Authenticity Verification via Device-Cartridge ID Association
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in verifying whether outputs, such as identification cards or documents, are printed using genuine consumables and from a specific apparatus, as prior methods struggle to accurately associate the image forming apparatus and consumables used for printing.
Innovation Solution
An authenticity determination system that registers and associates the device ID of the image forming apparatus with the cartridge ID of the toner or ink, generating a unique output source ID printed on the output, which can be verified to ensure the output's authenticity and origin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invisible image forming material is used to print authentication information, then authenticity verification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring special consumables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the image forming apparatus itself to create the authentication information by printing it on ordinary consumables. The apparatus acts as a copying device that embeds verification data (such as device ID, cartridge ID, or other identification information) directly into the printed output using standard printing processes, eliminating the need for special invisible materials or additional authentication devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus performs its own authentication verification by incorporating its identification information into the printed output. The system is self-sufficient, using its built-in identification mechanisms (device ID storage, cartridge ID reading) to generate verification data without requiring external authentication systems or special consumables.
2Reliability
If IC chips are used for authentication, then authenticity verification is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, permanent authentication components (IC chips) with inexpensive, consumable-based authentication. The verification information is printed on ordinary toner, ink, or paper that is already part of the printing process, making authentication as cheap and disposable as the consumables themselves rather than requiring costly embedded electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or form of authentication information from solid electronic components (IC chips) to printed material (visible or invisible markings on consumables). This parameter change allows the same authentication function to be achieved using the existing printing mechanism rather than requiring separate electronic authentication hardware.
3Ease of operation
If association between image forming apparatus and consumables is not stored in advance, then ease of operation is improved, but authenticity determination capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary association between the image forming apparatus and consumables by storing their identification information (device ID and cartridge ID) in advance in the apparatus memory or on the consumables themselves. This pre-established association enables automatic verification during printing without requiring manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring authenticity determination capability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An authenticity determination system (100), an image forming apparatus (30), and a printing method. In the authenticity determination system (100), the image forming apparatus (30) acquires apparatus identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus (30) from a storage unit (47), and consumables container identification information for identifying a container of predetermined consumables from the container of the consumables mounted in the image forming apparatus (30). The server (40) stores the apparatus identification information and the consumables container identification information in association with each other, receives apparatus identification information and consumables container identification information transmitted from image forming apparatus (30) in response to reception of a request for printing using the predetermined consumables, and determines whether the apparatus identification information and the consumables container identification information are stored in association with each other. When information on determination is affirmative, the image forming apparatus (30) executes printing based on output source identification information including the apparatus identification information and the consumables container identification information.