Dynamic Consumable Chip Authentication for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional authentication methods for consumables in image forming apparatuses are insecure and unreliable, leading to potential damage and degradation of the apparatus due to the use of non-designated consumables that do not meet quality requirements.
Innovation Solution
A consumable chip with a storage unit and chip control unit that generates and sends a second code based on time information and pre-stored identity authentication information, allowing the image forming apparatus to verify the consumable's authenticity by comparing it with a first code generated using similar algorithms, enhancing security and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional authentication methods (consumable model, serial number, remaining amount information) are used, then the authentication process is simple and stable, but the security and reliability are low, allowing non-designated consumables to be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static authentication information (model, serial number) into dynamic authentication codes generated through cryptographic algorithms. The consumable chip and image forming apparatus both generate authentication codes using the same algorithm with shared secret information, creating a dynamic verification mechanism that is much harder to crack than static information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameters from simple identifiable information (model, serial number) to cryptographic parameters including secret information, random numbers, and time-based dynamic codes. This parameter transformation significantly enhances security while maintaining operational simplicity through automated code generation and verification.
2Reliability
If simple authentication information (consumable model, serial number) is used, then the authentication process is easy to operate, but the security is low and the consumable may not meet quality requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where the consumable chip automatically generates authentication codes and the image forming apparatus automatically verifies them. The cryptographic verification process occurs autonomously without requiring user intervention, maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving reliability through secure cryptographic validation of consumable authenticity.
3Reliability
If static authentication information is used, then the authentication rules are stable, but they tend to be cracked and the security is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces periodic action through time-based dynamic authentication codes that change with each authentication attempt and have limited validity periods. This periodic regeneration of authentication credentials prevents cracking by making each authentication event unique and time-sensitive, while the underlying cryptographic algorithm maintains stable and consistent verification rules.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a consumable, a consumable chip, and a communication method between the image forming apparatus and the consumable chip. The consumable chip is capable of being installed on a consumable, and the consumable is capable of being detachably installed on an image forming apparatus. The consumable chip includes a storage unit and a chip control unit. The storage unit is configured to store identity authentication information of the consumable. The chip control unit is configured to receive an authentication request sent by the image forming apparatus and obtain second time information, generate a second code by performing a calculation using a preset algorithm according to the obtained second time information and the pre-stored identity authentication information of the consumable, and send the second code to the image forming apparatus. The second code is configured to determine whether the consumable meets expectation.