Supply Component Memory Appending for Secure Reprocessing Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Replaceable supply components, such as inkjet printhead assemblies and print material containers, face issues with authentication and functionality when refilled by unauthorized entities, leading to loss of functionality and security risks.
Innovation Solution
Appending data to the memory of replaceable supply components in a secure manner to designate them as authentically reprocessed, using non-volatile memory with tamper-resistant features and cryptographic authentication to ensure authenticity and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If replaceable supply components are refilled by unauthorized entities, then cost reduction and reuse are achieved, but authentication fails and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication of the refilling entity before allowing the refill process. The encoding device verifies that the entity performing the refill operation is authorized through cryptographic authentication of the entity's credentials stored in the non-volatile memory, preventing unauthorized refilling while allowing legitimate reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encoding device that mediates between the refilling entity and the supply component. This encoding device manages the authentication process, verifies credentials, and controls the data appending operation, ensuring that only authorized entities can refill components while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If data is appended to memory to authenticate refilled components, then security and functionality are maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into distinct functional areas: non-volatile memory for storing authentication credentials and entity identifiers, and volatile memory for temporary data processing. The data structure is segmented into original data and appended data with distinct purposes, simplifying management while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and stores cryptographic copies of authentication credentials in the non-volatile memory. These copied credentials (entity identifiers, digital signatures) enable fast authentication without requiring complex real-time verification of the original credentials, reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If cryptographic authentication is implemented, then authenticity verification is ensured, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Cryptographic authentication credentials are pre-computed and stored in the non-volatile memory during manufacturing or initial setup. The entity identifier and digital signature are prepared in advance, so that during authentication, the system only needs to verify these pre-computed values rather than performing complex cryptographic operations in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses lightweight cryptographic verification methods that require minimal computational resources. The authentication process uses simple verification of pre-stored credentials rather than complex real-time cryptographic computations, reducing processing time and computational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method comprising requesting authorization to reprocess a replaceable supply component using first data stored in memory of the replaceable supply component and an interface, the first data including original manufacturing data for the replaceable supply component. The method further comprises, in response to the request, receiving second data using the interface, and appending the original manufacturing data stored in the memory with the second data to designate the replaceable supply component as reprocessed.