chip, in order to solve the problem in the prior art where consumable chips are easily affected by external interference, leading to the inability to use the consumable chip. For example, printing devices can interfere with the operation of the consumable chip through upgrades or other means, making it impossible for the consumable chip to determine whether it is recognized by the printing device; or, the printing device can actively trigger the consumable chip to frequently switch authentication data, pre-blacklisting multiple sets of authentication data for the consumable chip, rendering the consumable chip unusable.

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a consumable chip, comprising:

[0008] A storage module is used to store authentication data, which includes at least first authentication data and second authentication data;

[0009] The communication module is configured to output the first authentication data if an access instruction for authentication data is received within a first time interval, and to output the second authentication data if an access instruction for authentication data is received within a second time interval.

[0010] One possible implementation also includes:

[0011] The control module is configured to set the first authentication data as accessible authentication data at the beginning of the first time interval and to set the second authentication data as accessible authentication data at the beginning of the second time interval; wherein only one accessible authentication data exists at any given time.

[0012] In one possible implementation, it further includes: a timing module, used to start timing at the beginning of the first time interval;

[0013] The control module is specifically configured to set the second authentication data as accessible authentication data if the timing time of the timing module reaches the duration of the first time interval.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the timing module is specifically used to start timing after power-on.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the timing module is specifically used to power the printing device; or, the consumable chip further includes a power supply module for powering the timing module.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the control module is further configured to determine whether the first authentication data is recognized by the printing device;

[0017] The timing module is further configured to stop timing if the first authentication data is recognized by the printing device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the authentication data also includes third authentication data;

[0019] The communication module is also configured to output the third authentication data if an access instruction for authentication data is received within the third time interval.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the duration of the first time interval is greater than the duration of the second time interval.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the authentication data includes one or a combination of the following data:

[0022] Chip serial number, toner serial number, inkjet serial number, digital signature, seed data, and verification data.

[0023] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a consumable box, including the consumable chip described in any of the first aspects.

[0024] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a consumable chip authentication method, including:

[0025] If an access instruction for authentication data is received within the first time interval, the first authentication data is output.

[0026] If an access instruction for authentication data is received within the second time interval, the second authentication data is output.

[0027] One possible implementation also includes: if an access instruction for authentication data is received within a third time interval, then the third authentication data is output.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the duration of the first time interval is greater than the duration of the second time interval.

[0029] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a method for using a consumable chip, applied to the aforementioned consumable chip, the method comprising:

[0030] The installation steps involve installing the consumable chip onto the printing device.

[0031] The determination step involves determining whether the consumable chip is recognized by the printing device.

[0032] If, in the removal step, it is determined that the consumable chip cannot be recognized by the printing device, then the consumable chip is removed from the printing device.

[0033] The placement step involves placing the consumable chip for a preset waiting time, then returning to the installation step.

[0034] In this embodiment, the consumable chip is not susceptible to external signal cracking or interference, has strong anti-upgrade capabilities, and avoids external signal interference causing the switching mode of the consumable chip to fail, or the authentication data of the consumable chip to be read and added to the blacklist by the printing device in advance. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a printing device structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 A structural block diagram of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 A structural block diagram of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an authentication data switching scenario provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 5 A structural block diagram of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a consumable chip authentication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another consumable chip authentication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for using a consumable chip, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0048] See Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a printing device structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the printing device includes a consumable cartridge with a consumable chip embedded in it. Commonly, printing devices include laser printers, inkjet printers, dot matrix printers, and thermal printers. The consumable cartridge is typically removably mounted on the printing device and can be an ink cartridge, a toner cartridge, a toner container, a toner tube, a ribbon cartridge, a label cartridge, etc. The consumable chip can also be removably mounted on the consumable cartridge; for example, the chip may be attached to the cartridge (usually by adhesive or clipping). The consumable chip primarily serves for identification and recording material usage. For example, it records initial information about the consumable cartridge, such as its model, color, material capacity, production date, and manufacturer code. The consumable chip controls authentication and data matching between the consumable cartridge and the printing device; they exchange information through communication circuitry within the chip.

[0049] In one possible implementation, authentication data is stored in the consumable chip for identification. When the consumable chip is installed in the printer, the printer reads this authentication data and performs the corresponding authentication process, thus preventing uncertified products from being used. In some possible implementations, the authentication data can be a serial number assigned by the manufacturer to each original consumable chip. This serial number is unique to each chip, meaning each chip has a different serial number. Some printers may also record the consumable chip's authentication data in their memory, thereby restricting the use of consumable chips with the same authentication data (i.e., blacklisting used authentication data). Based on this scenario, many consumable chips have emerged that can switch authentication data (e.g., serial numbers). These chips store multiple sets of authentication data. When a printer cannot recognize a consumable chip, these chips switch to another set of authentication data, which may then be recognized by the printer, allowing the consumable chip to be used on that printer.

[0050] However, existing consumable chips often determine whether a printer has recognized them by identifying differences in external signal characteristics such as the printer's communication command format. Printers can interfere with the consumable chip's operation by upgrading its communication command format, making it impossible for the consumable chip to determine if the printer has recognized it. Furthermore, printers can proactively trigger frequent switching of authentication data by the consumable chip through firmware updates, pre-blacklisting multiple sets of authentication data and rendering the consumable chip unusable.

[0051] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a consumable chip that is unaffected by external signal interference or hacking, exhibits strong anti-upgrade capabilities, and prevents external signal interference from causing the consumable chip's switching method to fail, or from the printing device prematurely reading and adding the consumable chip's authentication data to a blacklist. A detailed description follows with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] See Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 As shown, it mainly includes the following modules.

[0053] Storage module 103 is used to store authentication data, which includes at least first authentication data and second authentication data.

[0054] In this embodiment, the storage module 103 can store information about the consumable chip 100, such as the manufacturing date, manufacturer, color of the recording material (e.g., ink, toner), capacity of the recording material, remaining quantity or consumed quantity of the recording material, number of printable pages, number of printed pages, and other rewritable or read-only information.

[0055] In this embodiment, the storage module 103 also stores multiple sets of authentication data, such as first authentication data and a second authentication data that is different from it (in this embodiment, "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish two types of objects, such as authentication data, and do not specifically refer to differences in order, advantages, or size). If the first authentication data is output by default, the second authentication data and other authentication data can be regarded as backup authentication data. Authentication data may include one or more of the following: chip serial number, toner serial number, ink serial number, digital signature, seed data, or verification data. It may also include related data. For example, if the serial number is related to the production date, the authentication data will include not only the serial number but also the related production date information.

[0056] The storage module 103 can use common non-volatile memory, such as EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, ferroelectric memory, phase change memory, etc., or it can use a volatile memory plus a power supply, such as SRAM + battery or capacitor, DRAM + battery or capacitor.

[0057] The communication module 102 is used to output first authentication data if an access instruction for authentication data is received within a first time interval, and to output second authentication data if an access instruction for authentication data is received within a second time interval.

[0058] Specifically, the communication module 102 is used for input and output communication with external devices. When the consumable chip 100 is installed in the printing device, it can be used to receive information sent by the printing device and to send information to the printing device. The communication module 102 may include contacts and / or coils (antennas). The communication between the communication module 102 and the printing device can be a wired connection, i.e., a contact method, such as communicating with contacts on the printing device through the contacts of the communication module 102; or it can be a wireless connection, i.e., a non-contact method, such as communicating with coils (antennas) on the printing device through the coils (antennas) of the communication module 102.

[0059] In this embodiment, a mapping relationship between authentication data and time is established, and the communication module 102 outputs the corresponding authentication data according to this mapping relationship. Specifically, if an access instruction for authentication data is received within a first time interval, only the first authentication data is output; if an access instruction for authentication data is received within a second time interval, only the second authentication data is output. The first and second time intervals can be two consecutive time periods, for example, the first time interval is 0–360h; the second time interval is 361–720h. Alternatively, the first and second time intervals can be two discontinuous time periods, for example, the first time interval is 0–360h; the second time interval is 481–720h. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0060] Understandably, in the above solution, the consumable chip 100 can switch authentication data such as the serial number only when certain conditions (preset time) are met, without external interference. This prevents the printer from prematurely reading and blocking the backup authentication data stored in the consumable chip 100. Furthermore, even if the printer changes the format and content of its communication commands, it does not affect the consumable chip 100's switching of authentication data. The conditions for the consumable chip 100 to switch authentication data are controlled by the chip itself and are not affected by printer commands or upgrades. It can switch authentication data as soon as the preset time is reached, effectively addressing the printer's blocking behavior. In addition, the backup authentication data is stored in the consumable chip 100 in a relatively concealed manner, making it difficult for competitors to obtain it in advance through experiments or testing, effectively preventing premature leakage of authentication data.

[0061] In order to control the switching time of authentication data in consumable chip 100, in some possible implementations, consumable chip 100 is also provided with a control module and a timing module.

[0062] See Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, in addition to the storage module 103 and the communication module 102, the consumable chip 100 also includes a control module 101 and a timing module 104. The communication module 102, storage module 103, and timing module 104 are all electrically connected to the control module 101. The working principles of the storage module 103 and the communication module 102 can be found above. Figure 2 The following description focuses on the control module 101 and the timing module 104, based on the illustrated embodiment.

[0063] Control module 101 is configured to set the first authentication data as accessible authentication data at the beginning of the first time interval; and to set the second authentication data as accessible authentication data at the beginning of the second time interval; wherein only one accessible authentication data exists at any given time. For example, in Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first time interval is t1 to t2, and the second time interval is t2 to t3. At time t1, the first authentication data is set as accessible authentication data, and at time t2, the accessible authentication data is switched to the second authentication data. That is, during the time interval t1 to t2, only the first authentication data is accessible; therefore, when an access command for authentication data is received during the time interval t1 to t2, only the first authentication data can be output. Similarly, during the time interval t2 to t3, only the second authentication data is accessible; therefore, when an access command for authentication data is received during the time interval t2 to t3, only the second authentication data can be output.

[0064] To control the switching time of authentication data, this embodiment also includes a timing module 104. Specifically, the timing module 104 starts timing at the beginning of the first time interval; if the timing time of the timing module 104 reaches the duration of the first time interval, the second authentication data is set as accessible authentication data. For example, in Figure 4 In the implementation shown, at time t1, the timing module 104 starts timing. When the timing duration reaches t2-t1 (i.e., time t2 is reached), the second authentication data is set as accessible authentication data. The duration of this first time interval can be a preset time stored in the storage module 103, such as 720 hours.

[0065] In a specific implementation, the control module 101 can be a microcontroller (MCU), microcontroller, FPGA, logic circuit (ASIC), etc., used to control the communication between the consumable chip 100 and the printing device, read information from the storage module 103 and store information in the storage module 103.

[0066] The timing module 104 is used for timing / counting. When the counting interval is constant, timing can be achieved through counting. The timing module 104 can be a Real-Time Clock (RTC) module. An RTC using a crystal oscillator (external oscillator) is generally a separately designed timing chip, such as RTC-4553, SD2000, DS1388, etc., with a crystal oscillator frequency of 32.768kHz. Therefore, when the RTC count reaches 32768, it indicates that the timing value is 1 second. In integrated circuits, the timing module 104 can use an internal oscillator, such as an RC oscillator or a programmable oscillator.

[0067] Furthermore, the timing module 104 can have different setting and output methods. In one embodiment, the timing module 104 can directly output a count value. The consumable chip 100 can then determine whether the timing value has reached or exceeded a preset time by judging the count value of the timing module 104. In this case, the storage module 103 of the consumable chip 100 needs to store preset time information for comparison with the timing module 104, such as... Figure 3 The storage module 103 is shown in the figure.

[0068] In other embodiments, the timing module 104 can be configured and store a counting threshold. When the timing reaches the counting threshold, the register of the timing module 104 can output different timing states (for example, when the timing has not reached the counting threshold, the timing state is a first state such as 0 or 00, while when the timing reaches the counting threshold, the timing state is a second state such as 1 or FF). Then, when the consumable chip 100 determines that the timing state of the timing module 104 is in the second state, it can determine that the timing value or count value of the timing module 104 has reached or exceeded a preset time. In this case, the storage module 103 does not need to store preset time information.

[0069] The consumable chip 100 may further include a circuit board that carries the control module 101, communication module 102, storage module 103, and timing module 104. In one embodiment, the control module 101, communication module 102, storage module 103, and timing module 104 are integrated in the same circuit, which can be designed as an integrated circuit (ASIC) and implemented in the form of a wafer. In this case, the consumable chip 100 includes the wafer and the circuit board carrying the wafer.

[0070] When the consumable chip 100 is installed on a printing device, the printing device supplies power to the consumable chip 100, enabling it to operate. Therefore, the timing module 104 of the consumable chip 100 can start timing upon receiving power from the printer. To allow the timing module 104 of the consumable chip 100 to perform timing even without external power, the consumable chip 100 may also include a power supply module for supplying power to the timing module 104. This power supply module can be a small button battery, capacitor, or lithium battery. This power supply module can be mounted on the consumable chip 100, for example, also on a circuit board. In other embodiments, the power supply module is connected to the consumable chip 100 via a wire and is not mounted on the consumable chip 100.

[0071] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the consumable chip 100 operates as follows: the communication module 102 of the consumable chip 100 outputs the first authentication data from the storage module 103 by default. Therefore, initially, the printing device can read the first authentication data from the consumable chip 100. The timing module 104 can start timing from the time of manufacture and sale. Assuming that the preset time is set to 720 hours during the manufacturing of the consumable chip 100, then within 720 hours after manufacture (an example of the first time interval), when the consumable chip 100 is accessed by the printing device, it will not output the second authentication data, but will instead maintain the output of the first authentication data. When the timing module 104 reaches the preset time (720 hours; if the timing module 104 outputs a count value, 720 hours is converted to a count value of 32768 × 720 × 3600 = 84934656000) (an example of the second time interval), if the consumable chip 100 has external power at this time, the control module 101 compares the timing value obtained from the timing module 104 with the preset time (the preset time information can be stored in the storage module 103). If the timing value is confirmed to be equal to the preset time, the second authentication data in the storage module 103 is set as valid and accessible authentication data to replace the first authentication data, thereby realizing the switching of authentication data. When the communication module 102 receives an access request from an external device or printing device, it outputs the second authentication data.

[0072] When the timing module 104 outputs a timing status instead of a timing value, a counting threshold is set for the timing module 104 during the manufacturing of the consumable chip 100. For example, the counting threshold corresponding to a preset time of 720 hours is 84934656000. When the timing module 104 has not reached this threshold, its output timing status is the first state. When the control module 101 of the consumable chip 100 obtains the first state, it does not perform the operation of switching authentication data. If the control module 101 obtains the second state from the timing module 104, it means that the timing module 104 has reached the counting threshold (that is, the timing has reached or exceeded the preset time). Then, the control module 101 switches the accessible authentication data in the storage module 103, for example, switching from the first authentication data to the second authentication data.

[0073] In one scenario, if the consumable chip 100 has been in circulation for more than 720 hours after leaving the factory and has not been installed on the printing device by the user, the consumable chip 100 will not switch the stored authentication data because it has no external power supply. However, once the user installs the consumable chip 100 on the printing device and supplies power to it, the consumable chip 100 can obtain and judge the timing value or timing status of the timing module 104 during the power-on initialization phase. If it is confirmed that the timing has exceeded the preset time, the consumable chip 100 will perform a switching operation on the authentication data, thereby ensuring that the authentication data accessed by the printing device has been switched to the backup authentication data (such as the second authentication data) instead of the default factory authentication data.

[0074] See Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of another consumable chip provided in an embodiment of this application. The consumable chip 500 utilizes an existing controller 501. The consumable chip 500 includes a controller 501, a timing chip 503, and a power supply module 502 (e.g., a power battery). The power supply module 502 can supply power to the timing chip 503 when the consumable chip 500 is not powered externally. The timing chip 503 is one of the aforementioned timing modules. The controller 501 can specifically be a microcontroller / MCU, FPGA, logic circuit / ASIC, etc., which integrates... Figure 3 The controller 501 includes the functions of the control module, storage module, and communication module. When powered externally, the controller 501 can acquire the timing / counting value of the timing chip 503, and then control the externally output authentication data to switch from the first authentication data to the second authentication data when the timing value reaches or exceeds a preset time.

[0075] Corresponding to the aforementioned consumable chip, this application also provides a consumable chip authentication method.

[0076] See Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a consumable chip authentication method provided in an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the consumable chips shown in the above embodiments, such as... Figure 6 The process mainly includes the following steps.

[0077] Step S601: If an access instruction for authentication data is received within the first time interval, then the first authentication data is output;

[0078] Step S602: If an access instruction for authentication data is received within the second time interval, then the second authentication data is output.

[0079] In this embodiment, a mapping relationship between authentication data and time is established, and the communication module outputs the corresponding authentication data according to this mapping relationship. Specifically, if an access instruction for authentication data is received within a first time interval, only the first authentication data is output; if an access instruction for authentication data is received within a second time interval, only the second authentication data is output.

[0080] Using this control method, the consumable chip can switch authentication data such as the serial number only when certain conditions (preset time) are met, without external interference. This prevents the printer from prematurely reading and blocking the backup authentication data stored in the consumable chip. Furthermore, even if the printer changes the format and content of its communication commands, it will not affect the consumable chip's ability to switch authentication data. The conditions for the consumable chip to switch authentication data are controlled by the chip itself, unaffected by printer commands or upgrades. It switches authentication data as soon as the preset time is reached, effectively countering printer blacklisting. In addition, the backup authentication data is stored discreetly in the consumable chip, making it difficult for competitors to obtain it in advance through experiments or testing, effectively preventing premature leakage of authentication data.

[0081] In practice, a timing module is also included within the consumable chip to control the switching time of authentication data. The following section explains the consumable chip authentication method from the perspective of its internal implementation.

[0082] See Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another consumable chip authentication method provided in this application embodiment. This method can be applied to the consumable chips shown in the above embodiments, such as... Figure 7 The process mainly includes the following steps.

[0083] Step S701: The timing module of the consumable chip performs timing / counting under the power supply of the power supply module.

[0084] To enable the timing module of the consumable chip to perform timing without external power, a power supply module can be installed on the consumable chip, or connected to the timing module of the consumable chip. The power supply module, such as a small button battery, capacitor, or lithium battery, provides operating power to the timing module. Therefore, in this step, the timing module of the consumable chip, powered by the power supply module (battery), can perform timing or counting unaffected by external power supply. In one embodiment, during the manufacturing process of the consumable chip, a battery is installed on the chip, and the power from the battery or similar power supply module can then be provided to the timing module, allowing the timing module to begin timing or counting.

[0085] Step S702: When the consumable chip is powered externally, it acquires the timing / counting value.

[0086] In one embodiment, the consumable chip outputs first authentication data by default. That is, when an external device or printing device reads the authentication data from the consumable chip, the chip sets the first authentication data as valid and accessible. When the consumable chip is purchased and installed on a printing device, the printing device supplies power to the chip. When the chip has external power, it performs power-on initialization. Under the control of a program or logic circuit, it then acquires the count value or timing value from the timing module.

[0087] Step S703: Determine whether the timing / count value has reached or exceeded the preset time / preset value.

[0088] Specifically, it determines whether the timing or count value of the timing module has reached or exceeded a preset time. Depending on the setting and output method of the timing module, the consumable chip may use different methods to determine whether the preset time has been reached or exceeded.

[0089] In one embodiment, the timing module can directly output a count value. The consumable chip can then determine whether the timing value has reached or exceeded a preset time by judging the count value from the timing module. In this case, the consumable chip's storage module needs to store preset time information for comparison with the timing module, such as... Figure 3 The storage module is shown in the figure.

[0090] In other embodiments, the timing module can be configured and store a counting threshold. When the timing reaches the counting threshold, the timing module's register can output a timing status (e.g., a first state such as 0 when the timing has not reached the counting threshold, and a second state such as 1 when the timing reaches the counting threshold). The consumable chip can then determine that the timing value or count value of the timing module has reached or exceeded a preset time if the timing module's timing status is in the second state. In this case, the storage module does not need to store preset time information.

[0091] Depending on the result of step 703, if the result indicates that the timing / count value has not reached or exceeded the preset time / preset value, continue to wait and judge the timing progress of the timing module. If the result indicates that the timing / count value has reached or exceeded the preset time / preset value, proceed to step S704.

[0092] Step S704: Switch the consumable chip to another set of authentication data.

[0093] When the timing / count value reaches or exceeds the preset time / preset value, the consumable chip switches to another set of authentication data and outputs the second authentication data. That is, when external devices or printing devices read the authentication data of the consumable chip, the consumable chip sets the second authentication data as valid and accessible authentication data.

[0094] As can be seen, the consumable chip employing the aforementioned authentication data switching method can switch authentication data such as the serial number only when certain conditions are met (timeout) without external interference. This prevents the printer from prematurely reading and blocking the backup authentication data stored in the consumable chip. Furthermore, even if the printer changes the format and content of its communication commands, it does not affect the consumable chip's authentication data switching. The conditions for the consumable chip to switch authentication data are controlled by the chip itself, unaffected by printer commands or upgrades. It switches authentication data as soon as the preset time is reached, effectively countering printer blacklisting. In addition, the backup authentication data is stored discreetly in the consumable chip, making it difficult for competitors to obtain it in advance through experiments or testing, effectively preventing premature leakage of authentication data.

[0095] Since the purpose of storing multiple sets of authentication data on the consumable chip is to prevent the consumable chip from being unrecognized by the printing device, in other embodiments, when the first authentication data output by the consumable chip is recognized by the printing device, the consumable chip can stop the timing module (e.g., clear the timing module) or stop acquiring the timing value or counting status of the timing module, thus without switching the authentication data. This is equivalent to locking the consumable chip's authentication data as the first authentication data. The consumable chip can be programmed or logic-controlled with flag information (e.g., stored in a storage module) to record that the consumable chip has locked the authentication data as the first authentication data.

[0096] When a consumable chip stores more than two sets of authentication data, such as a third set, the chip needs to switch authentication data more than once. Therefore, the consumable chip can flexibly switch authentication data multiple times without external interference. For example, the chip's communication module can output the third authentication data when the timing module reaches a preset time again. Continuing the previous example, when the timing module reaches 720 hours, the chip performs the first authentication data switch, then resets the timing value and restarts. When the timing module reaches 720 hours again, the chip's control module performs a second switch on the stored authentication data, setting the third authentication data as valid and accessible. This process continues, allowing the chip to switch authentication data every 720 hours, with accessible authentication data being polled among multiple sets, such as the first, second, and third sets. Therefore, if the printer fails to recognize the consumable chip upon initial installation, the user can simply leave it for a period of time, not exceeding 720 hours, before reinstalling it. In this case, the chip will output backup authentication data (e.g., second authentication data). If the printer still fails to recognize the chip, the user can try reinstalling it after 720 hours, at which point the chip will output third authentication data.

[0097] A fixed re-timing interval may hinder users from promptly switching the current authentication data on the consumable chip. Therefore, the consumable chip can also store a second preset time, which can be shorter than the preset time in the aforementioned embodiment (i.e., Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the duration of the first time interval is greater than the duration of the second time interval. For example, if the second preset time is 240 hours, after the consumable chip performs the first authentication data switch when the timer reaches 720 hours, the consumable chip can perform a second authentication data switch when the timer reaches the second preset time of 240 hours again, thereby outputting the third authentication data to the outside world through the communication module.

[0098] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides a consumable box, which includes the consumable chip described in the above embodiments. The specific details of the consumable chip can be found in the description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0099] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides a method for using a consumable chip.

[0100] See Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for using a consumable chip according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8As shown, the method mainly includes the following steps.

[0101] Step S801: Install the consumable chip onto the printing device.

[0102] When using consumable chips, users first install the consumable chip containing multiple sets of authentication data onto the printing equipment.

[0103] Step S802: Determine whether the consumable chip is recognized by the printing device.

[0104] The consumable chip determines whether it is recognized by the printing device by receiving communication commands from the printing device. Typically, the consumable chip determines its recognition by identifying differences in external signal characteristics such as the format, content, and electrical characteristics of the printing device's communication commands. For example, when the printing device recognizes the consumable chip's authentication data, it writes dynamic calibration information to the chip in the first 10 communication commands; conversely, if the printing device does not recognize the chip's authentication data, it does not write dynamic calibration information in the first 10 communication commands. If the printing device recognizes the consumable chip, the chip and device are matched, and the process ends. If the printing device does not recognize the chip, step S803 is executed.

[0105] Step S803: Remove the consumable chip from the printing device.

[0106] If the consumable chip is not successfully identified after the printing device reads its information, the printing device's control circuit will output an unrecognized command, which will be displayed on the printing device. After viewing the information, the user can remove the consumable chip from the printing device.

[0107] Step S804: Place the consumable chip and set the waiting time.

[0108] Specifically, after the preset waiting time is reached, the process returns to step S801. This preset waiting time ensures that the authentication data can be switched when the consumable chip is reinstalled into the printing device. Therefore, the preset waiting time should be greater than or equal to the aforementioned preset time (e.g., the duration of the first or second time interval). Since the consumable chip may still be usable after being stored for a period of time, waste of the consumable chip is avoided. Furthermore, there is no need for consumable chip manufacturers to recall consumable chips for reprogramming, upgrading, or other rework processes. Rework requires unpacking and repackaging, which is time-consuming, inefficient, and wastes a significant amount of packaging materials.

[0109] It should be noted that although the above usage method mentions that the user needs to remove the consumable chip from the printing device when inserting it, this is not mandatory. The user can leave it in the printing device without removing it, because the consumable chip of this invention determines whether to switch authentication data based on its own timing, which is not affected by external factors. Removing it is usually because the user needs to use other spare consumable chips to perform printing.

[0110] According to the consumable chip and the method for switching authentication data provided in the embodiments of this application, since a timing module is set in the consumable chip, and the authentication data output by the consumable chip is selectively switched according to the timing of the timing module, the printing device can access different authentication data when accessing the consumable chip. This solves the problem that the consumable chip cannot be recognized by the printing device when the authentication data is blacklisted.

[0111] The consumable chip provided in this application embodiment can proactively switch authentication data without interference when certain conditions are met (e.g., a preset time is reached), preventing the consumable chip from being blacklisted and thus unusable. Compared to the passive switching method based on instructions sent by the printing device, the consumable chip in this application embodiment is not susceptible to external signal cracking or interference, has strong anti-upgrade capabilities, and avoids external signal interference causing the consumable chip switching method to fail, or prevents the printing device from reading and blacklisting the consumable chip's authentication data in advance, or prevents competitors from obtaining it in advance.

[0112] In a specific implementation, this application also provides a computer storage medium, wherein the computer storage medium may store a program, and the program, when executed, may include some or all of the steps provided in the various embodiments of this application. The storage medium may be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0113] In a specific implementation, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0114] In this application embodiment, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, the simultaneous existence of A and B, or the existence of B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of electronic hardware and software. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0117] In several embodiments provided by this invention, any function, if implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0118] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this invention should be included within the protection scope of this invention. The protection scope of this invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A consumable chip that can be installed on a consumable cartridge, the consumable cartridge being detachably installed on a printing device, the consumable chip storing authentication data, the authentication data including at least first authentication data and second authentication data, the second authentication data being different from the first authentication data; Its features are, When the consumable chip receives an access instruction for authentication data before a first preset time, it outputs only the first authentication data; when it receives an access instruction for authentication data after the first preset time, it outputs only the second authentication data; wherein the first preset time is determined by the consumable chip itself and is not affected by the instructions of the printing device.

2. The consumable chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The consumable chip is also used to set the first authentication data as accessible authentication data at the beginning of a first time interval; and to set the second authentication data as accessible authentication data at the beginning of a second time interval; wherein the first preset time is the beginning of the second time interval, and the first time interval is before the first preset time.

3. The consumable chip according to claim 2, characterized in that, The consumable chip includes: A timing module is used to start timing at the beginning of the first time interval; The control module is configured to set the second authentication data as accessible authentication data if the timing time of the timing module reaches the first preset time.

4. The consumable chip according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control module is also used to determine whether the output first authentication data is recognized by the printing device; The timing module is also configured to stop timing if the output first authentication data is recognized by the printing device.

5. The consumable chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The authentication data also includes third-party authentication data; The consumable chip is also used to output only the third authentication data when it receives an authentication data access instruction after a second preset time, wherein the second preset time is after the first preset time.

6. The consumable chip according to claim 2, characterized in that, The duration of the first time interval is greater than the duration of the second time interval.

7. The consumable chip according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The authentication data includes one or a combination of the following: Chip serial number, toner serial number, inkjet serial number, digital signature, seed data, and verification data.

8. A consumable box, characterized in that, Includes the consumable chip as described in any one of claims 1-7.

9. A method for authenticating a consumable chip that can be installed on a consumable cartridge, the consumable cartridge being detachably installed on a printing device, characterized in that, include: When an access command for authentication data is received before the first preset time, only the first authentication data is output; When an access instruction for authentication data is received after the first preset time, only the second authentication data is output; The first preset time is determined by the consumable chip itself and is not affected by the instructions of the printing device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: When an access instruction for authentication data is received after the second preset time, only the third authentication data is output. The second preset time is after the first preset time.

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