Network System CRU Operation Information Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network systems for customer replaceable units (CRUs) face security issues due to the storage of operation information, which can lead to imitation product manufacturing and increased costs from large memory requirements.

Innovation Solution

A network system where the apparatus main body obtains operation information from a server via a communications network, eliminating the need for storing operation information in the CRU, and includes features like information erasing means, wireless communication, and communication end detection to ensure security and reduce memory capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operation information is stored in the CRU's memory, then the CRU can operate independently, but the memory capacity increases and security risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCRU operation independenceVSAvoidmemory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the operation information from the CRU's local memory and stores it externally on the apparatus main body or server. The CRU only retains identification information, while operation information is fetched externally during operation, thereby reducing CRU memory capacity while maintaining operational independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary storage system (apparatus main body or server) that holds the operation information. The CRU communicates with this intermediary to obtain necessary operation data, eliminating the need for large local memory in the CRU while ensuring secure and reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If operation information is stored in the CRU's memory, then the CRU can operate independently, but security risks increase due to potential information leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCRU operation independenceVSAvoidinformation leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes sensitive operation information from the CRU's local storage and places it in an external secure location (apparatus main body or server). This extraction eliminates the security vulnerability of having sensitive data in the easily replaceable CRU, while the CRU maintains operational independence by fetching data as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent takes preliminary action by storing operation information in a secure external location before the CRU needs it, and implements control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized access or extraction of this information. The system proactively secures the information against potential leakage rather than reacting to security breaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a large memory capacity is provided in the CRU, then all operation information can be stored locally, but the cost of the CRU increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation information availabilityVSAvoidCRU cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the expensive large-capacity memory requirement from the CRU and relocates the storage function to the apparatus main body or server. The CRU only needs minimal memory for identification data, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while operation information availability is maintained through external access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the operation information storage a shared resource that serves multiple CRUs and multiple operations. Instead of each CRU having its own large memory, a single external storage system serves all CRUs, reducing overall system cost while maintaining information availability for all units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If operation information is stored in the CRU, then the CRU can function without external connection, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCRU standalone capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the operation information storage function from the CRU and places it externally, which actually simplifies the CRU's internal structure. The CRU becomes a simpler unit that only needs communication capability to fetch information, reducing device complexity while maintaining standalone operational capability through network connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10429764B2Network system comprising customer replaceable unit

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 KMIZRA LLC

AI summary

A network system including a customer replaceable unit (CRU) having an excellent security function for operation information which system can realize improvement of the use efficiency of operation information for making the CRU operate, and reduction in costs, is provided. An apparatus main body of a multifunction printer, a server, a personal computer, etc. are connected to a network of a network system, and a CRU is attached to the apparatus main body so as to be detachable. Operation information necessary for making the CRU operate is stored in the server. The apparatus main body obtains operation information of the CRU from the server via the network and stores the obtained operation information into a buffer memory, and causes the CRU to operate based on the operation information. The operation information stored in the buffer memory is erased when communication between the apparatus main body and the CRU ends.