Authentication method of consumable chip, consumable chip, and consumable container

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a kind of consumable chip authentication method, consumable chip and consumable container.The method comprises: receiving the authentication instruction sent by image forming device, the authentication instruction carries the duration time;In response to the authentication instruction, the level of data line is pulled down in the multiple pull-down time periods within the duration time, so that the level state of the data line is pulled down to low level in the multiple pull-down time periods, there is time interval between the multiple pull-down time periods, the level state of the data line is default level in the time interval, for the image forming device according to the level state of the data line collected, determine whether the consumable chip authentication succeeds.The level of data line can be accurately pulled down in the pull-down time period of duration time by consumable chip, in turn, through the authentication of image forming device, while improving the flexibility of response mode, it can keep higher authentication accuracy.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application filed on July 19, 2023 with the State Intellectual Property Office, application number 202310894202.4, entitled "Authentication method for consumable chips, consumable chips and consumable containers", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field] This invention relates to the field of printing imaging technology, and more particularly to a method for authenticating a consumable chip, the consumable chip, and a consumable container. [Background Technology] In the field of printing imaging, printing materials are typically supplied through printing material containers. However, the origin of these materials is often unverifiable, necessitating the authentication of the materials' origin via a consumable chip mounted on the container. When communicating with the image forming apparatus, the consumable chip transmits information such as its identity, performance, and status. In one scenario, the communication between the consumable chip and the image forming apparatus is encrypted. In another scenario, the image forming apparatus sends a command to the consumable chip; if the chip responds correctly to the command, the image forming apparatus receives the expected response, and the consumable chip successfully passes the authentication process.

[0004] In related technologies, after receiving an instruction, the consumable chip immediately pulls the data line level continuously low, so that the data line level acquired by the image forming apparatus is low. The image forming apparatus then determines that the consumable chip has been successfully authenticated. The authentication method for the consumable chip is relatively simple. [Summary of the Invention] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for authenticating consumable chips, a consumable chip, and a consumable container to solve the problem that the authentication methods for consumable chips are relatively limited.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for authenticating a consumable chip, the consumable chip being used for communicative connection with an image forming apparatus, the method comprising: Receive an authentication command sent by the image forming apparatus, the authentication command carrying a duration; In response to the authentication command, the data line is pulled low during multiple low-pulling time periods within the duration, such that the data line is at a low level during the multiple low-pulling time periods. There are time intervals between the multiple low-pulling time periods, during which the data line is at a default level, so that the image forming apparatus can determine whether the consumable chip has been successfully authenticated based on the acquired data line level.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the default level is a high level.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the clock line is at a high level during the duration of the duration.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the plurality of pull-down time periods are determined by pulse width modulation.

[0010] In one possible implementation, monitoring points for acquiring the level status of the data line are distributed throughout the plurality of low-time periods.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a monitoring point for acquiring the level state of the data line is distributed within each complete pull-low time period, wherein the complete pull-low time period is the pull-low time period located between two adjacent time intervals.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a consumable chip for communicatively connecting with an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is used to determine whether the consumable chip has been successfully authenticated based on the level state of the acquired data line. The consumable chip is used for: Receive an authentication command sent by the image forming apparatus, the authentication command carrying a duration; In response to the authentication command, the data line is pulled low during multiple low-pulling time periods within the duration, such that the data line is at a low level during the multiple low-pulling time periods, and there is a time interval between the multiple low-pulling time periods, during which the data line is at a default level.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the default level is a high level.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the clock line is at a high level during the duration of the duration.

[0015] In one possible implementation, it is also used to: determine the plurality of pull-down time periods by means of pulse width modulation.

[0016] In one possible implementation, monitoring points for acquiring the level status of the data line are distributed throughout the plurality of low-time periods.

[0017] In one possible implementation, a monitoring point for acquiring the level state of the data line is distributed within each complete pull-low time period, wherein the complete pull-low time period is the pull-low time period located between two adjacent time intervals.

[0018] One possible implementation also includes: A timer is used to monitor the duration of the event.

[0019] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a consumable container, wherein the consumable container is fitted with a consumable chip as described in any of the second aspects.

[0020] In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the consumable chip can accurately pull the level of the data line low during the continuous low-time period, thereby passing the authentication of the image forming device. While improving the flexibility of the response method, it can maintain a high level of authentication accuracy. [Attached Image Description] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for authenticating a consumable chip according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A timing diagram of a level state is provided for an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A timing diagram for another level state provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A timing diagram for another level state provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A timing diagram for another level state provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of a consumable container provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0024] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0028] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an authentication method for consumable chips provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes: Step 101: The consumable chip receives the authentication command sent by the image forming device.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, each step is performed by a consumable chip.

[0030] In this step, the authentication command includes the duration.

[0031] Step 102: In response to the authentication command, the consumable chip pulls the data line low according to the target response method selected from a variety of preset response methods within a certain duration, so that the image forming device can collect the data line level status within the duration. When the collected data line level status is low, the consumable chip is confirmed to be successfully authenticated.

[0032] In this step, since the image forming apparatus does not continuously sample the data line's voltage level at high frequency, researchers studied and statistically analyzed various possible sampling methods of the image forming apparatus, established corresponding response methods for each sampling method, and pre-set multiple response methods in the consumable chip for selection. Specifically, the sampling method indicates how the image forming apparatus acquires the data line's voltage level over a given duration, while the response method indicates how the consumable chip controls the data line's voltage level over the same duration; the response method corresponds one-to-one with the sampling method.

[0033] In response to the authentication command, within a specified duration, the data line level is pulled low according to a target response method selected from a variety of preset response methods. This includes: determining a preset low-time period from the duration based on the target response method; and pulling the data line level low according to the low-time period. Specifically, the preset low-time period corresponding to the target response method is retrieved based on the pre-set correspondence between target response methods and low-time periods in the consumable chip. Target response methods include end-of-duration response, beginning-of-end-of-duration response, intermittent response, or continuous response. The distribution of low-time periods corresponding to different target response methods within the duration varies, and the duration of low-time periods corresponding to different response methods may be the same or different.

[0034] The consumable chip can pull the data line low or default to a default level. When the consumable chip defaults to a default level, the data line's level is set to the default level; when it pulls the data line low, the data line's level is set to low. The default level can be either high or low. The image forming apparatus does not collect the data line's level outside of the low-level period; it only collects the level multiple times during the low-level period. Therefore, the consumable chip only needs to pull the data line low during the low-level period to ensure that the image forming apparatus collects a low level multiple times over the duration, thus enabling successful consumable chip authentication.

[0035] As an optional solution, the sampling method includes end-of-term sampling, the target response method includes end-of-term response, and the low-time period is at the end of the duration. The consumable chip performs a default operation on the data line level before the low-time period, and pulls the data line level low during the low-time period.

[0036] Figure 2 A timing diagram of a level state is provided for an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 2As shown, SCL represents the Serial Clock Line (SCL), and SDA represents the Serial Data Line (SDA). The duration includes the time between time t1 and time t2. Time t1 indicates the start time of the duration, and time t2 indicates the end time. There are n monitoring points distributed at the end of the duration, including monitoring point 1, monitoring point 2, monitoring point 3, monitoring point 4... monitoring point n. The image forming apparatus acquires the level state of the data line at each monitoring point. In the end-response mode, the low-time period includes a preset proportion of the duration at the end of the duration. For example, the low-time period includes 80%-100% of the duration. Alternatively, the low-time period includes a preset duration at the end of the duration. For example, if the preset duration is 5 seconds, the low-time period includes the last 5 seconds of the duration.

[0037] As an alternative, the sampling method includes first-and-last sampling, and the target response method also includes first-and-last response. The low-pull time period includes a first low-pull time period and a second low-pull time period, with the first low-pull time period at the beginning of the duration and the second low-pull time period at the end of the duration. During the first low-pull time period, the consumable chip pulls the data line low; between the first and second low-pull time periods, the data line level is kept at a default level; and during the second low-pull time period, the data line level is pulled low again.

[0038] Figure 3 A timing diagram for another level state provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3As shown, the duration includes the time between time t1 and time t2. Time t1 indicates the start time of the duration, and time t2 indicates the end time. There are n monitoring points distributed within the duration. These n monitoring points include monitoring points 1 and 2 at the beginning of the duration, and monitoring points 3, 4...n at the end of the duration. The image forming device acquires the data line level at each monitoring point. In the first-to-last response mode, the first low-price period includes a first preset proportion of the time at the beginning of the duration, and the second low-price period includes a second preset proportion of the time at the end of the duration. The first and second preset proportions can be the same or different. For example, the first low-price period includes 0%-20% of the duration, and the second low-price period includes 80%-100% of the duration. In this case, both the first and second low-price periods account for 20% of the duration, meaning the first and second preset proportions are the same, both 20%. Alternatively, the first time period to lower the duration may include a first preset duration period at the beginning of the duration, and the second time period to lower the duration may include a second preset duration period at the end of the duration. The first preset duration and the second preset duration may be the same or different. For example, the first time period to lower the duration may include a 5-second period at the beginning of the duration, and the second time period to lower the duration may include a 3-second period at the end of the duration. In this case, the first preset duration is 5 seconds, and the second preset duration is 3 seconds; the first preset duration and the second preset duration are different.

[0039] As an alternative, the sampling method includes intermittent sampling, the target response method includes intermittent response, and the low-time period includes multiple low-time periods determined by pulse-width modulation (PWM), with time intervals between these multiple low-time periods. The consumable chip pulls the data line low during the multiple low-time periods and maintains a default level during the time intervals between the multiple low-time periods.

[0040] Figure 4 A timing diagram for another level state provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the duration includes the time between time t1 and time t2. Time t1 indicates the start time of the duration, and time t2 indicates the end time. Within the duration, there are n monitoring points, including monitoring point 1, monitoring point 2, ..., monitoring point n, distributed across multiple low-time periods determined by PWM. The image forming device acquires the data line's voltage level at each monitoring point.

[0041] As an alternative, the sampling method includes continuous sampling, the target response method includes continuous response, and the low-pull time period includes the entire duration. The consumable chip pulls the data line low during the duration.

[0042] Figure 5 A timing diagram for another level state provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, the duration includes the time between time t1 and time t2. Time t1 indicates the start time of the duration, and time t2 indicates the end time. There are n monitoring points distributed within the duration, including monitoring point 1, monitoring point 2, ..., monitoring point n. The image forming device collects the data line level at each monitoring point. Therefore, the consumable chip needs to pull the data line level low throughout the entire duration. Specifically, the consumable chip starts pulling the data line level low from time t1, continuously pulls the data line level low between time t1 and time t2, and then defaults to the default level starting from time t2.

[0043] In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the consumable chip can accurately pull the level of the data line low during the continuous low-time period, thereby passing the authentication of the image forming device. While improving the flexibility of the response method, it can maintain a high level of authentication accuracy.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable chip provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the consumable chip includes a receiving module 11 and a response module 12. The receiving module 11 is connected to the response module 12. The receiving module 11 receives an authentication command sent by the image forming apparatus, which carries a duration. The response module 12 responds to the authentication command by pulling the data line low according to a target response method selected from a set of preset response methods within the duration. This allows the image forming apparatus to collect the data line's level status within the duration. When all collected data line levels are low, the consumable chip is deemed successfully authenticated. The receiving module 11 can be an interface for communicating with the image forming apparatus. For example, the receiving module 11 may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Cluster Communication Port (COM), communication contacts, etc.

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, the response module 12 includes a determining unit 121 and a pulling-low unit 122, with the determining unit 121 connected to the pulling-low unit 122. The determining unit 121 is used to determine a preset pulling-low time period from the duration based on the target response method. The pulling-low unit 122 is used to pull the level of the data line low according to the pulling-low time period.

[0046] In this embodiment of the invention, the target response method includes an end-of-duration response method, where the low-pull time period is at the end of the duration. Specifically, the low-pull unit 122 is used to perform a default operation on the data line level before the low-pull time period, and to pull the data line level low during the low-pull time period.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the target response method includes a first-end response method, and the pull-down time period includes a first pull-down time period and a second pull-down time period. The first pull-down time period is at the beginning of the duration, and the second pull-down time period is at the end of the duration. The pull-down unit 122 is specifically used to pull down the data line level during the first pull-down time period, perform a default operation on the data line level between the first and second pull-down time periods, and pull down the data line level during the second pull-down time period.

[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the target response mode includes an intermittent response mode, and the pull-low time period includes multiple pull-low time periods determined by pulse width modulation, with time intervals between the multiple pull-low time periods. The pull-low unit 122 is specifically used to pull the data line level low during the multiple pull-low time periods and to perform a default operation on the data line level during the time intervals between the multiple pull-low time periods.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, the response method includes a continuous response method, and the low-time period includes the entire time period within the continuous duration. The low-time unit 122 is specifically used to pull the data line level low during the continuous duration.

[0050] In this embodiment of the invention, the clock line remains at a high level throughout the duration, while the data line may experience changes in its level due to the pull-low period, making it unreliable to reference the clock line. Therefore, the consumable chip also includes a timer 13, which is connected to the response module 12. The timer 13 is used to monitor the duration and the pull-low period.

[0051] In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, a timer is provided inside the consumable chip, which can accurately monitor the duration and the time period of the pull-down. This allows the consumable chip to accurately pull down the level of the data line during the pull-down time period of the duration, thereby enabling authentication by the image forming apparatus. This improves the flexibility of the response method while maintaining high authentication accuracy.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable container provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the consumable container is equipped with a consumable chip. This consumable chip is the same as the one described in the above embodiments, and its details can be found in the description of the above embodiments. For the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0053] This invention provides a computer-readable storage medium including a stored program, wherein the program, when running, controls the device containing the computer-readable storage medium to execute the aforementioned authentication method for consumable chips.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will clearly 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.

[0055] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0056] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing custom logic functions or processes, and the scope of preferred embodiments of the invention includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

[0057] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0058] In the embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the system embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for authenticating a consumable chip, the consumable chip being used for communicative connection with an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive an authentication command sent by the image forming apparatus, the authentication command carrying a duration; In response to the authentication command, the data line is pulled low during multiple low-pulling time periods within the duration, such that the data line is at a low level during the multiple low-pulling time periods. There are time intervals between the multiple low-pulling time periods, during which the data line is at a default level, so that the image forming apparatus can determine whether the consumable chip has been successfully authenticated based on the acquired data line level.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The default level is high.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the duration, the clock line is at a high level.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The multiple pull-down time periods are determined by pulse width modulation.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Monitoring points for collecting the level status of the data line are distributed during the multiple low-time periods.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, A monitoring point for acquiring the level status of the data line is distributed within each complete pull-low time period, wherein the complete pull-low time period is the pull-low time period located between two adjacent time intervals.

7. A consumable chip for communicatively connecting with an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus determining whether the consumable chip has been successfully authenticated based on the level state of a acquired data line, characterized in that, The consumable chip is used for: Receive an authentication command sent by the image forming apparatus, the authentication command carrying a duration; In response to the authentication command, the data line is pulled low during multiple low-pulling time periods within the duration, such that the data line is at a low level during the multiple low-pulling time periods, and there is a time interval between the multiple low-pulling time periods, during which the data line is at a default level.

8. The consumable chip according to claim 7, characterized in that, The default level is high.

9. The consumable chip according to claim 7, characterized in that, During the duration, the clock line is at a high level.

10. The consumable chip according to claim 7, characterized in that, It is also used to: determine the plurality of pull-down time periods by means of pulse width modulation.

11. The consumable chip according to claim 7, characterized in that, Monitoring points for collecting the level status of the data line are distributed during the multiple low-time periods.

12. The consumable chip according to claim 11, characterized in that, A monitoring point for acquiring the level status of the data line is distributed within each complete pull-low time period, wherein the complete pull-low time period is the pull-low time period located between two adjacent time intervals.

13. The consumable chip according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A timer is used to monitor the duration of the event.

14. A consumable container, characterized in that, The consumable container is fitted with a consumable chip as described in any one of claims 7 to 13.

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