[go: up one dir, main page]

US20130169992A1 - Secure upgrade supplies and methods - Google Patents

Secure upgrade supplies and methods Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20130169992A1
US20130169992A1 US13/821,917 US201013821917A US2013169992A1 US 20130169992 A1 US20130169992 A1 US 20130169992A1 US 201013821917 A US201013821917 A US 201013821917A US 2013169992 A1 US2013169992 A1 US 2013169992A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
upgrade
forming apparatus
image forming
supply
imaging supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/821,917
Inventor
Stephen D. Panshin
Jefferson P. Ward
David B. Novak
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Assigned to HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. reassignment HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NOVAK, DAVID B., PANSHIN, STEPHEN D., WARD, JEFFERSON P.
Publication of US20130169992A1 publication Critical patent/US20130169992A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K15/00Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data, e.g. computer output printers
    • G06K15/40Details not directly involved in printing, e.g. machine management, management of the arrangement as a whole or of its constitutive parts
    • G06K15/4095Secure printing
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/50Monitoring users, programs or devices to maintain the integrity of platforms, e.g. of processors, firmware or operating systems
    • G06F21/57Certifying or maintaining trusted computer platforms, e.g. secure boots or power-downs, version controls, system software checks, secure updates or assessing vulnerabilities
    • G06F21/572Secure firmware programming, e.g. of basic input output system [BIOS]
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/30Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
    • G06F21/44Program or device authentication
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/60Protecting data
    • G06F21/606Protecting data by securing the transmission between two devices or processes
    • G06F21/608Secure printing
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F8/00Arrangements for software engineering
    • G06F8/60Software deployment
    • G06F8/65Updates
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2221/00Indexing scheme relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F2221/21Indexing scheme relating to G06F21/00 and subgroups addressing additional information or applications relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F2221/2129Authenticate client device independently of the user
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2221/00Indexing scheme relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F2221/21Indexing scheme relating to G06F21/00 and subgroups addressing additional information or applications relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F2221/2153Using hardware token as a secondary aspect
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K2215/00Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data
    • G06K2215/0002Handling the output data
    • G06K2215/002Generic data access

Definitions

  • Image forming apparatus such as printers are designed and manufactured to support, perform and/or carry out particular functions.
  • the features, capabilities and functions of a printer are embedded into the printer's firmware during manufacture and remain fixed throughout the printer's functional life.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example image forming apparatus that is structured in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure to be securely upgradeable from an inserted upgrade imaging supply.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example upgrade process that may be implemented using machine-accessible instructions, which may be executed by, for example, one or more processors, to upgrade the example image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 3 , 4 , 5 and 6 illustrate example interactions and example processes that may be implemented using machine-accessible instructions, which may be executed by, for example, one or more processors, to carry out the example upgrade process of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an example process that may be implemented using machine-accessible instructions, which may be executed by, for example, one or more processors, to activate an upgrade during initialization of the example image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an example processor platform that may be used and/or programmed to execute the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of any or all of FIGS. 2-7 to upgrade the example image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 .
  • an image formation apparatus e.g., a printer, an inkjet printer, a dye sublimation printer, a laser printer, a color laser printer, etc.
  • an image formation apparatus e.g., a printer, an inkjet printer, a dye sublimation printer, a laser printer, a color laser printer, etc.
  • the design, manufacture and sale of fixed-functionality image formation apparatus may have a number of disadvantages. For example, because each model has associated design and carrying costs, it may be difficult or costly to customize models for different geographic regions. Further, it may be difficult to pre-identify the features of most interest to high-volume and/or high-value customers. Therefore, the set of features incorporated during product design may not result in an image forming apparatus of interest to these consumers.
  • image forming apparatus upgrade refers to the activation and/or enablement of a latent, but inactive or inaccessible, feature, functionality and/or capability of an image forming apparatus. Such latent features, functions and/or capabilities are included and/or implemented in the image forming apparatus but not activated, accessible and/or enabled until one of the example upgrade imaging supplies described herein is used to upgrade the image forming apparatus.
  • an image forming apparatus may be upgraded without having to modify, change, update and/or upgrade the firmware of the image forming apparatus.
  • image forming apparatus downgrade refers to the deactivation and disablement of a feature, functionality and/or capability of an image forming apparatus.
  • Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to securely upgrade image forming apparatus such as printers are disclosed.
  • the image forming apparatus is upgraded using upgrade data stored on and obtained from an upgrade imaging supply (e.g., an ink supply cartridge) when the upgrade imaging supply is inserted into and/or installed in the image forming apparatus.
  • an upgrade imaging supply e.g., an ink supply cartridge
  • the term “upgrade imaging supply” refers to an imaging supply (e.g., an ink supply cartridge) containing information and/or data that may be accessed by an image forming device and used by the image forming device to upgrade the image forming device (e.g., enable and/or activate one or more latent features, functionalities and/or capabilities).
  • secure upgrades may be implemented using an upgrade imaging supply having an embedded integrated circuit (IC) containing tamperproof data storage storing upgrade data.
  • the IC may be implemented via, for example, a smartcard.
  • a disclosed example image forming apparatus includes a second smartcard IC and an associated tamperproof identifier (ID).
  • ID is unique to the image forming apparatus.
  • the image forming apparatus can authenticate the smartcard IC in the upgrade imaging supply and authenticate the smartcard IC in the image forming apparatus to establish a cryptographically secure communication session, and/or to securely transfer data or information between the image forming apparatus and the imaging supply.
  • the secure communication session may be used to securely obtain and verify the upgrade data before it is stored and/or applied to upgrade the image forming apparatus.
  • the upgrade data is securely and/or cryptographically stored (e.g., encrypted) in a non-volatile memory of the image forming apparatus to prevent unauthorized copying or counterfeiting of the upgrade data to another image forming apparatus, and/or to enable verification and/or authentication of the upgrade data to prevent and/or detect tampering and/or corruption.
  • the tamperproof data storage of the upgrade imaging supply may be securely updated with the ID of the image forming apparatus to signify that the upgrade imaging supply has already been used to upgrade that particular image forming apparatus.
  • example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to upgrade image forming apparatus are described herein, the example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture may additionally or alternatively be used to securely upgrade any number and/or type(s) of other device(s) and/or component(s).
  • Other example devices and components that may be securely upgraded (downgraded) include, but are not limited to engine control systems, automobiles, home appliances, consumer electronics, heating and cooling systems, and/or any other devices and/or systems including a processor and embedded firmware and/or software.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example image forming apparatus 105 that is structured, configured, and/or programmed to be upgraded based on upgrade data 110 stored in, obtained from and/or provided by an upgrade imaging supply 115 .
  • the example image forming apparatus 105 of FIG. 1 may be a printer (e.g., an inkjet printer, a dye sublimation printer, a laser printer, a color laser printer, etc.) and/or any other additional and/or alternative device capable of forming an image on any type(s) of media (not shown).
  • a printer e.g., an inkjet printer, a dye sublimation printer, a laser printer, a color laser printer, etc.
  • any other additional and/or alternative device capable of forming an image on any type(s) of media (not shown).
  • the example upgrade imaging supply 115 may be an ink cartridge, a toner cartridge having one or more tanks, containers and/or any other additional and/or alternative chambers 120 to store and supply one or more materials (e.g., an ink, a dye, a toner, etc.) useable by the example printer 105 and/or the upgrade imaging supply 115 to form an image on the media.
  • the example upgrade imaging supply 115 of FIG. 1 is structured, configured and/or programmed to communicate with at least one component of the example image forming apparatus 105 .
  • the following descriptions will focus on an example in which the image forming apparatus 105 is implemented by a printer and the upgrade imaging supply 115 is implemented by an upgrade ink or toner cartridge.
  • the example image forming apparatus 105 of FIG. 1 will hereafter be referred to as the printer 105
  • the upgrade imaging supply 115 will hereafter be referred to as the upgrade cartridge 115 .
  • the example upgrade cartridge 115 of FIG. 1 is insertable into a slot, carrier, receptacle, holder and/or supply bay 125 of the example printer 105 .
  • the example supply bay 125 of FIG. 1 includes any number and/or type(s) of connectors and/or conductors (not shown) that electrically and/or communicatively couple a security device 130 of the upgrade cartridge 115 to a controller 135 of the printer 105 via, for example, an inter-integrated circuit (I 2 C) interface.
  • I 2 C inter-integrated circuit
  • the example printer 105 may include more than one bay 125 to allow the printer 105 to form text and/or images on the media using more than one cartridge (e.g., the example upgrade cartridge 115 and a second cartridge).
  • more than one bay 125 When more than one bay 125 is present, associated cartridges may operate simultaneously and/or sequentially. Further, when forming some example images on the media only a subset of the cartridges need be used. For example, a black and white image may be formed using only a black ink upgrade cartridge 115 , leaving any color ink cartridges inactive. Further still, the example printer 105 may be operated with or without the upgrade cartridge 115 installed.
  • the upgrade cartridge 115 may be installed, used to upgrade the printer 105 and then replaced with another cartridge that is used for forming images on the media.
  • the upgrade cartridge 115 may not include the chamber(s) 120 , ink, toner, etc. and, thus, not be useable to form images on the media.
  • the example printer 105 of FIG. 1 includes the example controller 135 .
  • the example controller 135 of FIG. 1 detects installed and/or inserted cartridge(s), and interacts with each inserted cartridge to determine whether the cartridge includes, contains and/or can provide upgrade data (e.g., the example upgrade data 110 ) and, thus, is an upgrade cartridge 115 .
  • the example controller 135 establishes a secure communication session with the upgrade cartridge 115 , obtains and/or receives the upgrade data 110 from the installed upgrade cartridge 115 as an upgrade package 140 via the established secure communication session, and securely and/or cryptographically stores the upgrade package 140 in a non-volatile memory 145 .
  • the upgrade package 140 may be stored in a memory 150 of a host computer 155 communicatively coupled to the printer 105 .
  • Example interactions, processes and/or machine-accessible instructions that may be carried out by the example controller 135 and the security device 130 to upgrade the example printer 105 are described below in connection with FIGS. 3-8 .
  • the example controller 135 of FIG. 1 may also implement any number and/or type(s) of other functions and/or features related to other aspects of the example printer 105 such as, initialization, maintenance and/or configuration.
  • Machine-accessible instructions representing the example processes of FIGS. 3-8 and/or other function(s) and/or feature(s) implemented by the example printer 105 may be stored in, for example, any number and/or type(s) of FLASH memory(-ies) and/or FLASH memory device(s) 160 , and/or random-access memory (RAM) and/or RAM devices 165 .
  • the example printer 105 of FIG. 1 includes a security device 170 .
  • the example security device 170 may be any number and/or type(s) of security device(s), such as a smartcard IC, capable to authenticate the security device 130 and/or the upgrade cartridge 115 containing the security device 130 to the example printer 105 .
  • security device(s) such as a smartcard IC
  • the controller 135 together with the security device 170 implement and/or carry out any number and/or type(s) of security and/or authentication protocol(s) and/or message(s) with the security device 130 that allow the controller 135 to authenticate the identity of the security device 130 and/or the upgrade data 110 , and/or for the controller 135 to authenticate the upgrade package 140 prior to the controller 135 applying the upgrade package 140 .
  • the controller 135 together with the security device 170 implement an authentication protocol with the security device 130 based on a unique identifier 175 securely stored in the security device 170 . While the illustrated example of FIG.
  • the image forming apparatus 105 may be upgraded without authentication and/or secure data storage, obviating the need for the example security device 130 and the security device 170 . While not shown in FIG. 1 , in some examples the example security device 170 implements and/or includes the example non-volatile memory 145 .
  • the example identifier 175 is written as an install ID 180 in a secure memory or storage area 185 of the security device 130 .
  • a portion of the identifier 175 or a modified version of the identifier 175 e.g., a cryptographic hash
  • the install ID 180 and the complement of the install ID 180 are stored at two different byte-aligned memory locations within the memory area 185 .
  • the memory area 185 stores the identifier 175 or a portion or derivative thereof of each upgraded printer 105 and a count (not shown) of the number of upgrades that have already been completed.
  • the count may limit the number of times the upgrade cartridge 115 can be used for upgrades. Thus, when the count reaches a limit, the upgrade cartridge 115 may not be used to perform any additional upgrades. Additionally or alternatively, the count may be omitted and when each of a plurality of install IDs 180 have been written to the upgrade cartridge 115 , the upgrade cartridge 115 may not be used to perform any additional upgrades.
  • the secure storage 185 includes an upgrade flag 190 to designate whether the upgrade cartridge 115 is an upgrade cartridge.
  • an upgrade cartridge 115 may contain any number of upgrade flags 190 corresponding to any number and/or type(s) of upgrade data 110 available via the upgrade cartridge 115 .
  • the example upgrade cartridge 115 of FIG. 1 includes the example security device 130 and the example upgrade data 110
  • another cartridge supported by the printer 105 need not include the security device 130 and/or the upgrade data 110 .
  • only special-purpose upgrade cartridges 115 may include the example security device 130 and the example upgrade data 110 .
  • These special-purpose upgrade cartridges 115 could be sold (e.g., at a premium relative to cartridges that are not special purpose), provided free to high-volume and/or high-value customers, and/or provided free to all users to allow users to upgrade their printers 105 .
  • upgrades occur without user knowledge and/or user interaction.
  • a user of the printer 105 needs to confirm, allow and/or acknowledge the upgrade(s) (e.g., using one or more buttons of the printer 105 and/or via a user interface implemented by the host 155 communicatively coupled to the printer 105 ) prior to the upgrade(s) being applied.
  • any of the example upgrade data 110 , the example chamber(s) 120 , the example supply bay 125 , the example security device 130 , the example controller 135 , the example non-volatile memory 145 , the example FLASH 160 , the example RAM 165 , the example security device 170 , the example secure storage 185 and/or, more generally, the example printer 105 and the example upgrade cartridge 115 may be implemented by the example process platform P 100 of FIG.
  • circuit(s) programmable processor(s), application-specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field-programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), and/or field-programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)), etc.
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
  • PLD programmable logic device
  • FPLD field-programmable logic device
  • FPGA field-programmable gate array
  • At least one of the example upgrade data 110 , the example chamber(s) 120 , the example supply bay 125 , the example security device 130 , the example controller 135 , the example non-volatile memory 145 , the example FLASH 160 , the example RAM 165 , the example security device 170 , the example secure storage 185 and/or, more generally, the example printer 105 and the example upgrade cartridge 115 is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible article of manufacture such as a tangible computer-readable medium storing the firmware and/or software.
  • tangible computer-readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable medium and to expressly exclude propagating signals.
  • non-transitory computer-readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable medium and to exclude propagating signals.
  • Example tangible and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium include a volatile and/or non-volatile memory, a volatile and/or non-volatile memory device, a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an electronically-programmable ROM (EPROM), an electronically-erasable PROM (EEPROM), an optical storage disk, an optical storage device, magnetic storage disk, a magnetic storage device, a cache, and/or any other storage media in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information) and which can be accessed by a processor, a computer and/or other machine having a processor, such as the example processor platform P 100 discussed below in connection with FIG.
  • a volatile and/or non-volatile memory device such as the example processor platform P 100 discussed below in connection with
  • example printer 105 and/or the example upgrade cartridge 115 may include interfaces, data structures, elements, processes and/or devices instead of, or in addition to, those illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated interfaces, data structures, elements, processes and/or devices.
  • FIGS. 2-7 illustrate example interactions and example processes that may be implemented using machine-accessible instructions, which may be carried out to upgrade the example printer 105 .
  • a processor, a controller and/or any other suitable processing device may be used, configured and/or programmed to execute and/or carry out the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7 .
  • the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7 may be embodied in program code and/or instructions in the form of machine-readable instructions stored on a tangible computer-readable medium, and which can be accessed by a processor, a computer and/or other machine having a processor such as the example processor platform P 100 of FIG. 8 .
  • Machine-readable instructions comprise, for example, instructions that cause a processor, a computer and/or a machine having a processor to perform one or more particular processes.
  • the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7 may be implemented using any combination(s) of ASIC(s), PLD(s), FPLD(s), FPGA(s), discrete logic, hardware, firmware, etc.
  • the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7 may be implemented manually or as any combination of any of the foregoing techniques, for example, any combination of firmware, software, discrete logic and/or hardware. Further, many other methods of implementing the examples of FIGS. 2-7 may be employed.
  • any or all of the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7 may be carried out sequentially and/or carried out in parallel by, for example, separate processing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, etc.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example process, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to upgrade the example printer 105 of FIG. 1 .
  • the example machine-accessible instructions of FIG. 2 begin when the example controller 135 of FIG. 1 detects that a cartridge (e.g., the example upgrade cartridge 115 ) has been installed and/or inserted into the example supply bay 125 .
  • the example controller 135 together with the example security device 170 interact with the example security device 130 of the installed cartridge 115 to authenticate the identity of the cartridge 115 by, for example, carrying out the example interactions and processes of FIG. 3 (block 205 ).
  • the example controller 135 verifies that the installed cartridge 115 is an upgrade cartridge and has an available upgrade by, for example, carrying out the example interactions and processes of FIG. 4 (block 210 ). Carrying out the example interactions and processes of FIG. 5 , for example, the upgrade cartridge 115 is marked as having been used to upgrade the printer 105 (block 215 ).
  • the example controller 135 obtains the example upgrade package 140 from the example upgrade cartridge 115 by, for example, carrying out the example interactions and processes of FIG. 6 (block 220 ).
  • the example upgrade package 140 includes the example upgrade data 110 and one or more additional pieces of data and/or information that the controller 130 and the security device 170 can use to verify the authenticity of the upgrade package 140 .
  • Example additional data and/or information include, but are not limited to, a message authentication code, a secure signature and/or an encryption signature.
  • the controller 135 together with the example security device 170 verify the authenticity of the upgrade package 140 (block 225 ) and stores the authenticated upgrade package 140 in the non-volatile memory 145 (block 230 ).
  • the upgrade package 140 together with other parameters and/or values that may be used to subsequently authenticate the contents of the upgrade package 140 are stored in the non-volatile memory 145 .
  • the authentication performed at block 225 in the example of FIG. 2 is conventional authentication performed in connection with secure transactions.
  • the upgrade package 140 may be stored in the non-volatile memory 145 without being authenticated at block 225 .
  • Example interactions and processes that may be carried out to implement the blocks 220 , 225 and 230 are illustrated in FIG. 6 . Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates example interactions and processes, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to authenticate the identity of an installed cartridge.
  • the example process of FIG. 3 may be carried out when, for example, the example controller 135 detects that the example cartridge 115 has be inserted and/or installed in the example bay 125 .
  • the example controller 135 and the example security device initiate 305 a secure communication session.
  • the example controller 135 requests 310 authentication credentials from the example security device 130 .
  • the example security device 130 provides one or more authentication credentials 315 (e.g., a session key ID, a signature, a tamperproof ID, etc.).
  • the example controller 135 authenticates 320 the identity of the security device 130 .
  • the security device 170 provides an indication 325 to the controller 135 indicating whether the identity of the security device 130 was successfully authenticated. If the response 325 is TRUE (i.e., the identity of the security device 130 was authenticated) (block 330 ), the example process of FIG. 3 returns to, for example, block 210 of FIG. 2 . If the response 325 is FALSE (block 330 ), the control exits from the example of FIG. 3 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2 .
  • the secure session and the authentication of the security device 130 are implemented in accordance with the advanced encryption standard (AES) as implemented by commercially available smartcard ICs.
  • AES advanced encryption standard
  • FIG. 4 illustrates example interactions and processes, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to verify an installed cartridge is an upgrade cartridge.
  • the illustrated example of FIG. 4 begins with the example controller 135 requesting 404 the example install ID 180 and the example upgrade flag 190 from the example security device 130 .
  • the security device 130 returns 408 the contents of the install ID 180 and the upgrade flag 190 .
  • the install ID 180 contains a first value and a second value representing the complement of the first value, when the upgrade data 110 has been installed.
  • the example controller 135 authenticates 412 the response 408 by, for example, verifying a signature included in the response 408 .
  • the security device 170 provides an indication 414 to the controller 135 indicating whether the response 408 was successfully authenticated. If the response 414 is FALSE (the response 408 was not authenticated) (block 420 ), control exits from the example of FIG. 4 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2 .
  • the example controller 135 determines whether the upgrade flag is set to TRUE representing the upgrade data 110 has not been installed and the install ID is set to a NULL value (block 424 ). If upgrade flag is set to TRUE and the install ID is set to a NULL value (block 424 ), control returns from the illustrated of FIG. 4 to, for example, block 215 of FIG. 2 .
  • the controller 135 determines whether the upgrade flag is set to TRUE and the install ID indicates the upgrade cartridge 115 was previously used to upgrade the printer 105 (block 428 ). For example, a first value of the install ID may be compared to the example ID 175 and a second value of the install ID compared to the complement of the ID 175 . If both comparisons are TRUE, then the upgrade cartridge 115 may be considered as having been previously used to upgrade the printer 105 . If upgrade flag is set to TRUE and the install ID indicates the upgrade cartridge 115 was previously used to upgrade the printer 105 (block 428 ), control returns from the illustrated of FIG. 4 to, for example, block 215 of FIG. 2 . Otherwise, control exits from the example of FIG. 4 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 5 illustrates example interactions and processes, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to mark an upgrade cartridge as having been used to upgrade a printer.
  • the illustrated example of FIG. 5 begins with the example controller 135 determining whether the upgrade is being re-installed (block 504 ). For example, a first value of the install ID may be compared to the example ID 175 and a second value of the install ID compared to the complement of the ID 175 . If both comparisons are TRUE, then the upgrade cartridge 115 may be considered as having been previously used to upgrade the printer 105 . If the upgrade is being re-installed (block 504 ), control exits from the illustrated example of FIG. 5 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2 .
  • the controller 135 sends a store or write command 508 to the security device instructing the controller 135 to set the install ID 180 to, for example, the ID 175 .
  • a first value of the install ID 180 is set equal to the ID 175
  • a second value of the install ID 180 is set equal to the complement of the ID 175 .
  • the example controller 135 authenticates 516 the response 512 by, for example, verifying a signature included in the response 512 .
  • the security device 170 provides an indication 520 to the controller 135 indicating whether the response 512 was successfully authenticated. If the response 520 is FALSE (the response 512 was not authenticated) (block 524 ), control exits from the illustrated example of FIG. 5 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2 . If the response 520 is TRUE (block 524 ), control returns from the illustrated example of FIG. 5 to, for example, block 220 of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 6 illustrates example interactions and processes, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to obtain an upgrade package from an upgrade cartridge and securely store the upgrade package on a printer.
  • the illustrated example of FIG. 6 begins with the example controller 135 requesting 604 the upgrade package 140 from the security device 130 .
  • the security device 130 provides the upgrade package 140 .
  • the example controller 135 authenticates 608 the upgrade package 140 by, for example, verifying a signature or message authentication code included in the package 140 .
  • the security device 170 provides an indication 612 to the controller 135 indicating whether the upgrade package 140 was successfully authenticated. If the response 612 is FALSE (the upgrade package 140 was not authenticated) (block 616 ), control exits from the illustrated example of FIG. 6 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2 .
  • the controller If the response 612 is TRUE (block 616 ), the controller writes or stores 620 the upgrade package 140 together with any number and/or type(s) of other parameter(s) and/or value(s) that may be used to subsequently authenticate the contents of the upgrade package 140 in the non-volatile memory 145 and/or in the memory 150 .
  • Control exits from the illustrated example of FIG. 6 , ending, for example, the example process of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an example process, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to apply an upgrade package obtained from an upgrade cartridge.
  • the example process may be carried out, for example, each time the example printer 105 is initialized to re-apply and/or re-activate each upgrade every time the example printer 105 is initialized.
  • the example process of FIG. 7 begins with the example controller 135 reading the upgrade package 140 from the non-volatile memory 145 (block 705 ).
  • the example controller 135 verifies that the upgrade package 140 is an upgrade package associated with the printer 105 by, for example, carrying out the example operations 424 and 428 of FIG. 4 (block 710 ).
  • the example controller 135 verifies the authenticity of the upgrade package 140 by, for example, carrying out the example operations 608 , 612 and 616 of FIG. 6 (block 715 ).
  • the operations of block 710 may be implemented as a part of the block 715 .
  • the controller 135 applies the authenticated upgrade package 140 (block 720 ) by, for example, updating a table or other data structure that represents the features, functions and/or capabilities that are enabled, active and accessible.
  • the FLASH 160 may contain a default feature table that is loaded by the controller 135 into the RAM 165 during initialization.
  • one or more entries of the feature table in the RAM 165 are updated to enable, activate and/or make accessible one or more additional features, functions and/or capabilities represented and/or identified in the upgrade package 140 .
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example processor platform P 100 that may be used and/or programmed to execute the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine readable instructions represented by any or all of FIGS. 2-7 .
  • One or more general-purpose processors, processor cores, microcontrollers, etc may be used to implement the processor platform P 100 .
  • the processor platform P 100 of the example of FIG. 8 includes at least one programmable processor P 105 .
  • the processor P 105 executes coded instructions P 110 and/or P 112 present in main memory of the processor P 105 (e.g., within a RAM P 115 and/or a ROM P 120 ).
  • the processor P 105 may be any type of processing unit, such as a processor core, a processor and/or a microcontroller.
  • the processor P 105 may execute, among other things, the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 3-6 to upgrade the example printer 105 of FIG. 1 .
  • the coded instructions P 110 , P 112 may include the instructions of FIGS. 2-7 .
  • the processor P 105 is in communication with the main memory (including a ROM P 120 and/or the RAM P 115 ) via a bus P 125 .
  • the RAM P 115 may be implemented by dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and/or any other type of RAM device.
  • the ROM P 120 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the memory P 115 and the memory P 120 may be controlled by a memory controller.
  • the example memory P 115 may be used to, for example, implement the example non-volatile memory 145 .
  • the processor platform P 100 also includes an interface circuit P 130 .
  • Any type of interface standard such as an external memory interface, serial port, general-purpose input/output, etc, may implement the interface circuit P 130 .
  • One or more input devices P 135 and one or more output devices P 140 are connected to the interface circuit P 130 .
  • the example input and output devices P 135 and P 140 may be used, for example, to implement an I 2 C interface.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Bioethics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Stored Programmes (AREA)

Abstract

Example secure upgrade supplies and methods are disclosed. A disclosed example secure upgrade method includes receiving a request at an imaging supply (115) for an authentication credential associated with the imaging supply (115), providing the authentication credential to an image forming apparatus (105), the provided authentication credential useable by the image forming apparatus (105) to authenticate an identity of the imaging supply (115), and providing upgrade data (110) to the image forming apparatus, the provided upgrade data (110) authenticatable at the image forming apparatus (105) based on the identity of the imaging supply (115), and useable by the image forming apparatus (105) to enable a capability of the image forming apparatus (105).

Description

    BACKGROUND
  • Image forming apparatus such as printers are designed and manufactured to support, perform and/or carry out particular functions. Generally, the features, capabilities and functions of a printer are embedded into the printer's firmware during manufacture and remain fixed throughout the printer's functional life.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example image forming apparatus that is structured in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure to be securely upgradeable from an inserted upgrade imaging supply.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example upgrade process that may be implemented using machine-accessible instructions, which may be executed by, for example, one or more processors, to upgrade the example image forming apparatus of FIG. 1.
  • FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 illustrate example interactions and example processes that may be implemented using machine-accessible instructions, which may be executed by, for example, one or more processors, to carry out the example upgrade process of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an example process that may be implemented using machine-accessible instructions, which may be executed by, for example, one or more processors, to activate an upgrade during initialization of the example image forming apparatus of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an example processor platform that may be used and/or programmed to execute the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of any or all of FIGS. 2-7 to upgrade the example image forming apparatus of FIG. 1.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • Traditionally the features, capabilities and functions supported by an image formation apparatus (e.g., a printer, an inkjet printer, a dye sublimation printer, a laser printer, a color laser printer, etc.) have been determined, selected and/or fixed during product design. However, the design, manufacture and sale of fixed-functionality image formation apparatus may have a number of disadvantages. For example, because each model has associated design and carrying costs, it may be difficult or costly to customize models for different geographic regions. Further, it may be difficult to pre-identify the features of most interest to high-volume and/or high-value customers. Therefore, the set of features incorporated during product design may not result in an image forming apparatus of interest to these consumers. For these, and/or other reasons, it is desirable to be able to upgrade image formation apparatus functionality late in the product design cycle, during product testing, after product testing, during product release, during market introduction, while a product is being sold, after a product has been sold, after a product has been installed, and/or after a product has been discontinued.
  • As used herein, image forming apparatus upgrade refers to the activation and/or enablement of a latent, but inactive or inaccessible, feature, functionality and/or capability of an image forming apparatus. Such latent features, functions and/or capabilities are included and/or implemented in the image forming apparatus but not activated, accessible and/or enabled until one of the example upgrade imaging supplies described herein is used to upgrade the image forming apparatus. As described herein, an image forming apparatus may be upgraded without having to modify, change, update and/or upgrade the firmware of the image forming apparatus. Similarly, image forming apparatus downgrade refers to the deactivation and disablement of a feature, functionality and/or capability of an image forming apparatus.
  • Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to securely upgrade image forming apparatus such as printers are disclosed. In disclosed examples, the image forming apparatus is upgraded using upgrade data stored on and obtained from an upgrade imaging supply (e.g., an ink supply cartridge) when the upgrade imaging supply is inserted into and/or installed in the image forming apparatus. As used herein, the term “upgrade imaging supply” refers to an imaging supply (e.g., an ink supply cartridge) containing information and/or data that may be accessed by an image forming device and used by the image forming device to upgrade the image forming device (e.g., enable and/or activate one or more latent features, functionalities and/or capabilities).
  • As disclosed herein, secure upgrades may be implemented using an upgrade imaging supply having an embedded integrated circuit (IC) containing tamperproof data storage storing upgrade data. The IC may be implemented via, for example, a smartcard. A disclosed example image forming apparatus includes a second smartcard IC and an associated tamperproof identifier (ID). In some examples, the ID is unique to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus can authenticate the smartcard IC in the upgrade imaging supply and authenticate the smartcard IC in the image forming apparatus to establish a cryptographically secure communication session, and/or to securely transfer data or information between the image forming apparatus and the imaging supply. The secure communication session may be used to securely obtain and verify the upgrade data before it is stored and/or applied to upgrade the image forming apparatus. In some examples, the upgrade data is securely and/or cryptographically stored (e.g., encrypted) in a non-volatile memory of the image forming apparatus to prevent unauthorized copying or counterfeiting of the upgrade data to another image forming apparatus, and/or to enable verification and/or authentication of the upgrade data to prevent and/or detect tampering and/or corruption. Additionally or alternatively, after an image forming apparatus has been upgraded from an upgrade imaging supply, the tamperproof data storage of the upgrade imaging supply may be securely updated with the ID of the image forming apparatus to signify that the upgrade imaging supply has already been used to upgrade that particular image forming apparatus. Thus, the unauthorized upgrade of multiple image forming apparatus from a single upgrade imaging supply can be substantially detected and prevented.
  • While example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to upgrade image forming apparatus are described herein, the example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture may additionally or alternatively be used to securely upgrade any number and/or type(s) of other device(s) and/or component(s). Other example devices and components that may be securely upgraded (downgraded) include, but are not limited to engine control systems, automobiles, home appliances, consumer electronics, heating and cooling systems, and/or any other devices and/or systems including a processor and embedded firmware and/or software.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example image forming apparatus 105 that is structured, configured, and/or programmed to be upgraded based on upgrade data 110 stored in, obtained from and/or provided by an upgrade imaging supply 115. The example image forming apparatus 105 of FIG. 1 may be a printer (e.g., an inkjet printer, a dye sublimation printer, a laser printer, a color laser printer, etc.) and/or any other additional and/or alternative device capable of forming an image on any type(s) of media (not shown). The example upgrade imaging supply 115 may be an ink cartridge, a toner cartridge having one or more tanks, containers and/or any other additional and/or alternative chambers 120 to store and supply one or more materials (e.g., an ink, a dye, a toner, etc.) useable by the example printer 105 and/or the upgrade imaging supply 115 to form an image on the media. As described below, the example upgrade imaging supply 115 of FIG. 1 is structured, configured and/or programmed to communicate with at least one component of the example image forming apparatus 105. For ease of discussion, the following descriptions will focus on an example in which the image forming apparatus 105 is implemented by a printer and the upgrade imaging supply 115 is implemented by an upgrade ink or toner cartridge. The example image forming apparatus 105 of FIG. 1 will hereafter be referred to as the printer 105, and the upgrade imaging supply 115 will hereafter be referred to as the upgrade cartridge 115.
  • The example upgrade cartridge 115 of FIG. 1 is insertable into a slot, carrier, receptacle, holder and/or supply bay 125 of the example printer 105. The example supply bay 125 of FIG. 1 includes any number and/or type(s) of connectors and/or conductors (not shown) that electrically and/or communicatively couple a security device 130 of the upgrade cartridge 115 to a controller 135 of the printer 105 via, for example, an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface.
  • While a single upgrade cartridge 115 and a single bay 125 are shown in FIG. 1, the example printer 105 may include more than one bay 125 to allow the printer 105 to form text and/or images on the media using more than one cartridge (e.g., the example upgrade cartridge 115 and a second cartridge). When more than one bay 125 is present, associated cartridges may operate simultaneously and/or sequentially. Further, when forming some example images on the media only a subset of the cartridges need be used. For example, a black and white image may be formed using only a black ink upgrade cartridge 115, leaving any color ink cartridges inactive. Further still, the example printer 105 may be operated with or without the upgrade cartridge 115 installed. For example, the upgrade cartridge 115 may be installed, used to upgrade the printer 105 and then replaced with another cartridge that is used for forming images on the media. Moreover, the upgrade cartridge 115 may not include the chamber(s) 120, ink, toner, etc. and, thus, not be useable to form images on the media.
  • To control operation of the example printer 105, the example printer 105 of FIG. 1 includes the example controller 135. The example controller 135 of FIG. 1 detects installed and/or inserted cartridge(s), and interacts with each inserted cartridge to determine whether the cartridge includes, contains and/or can provide upgrade data (e.g., the example upgrade data 110) and, thus, is an upgrade cartridge 115. When an upgrade cartridge 115 is detected, the example controller 135 establishes a secure communication session with the upgrade cartridge 115, obtains and/or receives the upgrade data 110 from the installed upgrade cartridge 115 as an upgrade package 140 via the established secure communication session, and securely and/or cryptographically stores the upgrade package 140 in a non-volatile memory 145. Additionally or alternatively, the upgrade package 140 may be stored in a memory 150 of a host computer 155 communicatively coupled to the printer 105.
  • Example interactions, processes and/or machine-accessible instructions that may be carried out by the example controller 135 and the security device 130 to upgrade the example printer 105 are described below in connection with FIGS. 3-8. The example controller 135 of FIG. 1 may also implement any number and/or type(s) of other functions and/or features related to other aspects of the example printer 105 such as, initialization, maintenance and/or configuration. Machine-accessible instructions representing the example processes of FIGS. 3-8 and/or other function(s) and/or feature(s) implemented by the example printer 105 may be stored in, for example, any number and/or type(s) of FLASH memory(-ies) and/or FLASH memory device(s) 160, and/or random-access memory (RAM) and/or RAM devices 165.
  • To enable secure communication with the example security device 130 and/or to enable authentication of the example upgrade package 140, the example printer 105 of FIG. 1 includes a security device 170. The example security device 170 may be any number and/or type(s) of security device(s), such as a smartcard IC, capable to authenticate the security device 130 and/or the upgrade cartridge 115 containing the security device 130 to the example printer 105. In the example of FIG. 1, the controller 135 together with the security device 170 implement and/or carry out any number and/or type(s) of security and/or authentication protocol(s) and/or message(s) with the security device 130 that allow the controller 135 to authenticate the identity of the security device 130 and/or the upgrade data 110, and/or for the controller 135 to authenticate the upgrade package 140 prior to the controller 135 applying the upgrade package 140. In the example of FIG. 1, the controller 135 together with the security device 170 implement an authentication protocol with the security device 130 based on a unique identifier 175 securely stored in the security device 170. While the illustrated example of FIG. 1 employs authentication and secure data storage to prevent unauthorized access to the upgrade data 110 and/or to ensure the upgrade package 140 has not been tampered with, the image forming apparatus 105 may be upgraded without authentication and/or secure data storage, obviating the need for the example security device 130 and the security device 170. While not shown in FIG. 1, in some examples the example security device 170 implements and/or includes the example non-volatile memory 145.
  • In some examples, after the upgrade cartridge 115 has been used to upgrade the printer 105, the example identifier 175 is written as an install ID 180 in a secure memory or storage area 185 of the security device 130. In other examples a portion of the identifier 175 or a modified version of the identifier 175 (e.g., a cryptographic hash) may be written as the install ID 180. In some examples, the install ID 180 and the complement of the install ID 180 are stored at two different byte-aligned memory locations within the memory area 185. If the upgrade cartridge 115 is authorized to upgrade more than one printer 105 (e.g., five), the memory area 185 stores the identifier 175 or a portion or derivative thereof of each upgraded printer 105 and a count (not shown) of the number of upgrades that have already been completed. The count may limit the number of times the upgrade cartridge 115 can be used for upgrades. Thus, when the count reaches a limit, the upgrade cartridge 115 may not be used to perform any additional upgrades. Additionally or alternatively, the count may be omitted and when each of a plurality of install IDs 180 have been written to the upgrade cartridge 115, the upgrade cartridge 115 may not be used to perform any additional upgrades. In some examples, the secure storage 185 includes an upgrade flag 190 to designate whether the upgrade cartridge 115 is an upgrade cartridge.
  • While the example upgrade cartridges 115 described herein include a single upgrade flag 190 and corresponding upgrade data 110, an upgrade cartridge 115 may contain any number of upgrade flags 190 corresponding to any number and/or type(s) of upgrade data 110 available via the upgrade cartridge 115.
  • While the example upgrade cartridge 115 of FIG. 1 includes the example security device 130 and the example upgrade data 110, another cartridge supported by the printer 105 need not include the security device 130 and/or the upgrade data 110. For example, only special-purpose upgrade cartridges 115 may include the example security device 130 and the example upgrade data 110. These special-purpose upgrade cartridges 115 could be sold (e.g., at a premium relative to cartridges that are not special purpose), provided free to high-volume and/or high-value customers, and/or provided free to all users to allow users to upgrade their printers 105. In some examples, upgrades occur without user knowledge and/or user interaction. In other examples, a user of the printer 105 needs to confirm, allow and/or acknowledge the upgrade(s) (e.g., using one or more buttons of the printer 105 and/or via a user interface implemented by the host 155 communicatively coupled to the printer 105) prior to the upgrade(s) being applied.
  • While an example printer 105 and an example upgrade cartridge 115 have been illustrated in FIG. 1 one or more of the interfaces, data structures, elements, processes and/or devices illustrated in FIG. 1 may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the example upgrade data 110, the example chamber(s) 120, the example supply bay 125, the example security device 130, the example controller 135, the example non-volatile memory 145, the example FLASH 160, the example RAM 165, the example security device 170, the example secure storage 185 and/or, more generally, the example printer 105 and the example upgrade cartridge 115 of FIG. 1 may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination of hardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the example upgrade data 110, the example chamber(s) 120, the example supply bay 125, the example security device 130, the example controller 135, the example non-volatile memory 145, the example FLASH 160, the example RAM 165, the example security device 170, the example secure storage 185 and/or, more generally, the example printer 105 and the example upgrade cartridge 115 may be implemented by the example process platform P100 of FIG. 8 and/or one or more circuit(s), programmable processor(s), application-specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field-programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), and/or field-programmable gate array(s) (FPGA(s)), etc. When any apparatus claim of this patent incorporating one or more of these elements is read to cover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the example upgrade data 110, the example chamber(s) 120, the example supply bay 125, the example security device 130, the example controller 135, the example non-volatile memory 145, the example FLASH 160, the example RAM 165, the example security device 170, the example secure storage 185 and/or, more generally, the example printer 105 and the example upgrade cartridge 115 is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible article of manufacture such as a tangible computer-readable medium storing the firmware and/or software.
  • As used herein, the term “tangible computer-readable medium” is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable medium and to expressly exclude propagating signals. As used herein, the term “non-transitory computer-readable medium” is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable medium and to exclude propagating signals. Example tangible and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium include a volatile and/or non-volatile memory, a volatile and/or non-volatile memory device, a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an electronically-programmable ROM (EPROM), an electronically-erasable PROM (EEPROM), an optical storage disk, an optical storage device, magnetic storage disk, a magnetic storage device, a cache, and/or any other storage media in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information) and which can be accessed by a processor, a computer and/or other machine having a processor, such as the example processor platform P100 discussed below in connection with FIG. 8. Further still, the example printer 105 and/or the example upgrade cartridge 115 may include interfaces, data structures, elements, processes and/or devices instead of, or in addition to, those illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated interfaces, data structures, elements, processes and/or devices.
  • FIGS. 2-7 illustrate example interactions and example processes that may be implemented using machine-accessible instructions, which may be carried out to upgrade the example printer 105. A processor, a controller and/or any other suitable processing device may be used, configured and/or programmed to execute and/or carry out the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7. For example, the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7 may be embodied in program code and/or instructions in the form of machine-readable instructions stored on a tangible computer-readable medium, and which can be accessed by a processor, a computer and/or other machine having a processor such as the example processor platform P100 of FIG. 8. Machine-readable instructions comprise, for example, instructions that cause a processor, a computer and/or a machine having a processor to perform one or more particular processes. Alternatively, some or all of the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7 may be implemented using any combination(s) of ASIC(s), PLD(s), FPLD(s), FPGA(s), discrete logic, hardware, firmware, etc. Also, some or all of the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7 may be implemented manually or as any combination of any of the foregoing techniques, for example, any combination of firmware, software, discrete logic and/or hardware. Further, many other methods of implementing the examples of FIGS. 2-7 may be employed. For example, the order of execution may be changed, and/or one or more of the blocks and/or interactions described may be changed, eliminated, sub-divided, or combined. Additionally, any or all of the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 2-7 may be carried out sequentially and/or carried out in parallel by, for example, separate processing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, etc.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an example process, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to upgrade the example printer 105 of FIG. 1. The example machine-accessible instructions of FIG. 2 begin when the example controller 135 of FIG. 1 detects that a cartridge (e.g., the example upgrade cartridge 115) has been installed and/or inserted into the example supply bay 125. The example controller 135 together with the example security device 170 interact with the example security device 130 of the installed cartridge 115 to authenticate the identity of the cartridge 115 by, for example, carrying out the example interactions and processes of FIG. 3 (block 205).
  • The example controller 135 verifies that the installed cartridge 115 is an upgrade cartridge and has an available upgrade by, for example, carrying out the example interactions and processes of FIG. 4 (block 210). Carrying out the example interactions and processes of FIG. 5, for example, the upgrade cartridge 115 is marked as having been used to upgrade the printer 105 (block 215).
  • The example controller 135 obtains the example upgrade package 140 from the example upgrade cartridge 115 by, for example, carrying out the example interactions and processes of FIG. 6 (block 220). The example upgrade package 140 includes the example upgrade data 110 and one or more additional pieces of data and/or information that the controller 130 and the security device 170 can use to verify the authenticity of the upgrade package 140. Example additional data and/or information include, but are not limited to, a message authentication code, a secure signature and/or an encryption signature. The controller 135 together with the example security device 170 verify the authenticity of the upgrade package 140 (block 225) and stores the authenticated upgrade package 140 in the non-volatile memory 145 (block 230). In some examples, the upgrade package 140 together with other parameters and/or values that may be used to subsequently authenticate the contents of the upgrade package 140 are stored in the non-volatile memory 145. The authentication performed at block 225 in the example of FIG. 2 is conventional authentication performed in connection with secure transactions. In some examples, the upgrade package 140 may be stored in the non-volatile memory 145 without being authenticated at block 225. Example interactions and processes that may be carried out to implement the blocks 220, 225 and 230 are illustrated in FIG. 6. Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates example interactions and processes, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to authenticate the identity of an installed cartridge. The example process of FIG. 3 may be carried out when, for example, the example controller 135 detects that the example cartridge 115 has be inserted and/or installed in the example bay 125. The example controller 135 and the example security device initiate 305 a secure communication session. The example controller 135 requests 310 authentication credentials from the example security device 130. In response to the request 310, the example security device 130 provides one or more authentication credentials 315 (e.g., a session key ID, a signature, a tamperproof ID, etc.).
  • Using the provided authentication credentials 315, the example controller 135 authenticates 320 the identity of the security device 130. The security device 170 provides an indication 325 to the controller 135 indicating whether the identity of the security device 130 was successfully authenticated. If the response 325 is TRUE (i.e., the identity of the security device 130 was authenticated) (block 330), the example process of FIG. 3 returns to, for example, block 210 of FIG. 2. If the response 325 is FALSE (block 330), the control exits from the example of FIG. 3 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2. In some examples, the secure session and the authentication of the security device 130 are implemented in accordance with the advanced encryption standard (AES) as implemented by commercially available smartcard ICs.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates example interactions and processes, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to verify an installed cartridge is an upgrade cartridge. The illustrated example of FIG. 4 begins with the example controller 135 requesting 404 the example install ID 180 and the example upgrade flag 190 from the example security device 130. In response to the request, the security device 130 returns 408 the contents of the install ID 180 and the upgrade flag 190. In some examples, the install ID 180 contains a first value and a second value representing the complement of the first value, when the upgrade data 110 has been installed.
  • Based on the response 408 provided by the security device 130, the example controller 135 authenticates 412 the response 408 by, for example, verifying a signature included in the response 408. The security device 170 provides an indication 414 to the controller 135 indicating whether the response 408 was successfully authenticated. If the response 414 is FALSE (the response 408 was not authenticated) (block 420), control exits from the example of FIG. 4 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2.
  • If the response 414 is TRUE (i.e., the response 408 was authenticated) (block 420), the example controller 135 determines whether the upgrade flag is set to TRUE representing the upgrade data 110 has not been installed and the install ID is set to a NULL value (block 424). If upgrade flag is set to TRUE and the install ID is set to a NULL value (block 424), control returns from the illustrated of FIG. 4 to, for example, block 215 of FIG. 2.
  • Otherwise, the controller 135 determines whether the upgrade flag is set to TRUE and the install ID indicates the upgrade cartridge 115 was previously used to upgrade the printer 105 (block 428). For example, a first value of the install ID may be compared to the example ID 175 and a second value of the install ID compared to the complement of the ID 175. If both comparisons are TRUE, then the upgrade cartridge 115 may be considered as having been previously used to upgrade the printer 105. If upgrade flag is set to TRUE and the install ID indicates the upgrade cartridge 115 was previously used to upgrade the printer 105 (block 428), control returns from the illustrated of FIG. 4 to, for example, block 215 of FIG. 2. Otherwise, control exits from the example of FIG. 4 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates example interactions and processes, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to mark an upgrade cartridge as having been used to upgrade a printer. The illustrated example of FIG. 5 begins with the example controller 135 determining whether the upgrade is being re-installed (block 504). For example, a first value of the install ID may be compared to the example ID 175 and a second value of the install ID compared to the complement of the ID 175. If both comparisons are TRUE, then the upgrade cartridge 115 may be considered as having been previously used to upgrade the printer 105. If the upgrade is being re-installed (block 504), control exits from the illustrated example of FIG. 5 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2.
  • If the upgrade is not a re-install (block 504), the controller 135 sends a store or write command 508 to the security device instructing the controller 135 to set the install ID 180 to, for example, the ID 175. In some examples, a first value of the install ID 180 is set equal to the ID 175, and a second value of the install ID 180 is set equal to the complement of the ID 175. When the write is complete, the security device 130 provides a response 512 acknowledging the write was completed.
  • Based on the response 512 provided by the security device 130, the example controller 135 authenticates 516 the response 512 by, for example, verifying a signature included in the response 512. The security device 170 provides an indication 520 to the controller 135 indicating whether the response 512 was successfully authenticated. If the response 520 is FALSE (the response 512 was not authenticated) (block 524), control exits from the illustrated example of FIG. 5 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2. If the response 520 is TRUE (block 524), control returns from the illustrated example of FIG. 5 to, for example, block 220 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates example interactions and processes, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to obtain an upgrade package from an upgrade cartridge and securely store the upgrade package on a printer. The illustrated example of FIG. 6 begins with the example controller 135 requesting 604 the upgrade package 140 from the security device 130. In response to the request 604, the security device 130 provides the upgrade package 140.
  • The example controller 135 authenticates 608 the upgrade package 140 by, for example, verifying a signature or message authentication code included in the package 140. The security device 170 provides an indication 612 to the controller 135 indicating whether the upgrade package 140 was successfully authenticated. If the response 612 is FALSE (the upgrade package 140 was not authenticated) (block 616), control exits from the illustrated example of FIG. 6 terminating, for example, the example process of FIG. 2.
  • If the response 612 is TRUE (block 616), the controller writes or stores 620 the upgrade package 140 together with any number and/or type(s) of other parameter(s) and/or value(s) that may be used to subsequently authenticate the contents of the upgrade package 140 in the non-volatile memory 145 and/or in the memory 150. Control exits from the illustrated example of FIG. 6, ending, for example, the example process of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an example process, which may be implemented as machine-accessible instructions executed by a processor, to apply an upgrade package obtained from an upgrade cartridge. The example process may be carried out, for example, each time the example printer 105 is initialized to re-apply and/or re-activate each upgrade every time the example printer 105 is initialized.
  • The example process of FIG. 7 begins with the example controller 135 reading the upgrade package 140 from the non-volatile memory 145 (block 705). The example controller 135 verifies that the upgrade package 140 is an upgrade package associated with the printer 105 by, for example, carrying out the example operations 424 and 428 of FIG. 4 (block 710). The example controller 135 verifies the authenticity of the upgrade package 140 by, for example, carrying out the example operations 608, 612 and 616 of FIG. 6 (block 715). In some examples, the operations of block 710 may be implemented as a part of the block 715.
  • The controller 135 applies the authenticated upgrade package 140 (block 720) by, for example, updating a table or other data structure that represents the features, functions and/or capabilities that are enabled, active and accessible. For example, the FLASH 160 may contain a default feature table that is loaded by the controller 135 into the RAM 165 during initialization. When the upgrade package 140 is applied, one or more entries of the feature table in the RAM 165 are updated to enable, activate and/or make accessible one or more additional features, functions and/or capabilities represented and/or identified in the upgrade package 140.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an example processor platform P100 that may be used and/or programmed to execute the example interactions, the example processes and/or the example machine readable instructions represented by any or all of FIGS. 2-7. One or more general-purpose processors, processor cores, microcontrollers, etc may be used to implement the processor platform P100.
  • The processor platform P100 of the example of FIG. 8 includes at least one programmable processor P105. The processor P105 executes coded instructions P110 and/or P112 present in main memory of the processor P105 (e.g., within a RAM P115 and/or a ROM P120). The processor P105 may be any type of processing unit, such as a processor core, a processor and/or a microcontroller. The processor P105 may execute, among other things, the example machine-accessible instructions of FIGS. 3-6 to upgrade the example printer 105 of FIG. 1. Thus, the coded instructions P110, P112 may include the instructions of FIGS. 2-7.
  • The processor P105 is in communication with the main memory (including a ROM P120 and/or the RAM P115) via a bus P125. The RAM P115 may be implemented by dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and/or any other type of RAM device. The ROM P120 may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the memory P115 and the memory P120 may be controlled by a memory controller. The example memory P115 may be used to, for example, implement the example non-volatile memory 145.
  • The processor platform P100 also includes an interface circuit P130. Any type of interface standard, such as an external memory interface, serial port, general-purpose input/output, etc, may implement the interface circuit P130. One or more input devices P135 and one or more output devices P140 are connected to the interface circuit P130. The example input and output devices P135 and P140 may be used, for example, to implement an I2C interface.
  • Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (14)

What is claimed is:
1. A secure upgrade method comprising:
receiving a request at an imaging supply (115) for an authentication credential associated with the imaging supply (115);
providing the authentication credential to an image forming apparatus (105), the provided authentication credential useable by the image forming apparatus (105) to authenticate an identity of the imaging supply (115); and
providing upgrade data (110) to the image forming apparatus (105), the provided upgrade data (110) authenticatable at the image forming apparatus (105) based on the identity of the imaging supply (115), and useable by the image forming apparatus (105) to enable a capability of the image forming apparatus (105).
2. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising providing first and second identifiers to the image forming apparatus (105) via the secure communication session, the two identifiers useable to determine whether to upgrade the image forming apparatus (105) from the imaging supply (115).
3. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising receiving from the image forming apparatus (105) a first value to be written in a first memory location associated with the first identifier and a second value to be written in a second memory location associated with the second identifier, the first and second values identifying that the imaging supply (115) has been used to upgrade the image forming apparatus (105).
4. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising receiving a request from the image forming apparatus (105) for the upgrade data (110).
5. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising providing a message authentication code to the image forming apparatus (105), the message authentication code usable to authenticate the upgrade data (110).
6. An upgrade supply (115) comprising:
a memory (185) to store an upgrade (110); and
a security module (130) to receive a request for an authentication credential associated with an image forming apparatus (105), provide the authentication credential to the image forming apparatus (105), the provided authentication credential useable by the image forming apparatus (105) to authenticate an identity of the upgrade supply (115), and provide the upgrade (110) to the image forming apparatus (105), the provided upgrade (110) being authenticatable at the image forming apparatus (105) based on the identity of the upgrade supply (115), and useable by the image forming apparatus (105) to activate a capability of the image forming apparatus (105).
7. An upgrade supply (115) as defined in claim 6, wherein the memory (185) is to store first and second identifiers, the first and second identifiers representing whether the upgrade (110) may be used to upgrade the imaging forming apparatus (105).
8. An upgrade supply (115) as defined in claim 6, wherein the memory (185) is to store a first value indicating whether the upgrade supply (115) contains the upgrade (110).
9. An upgrade supply (115) as defined in claim 6, wherein the memory comprises tamperproof storage.
10. An upgrade supply (115) as defined in claim 6, further comprising a chamber (120) to store at least one of an ink, a dye or a liquid.
11. A tangible article of manufacture storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed, cause an upgrade imaging supply (115) to at least:
receive a request at the upgrade imaging supply (115) for an authentication credential associated with the upgrade imaging supply (115);
provide the authentication credential to the image forming apparatus (105), the provided authentication credential useable by the image forming apparatus (105) to authenticate an identity of the upgrade imaging supply (115); and
provide upgrade data (110) to the image forming apparatus (105), the provided upgrade data authenticatable at the image forming apparatus (105) based on the identity of the upgrade imaging supply (115), and useable by the image forming apparatus (105) to activate a capability of the image forming apparatus (105).
12. A tangible article of manufacture as defined in claim 11, wherein the machine-readable instructions, when executed, cause the upgrade imaging supply (115) to provide first and second identifiers to the image forming apparatus (105) via the secure communication session, the two identifiers useable to determine whether to upgrade the image forming apparatus (105) from the upgrade imaging supply (115).
13. A tangible article of manufacture as defined in claim 12, wherein the machine-readable instructions, when executed, cause the upgrade imaging supply (115) to receive from the image forming apparatus (105) a first value to be written in a first memory location associated with the first identifier and a second value to be written in a second memory location associated with the second identifier, the first and second values identifying that the upgrade imaging supply (115) has been used to upgrade the image forming apparatus (105).
14. A tangible article of manufacture as defined in claim 11, wherein the machine-readable instructions, when executed, cause the upgrade imaging supply (115) to provide a message authentication code to the image forming apparatus (105), the message authentication code usable to authenticate the upgrade data (110).
US13/821,917 2010-09-08 2010-09-08 Secure upgrade supplies and methods Abandoned US20130169992A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2010/048143 WO2012033489A1 (en) 2010-09-08 2010-09-08 Secure upgrade supplies and methods

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2010/048143 A-371-Of-International WO2012033489A1 (en) 2010-09-08 2010-09-08 Secure upgrade supplies and methods

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/879,656 Continuation US9639794B2 (en) 2010-09-08 2015-10-09 Secure upgrade supplies and methods

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20130169992A1 true US20130169992A1 (en) 2013-07-04

Family

ID=45810907

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/821,917 Abandoned US20130169992A1 (en) 2010-09-08 2010-09-08 Secure upgrade supplies and methods
US14/879,656 Active US9639794B2 (en) 2010-09-08 2015-10-09 Secure upgrade supplies and methods

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/879,656 Active US9639794B2 (en) 2010-09-08 2015-10-09 Secure upgrade supplies and methods

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (2) US20130169992A1 (en)
CN (1) CN103098069B (en)
DE (1) DE112010005796B4 (en)
TW (1) TWI441027B (en)
WO (1) WO2012033489A1 (en)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120327451A1 (en) * 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Steven Miller Method of Transforming an Imaging Machine
US20160082740A1 (en) * 2013-07-31 2016-03-24 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a Classification of a Consumable Product
WO2016124787A1 (en) * 2015-02-06 2016-08-11 Dover Europe Sarl System for advanced protection of consumable or detachable elements
US9798294B2 (en) 2012-09-18 2017-10-24 Nxp B.V. System, method and computer program product for detecting tampering in a product
CN113085378A (en) * 2016-07-29 2021-07-09 多佛欧洲有限责任公司 Advanced protection system for consumable or removable components of an industrial printer
US11328098B2 (en) * 2019-06-11 2022-05-10 Stmicroelectronics (Rousset) Sas Electronic circuit
US11435960B2 (en) * 2018-12-04 2022-09-06 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Print device functionalities
US11919313B2 (en) 2018-12-04 2024-03-05 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Print device functionalities

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10210160B2 (en) 2010-09-07 2019-02-19 Opentv, Inc. Collecting data from different sources
US9699503B2 (en) 2010-09-07 2017-07-04 Opentv, Inc. Smart playlist
US8949871B2 (en) 2010-09-08 2015-02-03 Opentv, Inc. Smart media selection based on viewer user presence
US10080060B2 (en) 2013-09-10 2018-09-18 Opentv, Inc. Systems and methods of displaying content
EP3319069B1 (en) * 2016-11-02 2019-05-01 Skeyecode Method for authenticating a user by means of a non-secure terminal
US10789364B2 (en) * 2018-05-02 2020-09-29 Nxp B.V. Method for providing an authenticated update in a distributed network
WO2020117417A1 (en) 2018-12-04 2020-06-11 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Ink cartridge activation

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030215248A1 (en) * 2002-05-17 2003-11-20 Xerox Corporation Machine post-launch process optimization through customer replaceable unit memory programming
US20080260418A1 (en) * 2003-08-15 2008-10-23 Static Control Components, Inc. System and Method For Remanufacturing Imaging Components
US20080316533A1 (en) * 2007-06-22 2008-12-25 Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. Image forming apparatus, print control method thereof and print control program

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AUPO797897A0 (en) 1997-07-15 1997-08-07 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Media device (ART18)
US5995774A (en) * 1998-09-11 1999-11-30 Lexmark International, Inc. Method and apparatus for storing data in a non-volatile memory circuit mounted on a printer's process cartridge
US6163361A (en) 1999-04-23 2000-12-19 Eastman Kodak Company Digital camera including a printer for receiving a cartridge having security control circuitry
US6658219B1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2003-12-02 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Method, device, system and recording medium for detecting improper cartridge, and cartridge
JP2002312187A (en) * 2001-04-11 2002-10-25 Konica Corp Imaging system, imaging device, management device, program rewrite method, and information storage medium
US7095858B2 (en) 2001-05-10 2006-08-22 Ranco Incorporated Of Delaware System and method for securely upgrading firmware
US8200988B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2012-06-12 Intel Corporation Firmware security key upgrade algorithm
US20030063311A1 (en) 2001-10-03 2003-04-03 Covitt Marc L. Method and apparatus identifying printing supplies
EP1607821A1 (en) 2004-06-17 2005-12-21 Nagracard S.A. Method for secure software upgrade in a security module
US7623255B2 (en) * 2004-10-22 2009-11-24 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Printing device
US7522732B2 (en) 2004-11-09 2009-04-21 Lexmark International, Inc. Method for controlling the distribution of software code updates
US7730326B2 (en) 2004-11-12 2010-06-01 Apple Inc. Method and system for updating firmware stored in non-volatile memory
US9489496B2 (en) 2004-11-12 2016-11-08 Apple Inc. Secure software updates
US20060143600A1 (en) 2004-12-29 2006-06-29 Andrew Cottrell Secure firmware update
JP5213428B2 (en) * 2007-12-13 2013-06-19 キヤノン株式会社 Image forming apparatus monitoring system, image forming apparatus, firmware changing method, and program
CN101251883B (en) * 2008-03-11 2010-07-21 北京深思洛克软件技术股份有限公司 Method for performing safety controllable remote upgrade for software protecting device
US9009357B2 (en) 2008-04-24 2015-04-14 Micron Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for field firmware updates in data storage systems
JP5261113B2 (en) * 2008-09-29 2013-08-14 キヤノン株式会社 System, server, image forming apparatus, control method, and program

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030215248A1 (en) * 2002-05-17 2003-11-20 Xerox Corporation Machine post-launch process optimization through customer replaceable unit memory programming
US20080260418A1 (en) * 2003-08-15 2008-10-23 Static Control Components, Inc. System and Method For Remanufacturing Imaging Components
US20080316533A1 (en) * 2007-06-22 2008-12-25 Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. Image forming apparatus, print control method thereof and print control program

Cited By (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120327451A1 (en) * 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Steven Miller Method of Transforming an Imaging Machine
US9798294B2 (en) 2012-09-18 2017-10-24 Nxp B.V. System, method and computer program product for detecting tampering in a product
US10036979B2 (en) * 2013-07-31 2018-07-31 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a classification of a consumable product
US10386746B2 (en) * 2013-07-31 2019-08-20 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a classification of a consumable product
US20170139348A1 (en) * 2013-07-31 2017-05-18 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a Classification of a Consumable Product
EP3205503A1 (en) * 2013-07-31 2017-08-16 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a classification of a consumable product
US20170299981A1 (en) * 2013-07-31 2017-10-19 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a Classification of a Consumable Product
EP3564037A1 (en) * 2013-07-31 2019-11-06 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a classification of a consumbable product
US9914306B2 (en) * 2013-07-31 2018-03-13 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a classification of a consumable product
US9989886B2 (en) * 2013-07-31 2018-06-05 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a classification of a consumable product
US20160082740A1 (en) * 2013-07-31 2016-03-24 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Communicating a Classification of a Consumable Product
US10052878B2 (en) 2015-02-06 2018-08-21 Dover Europe Sàrl System for advanced protection of consumable or detachable elements
FR3032540A1 (en) * 2015-02-06 2016-08-12 Dover Europe Sarl ADVANCED PROTECTION SYSTEM OF CONSUMABLE OR DETACHABLE ELEMENTS
US10449774B2 (en) 2015-02-06 2019-10-22 Dover Europe Sàrl System for advanced protection of consumable or detachable elements
WO2016124787A1 (en) * 2015-02-06 2016-08-11 Dover Europe Sarl System for advanced protection of consumable or detachable elements
EP3739481A1 (en) * 2015-02-06 2020-11-18 Dover Europe Sàrl Advanced protection system for consumable or detachable elements
US10933646B2 (en) 2015-02-06 2021-03-02 Dover Europe Sàrl System for advanced protection of consumable or detachable elements
US11701893B2 (en) 2015-02-06 2023-07-18 Dover Europe Sàrl System for advanced protection of consumable or detachable elements
CN113085378A (en) * 2016-07-29 2021-07-09 多佛欧洲有限责任公司 Advanced protection system for consumable or removable components of an industrial printer
US11435960B2 (en) * 2018-12-04 2022-09-06 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Print device functionalities
US11919313B2 (en) 2018-12-04 2024-03-05 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Print device functionalities
US11328098B2 (en) * 2019-06-11 2022-05-10 Stmicroelectronics (Rousset) Sas Electronic circuit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012033489A1 (en) 2012-03-15
US9639794B2 (en) 2017-05-02
TW201229768A (en) 2012-07-16
CN103098069B (en) 2016-10-26
DE112010005796T5 (en) 2013-05-16
US20160034802A1 (en) 2016-02-04
DE112010005796B4 (en) 2021-12-23
CN103098069A (en) 2013-05-08
TWI441027B (en) 2014-06-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9639794B2 (en) Secure upgrade supplies and methods
US9989886B2 (en) Communicating a classification of a consumable product
US20220131848A1 (en) Management of Identifications of an Endpoint having a Memory Device Secured for Reliable Identity Validation
EP3700243A1 (en) Security data processing device
JP2017215808A (en) Information device, data processing system, data processing method, and computer program
US20170315472A1 (en) Imaging supply memory
US12089049B2 (en) Virtual subscriber identification module and virtual smart card
US20160154957A1 (en) Protecting Data in Memory of a Consumable Product
US12298917B2 (en) Online security services based on security features implemented in memory devices
US12075520B2 (en) Cloud-service on-boarding without prior customization of endpoints
US12039318B2 (en) Endpoint customization via online firmware store
US20220129390A1 (en) Monitor Integrity of Endpoints having Secure Memory Devices for Identity Authentication
US20240094925A1 (en) Methods for restricting read access to supply chips
US11811743B2 (en) Online service store for endpoints
US20220131847A1 (en) Subscription Sharing among a Group of Endpoints having Memory Devices Secured for Reliable Identity Validation
US20210036870A1 (en) Method and integrated circuit for updating a certificate revocation list in a device
US9459577B2 (en) Updating a supported-supplies database of an image forming apparatus
US20220129391A1 (en) Track Activities of Endpoints having Secure Memory Devices for Security Operations during Identity Validation
CN115037491B (en) Subscription sharing in a group of endpoints with storage devices protected for reliable authentication

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PANSHIN, STEPHEN D.;WARD, JEFFERSON P.;NOVAK, DAVID B.;REEL/FRAME:030330/0421

Effective date: 20100907

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION