Print Cartridge Credential Verification via RPC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing devices lack a secure and efficient method to authenticate and authorize replacement components, such as print cartridges, which can lead to unauthorized access to premium services, compromising the supplier's ability to add value and ensure legitimate customers utilize authorized components.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where print cartridges are issued a unique credential by the supplier, stored in the cartridge's memory, and verified by a server system using RPC messages, ensuring only authorized devices with installed authorized cartridges access reserved network services, thereby limiting access to premium functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If replacement components are issued with unique credentials stored in memory, then security and authorization capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The credential system is nested within the replacement component's existing memory structure. The unique credential is stored as data within the component's memory module, which is already an integral part of the component design. This nesting approach adds the security function without requiring a separate external authentication device, thereby improving authorization capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server system as an intermediary that manages credential verification and authorization. Instead of embedding complex verification logic directly in the replacement component, the component simply stores and transmits its credential to the server. The server acts as the mediator that handles the complex authentication processes, thus improving security while keeping the component itself relatively simple.
2Reliability
If server verification using RPC messages is implemented, then access control to premium services is improved, but network communication requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server system performs multiple functions: it acts as a credential verification authority, an authorization manager, and a service access controller. By consolidating these functions into a single server system, the patent improves access control reliability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The RPC message exchange between the printing device and the server establishes a feedback mechanism. The server verifies credentials and returns authorization decisions to the printing device, which then controls access to premium services. This feedback loop ensures reliable access control by continuously validating credentials before granting access, while the standardized RPC protocol keeps communication straightforward.
3Reliability
If credential verification is performed before service access, then security against unauthorized use is improved, but processing time for service requests increases
Solution Approach 1:
The credential verification is performed as a preliminary action before the actual service execution. When a replacement component is first installed or when premium services are accessed, the server verifies the credential in advance and establishes authorization status. This preliminary verification ensures security while allowing subsequent service operations to proceed more efficiently without repeated verification overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing device can transmit a remote procedure call message to invoke a network device. The RPC message includes data read from a memory that is an integrated part of a replacement component.