Cartridge validation with radio frequency identification
Validation of printer cartridges using a unique identifier from an RFID tag, a serial number or identifier from a cartridge, and a seed to generate a reproducible key are described. The key is written to non-volatile memory of the RFID tag. The parameters for generation of the key are retrieved when the cartridge is asked to print in a printer, and a second key is generated, and the keys are compared. If the keys match, the cartridge is validated and printing continues.
1. A method of validating an ink cartridge in a printer, comprising:
creating a key matching the cartridge and the printer;
verifying the key when the cartridge is placed in the printer; and
allowing operation of the cartridge in the printer when the key is verified, wherein creating the key comprises:
retrieving a serial number from the cartridge;
retrieving a unique identifier (UID) from a cartridge RFID tag; and
combining the serial number and the UID with a seed.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein verifying the key comprises:
retrieving the key from a cartridge RFID tag;
retrieving an RFID tag unique identifier;
retrieving a cartridge serial number;
generating a second key; and
comparing the second key to the key.
3. A method of encrypting an RFID tag on an ink cartridge, comprising:
retrieving a serial number from the cartridge;
retrieving a unique identifier (UID) from the RFID tag;
combining the serial number and the UJD with a seed to form a key;
writing the key to non-volatile memory of the RFID tag.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein combining further comprises encrypting the key so that the seed is extractable from the key.
5. An ink cartridge, comprising:
an ink reservoir;
a printhead;
a cartridge memory having a cartridge serial number; and
a radio frequency identification tag, the tag having encrypted thereon a key comprising a unique identifier for the REID tag and a serial number for the cartridge.
6. The ink cartridge of claim 5 , wherein the key is encrypted using a random seed, and is stored in non-volatile memory of the RFID tag.
7. The ink cartridge of claim 5 , wherein the REID tag is an ISO 15593 tag.
8. The ink cartridge of claim 5 , wherein the ink cartridge is an ink jet print cartridge.
9. A print system, comprising:
a printer having memory, a print controller, a print tray, and a printing mechanism; and
at least one ink cartridge, each ink cartridge comprising:
an ink reservoir;
a printhead;
a cartridge memory having a cartridge serial number; and
a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the tag having encrypted thereon a key comprising a unique identifier for the RFID tag and a serial number for the cartridge.
10. The print system of claim 9 , wherein the REID tag is an ISO 15593 tag.
11. The print system of claim 9 , wherein the print cartridge is an ink jet print cartridge.
12. A machine readable medium for causing a processor to perform a method, comprising:
creating a key matching the cartridge and the printer:
verifying the key when the cartridge is placed in the printer: and
allowing operation of the cartridge in the printer when the key is verified, wherein creating the key comprises:
retrieving a serial number from the cartridge;
retrieving a unique identifier (UID) from a cartridge REID tag; and combining the serial number and the UID with a seed.
13. The machine readable medium of claim 12 , wherein
verifying the key comprises:
retrieving the key from a cartridge REID tag;
retrieving an REID tag unique identifier;
retrieving a cartridge serial number;
generating a second key; and
comparing the second key to the key.
14. A method of validating a cartridge using from a known key, comprising:
retrieving the known key from a cartridge REID tag;
retrieving an REID tag unique identifier;
retrieving a cartridge serial number;
generating a second key; and
comparing the second key to the known key.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein generating a second key comprises:
retrieving a seed from the known key; and
combining the REID tag unique identifier, the cartridge serial number, and the retrieved seed.
16. A method of operating a print system, comprising:
generating a first key from parameters of a print cartridge;
storing the first key in a radio frequency identification tag attached to the print cartridge;
placing the print cartridge into the print system;
interrogating the RFID tag for the first key;
generating a second key from parameters of the print cartridge and the first key; and
allowing printing when the second key and the first key are the same.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein generating the first key comprises:
retrieving a serial number from the print cartridge;
retrieving a unique identifier (UID) from the RFID tag; and
combining the serial number and the UID with a seed.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein generating a second key comprises:
retrieving the known key from a cartridge RFID tag;
retrieving an RFID tag unique identifier;
retrieving a cartridge serial number;
generating a second key; and
comparing the second key to the key.