Remote Supply Tag Programming via Issuance Server

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in securely and conveniently updating information on secure supply tags for consumable printer supplies after distribution, as the private key may become vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of remote programming systems that allow authorized entities to update data fields on secure supply tags, using a unique authorized entity code and digital signatures to ensure security and authenticity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote programming is implemented to allow updates on supply tags after distribution, then convenience and operational efficiency are improved, but security vulnerability increases due to private key exposure risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of updating supply tag informationVSAvoidsecurity of private key

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An issuance server acts as an intermediary between the card personalization machine and the supply tag. The server holds the private key securely and performs signing operations remotely, allowing supply tag updates without exposing the private key to potential attackers while maintaining secure authentication through digital signatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The private key is extracted from the card personalization machine and stored securely on the issuance server instead. This separates the security-critical function (key storage) from the operational function (supply tag programming), allowing remote updates while protecting the private key from exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If supply tags are programmed with authorized entity codes and digital signatures during manufacturing, then security is improved, but flexibility to update information after distribution is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of supply tag authenticationVSAvoidability to update supply tag information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supply tag system transitions from a static, one-time programmed state to a dynamic, remotely updatable state. The issuance server enables flexible updates to authorized entity codes and other supply tag information while maintaining security through cryptographic signatures, allowing the system to adapt to changing operational requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250103701A1Remote programming of unique and secure supply tags

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 ENTRUST CORP

AI summary

A method for providing remote programming of a supply tag of a print supply used with an authorized entity's card personalization system is provided. The method includes an issuance server authenticating remote programming of the supply tag, receiving first supply tag data of the print supply including a first digital signature, updating the first supply tag data to obtain second supply tag data, and issuing a second digital signature based on the second supply tag data. The second digital signature secures the second supply tag data.