Print Cartridge Logic Circuitry for I2C Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current printing systems face challenges in efficiently communicating and validating the identity, status, and functionality of replaceable print apparatus components, particularly in ensuring the quality and authenticity of print materials, due to limitations in existing communication protocols and validation processes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a logic circuitry package with dual addresses and a communication interface that utilizes the I2C protocol, allowing for secure and efficient communication between print apparatus and replaceable components, including authentication and validation processes to ensure the integrity and functionality of the components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing communication protocols are used for replaceable print apparatus components, then communication between components is established, but security and authenticity validation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality and authenticity of print materialsVSAvoidcommunication and validation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The logic circuitry is divided into multiple functional blocks including authentication block, validation block, and communication block. Each block performs a specific function in the validation process, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive security through modular design rather than a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs authentication and validation of replaceable components before they are fully integrated into the printing system. The logic circuitry validates the authenticity of print materials in advance through cryptographic verification, preventing unauthorized components from compromising system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If comprehensive validation processes are implemented for replaceable components, then authenticity and quality are ensured, but communication efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthenticity of print componentsVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication and validation are performed in advance during the component integration process, allowing the main printing operations to proceed without repeated validation overhead. The logic circuitry establishes trust credentials beforehand, enabling efficient subsequent communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The logic circuitry in replaceable components autonomously performs self-validation and authentication without requiring extensive external verification. The component's embedded logic circuitry independently verifies its own credentials and responds to validation requests, reducing the communication burden on the main printing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If simple communication protocols are used, then ease of implementation is achieved, but security and validation capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidsecurity and authenticity validation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The security functionality is segmented into dedicated authentication and validation blocks within the logic circuitry, separating security concerns from basic communication functions. This modular approach maintains implementation simplicity while enhancing security capabilities through specialized functional blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The logic circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions including basic communication, authentication, validation, and monitoring within a single integrated component. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive security without requiring separate dedicated security hardware, maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3688646B1Logic circuitry
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3688646B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3688646B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B
  • EP3688646B1 patent drawingFigure 4C~4D

AI summary

This disclosure describes integrated circuits which may be provided in logic circuitry packages and/or replaceable print apparatus components with print material reservoirs. An integrated circuit or logic circuitry package for a replaceable print apparatus component comprises an interface to communicate with a print apparatus logic circuit and at least one logic circuit.