Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses the use of non-genuine consumables.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a reading unit, a verification unit, an acquisition unit, and a management unit. The reading unit reads, from an IC tag of an ink 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 length of the ribbon. The verification unit verifies the digital certificate on the basis of the unique ID. The acquisition unit acquires, as a total ribbon usage amount, a cumulative usage amount of the ink ribbon corresponding to the unique ID. The management unit prohibits printing when the digital certificate is verified to be incorrect or when the total ribbon usage amount becomes equal to or greater than the ribbon length information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an image forming apparatus that determines whether a replenished consumable is an authentic product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention provides an image forming apparatus that suppresses the use of non-genuine consumables.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] 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 a unique ID, a digital certificate based on the unique ID or information other than the unique ID, and ribbon length information indicating the length of the ribbon from an IC tag of the ink ribbon. The verification unit verifies the digital certificate based on the unique ID. The acquisition unit acquires, as a cumulative ribbon usage amount, the cumulative ink ribbon usage amount of the ink ribbon corresponding to the unique ID. The management unit prohibits printing when the digital certificate is verified to be incorrect or when the cumulative ribbon usage amount becomes equal to or greater than the ribbon length information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] 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. Further, the embodiments shown below illustrate the technical idea. The embodiments do not specify the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components. The embodiments can be variously modified.

[0008] <First Embodiment> <Configuration> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment. The printing system 1 is a system that checks whether the ink ribbon used in printing is a genuine product and prohibits printing if it is not a genuine product. The printing system 1 includes a server 2, a recording apparatus 3, an ink ribbon 4, and an image forming apparatus 5.

[0009] The ink ribbon 4 is a consumable used when the image forming apparatus 5 performs printing. The ink ribbon 4 includes a ribbon used for printing and an IC tag 41. The IC tag 41 is an element that can perform short-range wireless communication, such as an RFID tag, and can store data non-volatile. Further, the IC tag 41 stores a unique ID, which is unique information for each individual. The unique ID is stored so that it cannot be rewritten.

[0010] Server 2 is connected to a recording device 3 and an image forming device 5 respectively. Server 2 transmits information to the recording device 3 and the image forming device 5 respectively. Specifically, for example, server 2 transmits a secret key used for encryption to the recording device 3. For example, server 2 transmits a public key used for decryption, which is paired with the secret key transmitted to the recording device 3, to the image forming device 5.

[0011] The recording device 3 stores data in the IC tag 41. The recording device 3 is used in the manufacturing process of the ink ribbon 4. The ink ribbon 4 is configured by incorporating the IC tag 41 in which the recording device 3 has stored data. The data that the recording device 3 stores in the IC tag 41 includes at least a digital certificate proving that it is a genuine product and ribbon length information indicating the length of the ribbon included in the ink ribbon 4. Details of the digital certificate will be described later.

[0012] The image forming device 5 accommodates the ink ribbon 4 and performs printing based on the accommodated ink ribbon 4. The image forming device 5 communicates with the IC tag 41 included in the accommodated ink 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 does not perform printing when the digital certificate is incorrect.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a server according to the first embodiment. Server 2 includes a processor 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a storage 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 interconnects the processor 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, the storage 24, and the communication unit 25 respectively. The computer of server 2 is formed by connecting the processor 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the storage 24 with the system bus 26.

[0014] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 21 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the server 2 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0015] The ROM 22 is a non-volatile storage device. The ROM 22 stores a preset operating system or application program, control data, etc.

[0016] The RAM 23 is a volatile storage device. The RAM 23 is used as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21. Also, the RAM 23 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily stores data.

[0017] The storage 24 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The storage 24 stores data used when the processor 21 performs various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 21, etc. The storage 24 may store the above application program. The storage 24 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0018] The communication unit 25 communicates with the outside of the server 2.

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. The recording apparatus 3 includes a processor 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a storage 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 mutually connects the processor 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, the storage 34, the communication unit 35, the reader / writer 36, and the user interface 37. The connection of the processor 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the storage 34 by the system bus 38 forms a computer of the recording apparatus 3.

[0020] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 31 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the recording apparatus 3 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The RAM 33 is a volatile storage device. The RAM 33 is used as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The RAM 33 is also used as a buffer memory that temporarily stores data.

[0023] The storage 34 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The storage 34 stores data used by the processor 31 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, and the like. The storage 34 may store the above application program. The storage 34 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), an HDD, an SSD, or the like.

[0024] The communication unit 35 communicates with the outside of the recording apparatus 3.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The user interface 37 is, for example, a touch panel. The user interface 37 notifies various information to the user who operates the recording device 3 and receives inputs from the user.

[0027] FIG. 4 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 storage 54, a communication unit 55, a housing 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, and the like. The system bus 501 mutually connects the processor 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, the storage 54, the communication unit 55, the housing unit 56, the reader / writer 57, the printing unit 58, and the user interface 59. By connecting the processor 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, and the storage 54 via the system bus 501, a computer of the image forming apparatus 5 is formed.

[0028] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 51 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the image forming apparatus 5 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU.

[0029] The ROM 52 is a non-volatile storage device. The ROM 52 stores a preset operating system or application program, control data, and the like.

[0030] The RAM 53 is a volatile memory device. The RAM 53 is used as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 51. Also, the RAM 53 is used as a buffer memory for temporarily storing data.

[0031] The storage 54 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. The storage 54 stores data used by the processor 51 for performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 51, etc. The storage 54 may store the above application program. The storage 54 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), HDD, SSD, etc. The storage 54 stores the cumulative ribbon usage amount associated with the unique ID. The cumulative ribbon usage amount is information indicating how much of the ribbon of the ink ribbon 4 has been used. The cumulative ribbon usage amount is stored in association with the unique ID.

[0032] The application program stored in the ROM 52 or the storage 54 includes a processing program described regarding the information processing executed in the image forming apparatus 5. The method of installing the processing program in the ROM 52 or the storage 54 is not particularly limited. The processing program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed through communication via a network and then installed in the ROM 52 or the storage 54. The form of the recording medium is not limited as long as it can record a program and can be read by the apparatus, such as a CD-ROM, memory card, etc.

[0033] The communication unit 55 communicates with the outside of the image forming apparatus 5.

[0034] The housing unit 56 houses the ink ribbon 4.

[0035] The reader / writer 57 communicates with the IC tag 41 included in the ink ribbon 4 housed in the housing unit 56. The reader / writer 57 can read data from the IC tag 41 and write data (including deletion of data) to the IC tag 41.

[0036] The printing unit 58 performs printing using the ink ribbon 4 stored in the storage unit 56.

[0037] 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 receives input from the user.

[0038] <Operation> The operations of each part of the printing system 1 will be described. In the printing system 1, encryption and decryption are performed using a secret key and a public key. The pair of the secret key and the public key is generated in the server 2. The secret key is transmitted from the server 2 to the recording apparatus 3 and stored in the storage 34 of the recording apparatus 3. The public key is transmitted from the server 2 to the image forming apparatus 5 and stored in the storage 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Hereinafter, the description will be made on the premise that the secret key is stored in the storage 34 of the recording apparatus 3 and the public key is stored in the storage 54 of the image forming apparatus 5 in this way.

[0039] The operation of the recording apparatus 3 in the manufacturing process of the ink ribbon 4 will be described. FIG. 5 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 on the IC tag 41 incorporated in the ink ribbon 4.

[0040] When the recording process is started (start), the processor 31 of the recording apparatus 3 reads 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.

[0041] The processor 31 hashes the unique ID (ACT2). Specifically, the processor 31 hashes the unique ID using a certain hash function.

[0042] The processor 31 encrypts the result of hashing with the private key to create a digital certificate (ACT3). Specifically, the processor 31 uses the private key stored in the storage 34 to encrypt the result of hashing executed in ACT2 to create a digital certificate.

[0043] The processor 31 writes the digital certificate and the ribbon length information into the IC tag 41 (ACT4). Specifically, the processor 31 controls the reader / writer 36 to write the digital certificate created in ACT3 and the ribbon length information corresponding to the ink ribbon 4 in which the IC tag 41 is incorporated into the IC tag 41. Then, the series of processes shown in FIG. 5 ends (end).

[0044] In this way, a digital certificate based on the unique ID is written into the IC tag 41. Thereafter, the IC tag 41 into which the digital certificate is written is incorporated into the ink ribbon 4.

[0045] Subsequently, the operation of the image forming apparatus 5 that houses the ink ribbon 4 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0046] When the power is turned on and the image forming apparatus 5 starts operating (start), the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus reads the unique ID, the digital certificate, and the ribbon length information from the IC tag 41 (ACT11). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the reader / writer 57 to read the unique ID, the digital certificate, and the ribbon length information from the IC tag 41 of the ink ribbon 4 housed in the housing portion 56.

[0047] 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 storage 54. Further, the processor 51 hashes the unique ID read in ACT11 using the same hash function as ACT2 described with reference to FIG. 5. Then, the processor 51 checks whether the result of decrypting the digital certificate matches the result of hashing the unique ID.

[0048] The processor 51 obtains the cumulative ribbon usage amount corresponding to the unique ID (ACT13). Specifically, the processor 51 reads out the cumulative ribbon usage amount corresponding to the unique ID read in ACT11 from among the plurality of cumulative ribbon usage amounts stored in the storage 54. Note that, for example, when the cumulative ribbon usage amount corresponding to the unique ID is not stored in the storage 54, the processor 51 assumes that the unused ink ribbon 4 is accommodated and sets the cumulative ribbon usage amount corresponding to the unique ID to "0".

[0049] The processor 51 determines whether the digital certificate is correct (ACT14). Specifically, when the result of decrypting the digital certificate matches the result of hashing the unique ID, the processor 51 determines that the digital certificate is correct (ACT14, Yes) and determines whether the cumulative ribbon usage amount is less than the ribbon length information (ACT15). When the cumulative ribbon usage amount is less than the ribbon length information (ACT15, Yes), the processor 51 permits printing (ACT16). When printing is permitted, the processor 51 executes a printing process (ACT17). Details of the printing process will be described later.

[0050] On the other hand, if the result of decrypting the digital certificate does not match the result of hashing the unique ID, the processor 51 determines that the digital certificate is incorrect (ACT14, No) and prohibits printing (ACT18). Also, the processor 51 prohibits printing (ACT18) even when the cumulative ribbon usage amount is not less than the ribbon length information (ACT15, No). Specifically, the processor 51 prohibits the operation of the printing unit 58. When printing is prohibited, the processor 51 notifies the user of the printing prohibition (ACT19). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the user interface 59 to notify the user that printing has been prohibited.

[0051] When the processing of ACT17 or ACT19 is completed, the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 ends (end).

[0052] The details of the printing process of the image forming apparatus 5 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the printing process of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. When the printing process is started (start), the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 determines whether a printing command has been received (ACT21). Specifically, the processor 51 determines whether a printing command has been received via, for example, the communication unit 55 or the user interface 59. When a printing command is received (ACT21, Yes), the processor 51 executes printing (ACT22). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the printing unit 58 to execute printing.

[0053] When the execution of printing is completed, the processor 51 updates the cumulative ribbon usage amount (ACT23). Specifically, the processor 51 increases and overwrites the cumulative ribbon usage amount stored in the storage 54 based on the content of the printing executed in ACT22.

[0054] When the update of the cumulative ribbon usage amount is completed, the processor 51 determines whether the cumulative ribbon usage amount is smaller than the ribbon length information (ACT24). If the cumulative ribbon usage amount is smaller than the ribbon length information (ACT24, Yes), and if no print command is received in ACT21 (ACT21, No), the processor 51 determines whether a shutdown command has been received (ACT25). If no shutdown command has been received (ACT25, No), the processor 51 executes ACT21.

[0055] In ACT24, if the cumulative ribbon usage amount is not smaller than the ribbon length information (ACT24, No), 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 of the print prohibition (ACT27). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the user interface 59 to notify the user that printing has been prohibited.

[0056] In ACT25, if a shutdown command has been received (ACT25, Yes), and when the processing of ACT27 is completed, the series of processes shown in FIG. 7 ends (ends).

[0057] <Effect> As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the printing system 1, the genuine ink ribbon 4 stores the unique ID and the digital certificate based on the unique ID by the recording device 3. And in the printing system 1, the ink ribbon 4 is verified by the image forming apparatus 5 as to whether the digital certificate is based on the unique ID. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 5 can determine whether the ink ribbon 4 housed in the housing portion 56 is a genuine product.

[0058] Specifically, the digital certificate stored in the genuine ink ribbon 4 is information obtained by encrypting, with a private key, information based on a unique ID unique to each IC tag 41. Therefore, a manufacturer of a non-genuine product who does not have the private key cannot create a correct digital certificate. Also, even if the digital certificate is copied from the IC tag 41 of the genuine ink ribbon 4 and copied to the IC tag 41 of the non-genuine ink ribbon 4, since the unique ID of the IC tag 41 is different, it will not be a correct digital certificate. Thus, the image forming apparatus 5 according to the embodiment can achieve higher security compared to the case where certain information is encrypted and used as information indicating that it is a genuine product.

[0059] Also, according to the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 5 stores the cumulative ribbon usage amount of the ink ribbon 4 in the storage 54 in association with the unique ID. Then, when the cumulative ribbon usage amount is not less than the ribbon length information, that is, when the cumulative ribbon usage amount is equal to or more than the ribbon length information, the image forming apparatus 5 prohibits printing. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment can suppress the consumption of a ribbon having a length equal to or more than the ribbon length information for the ink ribbon 4 corresponding to one unique ID. For example, it is conceivable to remove the IC tag 41 from a used genuine ink ribbon 4 and transfer it to a non-genuine ink ribbon. However, in the image forming apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment, the cumulative ribbon usage amount is stored in the storage 54 in association with the unique ID. Therefore, even when the image forming apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment includes an IC tag 41 diverted from a used genuine product for a non-genuine ink ribbon, printing is permitted up to the original ribbon length of the genuine product, and printing is prohibited thereafter, thereby suppressing the use of non-genuine products.

[0060] <Second Embodiment> The printing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. The printing system 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the cumulative ribbon usage amount is stored in the storage 24 of the server 2 and not in the storage 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Below, the differences between the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0061] <Configuration> In the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment, the cumulative ribbon usage amount is stored in the storage 24 of the server 2 in association with a unique ID. Also, the cumulative ribbon usage amount is not stored in the storage 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Other configurations of the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0062] <Operation> The operation of the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment, the operation of the recording apparatus 3 is the same as that in the first embodiment. The printing system 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the server 2 and the image forming apparatus 5 exchange the cumulative ribbon usage amount.

[0063] The operation of the image forming apparatus 5 according to the second embodiment has much in common with the operation of the image forming apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, but the details of the operations of ACT13 and ACT23 are different.

[0064] In ACT13, the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 acquires the cumulative ribbon usage amount corresponding to the unique ID (ACT13). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the communication unit 55 to transmit the unique ID to the server 2 and request the cumulative ribbon usage amount. The processor 21 of the server 2 receives the unique ID from the image forming apparatus 5, reads out the cumulative ribbon usage amount associated with the unique ID from the storage 24, and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 5. The image forming apparatus 5 receives the cumulative ribbon usage amount from the server 2. The processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 holds the received cumulative ribbon usage amount in, for example, the RAM 53. Note that, for example, when the cumulative ribbon usage amount corresponding to the unique ID is not stored in the storage 24, the processor 21 of the server 2 regards that an inquiry regarding the unused ink ribbon 4 has been made, and sets the cumulative ribbon usage amount corresponding to the unique ID to "0".

[0065] In ACT23, the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 updates the cumulative ribbon usage amount (ACT23). Specifically, the processor 51 increases and overwrites the cumulative ribbon usage amount held in the RAM 53 based on the content of the printing executed in ACT22. Then, the processor 51 controls the communication unit 55 to transmit the overwritten cumulative ribbon usage amount and the unique ID to the server 2. The processor 21 of the server 2 receives the cumulative ribbon usage amount and the unique ID, and updates the cumulative ribbon usage amount associated with the unique ID stored in the storage 24 to the received cumulative ribbon usage amount.

[0066] Other operations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0067] <Effect> Thus, according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the use of non-genuine products can be suppressed. Further, according to the second embodiment, the cumulative ribbon usage amount is associated with the unique ID and stored in the storage 24 of the server 2. Thereby, when the printing system 1 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 5, even when the IC tag 41 of the ink ribbon 4 used in a certain image forming apparatus 5 is read by another image forming apparatus 5, the cumulative ribbon usage amount can be considered, and the use of non-genuine products can be suppressed.

[0068] <Third Embodiment> The printing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. The printing system 1 according to the third embodiment is different from the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the cumulative ribbon usage amount is stored in the IC tag 41 of the ink ribbon 4 and not stored in the storage 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Hereinafter, the differences between the printing system 1 according to the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0069] <Configuration> In the printing system 1 according to the third embodiment, the cumulative ribbon usage amount is stored in the IC tag 41 of the ink ribbon 4 housed in the image forming apparatus 5. Further, the cumulative ribbon usage amount is not stored in the storage 54 of the image forming apparatus 5. Other configurations of the printing system 1 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the printing system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0070] <Operation> The operation of the printing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the printing system 1 according to the third embodiment, the operation of the recording device 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The printing system 1 according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the image forming apparatus 5 exchanges the IC tag 41 of the ink ribbon 4 and the cumulative ribbon usage amount.

[0071] The operation of the image forming apparatus 5 according to the third embodiment has much in common with the operation of the image forming apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, but the details of the operations of ACT13 and ACT23 are different.

[0072] In ACT13, the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 acquires the cumulative ribbon usage amount corresponding to the unique ID (ACT13). Specifically, the processor 51 controls the reader / writer 57 to read out the cumulative ribbon usage amount from the IC tag 41. The processor 51 holds the read cumulative ribbon usage amount in, for example, the RAM 53. Note that if the cumulative ribbon usage amount is not stored in the IC tag 41, for example, the processor 51 regards it as detecting the unused ink ribbon 4 and sets the cumulative ribbon usage amount to "0".

[0073] In ACT23, the processor 51 updates the cumulative ribbon usage amount (ACT23). Specifically, the processor 51 increases and overwrites the cumulative ribbon usage amount held in the RAM 53 based on the content of the printing executed in ACT22. Then, the processor 51 controls the reader / writer 57 to store the overwritten cumulative ribbon usage amount in the IC tag 41. Note that when storing the cumulative ribbon usage amount in the IC tag 41, the processor 51 may encrypt the cumulative ribbon usage amount.

[0074] Other operations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0075] <Effect> As described above, according to the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the use of non-genuine products can be suppressed. Further, according to the third embodiment, the cumulative ribbon usage amount is stored in the IC tag 41 of the ink ribbon 4. Thereby, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are included in the printing system 1, even if the IC tag 41 of the ink ribbon 4 used in a certain image forming apparatus 5 is read by another image forming apparatus 5, the cumulative ribbon usage amount can be considered, and the use of non-genuine products can be suppressed.

[0076] <Other Modifications, etc.> In the above embodiment, the case where the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 manages the cumulative ribbon usage amount has been described as an example. However, for example, the remaining ribbon amount may be managed. Specifically, for example, when the processor 51 of the image forming apparatus 5 detects an unused ink ribbon, it sets the ribbon length information as the initial value of the remaining ribbon amount, subtracts the remaining ribbon amount each time printing is executed, and manages to prohibit printing when the remaining ribbon amount becomes 0 or less.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatus 5 performs printing based on the ink ribbon 4 including the IC tag 41 has been described as an example. The image forming apparatus 5 may perform printing based on a consumable including the IC tag 41. For example, printing may be performed based on an ink cartridge including the IC tag 41 or a toner cartridge including the IC tag 41.

[0078] Although some 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 forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0079] 1... Printing system, 2... Server, 3... Recording device, 4... Ink ribbon, 5... Image forming apparatus, 21... Processor, 22... ROM, 23... RAM, 24... Storage, 25... Communication unit, 26... System bus, 31... Processor, 32... ROM, 33... RAM, 34... Storage, 35... Communication unit, 36... Reader / writer, 37... User interface, 38... System bus, 41... IC tag, 51... Processor, 52... ROM, 53... RAM, 54... Storage, 55... Communication unit, 56... Housing unit, 57... Reader / writer, 58... Printing unit, 59... User interface, 501... System bus.

Claims

1. A reading unit that reads from an IC tag of an ink ribbon a unique ID, a digital certificate based on the unique ID or information other than the unique ID, and ribbon length information indicating the length of the ribbon; A verification unit that verifies the digital certificate based on the unique ID; An acquisition unit that acquires, as a cumulative ribbon usage amount, the cumulative amount of ink ribbon usage of the ink ribbon corresponding to the unique ID; A management unit that prohibits printing when the digital certificate is verified to be incorrect or when the cumulative ribbon usage amount becomes equal to or greater than the ribbon length information; An image forming apparatus comprising the above.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores the cumulative ribbon usage amount in association with the unique ID, and wherein the acquisition unit acquires the cumulative ribbon usage amount from the storage unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with the outside, and wherein the acquisition unit transmits information including the unique ID to an external server via the communication unit and receives the cumulative ribbon 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 ribbon 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 unique ID with third information obtained by decrypting the digital certificate.

Images