Logic Circuitry with Partitioned Memory for Secure Consumable Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logic circuits for consumable components in devices like printers are designed for single-use and lack a secure mechanism for refilling or remanufacturing, leading to security and authentication challenges when reusing consumables.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable logic circuit architecture with partitioned memory and access modes allows for multiple uses, including a first use partition group and subsequent use groups, enabling secure refilling and remanufacturing by maintaining product ID and consumable level data, while preventing unauthorized tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If logic circuits are designed for single-use with fixed authentication data, then security is maintained for original manufacturer controls, but the logic circuits cannot be reused after consumable depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is divided into multiple partitions with different access modes. Some partitions are readable only by the host, while others are writable by both host and remanufacturer. This segmentation allows the logic circuit to maintain security for original authentication data while enabling controlled rewriting for remanufacturing purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic circuit transitions from a static single-use design to a dynamic multi-life cycle design. The circuit can be reconfigured through controlled memory rewriting, allowing it to adapt to multiple usage cycles while maintaining security protocols through host verification at each stage.
2Productivity
If logic circuits allow rewriting for remanufacturing, then reuse is enabled, but unauthorized tampering becomes a security risk
Solution Approach 1:
The host performs preliminary authentication and controlled rewriting operations before the logic circuit is deployed for remanufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized remanufacturing operations can modify the circuit, preventing unauthorized tampering while enabling legitimate reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The host acts as an intermediary between the original manufacturer's security protocols and the remanufacturing process. The host verifies authentication data and controls the rewriting process, serving as a trusted mediator that enables reuse while maintaining security against unauthorized access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partitioned memory with different access modes is implemented, then secure multi-life cycle use is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioned memory structure serves multiple functions: storing original authentication data, storing remanufacturer-written data, and maintaining access control information. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by enabling both security and reusability within a single integrated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A logic circuit, or method using the same, may include a memory storing (i) a plurality of partition groups, each partition group including a plurality of partitions, and (ii) a partition map defining an address and access mode for each of said partitions, defining different access modes for at least some of the partitions. The plurality of partition groups may comprise (i) a general use partition group including a first consumable level counter; (ii) a second use partition group including a second incrementally updatable consumable level counter; and (iii) a guide partition group including a use indicator to indicate which of the first and second consumable level counters to use.