Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus that suppresses use of consumables that are not genuine products includes a reading unit, a verification unit, an acquisition unit, and a management unit. The reading unit reads, from the IC tag of the ribbon, a unique ID, a digital certificate based on the unique ID or information other than the unique ID, and ribbon length information indicating a ribbon length. The verification unit verifies the digital certificate on the basis of the unique ID. The acquisition unit acquires, as a cumulative tape usage amount, the cumulative amount of the tape usage amount of the tape corresponding to the unique ID. The management unit prohibits printing when the digital certificate is verified to be incorrect or when the accumulated tape usage amount is equal to or greater than the tape length information.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from a Japanese application with an application date of January 22, 2024 and an application number of JP2024-007359, incorporates the content of the above application by reference, and incorporates the entire disclosure herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0003] There is known an image forming apparatus that determines whether a supplied consumable is a genuine product. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses the use of non-genuine consumables.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment includes a reading unit, a verification unit, an acquisition unit, and a management unit. The reading unit reads an inherent ID, a digital certificate based on the inherent ID or information other than the inherent ID, and tape length information indicating the tape length from an IC tag of a ribbon. The verification unit verifies the digital certificate based on the inherent ID. The acquisition unit acquires the accumulation of the ribbon usage amount of the ribbon corresponding to the inherent ID as the accumulated tape usage amount. The management unit prohibits printing when the digital certificate is verified as incorrect or when the accumulated tape usage amount is equal to or more than the tape length information.

[0006] According to the above image forming apparatus, it is possible to suppress the use of non-genuine ribbons and to limit the use of ribbons having genuine IC tags by the tape length information.

[0007] In the above image forming apparatus, it further includes: a storage unit that stores the accumulated tape usage amount in association with the inherent ID, and the acquisition unit acquires the accumulated tape usage amount from the storage unit.

[0008] According to the above image forming apparatus, even when a non-genuine ribbon includes an IC tag diverted from a used genuine product, printing is allowed until the original tape length of the genuine product, and then printing is prohibited, thereby suppressing the use of non-genuine ribbons.

[0009] In the above image forming apparatus, it further includes: a communication unit that communicates with the outside, and the acquisition unit transmits information including the inherent ID to an external server via the communication unit and receives the accumulated tape usage amount from the external server via the communication unit.

[0010] According to the above image forming apparatus, in the case where a plurality of image forming apparatuses are included in a printing system, for the IC tag of the ribbon used in a certain image forming apparatus, even when read by other image forming apparatuses, the cumulative ribbon usage amount can be considered, and the use of counterfeit products can be suppressed.

[0011] In the above image forming apparatus, the acquisition unit acquires the cumulative ribbon usage amount from the IC tag.

[0012] According to the above image forming apparatus, in the case where a plurality of image forming apparatuses are included in a printing system, for the IC tag of the ribbon used in a certain image forming apparatus, even when read by other image forming apparatuses, the cumulative ribbon usage amount can be considered.

[0013] In the above image forming apparatus, the verification unit compares the second information obtained by hashing the first information including the unique ID with the third information obtained by decrypting the digital certificate.

[0014] According to the above image forming apparatus, high security can be achieved.

[0015] In the above image forming apparatus, the reading unit reads the unique ID, the digital certificate, and the ribbon length information by performing short-range wireless communication with the RFID tag serving as the IC tag.

[0016] According to the above image forming apparatus, the use of counterfeit ribbons can be suppressed by using RFID tags.

[0017] In the above image forming apparatus, there is further provided: a notification unit that notifies that printing has been prohibited.

[0018] According to the above image forming apparatus, the user can easily recognize that printing has been prohibited.

[0019] In the above image forming apparatus, when the digital certificate is verified as incorrect, the management unit stores counterfeit information indicating that it is a counterfeit product. When counterfeit information is stored when receiving print data, the management unit determines whether the received print data includes photo data. If it includes photo data, printing is prohibited.

[0020] According to the above image forming apparatus, it is possible to prevent the provision of poor-quality printed products due to the use of counterfeit ribbons.

[0021] In the above image forming apparatus, there is further provided: an exception processing unit for the management unit. When receiving print data, if counterfeit information is stored and the received print data does not include photo data, printing is performed as an exception to the management target of the management unit.

[0022] According to the above-described image forming apparatus, in the case where it is assumed that the quality of the data to be printed is degraded, although printing with a non-genuine ribbon is prohibited, the user can be allowed to use a non-genuine ribbon without affecting the quality.

[0023] In the above-described image forming apparatus, there is further provided: a ribbon usage amount updating unit that updates the cumulative ribbon usage amount after printing when non-genuine information is not stored, and does not update the cumulative ribbon usage amount when non-genuine information is stored.

[0024] According to the above-described image forming apparatus, a genuine ribbon can print both print data that does not include photo data and print data that includes photo data, and can provide the user with management of suppressing printing based on the usage amount of the ribbon. Moreover, for a non-genuine ribbon, although printing of photo data is prohibited, if it is print data that does not include photo data, printing can continue until the ribbon cannot be physically used. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a recording device according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing an example of a recording process of a recording device according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a flowchart showing an example of a printing process of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Description of Reference Numerals

[0033] 1. Printer system, 2. Server, 3. Recording device, 4. Ribbon, 5. Image forming device, 21. Processor, 22. ROM, 23. RAM, 24. Memory, 25. Communication unit, 26. System bus, 31. Processor, 32. ROM, 33. RAM, 34. Memory, 35. Communication unit, 36. Reader / writer, 37. User interface, 38. System bus, 41. IC tag, 51. Processor, 52. ROM, 53. RAM, 54. Memory, 55. Communication unit, 56. Storage unit, 57. Reader / writer, 58. Printing unit, 59. User interface, 501. System bus. Detailed implementation mode

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, the embodiments shown below are examples of implementing the technical idea. The embodiments do not particularly specify the material, shape, structure, configuration, etc. of the components. The embodiments can be variously changed.

[0035] <First Embodiment> <Configuration> Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the printer system of the first embodiment. The printer system 1 is a system that confirms whether the ribbon used at the time of printing is genuine, and suppresses printing when it is not genuine (non-genuine). Suppressing printing includes, for example, prohibiting printing according to the content of the print data or unconditionally prohibiting printing. That is, among genuine and non-genuine products, the printing process is different, and genuine products can have an advantage in printing compared to non-genuine products. In addition, genuine products can provide advantageous services. Non-genuine printing is suppressed. However, non-genuine products that are suppressed can also be convenient for printing under specific conditions. The printer system 1 includes a server 2, a recording device 3, a ribbon 4, and an image forming device 5.

[0036] The ribbon 4 is a consumable used when the image forming device 5 performs printing. The ribbon 4 includes a tape for printing and an IC tag 41. The IC tag 41 is an element that can perform short-range wireless communication and can store data non-volatilely, such as an RFID tag or the like. In addition, the IC tag 41 stores unique information, that is, a unique ID, for each individual. The unique ID is stored in a non-rewritable manner.

[0037] The server 2 is connected to the recording device 3 and the image forming device 5, respectively. The server 2 sends information to the recording device 3 and the image forming device 5, respectively. Specifically, for example, the server 2 sends a private key for encryption to the recording device 3. For example, the server 2 sends a public key for decryption, which is paired with the private key sent to the recording device 3, to the image forming device 5.

[0038] The recording device 3 stores data in the IC tag 41. The recording device 3 is used in the manufacturing process of the ribbon 4. The ribbon 4 is formed by assembling the IC tag 41 in which the recording device 3 has stored data. The data stored by the recording device 3 in the IC tag 41 includes at least a digital certificate proving authenticity and ribbon length information indicating the length of the ribbon 4 included. Details of the digital certificate will be described later.

[0039] The image forming device 5 houses the ribbon 4 and performs printing based on the housed ribbon 4. The image forming device 5 communicates with the IC tag 41 included in the housed ribbon 4 and verifies the digital certificate. Details of the verification will be described later. The image forming device 5 performs printing when the digital certificate is correct, and inhibits printing when the digital certificate is incorrect. Note that, when the digital certificate is incorrect, printing may be prohibited immediately. In this embodiment, an example in which printing is prohibited based on the content of the print data when the digital certificate is incorrect will be described.

[0040] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the server according to the first embodiment. The server 2 includes a processor 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a memory 24, a communication unit 25, and a system bus 26. The system bus 26 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system bus 26 connects the processor 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, the memory 24, and the communication unit 25 to each other. The processor 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the memory 24 are connected via the system bus 26, thereby forming a computer of the server 2.

[0041] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 21 controls each part according to an operating system or an application program to realize various functions as the server 2. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0042] The ROM 22 is a non-volatile storage device. The ROM 22 stores a preset operating system or application program, control data, and the like.

[0043] The RAM 23 is a volatile storage device. The RAM 23 is used as a work area in which the processor 21 appropriately rewrites data. In addition, the RAM 23 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing data.

[0044] The memory 24 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The memory 24 stores data used when the processor 21 performs various processes, data generated by the processes of the processor 21, and the like. The memory 24 sometimes stores the above application program. For example, the memory 24 includes an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like.

[0045] The communication unit 25 communicates with the outside of the server 2.

[0046] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the recording device according to the first embodiment. The recording device 3 includes a processor 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory 34, a communication unit 35, a reader / writer 36, a user interface 37, and a system bus 38. The system bus 38 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system bus 38 connects the processor 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, the memory 34, the communication unit 35, the reader / writer 36, and the user interface 37 to each other. The processor 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory 34 are connected via the system bus 38 to form a computer of the recording device 3.

[0047] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 31 controls each part according to an operating system or an application program to implement various functions as the recording device 3. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0048] The ROM 32 is a non-volatile storage device. The ROM 32 stores a preset operating system or application program, control data, and the like.

[0049] The RAM 33 is a volatile storage device. The RAM 33 is used as a work area for appropriately rewriting data by the processor 31. In addition, the RAM 33 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing data.

[0050] The memory 34 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The memory 34 stores data used when the processor 31 performs various processes, data generated by the processes of the processor 31, and the like. The memory 34 sometimes stores the above application program. The memory 34 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), an HDD, an SSD, or the like.

[0051] The communication unit 35 communicates with the outside of the recording device 3.

[0052] The reader / writer 36 communicates with the IC tag 41 outside the recording device 3. The reader / writer 36 can read data from the IC tag 41 and write data (including deletion of data) to the IC tag 41.

[0053] The user interface 37 is, for example, a touch panel. The user interface 37 notifies various information to the user operating the recording device 3 and accepts input from the user.

[0054] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 5 includes a processor 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a memory 54, a communication unit 55, a storage unit 56, a reader / writer 57, a printing unit 58, a user interface 59, and a system bus 501. The system bus 501 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system bus 501 connects the processor 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, the memory 54, the communication unit 55, the storage unit 56, the reader / writer 57, the printing unit 58, and the user interface 59 to each other. The processor 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, and the memory 54 are connected via the system bus 501 to form a computer of the image forming apparatus 5.

[0055] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 51 controls each part according to an operating system or an application program to realize various functions as the image forming apparatus 5. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU.

[0056] The ROM 52 is a non-volatile storage device. The ROM 52 stores a preset operating system or application program, control data, etc.

[0057] The RAM 53 is a volatile storage device. The RAM 53 is used as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 51. In addition, the RAM 53 is also used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing data.

[0058] The memory 54 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The memory 54 stores data used when the processor 51 performs various processes, data generated by the processing of the processor 51, etc. The memory 54 may also store the above application program. The memory 54 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), an HDD, an SSD, etc. The cumulative ribbon usage amount associated with the unique ID is stored in the memory 54. The cumulative ribbon usage amount is information indicating how much of the ribbon of the ribbon 4 has been used. The cumulative ribbon usage amount is stored in association with the unique ID. In addition, print data received from an external device is stored.

[0059] The application programs stored in the ROM 52 or the memory 54 include processing programs described regarding the information processing performed by the image forming apparatus 5. The method for installing the processing programs in the ROM 52 or the memory 54 is not particularly limited. The processing programs can be recorded in a removable storage medium, or distributed through network communication and installed in the ROM 52 or the memory 54. The form of the storage medium is not limited as long as it can store programs like a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc. and the apparatus can read it.

[0060] The communication unit 55 communicates with the exterior of the image forming apparatus 5.

[0061] The storage unit 56 stores the ribbon 4.

[0062] The reader / writer 57 communicates with the IC tag 41 included in the ribbon 4 stored in the storage unit 56. The reader / writer 57 can read data from the IC tag 41 and write data into the IC tag 41 (including deletion of data). For example, by performing short-range wireless communication with the IC tag 41 which is an RFID tag, the unique ID, digital certificate, and ribbon length information are read. In addition, the cumulative ribbon usage amount can also be read and written.

[0063] The printing unit 58 performs printing using the ribbon 4 stored in the storage unit 56.

[0064] The user interface 59 is, for example, a touch panel. The user interface 59 notifies various information to the user operating the image forming apparatus 5 and accepts input from the user.

[0065] It should be noted that the processor 51 has the function of a determination unit that determines whether the print data is text data or includes photo data. The determination technology of the print data uses existing analysis technologies.

[0066] <Operation> The operations of the respective units of the printing system 1 will be described. In the printing system 1, encryption and decryption are performed using a private key and a public key. The set of the private key and the public key is generated in the server 2. The private key is sent from the server 2 to the recording apparatus 3 and stored in the memory 34 of the recording apparatus 3. The public key is sent from the server 2 to the image forming apparatus 5 and stored in the memory 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Hereinafter, the description will be made on the premise that the private key is stored in the memory 34 of the recording apparatus 3 and the public key is stored in the memory 54 of the image forming apparatus 5.

[0067] The operation of the recording apparatus 3 in the manufacturing process of the ribbon 4 will be described. Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing an example of the recording process of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. The recording process is a process of recording a digital certificate in the IC tag 41 assembled into the ribbon 4.

[0068] When starting recording processing (start), the processor 31 of the recording device 3 reads out the unique ID from the IC tag 41 (ACT1). Specifically, the processor 31 controls the reader / writer 36 to read the unique ID from the IC tag 41.

[0069] The processor 31 hashes the unique ID (ACT2). Specifically, the processor 31 hashes the unique ID using a certain hash function.

[0070] The processor 31 encrypts the hashed result with the private key to create a digital certificate (ACT3). Specifically, the processor 31 uses the private key stored in the memory 34 to encrypt the hashed result executed in ACT2 to create a digital certificate.

[0071] The processor 31 writes the digital certificate and the tape length information to the IC tag 41 (ACT4). Specifically, the processor 31 controls the reader / writer 36 to write the digital certificate created in ACT3 and the tape length information corresponding to the tape 4 to which the IC tag 41 is assembled to the IC tag 41. Then, Figure 5 The series of processes shown ends (end).

[0072] In this way, the digital certificate based on the unique ID is written to the IC tag 41. Then, the IC tag 41 with the digital certificate written therein is assembled into the tape 4.

[0073] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 5 that houses the tape 4 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0074] When the power is turned on and the image forming apparatus 5 starts operating (start), the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus reads out the unique ID, the digital certificate, and the tape length information from the IC tag 41 (ACT11). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the reader / writer 57 to read out the unique ID, the digital certificate, and the tape length information from the IC tag 41 of the tape 4 housed in the housing portion 56. (Reading unit) The processor 51 verifies the digital certificate based on the public key and the unique ID (ACT12). Specifically, the processor 51 decrypts the digital certificate read in ACT11 using the public key stored in the memory 54. Further, the processor 51 uses the same hash function as that described in ACT2 with reference to Figure 5 to hash the unique ID read in ACT11. Then, the processor 51 confirms whether the result of decrypting the digital certificate is the same as the result of hashing the unique ID. (Verification unit) The processor 51 obtains the cumulative tape usage amount (ACT13) corresponding to the unique ID. Specifically, the processor 51 reads out the cumulative tape usage amount corresponding to the unique ID read by ACT11 from among the multiple cumulative tape usage amounts stored in the memory 54. It should be noted that, for example, when the cumulative tape usage amount corresponding to the unique ID is not stored in the memory 54, the processor 51 regards the unopened ribbon 4 as being contained, and sets the cumulative tape usage amount corresponding to the unique ID to "0". (Obtaining unit) The processor 51 determines whether the digital certificate is correct (ACT14). Specifically, when the result of decrypting the digital certificate is consistent with the result of hashing the unique ID, the processor 51 determines that the digital certificate is correct (Yes in ACT14), and determines whether the cumulative tape usage amount is less than the tape length information (ACT15). When the cumulative tape usage amount is less than the tape length information (Yes in ACT15), the processor 51 permits printing (ACT16). When printing is permitted, the processor 51 performs a printing process (ACT17). The details of the printing process will be described later.

[0075] On the other hand, when the result of decrypting the digital certificate is inconsistent with the result of hashing the unique ID, the processor 51 determines that the digital certificate is incorrect (No in ACT14), and suppresses printing (ACT18). In addition, the processor 51 also suppresses printing (ACT18) when the cumulative tape usage amount is not less than the tape length information (No in ACT15). Specifically, when the processor 51 determines that the digital certificate is incorrect, in order not to print the print data including photo data, the processor 51 stores non-genuine product information indicating non-genuineness in the memory 54. When the digital certificate is incorrect and the print data includes photo data, printing is prohibited. Therefore, the operation of the print prohibition unit 58 is not immediately prohibited. After the processor 51 stores the information indicating non-genuineness in the memory 54, printing is permitted. On the other hand, when the cumulative tape usage amount is not less than the tape length information, the processor 51 immediately prohibits the operation of the print prohibition unit 58. When printing is prohibited, the processor 51 notifies of the print prohibition (ACT19). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the user interface 59 to notify the user of the print prohibition. For example, "The tape length limit value has been exceeded, so printing is not possible. Please replace with a new ribbon" is displayed on the user interface 59. (Notification unit) When the processing of ACT17 or ACT19 ends, Figure 6 The series of processes shown ends (ends). It should be noted that when it is determined that the digital certificate is incorrect, the processor 51 may immediately prohibit the operation of the print prohibition unit 58. In this embodiment, an example in which printing is prohibited when the print data includes photo data is described.

[0076] The details of the printing process of the image forming apparatus 5 will be described. Figure 7 It is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. When the printing process starts (START), the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 determines whether a print command has been received (ACT21). Specifically, the processor 51 determines whether a print command has been received via, for example, the communication unit 55 or the user interface 59. The print command includes print data. If a print command has been received (Yes in ACT21), the processor 51 executes printing (ACT22). Specifically, the processor 51 checks whether non-genuine information indicating non-genuineness is stored in the memory 54. If the non-genuine information is stored, it is determined whether the print data includes photo data (determination unit). If the print data does not include photo data (text data, graphic data, etc.), even if it is not genuine, the print unit 58 is controlled to execute printing. That is, there is an exception handling unit of the management unit that executes printing as an exception to the management target when the digital certificate is verified as incorrect and the received print data does not include photo data.

[0077] On the other hand, if the print data includes photo data, printing is prohibited (management unit). If it is not photo data, even if it is not genuine, the impact on the print quality is small, but in the case of photo data and in the case of non-genuineness, the possibility of a decrease in print quality is high. In order not to provide the user with a print of poor quality, printing is prohibited if the print data includes photo data. The processor 51 controls the user interface 59 to notify the user that printing has been prohibited. For example, "Printing cannot be performed because photo data is included. Please replace with a genuine ribbon" is displayed on the user interface 59 (notification unit). When replaced with a genuine one, the print unit 58 is controlled to execute printing. By replacing with a genuine ribbon, the usage amount of the ribbon is managed.

[0078] When the execution of printing is completed, the processor 51 updates the cumulative tape usage amount (ACT23) of the genuine ribbon. Specifically, the processor 51 causes the cumulative tape usage amount of the genuine ribbon stored in the memory 54 to increase based on the print content executed by ACT22 and overwrites it. It should be noted that when printing is performed using a non-genuine ribbon by the management department excluding the processing department, the cumulative tape usage amount cannot be correctly managed. Therefore, before updating the cumulative tape usage amount, it is confirmed whether non-genuine information is stored in the memory 54. If non-genuine information is stored, the cumulative tape usage amount is not updated. For non-genuine ribbons, there is no management of tape usage amount. The non-genuine ribbon is printed until the end of the tape. The non-genuine ribbon continuously prints print data that does not include photo data until the tape reaches the end and physically cannot be used for printing. If non-genuine information is not stored, since it is a genuine ribbon, the cumulative tape usage amount is updated. (Tape usage amount update unit) When the update of the cumulative tape usage amount is completed, the processor 51 determines whether the cumulative tape usage amount is smaller than the tape length information (ACT24). When the cumulative tape usage amount is smaller than the tape length information (Yes in ACT24), and when no print command is received in ACT21 (No in ACT21), the processor 51 determines whether a shutdown command is received (ACT25). If no shutdown command is received (No in ACT25), the processor 51 executes ACT21.

[0079] In ACT24, when the cumulative tape usage amount is not less than the tape length information (No in ACT24), the processor 51 prohibits printing (ACT26). Specifically, the processor 51 prohibits the operation of the printing unit 58. When printing is prohibited, the processor 51 notifies that printing is prohibited (ACT27). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the user interface 59 to notify the user that printing has been prohibited.

[0080] In ACT25, when a shutdown command is received (Yes in ACT25) and the processing of ACT27 is completed, Figure 7 The series of processes shown ends (ends).

[0081] The processor 51 constitutes the management department by executing ACT14 to ACT18, ACT21, and ACT22.

[0082] <Effect> Thus, according to the first embodiment, in the printing system 1, in the genuine ribbon 4, the unique ID and the digital certificate based on the unique ID are stored by the recording device 3. And, in the printing system 1, whether the ribbon 4 is verified for the digital certificate by the image forming device 5 based on the unique ID. Thereby, the image forming device 5 can determine whether the ribbon 4 housed in the housing portion 56 is genuine.

[0083] Specifically, the digital certificate stored in the genuine ribbon 4 is the information obtained by encrypting the information generated based on the unique ID unique to each of the IC tags 41 with a private key. Therefore, a counterfeit manufacturer that does not have the private key cannot create a correct digital certificate. Additionally, in the case of copying the digital certificate from the IC tag 41 of the genuine ribbon 4 and copying it to the IC tag 41 of the counterfeit ribbon 4, since the unique IDs of the IC tags 41 are different, it cannot become a correct digital certificate. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 5 of the embodiment can achieve high security as compared with the case where certain information is encrypted and used as information indicating authenticity.

[0084] In addition, according to the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 5 stores the cumulative tape usage amount of the ribbon 4 in association with the unique ID in the memory 54. And, when the cumulative tape usage amount is not less than the tape length information, that is, when the cumulative tape usage amount is equal to or more than the tape length information, the image forming apparatus 5 prohibits printing. Thus, the image forming apparatus 5 of the first embodiment can suppress the consumption of a tape having a length equal to or more than the tape length information for the ribbon 4 corresponding to one unique ID. For example, it can be considered that the IC tag 41 is peeled off from a used genuine ribbon 4 and reused for a counterfeit ribbon. However, in the image forming apparatus 5 of the first embodiment, the cumulative tape usage amount is stored in the memory 54 in association with the unique ID. Therefore, even when the counterfeit ribbon includes the IC tag 41 transferred from a used genuine product, the image forming apparatus 5 of the first embodiment allows printing up to the original tape length of the genuine product and then prohibits printing, thereby being able to suppress the use of counterfeits.

[0085] In addition, the genuine product can print print data that does not include photo data or can print print data that includes photo data, and can provide management for suppressing (prohibiting) printing based on the tape usage amount to the user. The counterfeit product prohibits printing photo data, but can print as long as the print data does not include photo data. This is convenient for users who print a large amount of print data that does not include photo data. In addition, since the counterfeit product does not have management for suppressing (prohibiting) printing based on the tape usage amount, the user can continuously print print data that does not include photo data until the tape is physically unusable.

[0086] <Second Embodiment> The printing system 1 of the second embodiment will be described. The difference between the printing system 1 of the second embodiment and the printing system 1 of the first embodiment is that the cumulative tape usage amount is stored in the memory 24 of the server 2 and not stored in the memory 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Hereinafter, the differences between the printing system 1 of the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0087] <Configuration> In the printing system 1 of the second embodiment, in the memory 24 of the server 2, the cumulative belt usage amount is stored in association with the unique ID. In addition, the cumulative belt usage amount is not stored in the memory 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Other configurations of the printing system 1 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the printing system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0088] <Action> The operation of the printing system 1 of the second embodiment will be described. In the printing system 1 of the second embodiment, the operation of the recording device 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the printing system 1 of the second embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the server 2 and the image forming apparatus 5 exchange the cumulative belt usage amount.

[0089] The operation of the image forming apparatus 5 of the second embodiment is mostly the same as that of the image forming apparatus 5 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 However, the details of the operations of ACT13 and ACT23 are different.

[0090] In ACT13, the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 acquires the cumulative belt usage amount corresponding to the unique ID (ACT13). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the communication unit 55 to send the unique ID to the server 2 and request the cumulative belt usage amount. The processor 21 of the server 2 receives the unique ID from the image forming apparatus 5, reads out the cumulative belt usage amount associated with the unique ID from the memory 24, and sends it to the image forming apparatus 5. The image forming apparatus 5 receives the cumulative belt usage amount from the server 2. The processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 holds the received cumulative belt usage amount in the RAM 53, for example. It should be noted that when the cumulative belt usage amount corresponding to the unique ID is not stored in the memory 24, the processor 21 of the server 2, for example, regards it as an inquiry about the unused ribbon 4 and sets the cumulative belt usage amount corresponding to the unique ID to "0".

[0091] In ACT23, the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 updates the cumulative belt usage amount (ACT23). Specifically, the processor 51 increases the cumulative belt usage amount held in the RAM 53 based on the print content executed in ACT22 and overwrites it. Then, the processor 51 controls the communication unit 55 to send the overwritten cumulative belt usage amount and the unique ID to the server 2. The processor 21 of the server 2 receives the cumulative belt usage amount and the unique ID, and updates the cumulative belt usage amount associated with the unique ID stored in the memory 24 to the received cumulative belt usage amount.

[0092] Other operations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 5 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 described.

[0093] <Effect> As such, according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the use of counterfeit products can be suppressed. In addition, according to the second embodiment, the cumulative tape usage amount is associated with the unique ID and stored in the storage 24 of the server 2. Thus, in the case where the printing system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 5, for the IC tag 41 of the ribbon 4 used in a certain image forming apparatus 5, even when read by another image forming apparatus 5, the cumulative tape usage amount can be considered, and the use of counterfeit products can be suppressed.

[0094] <Third Embodiment> The printing system 1 of the third embodiment will be described. The difference between the printing system 1 of the third embodiment and the printing system 1 of the first embodiment is that the cumulative tape usage amount is stored in the IC tag 41 of the ribbon 4 and not stored in the memory 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Hereinafter, the differences between the printing system 1 of the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0095] <Configuration> In the printing system 1 of the third embodiment, the cumulative tape usage amount is stored in the IC tag 41 of the ribbon 4 accommodated in the image forming apparatus 5. In addition, the cumulative tape usage amount is not stored in the memory 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Other configurations of the printing system 1 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the printing system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0096] <Operation> The operation of the printing system 1 of the third embodiment will be described. In the printing system 1 of the third embodiment, the operation of the recording device 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the printing system 1 of the third embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the image forming apparatus 5 exchanges the cumulative tape usage amount with the IC tag 41 of the ribbon 4.

[0097] The operation of the image forming apparatus 5 of the third embodiment is mostly the same as that of the image forming apparatus 5 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 Figure 7 but the details of the operations of ACT13 and ACT23 are different.

[0098]

[0098] In ACT13, the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 acquires the cumulative tape usage amount corresponding to the unique ID (ACT13). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the reader / writer 57 to read the cumulative tape usage amount from the IC tag 41. The processor 51 holds the read cumulative tape usage amount in the RAM 53, for example. It should be noted that, for example, when the cumulative tape usage amount is not stored in the IC tag 41, the processor 51 regards it as detecting an unused ribbon 4 and sets the cumulative tape usage amount to "0".

[0099] In ACT23, the processor 51 updates the cumulative tape usage amount (ACT23). Specifically, the processor 51 increases the cumulative tape usage amount held in the RAM 53 based on the print content executed in ACT22, and overwrites it. Then, the processor 51 controls the reader / writer 57 to store the overwritten cumulative tape usage amount in the IC tag 41. It should be noted that the processor 51 can also encrypt the cumulative tape usage amount when storing it in the IC tag 41.

[0100] Other operations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 5 of the first embodiment described with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 the image forming apparatus 5 of the first embodiment described.

[0101] <Effect> Thus, according to the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the use of counterfeits can be suppressed. In addition, according to the third embodiment, the cumulative tape usage amount is stored in the IC tag 41 of the ribbon 4. Therefore, in the case where the printing system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses, for the IC tag 41 of the ribbon 4 used in a certain image forming apparatus 5, the cumulative tape usage amount can also be considered when read by other image forming apparatuses 5, and the use of counterfeits can be suppressed.

[0102] <Other Modification Examples, etc.> In the above embodiment, the case where the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 manages the cumulative tape usage amount has been described as an example. However, for example, the remaining tape amount can also be managed. Specifically, for example, the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 can also manage it in such a way that when an unused ribbon is detected, the tape length information is set as the initial value of the remaining tape amount, the remaining tape amount is subtracted every time printing is executed, and printing is prohibited when the remaining tape amount is 0 or less.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 5 prints based on the ribbon 4 including the IC tag 41 has been described as an example. The image forming apparatus 5 only needs to print based on a consumable including the IC tag 41. For example, it can also print based on an ink cartridge including the IC tag 41 or a toner cartridge including the IC tag 41.

[0104] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope or gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, Comprising: a reading unit that reads an inherent ID, a digital certificate based on the inherent ID or information other than the inherent ID, and tape length information indicating the tape length from an IC tag of a ribbon; a verification unit that verifies the digital certificate based on the inherent ID; an acquisition unit that acquires a cumulative tape usage amount of the ribbon corresponding to the inherent ID as a cumulative tape usage amount; and a management unit that prohibits printing when the digital certificate is verified as incorrect or when the cumulative tape usage amount is equal to or more than the tape length information.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: a storage unit that stores the cumulative tape usage amount in association with the inherent ID, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the cumulative tape usage amount from the storage unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: a communication unit that communicates with the outside, wherein the acquisition unit transmits information including the inherent ID to an external server via the communication unit and receives the cumulative tape usage amount from the external server via the communication unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the cumulative tape usage amount from the IC tag.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the verification unit compares second information obtained by hashing first information including the inherent ID with third information obtained by decrypting the digital certificate.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit reads the inherent ID, the digital certificate, and the tape length information by performing short-range wireless communication with an RFID tag serving as the IC tag.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: a notification unit that notifies that printing has been prohibited.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the digital certificate is verified as incorrect, the management unit stores non-genuine product information indicating that it is a non-genuine product, and when non-genuine product information is stored when receiving print data, determines whether photo data is included in the received print data, and prohibits printing when photo data is included.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, Further comprising: a management unit exclusion processing unit that, when receiving print data, stores non-genuine product information and the received print data does not include photo data, performs printing as an exception to the management object of the management unit.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, Further comprising: a tape usage amount update unit that, after printing is performed, updates the cumulative tape usage amount when non-genuine product information is not stored, and does not update the cumulative tape usage amount when non-genuine product information is stored.

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