Spoofing Imaging Devices With Replacement Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ink-jet printing systems rely on accurate ink volume information from electrical storage devices to ensure high-quality printing and prevent out-of-ink conditions, but there is a need to spoof the imaging device to report incorrect ink volumes for modifying user behavior or competitive purposes.

Innovation Solution

A replacement electrical storage device is provided that responds to memory location reads by returning inaccurate data, such as an incorrect fill proportion parameter or ink container volume parameter, causing the imaging device to calculate an incorrect initial ink volume in the ink container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a replacement electrical storage device returns inaccurate data to spoof the imaging device, then the ability to deceive the printer system is improved, but the reliability of ink volume measurement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to spoof imaging deviceVSAvoidink volume measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement electrical storage device copies the interface and data structure of the original storage device to ensure compatibility with the imaging device. It returns fabricated data that mimics the appearance of legitimate ink volume information, allowing the spoofing to succeed without alerting the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical storage device modifies the parameters it returns (such as ink volume, fill proportion, or container capacity) to provide inaccurate values. By changing these parameters from their true values to fabricated values, the system achieves the desired spoofing effect while maintaining interface compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the electrical storage device provides accurate ink volume data, then the reliability of printing operation is improved, but the ability to modify user behavior or confuse competitors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting operation reliabilityVSAvoidability to modify user behavior

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The replacement electrical storage device creates a fake identity that copies the legitimate data structure and interface protocols. This allows the device to present itself as a genuine ink container with its own storage device, enabling deception while maintaining system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the normally harmful effect of inaccurate data into a beneficial spoofing capability. By intentionally providing false ink volume information, the system can achieve marketing or competitive advantages, such as extending perceived ink life or confusing competitors about actual ink capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS7419234B2Method and apparatus for spoofing imaging devices

Publication Date: 2008.09.02 APEX SEMICONDUCTORS USA CO LTD

AI summary

Techniques for spoofing an imaging device adapted for reading data from an electrical storage device to determine a volume of ink in an ink container include providing a replacement electrical storage device for use with the ink container, the replacement electrical storage device comprising memory locations; and responding, by the replacement electrical storage device, to reads of memory locations of the replacement electrical storage device by returning data to the imaging device which causes the imaging device to calculate an inaccurate initial volume of ink stored in the ink container.