Authentication Apparatus Consumable Exchange Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing authentication systems for consumables in image forming apparatuses face challenges in detecting exchange and authentication, as they require separate memory for unique identification and authentication information, leading to increased memory capacity needs and inability to determine if a consumable has been used in a different apparatus.

Innovation Solution

The authentication method involves a first and second authentication device requesting and holding authentication information from an authentication target device, allowing for exchange detection by comparing last-used keys, thereby determining if the consumable has been used by a different apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate unique identification information and authentication information are stored in memory for exchange detection and authentication functions, then both functions can be implemented, but memory capacity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication and exchange detection functionalityVSAvoidmemory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication target key is made to serve dual purposes: it functions as both authentication information for securing IC chip operations and as identification information for detecting consumable exchange. The authentication apparatus stores this key in its memory and compares it with the unique identification information read from the consumable to determine whether exchange has occurred, thereby eliminating the need for separate storage of unique identification information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the previously separate unique identification information and authentication target key into a single authentication target key. This consolidation allows the authentication apparatus to perform both authentication and exchange detection functions using one piece of information stored in memory, reducing the overall memory capacity required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If the authentication target key is used as identification information for exchange detection, then memory capacity is reduced, but the authentication apparatus cannot determine if the consumable has been used in a different apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory capacityVSAvoidexchange detection capability across different apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication apparatus reads the authentication target key from the consumable, compares it with the stored key, and uses this comparison feedback to determine whether the consumable has been exchanged or used in a different apparatus. This feedback mechanism enables cross-apparatus exchange detection while using the same authentication target key.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication apparatus acts as an intermediary that facilitates exchange detection by comparing the authentication target key read from the consumable with its own stored key. This intermediary comparison process enables the determination of consumable exchange status without requiring separate identification information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If reading control data from the consumable is omitted when only removed and attached without exchange, then processing time is reduced, but the system cannot detect if the consumable has been exchanged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol data reading timeVSAvoidconsumable exchange detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication apparatus preliminarily performs exchange detection by comparing the authentication target key read from the consumable with the stored key before proceeding to control data reading. This preliminary action enables the system to identify exchanged consumables and subsequently read control data only when necessary, reducing unnecessary processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the authentication target key comparison to determine whether control data reading is necessary. When the keys match (indicating no exchange), control data reading is omitted; when they differ (indicating exchange), control data reading is performed. This feedback-driven approach optimizes processing time while ensuring accurate exchange detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11494481B2Authentication apparatus for authenticating authentication target device

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 CANON KK

AI summary

Each of the authentication apparatus and the authentication target device holds the last piece of authentication information subjected to an authentication process. When the authentication target device is reconnected to the authentication apparatus, the authentication apparatus collates the authentication information held in the authentication apparatus with the authentication information read out of the authentication target device. The authentication apparatus determines, based on the collation result, whether or not the authentication target device has been authenticated by a different authentication apparatus.