Product Authentication via Segmented Encrypted Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication methods for products, such as ink cartridges, are ineffective in distinguishing between authentic and non-authentic items once the secret key is discovered, allowing counterfeit products to be recognized as authentic, and cannot easily revoke keys without disrupting existing printer-cartridge compatibility.
Innovation Solution
Storing multiple encrypted function segments in the product's memory, where each segment is deciphered using a unique key included in the activation signal from the host device, and executing these functions to generate results verified by the host device, with the option to change the active segment with new printer versions to prevent counterfeit usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single authentication key is stored in the product's electronic circuit, then the authentication process is simple and fast, but once the key is discovered counterfeiters can reproduce it and non-authentic products will be accepted as authentic
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication mechanism is segmented into multiple independent functions stored in separate ciphered segments in non-volatile memory. Each segment contains a different function that can be independently activated and verified. This segmentation means that even if one function's key is compromised, other functions remain secure and can still authenticate authentic products while rejecting counterfeit ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates different functions from the stored segments based on the host device's needs. The host device can send control signals to activate specific functions, and the product deciphers and executes the appropriate function. This dynamic activation allows the authentication mechanism to adapt and change over time, preventing counterfeiters from relying on static key reproduction.
2Reliability
If multiple ciphered functions are stored in the product and different segments are activated, then counterfeit products are harder to reproduce, but the authentication process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ciphered functions are pre-stored in the product's non-volatile memory during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the authentication process to quickly retrieve and activate the appropriate function without requiring complex real-time computation or multiple sequential authentication steps, thus maintaining fast authentication while enhancing security.
3Reliability
If the authentication key is changed to block counterfeit products, then non-authentic products are blocked, but existing authentic products of the same generation may also be prevented from being used
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is divided into multiple independent function segments, each with its own ciphering. When needing to block counterfeit products, the host device can activate a different function segment that uses a different ciphering scheme. Authentic products contain all the necessary ciphered segments and can adapt to different activation patterns, while counterfeit products with单一密钥 cannot. This allows the system to maintain compatibility with existing authentic products while effectively blocking new counterfeit batches.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to verify the authenticity of a product associated with a host device, the product contains, in segments of a non-volatile memory, several different functions stored in ciphered fashion. The host device sends a control signal for selecting and activating one of those ciphered functions. The product then deciphers and executes the function. The result of the function execution is then enciphered and communicated back to host device when a decision on product authenticity is made.