Method of authenticating a consumable
View Patent ↗A method of authenticating a consumable used in an imaging device includes the steps of providing the consumable with a memory; monitoring usage of the consumable; determining whether the consumable has reached a usage threshold; and, if the consumable has reached the usage threshold, then performing the further steps of: renewing the consumable; generating an authentication code signifying the renewing of the consumable; and storing the authentication code in the memory.
1. A method of authenticating a consumable having a memory and used in an imaging device, comprising:
performing a first renewal of said consumable;
generating a first authentication code configured both for authentication and for signifying said first renewal; and
storing said first authentication code in said memory of said consumable;
performing a second renewal of said consumable;
generating a second authentication code configured both for authenticating and for signifying said second renewal; and
storing said second authentication code in said memory of said consumable;
wherein said first authentication code is generated using a first algorithm and said second authentication code is generated using a second algorithm, the first and the second algorithm uses a secret key that depends upon type of ink being used in the imaging device; and
wherein said second algorithm uses said first authentication code in generating said second authentication code.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said first renewal of said consumable comprises at least one of a replenishing of an imaging substance supply in said consumable and a renewal of a license to use said consumable.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said first authentication code is generated using a hashing algorithm.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said second authentication code is different from said first authentication code.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said second renewal of said consumable comprises at least one of a replenishing of an imaging substance supply in said consumable and a renewal of a license to use said consumable.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said second authentication code is generated using a hashing algorithm.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the type of ink includes mono, color dye, color pigment and the like.
8. A method of authenticating a consumable having a memory and used in an imaging device, comprising:
performing a first renewal of said consumable;
generating a first message authentication code (MAC 1 ) signifying said first renewal;
storing said MAC 1 in said memory of said consumable;
performing a second renewal of said consumable;
generating a second message authentication code (MAC 2 ) signifying said second renewal; and
storing said MAC 2 in said memory of said consumable;
wherein said MAC 1 is generated using a first algorithm and said second MAC 2 is generated using a second algorithm, the first and the second algorithm uses a secret key that depends upon type of ink being used in the imaging device; and
wherein said MAC 1 is used in generating said MAC 2 .
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein a validity of said MAC 1 signifies said first renewal; and wherein a validity of said MAC 2 signifies said second renewal.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the type of ink includes mono, color dye, color pigment and the like.