Method and device to use smart label in image-forming apparatus for storing and verifying serial number

What is disclosed in the specification of the present application is a method of storing and verifying a serial number using a smart label in a corresponding device and a computer-readable medium in addition to the image generating device.

Protecting system serial numbers that are placed inside electronic devices during manufacturing is becoming increasingly important. In particular, there are some slightly unique requirements for multifunction image generators. The serial number is transmitted over the communication network and supports, for example, device recognition, consumables replenishment, warranty claims, and machine-specific passcodes. In addition, the color laser device is required to provide tracking information for all printouts indicating the serial number of the image generator.

<p> Generally, the serial number is entered in place in some non-volatile memory at the time of manufacture. However, one problem always arises when the electronic device that stores this number fails or is replaced. Currently, many image generators employ a system with many data points (usually three), and when exchanging one component, it automatically matches the other two locations (assuming they match). It is designed to be updated. Safety tools are provided to recover data points if there are any discrepancies or during manufacturing. In more extreme cases, field technicians have to manufacture already serialized electronic devices for placement within the image generator. Both of these solutions are expensive and generally result in machine downtime. Also, with the increasing emphasis on circuit board consolidation, it is becoming more difficult to maintain multiple reference points.</p>

<p> A method and device for storing and verifying a serial number using a smart label in an image generator will be disclosed. The storage method includes a process of receiving a signal for inquiring a smart label for serial number information, a process of inquiring a smart label for serial number information, a process of receiving serial number information from a smart label, and storing the serial number information in a memory. It is possible to include a step of causing. The verification method includes a process of receiving a signal for inquiring a smart label for serial number information, a process of inquiring a smart label for serial number information, a process of receiving serial number information from a smart label, and a serial number being sent to an image generator. In the process of determining whether or not the serial number matches the stored serial number, if the serial number matches the stored serial number, the requested image generator operation is executed, and if not, an error signal is sent. Can be included.</p>

<figref num="1">It is an exemplary diagram of an image generator according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 6 is an exemplary block diagram of an image generator according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram of a smart label according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure.</figref><figref num="4">It is a flowchart of the example serial number storage method using the smart label by one possible embodiment of this disclosure.</figref><figref num="5">It is a flowchart of the example serial number verification method using the smart label by one possible embodiment of this disclosure.</figref>

Aspects of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification relate to a method of storing and verifying a serial number in a corresponding device and a computer-readable medium in addition to the image generating device using a smart label.

Disclosure embodiments can include a method of storing a serial number using a smart label within an image generator. In this method, in the process of receiving a signal to query the smart label for the serial number information, the serial number information identifies at least one of the image generator and some component of the image generator, and the smart label is the image. A process that is a label placed inside one of the generator and the image generator that communicates with the image generator, a process of inquiring the smart label about the serial number information, and a process of receiving the serial number information from the smart label. A step of storing the serial number information in the memory can be included.

The disclosure embodiment further comprises an image generator capable of including a memory for storing the serial number information, wherein the serial number information identifies the image generator and at least one of some components of the image generator. The smart label receives the image generator, which is a label located inside one of the image generator and the image generator that communicates with the image generator, and the signal for inquiring the smart label about the serial number information, and the serial number information. It can include a smart label detector that queries the smart label and receives the serial number information from the smart label, and a smart label management unit that stores the serial number information in memory.

Disclosure embodiments can include a method of verifying a serial number using a smart label in an image generator. In this method, in the process of receiving a signal to query the smart label for the serial number information, the serial number information identifies at least one of the image generator and some component of the image generator, and the smart label is the image. A process that is a label placed inside one of the generator and the image generator that communicates with the image generator, a process of inquiring the smart label about the serial number information, and a process of receiving the serial number information from the smart label. In the process of determining whether the serial number matches the serial number stored in the image generator, if the serial number is determined to match the stored serial number, the requested image generator operation is performed, and so on. If not, the process of sending an error signal can be included.

Further, in the disclosure embodiment, in a memory for storing the serial number information, the serial number information identifies at least one of the image generator and any component of the image generator, and the smart label is the image generator. Receives a memory, which is a label placed inside one of the image generators that communicates with this image generator, and a signal that queries the smart label for serial number information, queries the smart label for serial number information, and smart labels. The smart label detection device that receives serial number information from the smart label management unit determines whether the serial number matches the serial number stored in the memory. The smart label management unit determines that the serial number matches the stored serial number. If this is the case, the smart label management unit can perform the requested image generator operation, otherwise the smart label management unit can include an image generator with a smart label management unit that sends an error signal. ..

The disclosed embodiments propose the use of smart labels that guarantee the consistency of electronic serial numbers. In the conventional serial number protection technique used in conventional image generators, the serial number is stored in three separate locations in non-volatile memory. When replacing any particular component that stores one of these data points, the device will determine a match for two of the three at power up and write that number to the new component. It will be. For this reason, inspection technicians are only instructed to replace one at a time. However, sometimes unpredictable failures occur and none of the three reference points correspond. For some devices, the strategy is to have the technician create a set of three boards with the appropriate serial numbers in the laboratory and ship the set to the field for inspection technicians to incorporate. This solution is extremely expensive for OEMs and usually costs at least $ 1,500 per occurrence. Other products provide password routines, where field technicians use tools to generate device-specific passwords (16 characters), and this passcode is provided to inspection technicians who enter them into the device. Routines are generally stable, but there are logical computational challenges in doing this in real time due to time domain differences, availability of technicians and technical personnel, and tool safety.

More severely, as a cost-cutting issue, circuit board consolidation is increasingly emphasized, along with fewer ways to separate the three discrete storage locations. This consolidation requires a higher degree of volatility that is most strongly associated with the device itself, rather than any replaceable component.

However, the smart label of the disclosed embodiment can function as a serial number plate with the additional function that the image generator can read the label and capture the serial number in the system. The label may not be removed from the frame without being torn and useless. In addition, the system can be provided with cryptographic locks to ensure that they are not exchanged by non-authorized personnel or that another label is read in the approximate neighborhood. Only certified factories or remanufacturers may have tools to generate or regenerate these labels. If the labels do not match or cannot be read, the image generator cannot function. In this way, preventive measures against fraudulent and illegal printing cannot be avoided.

Smart labels also allow for secure serial numbering of electronic devices where components that store serial numbers may fail or may need to be replaced. The smart label can be radio frequency (RF) or another variety of communications between the smart label and the image generator.

Thus, an electronic device such as a multifunctional image generator can be provided with an RF antenna (or ribbon port) attached to the controller network. Each time the power is turned on and / or at some time interval, the image generator can query the label for the serial number and set the device's internal storage serial number accordingly. Security measures can be incorporated into the handshake routine to ensure that the device does not read, for example, any other label plugged in or placed near the antenna. Any failure to read the label and verify its authenticity will result in the creation of defects in the image generator and will be inoperable until regular inspection work is performed. For this reason, the emphasis will be on labels with a high degree of reliability.

At the time of manufacture, the label can be made by a common device that both prints the label with ink and electronically embeds the same number. This number can continue to be assigned to this label over the life of the image generator. If the label is physically removed from the frame, it will be inoperable and the image generator will be in an unusable state.

Especially in a remanufacturing environment, it may be necessary to change the serial number at an appropriate time during the life of the image generator. In that case, a new label can be assigned to the image generator. Obviously, the labeling equipment appears to have the proper certification protection assigned by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

This type of protection can be achieved, if desired, through the use of smart labels and authentication features built into the labeling device or the image generator itself . An example of this type of authentication function is a random number generator or an encryption algorithm based on variable data and fixed data input, as is commonly used for bank cards.

One embodiment of the disclosure embodiment is a smart label and an image generator capable of having, so to speak, one "mating" that occurs. In particular, the state of the image generator and its smart label can be classified into one of five basic categories. 1) Product / reproduct with an image generator that is not serially numbered and does not use smart labels. The image generator naturally assigns a serial number to the smart label. The smart label can be set, for example, with a flag or other indicator mated to the image generator. 2) Overwrite the serial number of the image generator with the number from the label on the image generator that is serially numbered and does not use the smart label. 3) It is OK (no abnormality) with the image generator that is serially numbered, the smart labels are combined, and matches. 4) Image generators that are serially numbered and the smart labels are crossed, but they do not match. It issues an error and renders the image generator inoperable. Call Xerox. 5) Image generators that are serially numbered and the smart labels are mated, but they do not (obviously) match. This is the case when the system NVM module has failed and / or has been removed and replaced, which is the biggest challenge.

Conditions 4 or 5 can occur in the field through legitimate inspection actions. Possible solutions can include:

During state 4, the media access control (MAC) address of the image generator can also be written to the smart label when the image generator first matches the smart label. You can always compare MAC addresses and verify matches. However, in some cases the inspector may have to replace the board itself (including the MAC). In that case, the inspector can be instructed to never replace the non-volatile memory (NVM) at the same time. (Field technicians already seem to know that two boards should never be replaced at the same time, otherwise it will result in a serial number mismatch). The image generator can also anticipate a MAC mismatch (write a new MAC to the serial label) if there is no smart mismatch. In rare cases where both the NVM module and the image generator board fail, the image generator may request another form of backup recovery or trade in the board and NVM.

The use of MAC addresses is preferred, because MAC addresses cannot be easily changed by image generators that lack board replacement. Therefore, with respect to the use of MAC addresses and states 4,5, the following would apply. 4a. The serial numbers are serially numbered, the serial numbers do not match, and the MAC addresses match. The serial numbers are written from the smart label to the image generator. 4b. The image generator is serially numbered, the serial numbers do not match, and the MAC addresses do not match, and the image generator is inoperable. 5a. The serial number is written from the smart label to the image generator in the image generator that is not serialized, the serial numbers do not match, and the MAC addresses match. 5b. An image generator that is not serially numbered, has a mismatched serial number, and does not match the MAC address, and the image generator is inoperable.

It would take a lot of effort to deceive this system. With conventional image generators, it is easier to deceive the system by swapping two of the three boards from one image generator to another.

Although the main purpose of the disclosure embodiment may be consumption within the serial number, this process can also provide additional benefits for the supply and storage chain, which in turn favors radio frequency identification (RFID). Proven. However, although smart labels are typically used to identify information outside the product (read via a scanner), in disclosure embodiments this data can also be consumed by the image generator itself. Any broadcast communication of this data to the outside world can be processed and controlled by an image generator before it reaches the network.

Part of the main reason why a multifunctional image generator is needed to ensure serial number consistency is that the serial number of the device can be stored inside non-volatile memory. Unlike some smaller electronic devices (such as cell phones that are easily scrapped), more expensive devices sometimes require hardware replacement, including those that include storage serial numbers, for example. Making the serial number changeable through this type of procedure may open up opportunities for deliberate misuse. However, there can be a number of side effects, even in the case of benign unintentional changes. Below is a partial list of features that may depend on your system serial number. -It can be used as a unique image generator identifier on the network for automated information transfer, automated equipment replenishment, device discovery, etc. -It can be used as a unique image generator identifier used for a passcode unique to the device used to set various setting parameters (speed setting, service plan specification, etc.). It can be used as a confirmation for warranty management. All drawn images can be embedded in dot patterns to allow federal investigators to identify fraudulent regenerons. For this reason, maintaining serial number consistency for color electrophotographic equipment is regulated by government agencies. Knowing the serial number of the device in question may guide the investigator to the customer who purchased the image generator, but in the end the serial board will accurately confirm the device within the customer environment. .. For this reason, it is unavoidable to guarantee that the internal serial number matches the number on the serial plate.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of an image generator 100 according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The image generator 100 can create any image generator document (eg, print document, copy, etc.) including, for example, a copier, a printing machine, a facsimile machine, and a multi-function device (MFD). It can be a device.

The image generator 100 can include one or more media tray doors 110 and a local user interface 120. One or more media tray doors 110 can provide access to one or more media trays that contain media. One or more media tray doors 110 can be opened by the user to, for example, inspect and replace media, or check for misdelivery or clogging of media.

The user interface 120 includes one or more display screens (touch screens or simply screens) and some buttons, knobs, switches, etc. that can be used by the user to control the operation of the image generator 100. Can be. One or more display screens can also display warnings, alerts, commands and information to the user. The user interface 120 can accept user input, but another source of image data or instructions can include input from any number of computers that connect the press over the network. The image generator 100 can also include a smart label 130 that can be attached anywhere on the image generator 100. In connection with FIG. 3, smart labels will be described in detail below.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of the image generator 100 according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The image generator 100 includes a bus 210, a processor 220, a memory 230, a read-only memory (ROM) 240, a smart label management unit 250, a feeding unit 260, an output unit 270, a user interface 120, a communication interface 280, and an image. A generator 265 and a smart label detector 290 can be included. The bus 210 can enable communication between the components of the image generator 100.

Processor 220 may include at least one conventional processor or microprocessor that interprets and executes instructions. The memory 230 can be a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage that stores information and instructions executed by the processor 220. Memory 230 can also include read-only memory (ROM), which can contain conventional ROM devices, or another type of static storage device that stores static information and instructions for processor 220.

Communication interface 280 can include any mechanism that facilitates communication over the network. For example, the communication interface 280 can include a modem. Alternatively, the communication interface 280 can include other mechanisms that assist in communicating with other devices and / or systems.

The ROM 240 can include a conventional ROM device or another type of static storage device that stores static information and instructions for the processor 220. The storage device can augment the ROM and include any type of storage medium, such as, for example, magnetic or optical recording media and their corresponding drives.

The image generation unit 265 can include hardware that generates an image on the medium, and can also include, for example, an image printing and / or copying unit, a scanner, a fuser, and the like. The stand-alone feeding unit 260 can collect and distribute a medium sheet on which an image is to be printed. The output unit 270 can include hardware for stacking, folding, binding, and binding printed matter output from the image generator. When the image generator 100 can also operate as a copier, the image generator 100 further converts the signal from the light reflected from the image of the original into a digital signal, and then processes the signal to generate an image. A document feeder or scanner that can operate to produce a copy using part 265 can be included.

Reference to Feeding Unit 260, which contains one or more media trays, each of which is a medium stack or printing sheet (medium) of a given type (dimensions, weight, color, coating, transparency, etc.). Can include a feeder that stores one of the media sheets in it and distributes it as instructed. The media tray can be accessed by the user by opening one or more media chamber doors 110. One or more media tray door sensors can detect whether one or more media tray doors 110 are open or closed. The one or more medium tray door sensors can be any sensor familiar to those skilled in the art, such as contact sensors, infrared light sensors, magnetic sensors, and light emitting diode (LED) sensors. The size sensor of one or more medium trays can be any sensor capable of detecting the medium size of the medium familiar to those skilled in the art, including switches and the like.

The user interface 120 includes one or more conventional mechanisms that allow the user to enter and interact with image generation units 100 such as keyboards, displays, mice, pens, voice recognition devices, touchpads, buttons, etc. Can be included. The output unit 270 can include one or more conventional mechanisms for outputting an image generation document to the user, including, for example, an output tray, an output path, a finishing unit, and the like.

The image generator 100 can perform this type of function in response to the processor 220 by executing a series of instructions contained in a computer-readable medium such as memory 230. Instructions of this type can be read into memory 230 from other computer-readable media, such as storage devices, or from a separate device via communication interface 280.

The description associated with the image generator 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is intended to provide a brief and general description of the appropriate communication and processing environment in which the present disclosure can be implemented. is there. Although not required, the present disclosure is at least in the general context of instructions that can be executed by a computer, such as a program module executed by an image generator 100 such as a communication server, communication switch, communication router, general purpose computer. I will explain a part.

In general, a program module includes routine programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. In addition, those skilled in the art include many types of communication devices and computer system configurations in which other embodiments of the present disclosure include personal computers, portable devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor compliant or programmable home appliances, and the like. You will understand that it can be done within a communication network environment.

The operation of the smart label management unit 250 and the smart label detection device 290 will be described below in relation to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of the smart label 130 according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The smart label 130 can include an edge 310, an antenna winding 320, an identification text 330, and a controller / memory unit 340. The smart label 130 can be, for example, active or passive. The smart label 130 can be a label placed inside the image generator 100, such as on the image generator 100 as shown in FIG. 1 or behind the media tray 110 or one of the other access doors. The smart label 130 can be an RFID device, an RFID device, or any other communication device capable of communicating the serial number to the image generator 100. The smart label 130 can be made of any known material suitable for exerting its function, such as plastic, composite material, fabric fiber, metal and the like. The smart label can be fixed so that it is difficult to remove.

Although the antenna winding 320 appears to be illustrated, any antenna system known to those of skill in the art can also be used for the smart label 130. The identification text 330 can be, for example, a text listing a serial number or other related information that can be read by a user or technician. The controller / memory unit 340 is any processing device programmed to receive a query from the image generator 100 and / or send serial number information (on request or periodically) to the image generator 100. Can be included. The controller / memory unit 340 can also include a storage device capable of storing serial number information (or MAC address information of the image generator 100). Within the scope of the disclosed embodiments, the image generator 100 can store the serial number written in the memory of the smart label 130, or the serial number from the smart label 130 can be written to the image generator 100. Please note.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary serial number storage process using smart labels by the method according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing process can be started in step 4100 and continued until step 4200, where the smart label detector 290 can receive a signal inquiring about the smart label 130 for serial number information. The signal can be received, for example, from a remote user, a user of the user interface 120 of the image generator 100, or automatically. The serial number information can identify any component of the image generator 100 and / or the image generator 100 such as parts, consumables, warranty items, and the like. In step 4300, the smart label detector 290 can query the smart label 130 for serial number information. In step 4400, the smart label detector 290 can receive serial number information from the smart label 130.

In step 4500, the smart label management unit 250 can store the serial number information in the memory 230. The processing process then proceeds to process 5800 and ends.

The process of receiving a signal to inquire about a smart label, the process of inquiring about a smart label for serial number information, the process of receiving a serial number, and the process of storing a serial number are, for example, the facilities of a product manufacturing and supplying company or the other party's trademark. It should be noted that this can be done at intermediate sites between product manufacturers and suppliers and at user locations. In addition, the media access control (MAC) address of the image generator can be stored in the smart label memory so that it can be verified as well.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary serial number verification process using a smart label according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure. This processing step can be initiated at step 5100 and continued up to step 5200, where the smart label detector 290 can receive a signal querying the smart label 130 for serial number information. In this way, the smart label detection device 290 can receive a signal from the user in the user interface 120 of the image generation device 100, for example, automatically at a predetermined time interval of the image generation device 100 or at startup. This serial number information can identify any component of the image generator 100 and / or the image generator such as parts, consumables, warranty items, and the like.

In step 5300, the smart label detector 290 can query the smart label 130 for serial number information. In step 5400, the smart label detector 290 can receive serial number information from the smart label 130.

In step 5500, the smart label management unit 250 can determine whether the serial number matches the serial number stored in the memory 230. If the smart label management unit 250 determines that the serial number matches the stored serial number, in step 5700, the smart label management unit 250 can perform the operation of the image generator 100. The processing process then proceeds to process 5800 and ends.

Otherwise, in step 5500, if the smart label management unit 250 determines that the serial number matches the stored serial number, the process proceeds to step 5600, where the smart label management unit 250 sends an error signal. Can be done. In this way, the smart label management unit 250 can send an error signal to, for example, the user of the image generator 100, or remote equipment such as an OEM, repair equipment, manager, or other location familiar to those skilled in the art. The image generator 100 can be inoperable until the serial number mismatch is resolved. The processing step then transitions to step 5800 and ends.

Note that the MAC address of the image generator can be stored on the smart label 130 and can be verified along with (or instead of) the serial number. For example, the media access control (MAC) address of the image generator 100 can be stored in the smart label memory. The smart label detector 290 queries the smart label 130 for the MAC address of the image generator 100, queries the smart label 130 for the MAC address of the image generator 100, and receives the MAC address of the image generator 100 from the smart label 130. be able to. The smart label management unit 250 can determine whether or not the MAC address of the image generator 100 matches the MAC address of the image generator 100 stored in the image generator. When the smart label management unit 250 determines that the MAC address of the image generator matches the stored MAC address of the image generator 100, the image generator 100 can perform the requested operation. Otherwise, the smart label management unit 250 can signal an OEM, remote repair facility, image generator administrator, or other responsive party.