Printing device including a contactless memory tag for detecting unauthorized use thereof

Abstract

To provide a system for detecting unauthorized use of a printing device.SOLUTION: A printing device, comprising: a frame; an image forming module; a non-volatile memory (NVM); a controller operably disposed to read the NVM incident to controlling the printing device; and a first tag connected to the frame, wherein the first tag holds information regarding a configuration of the printing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to the field of fraud detection systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for detecting fraudulent use of printing devices using near field communication tags / chips. [Background technology]

[0002] A multifunction device (MFD) (or multifunction product / printer / peripheral (MFP), multifunction, all-in-one (AIO)) is an office machine that combines the functionality of multiple devices into one, either to provide a smaller footprint in a home or small business setting, or to provide centralized document management / distribution / production in a larger office setting. A typical MFD may function as a combination of some or all of the following devices: email, fax, photocopier, printer, and scanner.

[0003] In the business equipment industry, such as printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, and MFDs, different customers have different requirements for their business relationships with equipment manufacturers or other service providers. For various reasons, some customers may want to own their equipment and be fully responsible for maintaining and servicing it. On the other hand, some customers may prefer a "hands-off" approach, leasing the equipment and having the manufacturer or service provider assume full responsibility for maintaining it. Other business relationships between the "ownership" and "lease" extremes can be imagined, where the customer owns the equipment but contracts with the manufacturer or service provider to maintain it under a renewable contract.

[0004] Also in the office equipment industry, different customers have different requirements for their equipment. These requirements may include the output speed of a device such as an MFD. Some customers require a very fast MFD capable of printing large volumes in a short amount of time, while some customers may not need such a fast machine. A common business model is to manufacture a single basic "platform" in hardware and then use software control on the hardware to offer a set of distinctly different products. For example, with reference to digital dry electrophotographic "laser printers," a basic hardware platform capable of outputting 40 pages per minute (ppm) can be slowed down to 30 ppm or even 20 ppm by modifying the control software operating the same hardware. Typical techniques for slowing down the basic hardware platform include simply running various motors at a slower speed or intentionally skipping one or more operating cycles (not feeding print sheets and withholding image data) out of a predetermined number of hardware cycles. Advantages of this business model include the desirability of selling machines with different speed ratings at different prices, and the ability to speed up a slowed down machine if an existing customer decides they want a more highly-constrained machine. Also, in a remanufacturing environment, it is useful to be able to minimize the number of hardware configurations that must be handled.

[0005] A technical challenge in providing office equipment of a single basic hardware platform at a variety of speeds is to inhibit or prevent end users (e.g., customers or distributors / resellers) from altering the operating or output speed of a particular machine in an unauthorized or improper manner. Specifically, for example, it is possible to deceive the manufacturer by purchasing a slower machine (at a lower cost) and then inserting non-volatile memory (NVM) back into it to change the speed of the device. This fraudulent activity is harmful to the manufacturer and often violates the contract between the customer and the manufacturer, reseller, or account manager.

[0006] Therefore, there is a long felt need for a system and method for identifying such fraudulent activity by using tags that communicate the installed configuration of a device and compare the installed configuration with the current configuration of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to aspects described herein, a printing device is provided that includes a frame, an image forming module, a non-volatile memory (NVM), a control unit associated with the printing device and operable to read the NVM when controlling the printing device, and a first tag connected to the frame, the first tag holding information regarding the configuration of the printing device.

[0008] According to aspects described herein, a printing device is provided that includes a frame, an image forming module, a non-volatile memory (NVM), a control unit operably arranged to read the NVM to control the printing device, and a contactless memory tag connected to the frame.

[0009] According to aspects described herein, there is provided a printing device comprising a frame, an image forming module, a non-volatile memory (NVM), a control unit operatively arranged to read the NVM to control the printing device, and a near field communication (NFC) tag connected to the frame, wherein the NFC tag is arranged in a position where it is not visible.

[0010] According to aspects presented herein, systems and methods are provided that include a near field communication (NFC) tag that stores the installed configuration of an MFD. Using an application installed on a suitable computing device (e.g., a cellular phone), the installed configuration state of the MFD is obtained and compared to the current configuration of the MFD. If the current configuration is not the same as the installed configuration, a violation or fraud is signaled.

[0011] In some embodiments, a customer's NFC tag is configured once and then printed or programmed into the MFD. For most products, the hardware is generally the same, and unique software settings are applied to determine the speed and configuration of that model. An NFC tag is attached to the machine, either on the manufacturing line by a factory worker or by a reseller who installs the machine at the customer's site, and the NFC tag contains the machine's configuration details. This NFC tag is placed in an obscure location on the MFD, which will not be visible or apparent to the customer. As such, the NFC tag can be placed in a variety of different locations.

[0012] If the MFD already has an NFC tag attached and the MFD's speed is to receive an authorized speed upgrade, the reseller or manufacturer may remove the previous NFC tag before placing the new NFC tag. Because NFC tags can be hidden, this process of updating the NFC tag may be disclosed to the reseller so that the reseller is aware to verify any existing NFC tags before placing the new NFC tag. However, if this process is not performed, the system may indicate that there is a conflict (i.e., two or more NFC tags are present). NFC tags that do not conform to the current configuration may then be removed.

[0013] A maintenance engineer or system administrator / key operator (SA / KO) could verify the NFC tag via an application. In some embodiments, the NFC tag reports a unique MFD identification number, basic machine configuration details, or both.

[0014] If the NFC tag reports a unique MFD identification number (e.g., a serial number), the application uses the MFD identification number to check a server database and obtain details of the installed configuration of the MFD listed therein. The application then compares the MFD's current configuration with the MFD's installed configuration. If the application detects a difference between the MFD's installed configuration and the MFD's current configuration, the application indicates a violation, and that information can be sent automatically or manually by the user to the manufacturer / reseller.

[0015] In some embodiments, a maintenance engineer or SA / KO can check multiple devices in a single room (i.e., a print room) and use the application to read the NFC tag of each device. In such a case, the multiple devices are displayed in the application showing respective information about each device (e.g., serial number, unique device identification number, installed configuration, etc.). The maintenance engineer or SA / KO may select one or more of the devices shown in the application to review the installed configuration and then compare the selected device with the current configuration. The current configuration can be obtained by reviewing the machine details on the device using a user interface or display screen. If there is a mismatch between the installed configuration and the current configuration, the maintenance engineer or SA / KO (i.e., the user) can manually input that a mismatch exists, or the application can do so automatically.

[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a simple, inexpensive, and robust system and method for ensuring or encouraging a device to maintain its original installed configuration, where the user checks the device for any changes in their configuration, for example, determining whether the output speed of the device has changed (e.g., accelerated).

[0017] In some embodiments, the present disclosure may be used by manufacturers and / or resellers in conjunction with other fraud protection measures. The present disclosure is intended to be a simple implementation that provides an additional level of protection against fraud.

[0018] In some embodiments, NFC tags are sold as consumables that customers can use to track that their devices have not been tampered with.

[0019] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon review of the following detailed description of the disclosure when taken in light of the drawings and the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing device showing relevant parts thereof, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an environment in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating operational steps for detecting unauthorized use of a printing device, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of internal and external components of a computing system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] At the outset, it should be understood that like drawing numbers on different drawings identify identical or functionally similar structural elements. It should be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0022] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, and modifications described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It is understood that any methods, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the exemplary embodiments. The assemblies of the present disclosure can be hydraulically, electronically, pneumatically, and / or spring-driven.

[0024] It is understood that the term "substantially" is synonymous with terms such as "approximately," "very close," "about," "approximately," "surrounding," "close to," "proximately," "essentially," "neighborhood," and the like, and that such terms may be used interchangeably as they appear in the specification and claims. It is understood that the term "approximately" is synonymous with terms such as "near," "close," "adjacent," "vicinity," "immediately," and "adjacent," and that such terms may be used interchangeably as they appear in the specification and claims. The term "approximately" is intended to mean a value within 10 percent of a specified value.

[0025] The use of "or" in this application should be understood to refer to a "non-exclusive" arrangement unless otherwise stated. For example, when saying "item x is A or B," it is understood that this could mean one of the following: (1) item x is either A or B, and (2) item x is both A and B. Alternatively explained, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive or" arrangement. For example, an "exclusive or" arrangement for the statement "item x is A or B" requires that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, "and / or" is intended to refer to a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the listed elements or conditions may be included or may occur. For example, a device including a first element, a second element, and / or a third element is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device including the first element, a device including the second element, a device including the third element, a device including the first element and the second element, a device including the first element and the third element, a device including the first element, the second element, and the third element, or a device including the second element and the third element.

[0026] Furthermore, as used herein, the phrases "comprises at least one of" and "comprising at least one of," in connection with a system or element, are intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device including at least one of a first element, a second element, and a third element is intended to be interpreted as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device including the first element, a device including the second element, a device including the third element, a device including the first element and the second element, a device including the first element and the third element, a device including the first element, the second element, and the third element, or a device including the second element and the third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase "used in at least one of" is used herein. Furthermore, as used herein, "and / or" is intended to refer to a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the listed elements or conditions may be included or occur. For example, a device including a first element, a second element, and / or a third element is intended to be interpreted as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device including the first element, a device including the second element, a device including the third element, a device including the first element and the second element, a device including the first element and the third element, a device including the first element, the second element, and the third element, or a device including the second element and the third element.

[0027] As used herein, the terms MFD, "printer," "printer system," "printer device," and "printing device" encompass any device that performs a print output function for any purpose, such as a digital copier, bookbinding machine, facsimile machine, multifunction peripheral, etc. Additionally, as used herein, "sheet," "web," "substrate," and "printable substrate" refer to, for example, paper, transparency paper, parchment, film, cloth, plastic, photofinishing paper, or other coated or uncoated substrate medium in web form upon which information or markings may be visualized and / or reproduced.

[0028] As used herein, "configuration" encompasses the configuration of software on a printing device. For example, configuration may refer to the output speed (e.g., 40 ppm) of a printing device. This disclosure refers to an "installed configuration," which is used to refer to the configuration of software on a printing device at the time of installation. This disclosure further refers to a "current configuration," which is used to refer to the configuration of software on a printing device during operation. Other examples of configuration information are mentioned or suggested in network printing environments, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,167 (Roberts et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 8,953,190 (Poysa et al.), which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. It should be understood that configuration may also refer to a printing device model number, a printing device serial number, a printing device toner or ink service plan (e.g., whether toner / ink is metered or sold), security options for a purchased printing device (e.g., MCAFEE® security software), an extensible interface platform (EIP) application (e.g., XEROX® EIP application), or any other feature or setting of a printing device that may be tampered with.

[0029] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing system or printing device 10, showing relevant portions thereof, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Printing device 10 may be any type of digital printing apparatus suitable for use with the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, printing device 10 is an MFD or other printing device (e.g., printer, copier, scanner, facsimile, etc.) that utilizes both hardware components and software to produce print output. In some embodiments, as shown, printing device 10 includes a document feeder 12, an operation (and display) panel or user interface 14, an image reading device 16, an image forming device 18, a duplexer 20, an output device 22, one or more paper cassettes 24A-C, an application 26, a controller 30, a non-volatile memory (NVM) 32, and a tag 40. Printing device 10 may be connected to a network via a network connection 28.

[0030] In some embodiments, printing device 10 may include one or more replaceable units. For example, printing device 10 may include ink or toner cartridges, electrical charging units, transport units, and laser imaging devices, which may include fusing units, rollers or belts, etc. Such replaceable units often include customer replaceable unit motor (CRUM) units or tags that are connected to and associated with replaceable units within printing device 10. Such CRUM units or tags are not connected to the frame of printing device 10. The frame of printing device 10, generally referred to as frame 11, is defined herein as a structure of printing device 10 that is not a replaceable unit. In some embodiments, tag 40 is connected to and associated with frame 11 of printing device 10 such that when a replaceable unit of printing device 10 is replaced, tag 40 remains unaffected.

[0031] For printing, printing device 10 communicates with controller 30 to implement a print path schedule based on one or more print orders. Printing device 10 may enable single-sided and / or double-sided output, where a stream of images (or digital video signals representing images) to be printed causes the desired images to be formed on selected sides of a print sheet.

[0032] After the desired conditions for scanning or copying are entered on user interface 14 with the aid of a suitable display, document feeder 12 transports the document to a predetermined reading position on image reading device 16 and, after the document is read, drives it away from the reading position. Image reading device 16 illuminates the document delivered to its reading position. The resulting reflection from the document is converted by a solid-state imaging device (e.g., a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor) into a corresponding electrical or image signal. An image-forming device, marker, or printhead 18 forms the image represented by the image signal on plain or thermal paper by electrophotographic (i.e., dry electrophotographic), thermal, thermal transfer, inkjet, or similar conventional systems.

[0033] When paper is fed from one of paper cassettes 24A-C to image forming device 18, image forming device 18 forms an image on one side of the paper. Duplexing unit 20 is operatively arranged to wrap the image-bearing paper around one side and feed it again to image forming device 18, so that an image is formed on the other side of the paper to complete a duplex copy. Duplexing unit 20 is typically designed to immediately re-feed paper or to sequentially re-feed multiple sheets of paper stacked on top of each other, from bottom to top. The paper or duplex copies delivered from image forming device 18 are sequentially sorted by output device 22 in page order or page sequence.

[0034] Applications generally designated 26 share resources built into printing device 10, including document feeder 12, user interface 14, image reading device 16, image forming device 18, duplex unit 20, output device 22, paper cassettes 24A-C, control unit 30, and NVM 32. The applications may include a copier application, a printer application, a facsimile (Fax) application, a scanner application, and other applications.

[0035] To instruct controller 30 to operate image forming device 18 at one or another possible speed, such as either 40 ppm or 30 ppm, NVM 32 may be selectively loaded with passwords that, when read by controller 30, instruct controller 30 to operate image forming device 18 at a particular speed. There may be one password loaded into NVM 32 to operate image forming device 18 at 30 ppm, and another password that, when read by controller 30, instructs controller 30 to operate image forming device 18 at 40 ppm. Thus, by reprogramming the software stored on NVM 32 of printing device 10, the output speed of printing device 10 can be increased or decreased (i.e., by decreasing the number of skip pitches on the print belt or loop, by increasing the speed of the motors operating the loops and feeder tray, etc.). A system for enabling a printing device to operate at multiple selectable speeds using the same hardware is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,563,600 (Young), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0036] Tag 40 is a contactless memory device disposed on printing device 10. In some embodiments, tag 40 is hidden from view so as not to be apparent to the user unless previously instructed to do so by the user. Tag 40 may contain, but is not limited to, the original installed configuration (e.g., output speed) of printing device 10 (e.g., 30 ppm), a unique number (e.g., serial number) associated with printing device 10, whether printing device 10 is metered (i.e., whether the customer pays per page and reports the total number of pages printed with manufacturer / reseller supplied toner, or whether the customer purchases toner as needed), customer information (i.e., customer asset tag, etc.), and other information. In some embodiments, tag 40 is an NFC tag (e.g., a THIN FILM™ NFC OPENSENSE™ tag) operably arranged to communicate with a computing device (e.g., an NFC tag reader). It should be understood that NFC tags also include NFC chips within the scope of this disclosure. It should also be understood that while this disclosure only illustrates the use of one tag, more than one tag may be used, for example, printing device 10 may include one or more NFC tags 40. In some embodiments, tag 40 is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag operably arranged to communicate with a computing device. In some embodiments, tag 40 includes information that can be read via an optical reader, for example, ultraviolet ink that is not visible to the human eye. It should be understood that tag 40 may include any suitable stored memory device capable of communicating information to a device via a wired or wireless connection. Some examples of contactless memory tags are NFC tags, RFID tags, tags that are read via an optical reader, etc.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an environment 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not suggest any limitations regarding the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environment can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, as described by the claims. In some embodiments, fraud detection environment 100 includes a computing device 300 and a database 120, all connected to a network 110. In some embodiments, fraud detection environment 100 further includes a printing device 10 that communicates with computing device 300 and / or fraud detection program 140 via a tag reader 150, as described in more detail below.

[0038] Network 110 may be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, or a combination of the two, and may include wired, wireless, or fiber optic connections.

[0039] Computing device 300 may be a hardware device capable of determining whether tampering exists with printing device 10 by comparing a current configuration with an installed configuration using fraud detection program 140. Computing device 300 may communicate with network 110, database 120, and printing device 10 (i.e., tag 40 and NVM 32). In some embodiments, computing device 300 is a smartphone. In some embodiments, computing device 300 may include a computer. In some embodiments, computing device 300 may include internal and external hardware components, as shown and described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4. In some embodiments, fraud detection program 140 is implemented on a web server, which may be an administrative server, a web server, or any other electronic device or computing system capable of receiving and transmitting data. A web server may represent a computing system utilizing clustered computers and components, which, when accessed over a network, can function as a single pool of seamless resources. The web server may include internal and external hardware components, as shown and described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4.

[0040] The fraud detection program 140 receives a request from a user to determine whether the printing device has been tampered with. The fraud detection program 140 can receive a request from a user to inspect the printing device. In response to the request, the fraud detection program 140 reads the tag 40 of the printing device 10 via the tag reader 150 on the computing device 300 and obtains the necessary information therefrom. For example, the tag reader 150 may read the tag 40, and the fraud detection program 140 may receive the installed configuration output rate. In another example, the tag reader 150 may read the tag 40, and the fraud detection program 140 may receive the unique identification number of the printing device 10 (e.g., a serial number). In such an embodiment, the fraud detection program 140 communicates with the database 120 to obtain the installed configuration output rate corresponding to the unique identification number (i.e., upon installation of software on a given printing device, the installed configuration is logged in the database 120). The fraud detection program 140 then compares the current configuration with the installed configuration. If the current configuration is not the same as the installed configuration (i.e., the output rate of printing device 10 is increased), fraud detection program 140 indicates that fraud exists. In some embodiments, fraud detection program 140 can detect the current configuration of printing device 10. In some embodiments, fraud detection program 140 receives the current configuration of printing device 10 from manual input from a user. In some embodiments, fraud detection program 140 displays the installed configuration, and the user then compares the installed configuration to the current configuration. In some embodiments, if fraud exists, fraud detection program 140 can write to NVM 32 to reprogram the software to make the current configuration match that of the installed configuration (i.e., slow down the output rate). In some embodiments, if fraud exists, fraud detection program 140 initiates code to shut down printing device 10.In some embodiments, if fraud is present, fraud detection program 140 alerts the manufacturer, reseller, or account team managing the device at a remote location. While shown installed on computing device 300, it should be understood that fraud detection program 140 and tag reader 150 may also be installed within printing device 100. In such an embodiment, fraud detection program 140 may be arranged to read tag 40 and, at predetermined times (e.g., once a day, once a week, each time the printing device is turned on, etc.), detect the current configuration of printing device 10, compare such configuration, and send a notification to a remote location indicating the status of printing device 10 (i.e., printing device 10 operating at a speed different from its intended operating speed).

[0041] Database 120 is a central storage of information regarding installed configurations of printing devices. For example, database 120 may include a list of printing devices identified by each corresponding printing device's unique identification number (e.g., serial number) and corresponding installed configuration (output speed). Database 120 may be implemented using any non-volatile storage medium known in the art. For example, an authentication database may be implemented using a tape library, an optical library, one or more independent hard disk drives, or multiple hard disk drives in a redundant array of independent disks (RAID). In some embodiments, database 120 receives requests for installed configurations of printing devices from fraud detection program 140. In some embodiments, database 120 resides on a server.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart 200 illustrating operational steps for detecting unauthorized use of a printing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] In step 202, fraud detection program 140 receives a request to read tag 40. In some embodiments, the request may come from a user (e.g., SA / KO, reseller, manufacturer, customer, etc.). For example, a user may start fraud detection program 140 on computing device 300 and activate tag reader 150 via a user interface to read tag 40. In some embodiments, fraud detection program 140 receives the request via automatic pre-programmed rules. For example, as described above, in embodiments in which fraud detection program 140 and tag reader 150 are disposed on printing device 10, fraud detection program 140 may be activated when printing device 10 is turned on. Alternatively, fraud detection program 140 may be activated once daily or once weekly.

[0044] In step 204, fraud detection program 140 receives information from tag 40. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, tag 40 is an NFC tag operably arranged to transmit data to NFC tag reader 150. For example, the information on tag 40 may include, among other things, details of the installed configuration of printing device 10 (e.g., output speed), or a unique identification number of printing device 10 (e.g., serial number). As is well known in the art of NFC devices, tag reader 150 can communicate with or read tag 40 when held in close proximity thereto (e.g., within 4 cm).

[0045] In step 206, fraud detection program 140 determines whether the information received from tag 40 includes details of the installed configuration of printing device 10. As previously mentioned, the details of the installed configuration may include, among other things, details of the output speed of printing device 10 and / or details of the software originally installed on printing device 10 that controls the output speed of printing device 10 (e.g., 20 ppm, 30 ppm, 40 ppm, etc.).

[0046] If, in step 206, fraud detection program 140 determines that the information received from tag 40 does not include details of the installed configuration of printing device 10, then, in step 208, fraud detection program 140 determines whether the information received from tag 40 includes a unique identification number of printing device 10. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the unique identification number of printing device 10 (e.g., serial number of printing device 10) is logged in database 120 along with its corresponding installed configuration details.

[0047] If, in step 208, the fraud detection program 140 determines that the information does not include the printing device 10 with the unique identification number, then, in step 216, the fraud detection program 140 indicates that a violation exists. A violation in this situation may exist because the tag 40 is damaged. For example, the tag 40 may have been tampered with or unintentionally damaged. A violation in this situation may also exist if the tag is not disposed on the printing device 10, for example, if the tag 40 was never disposed on the printing device 10 in the first place. Regardless of the reason, a violation in this situation alerts the user, reseller, manufacturer, and / or customer that there is a problem that needs to be resolved.

[0048] If, in step 208, fraud detection program 140 determines that the information includes a unique identification number for printing device 10, then, in step 210, fraud detection program 140 communicates with database 120 to receive details of the installed configuration of printing device 10. In some embodiments, fraud detection program 140 communicates with database 120 over network 110, as described above. In some embodiments, database 120 is disposed on a server, and fraud detection program 140 communicates with the server. In step 210, fraud detection program 140 receives details of the installed configuration of printing device 10 that are associated with the unique identification number of printing device 10.

[0049] If, in step 206, fraud detection program 140 determines that the information includes details of the installed configuration of printing device 10, then, in step 212, fraud detection program 140 compares the details of the installed configuration of printing device 10 with details of the current configuration of printing device 10. As shown in Figure 3, once the details of the installed configuration of printing device 10 are received by fraud detection program 140, the method continues to step 212, which may occur after step 206 or after step 210.

[0050] After receiving the installed configuration details of printing device 10 in step 212, fraud detection program 140 compares the installed configuration details of printing device 10 with the current configuration details of printing device 10. As previously described, fraud detection program 140 may automatically obtain the current configuration details of printing device 10, a user may manually enter the current configuration details of printing device 10 into fraud detection program 140 (e.g., via a user interface of 300), or a user may manually compare the current configuration details of printing device 10 with the installed configuration details of printing device 10 (i.e., as determined by fraud detection program 140 and displayed on a user interface of computing device 300). Thus, in some embodiments, step 212 further includes a step of fraud detection program 140 receiving the current configuration details of printing device 10.

[0051] In step 214, fraud detection program 140 determines whether the installed configuration details of printing device 10 are the same as the current configuration details of printing device 10. For example, fraud detection program 140 may compare the output speed of printing device 10 to the current output speed of printing device 10, as intended when the software was originally installed.

[0052] If, at step 214, the fraud detection program 140 determines that the current configuration details are not the same as the installed configuration details, then, at step 216, the fraud detection program 140 indicates that a violation exists. A violation in this situation may exist because the software of the printing device 10 has been modified or hacked, for example, by reprogramming the NVM 32 to change the output speed of the printing device 10 (e.g., the NVM 32 has been reprogrammed to change the output speed of the printing device 10 from 20 ppm to 60 ppm, or from 40 ppm to 30 ppm). As previously discussed, tampering with the output speed of the printing device 10 may be a violation of the account agreement. In some embodiments, the fraud detection program 140 indicates the violation to a user via a user interface on the computing device 300. In some embodiments, the fraud detection program 140 transmits a signal indicating the violation to a remote location. In some embodiments, the user determines that a violation exists and manually inputs the existence of the violation into the fraud detection program 140 (e.g., via a user interface on the computing device 300).

[0053] In some embodiments, if fraud detection program 140 determines in step 216 that a violation exists, it may reprogram NVM 32 so that the current configured output speed of printing device 10 is the same as the original, installed configured output speed of printing device 10. For example, if fraud detection device 140 determines in step 216 that the output speed of printing device 10 is 40 ppm and should be 30 ppm, fraud detection device 140 resets the programming of printing device 10 so that the output speed is 30 ppm. Reprogramming the software of printing device 10 may include any suitable method known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, fraud detection program 140 is operatively arranged to automatically reprogram the software of printing device 10 through a wired or wireless connection between computing device 300 and printing device 10. In some embodiments, printing device 10 is manually reprogrammed by a user.

[0054] Additionally, in some embodiments, if fraud detection program 140 determines that a violation exists in step 216, it may disable (i.e., deactivate, stop, etc.) printing device 10 and suspend further operation until the violation is addressed. For example, fraud detection program 140 or a user may disable printing device 10 until it is reprogrammed with the appropriate output speed.

[0055] 4 is a block diagram of internal and external components of a computing system 300, representing the computing device of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that FIG. 4 provides only an illustration of one implementation and does not suggest any limitations with respect to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. In general, the components shown in FIG. 4 represent any electronic device capable of executing machine-readable program instructions. Examples of computer systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be represented by the components shown in FIG. 4 include personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, laptop computer systems, tablet computer systems, cellular phones (i.e., smartphones), multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above-mentioned systems or devices.

[0056] Computing device 300 includes a communications fabric 302 that provides communications between one or more processing units 304, memory 306, persistent storage 308, communications units 310, and one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 312. Communications fabric 302 may be implemented with any architecture designed to pass data and / or control information between processors (such as microprocessors, communications, and network processors), system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware components in the system. For example, communications fabric 302 may be implemented with one or more buses.

[0057] Memory 306 and persistent storage 308 are computer-readable storage media. In this embodiment, memory 306 includes random access memory (RAM) 316 and cache memory 318. Generally, memory 306 may include any suitable volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. Software may be stored in persistent storage 308 for execution and / or access by one or more of the respective processors 304 via one or more memories of memory 306.

[0058] Persistent storage 308 may include, for example, multiple magnetic hard disk drives. Alternatively, or in addition to magnetic hard disk drives, persistent storage 308 may include one or more solid-state hard disks, semiconductor storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer-readable storage medium capable of storing program instructions or digital information.

[0059] The media used by persistent storage 308 may also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 308. Other examples include optical disks, thumb drives, and smart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto another computer-readable storage medium that is part of persistent storage 308.

[0060] The communications unit 310 provides for communication with other computer systems or devices over a network. In this exemplary embodiment, the communications unit 310 includes a network adapter or interface, such as a TCP / IP adapter card, a wireless Wi-Fi interface card, a 3G or 4G wireless interface card, or other wired or wireless communication link. The network may include, for example, copper wire, optical fiber, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. Software and data used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure may be downloaded to the computing device 300 through the communications unit 310 (i.e., via the Internet, a local area network, or other wide area network). From the communications unit 310, the software and data may be loaded into persistent storage 308.

[0061] One or more I / O interfaces 312 allow for the input and output of data by other devices that may be connected to computing device 300. For example, I / O interface 312 may provide connection to one or more external devices 320, such as a keyboard, a computer mouse, a touchscreen, a virtual keyboard, a touchpad, a pointing device, or other human interface devices. External devices 320 may also include portable computer-readable storage media, such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. I / O interface 312 also connects to a display 322.

[0062] Display 322 provides a mechanism for displaying data to a user and may be, for example, a computer monitor. Display 322 may also be an integrated display and function as a touch screen, such as the built-in display of a tablet computer.

[0063] The present disclosure may be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product, which may include a computer-readable storage medium (or media) having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0064] A computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible device capable of holding and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD), memory stick, floppy disk, mechanically coded devices such as punch cards or ridge structures in grooves having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as being a transitory signal itself, such as an electric wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., an optical pulse passing through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.

[0065] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to each computing / processing device from a computer-readable storage medium or from an external computer or external storage device over a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network may include copper transmission cables, optical fiber transmissions, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions into the respective computing / processing device for storage in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0066] The computer-readable program instructions for carrying out the operations of the present disclosure may be either assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) can execute computer-readable program instructions utilizing the state information of the computer-readable program instructions to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0067] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0068] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to manufacture a machine, such that the instructions, executed by the processor of the general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the function / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block(s). These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other device to function in a particular manner, and the computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored therein constitutes an article of manufacture containing instructions that implement aspects of the function / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block(s).

[0069] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to perform a series of operational steps to create a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the function(s) / act(s) specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block(s).

[0070] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, including one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may be performed out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be performed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be performed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or acts, or may perform a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0071] It will be appreciated that various aspects of the above disclosure and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unprecedented alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art thereafter, which are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. Reference number 10 Printing Devices 11 frames 12 Document feeder 14 User Interface 16 Image reading device 18 Image forming devices 20 Duplex unit 22 Output Devices 24A paper cassette 24B paper cassette 24C paper cassette 26 Applications 28 Network Connections 30 Control Unit 32 Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) 40 tags (NFC tags) 100 Fraud Detection Environment 110 Network 120 databases 140 Fraud Detection Program 150 tag readers 200 Flowchart 202 steps 204 steps 206 steps 208 steps 210 steps 212 steps 214 steps 216 steps 300 computing devices 302 Communication Fabric 304 Processing Unit 306 memory 308 Persistent Storage 310 Communication Unit 312 Input / Output (I / O) Interface 316 Random Access Memory (RAM) 318 Cache Memory 320 external device(s) 322 Display

Claims

1. 1. A printing device comprising: The frame and an image forming module; a non-volatile memory (NVM); a controller associated with controlling a printing device, the controller being operatively arranged to read the NVM; a first tag connected to the frame, the first tag carrying information about a configuration of the printing device.

2. The printing device of claim 1 , wherein the first tag is a near field communication (NFC) tag.

3. a replaceable unit removably disposed within the frame; The printing device of claim 1 , further comprising: a second tag connected to the replaceable unit.

4. The printing device of claim 3 , wherein the first tag is not connected to or associated with the replaceable unit.

5. The printing device of claim 1 , wherein the first tag is hidden from normal view of the printing device.

6. The printing device of claim 1 , wherein the information includes an original installed configuration of the printing device.

7. The printing device of claim 6 , wherein the information includes an output speed of the printing device.

8. The printing device of claim 1 , wherein the information includes a unique number associated with the printing device.

9. The printing device of claim 1 , wherein the information includes metered settings for the printing device.

10. The printing device of claim 1 , wherein the printing device comprises one or more additional tags connected to the frame, each of the one or more additional tags carrying information relating to the configuration of the printing device.

11. The printing device of claim 1 , wherein the tag comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.

12. The printing device of claim 1 , wherein the information is read via an optical reader.

13. The printing device of claim 1 , wherein the information is applied to the tag using invisible ink.

14. 1. A printing device comprising: The frame and an image forming module; a non-volatile memory (NVM); a controller associated with controlling a printing device, the controller being operatively arranged to read the NVM; a contactless memory tag connected to the frame.

15. The printing device of claim 14 , wherein the contactless memory tag is a near field communication (NFC) tag.

16. The printing device of claim 14 , further comprising a replaceable unit removably disposed within the frame, the contactless memory tag not being connected to or associated with the replaceable unit.

17. The printing device of claim 14 , wherein the contactless memory tag contains information regarding the configuration of the printing device.

18. The printing device of claim 17 , wherein the information includes an original installed output speed of the printing device.

19. The printing device of claim 17 , wherein the information includes a unique number associated with the printing device.

20. 1. A printing device comprising: The frame and an image forming module; a non-volatile memory (NVM); a controller operatively arranged to control the NVMc when associated with controlling a printing device; a near field communication (NFC) tag connected to the frame, the NFC tag being disposed in a non-visible position.

Images