Replaceable printer component including a memory storing a tag encryption mask

[0001] Modern printing systems typically include one or more removable printer components such as ink cartridges, inkjet printhead assemblies, toner cartridges, ink delivery systems, etc. In some of the existing systems, these replaceable printer components are provided with inbuilt memory for sending information about a removable item to the printer, e.g. ink levels, commercial information, etc.

[0002] Some of the information stored in the built-in memory may be reserved to the manufacturer of the replaceable printer component. Information stored in the built-in memory should be protected against displaying or unauthorized changes. In addition, for some information stored in the built-in memory, their protection against being viewed by any listening device when transferring them between the built-in memory and the host can be useful. In addition, the encrypted information and the location of the encrypted information in the built-in memory may change with the life of the printer in which the replaceable printer component is used.

[0003] For this and other reasons, there is a need for the present invention.

[0004] The document GB 2,354,735 A describes a replaceable element of a printing device, e.g. a toner cartridge, which is equipped with a memory label with radio frequency identification (RFID), with password protected data areas to control read access and write to memory labels. The printing device is equipped with an interrogator (radiolocation device) that emits a radio wave field that provides power to the memory label using the antenna coil. The memory label provides an encrypted authorization code that, if it is considered valid by the printer, enables all printing functions of the printing device. The memory label uses encryption methods to allow read access or to save selected areas of the memory label to only authorized users.

[0005] US 2002/0122671 explains that encrypted data and unencrypted data are stored, in a distinguishable form, in the memory of a process cartridge connected to an electrophotographic printer in a detachable manner.

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Summary of the Invention [0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved interchangeable printer element that allows a printing system to handle different locations of encrypted data in the memory of the item.

[0008] This object is achieved by means of the replaceable printer element described in claim 1.

A brief description of the figures

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[0009] The attached figures serve a better understanding of the embodiments of the invention, and are incorporated herein and form a part thereof. The figures illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description they serve to explain the principles of the embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the benefits of the exemplary embodiments will be easily perceived when they are better understood by reading the following detailed description. The elements in the figures are not always represented in the proper mutual proportions. Similar numerals denote corresponding similar parts.

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the printing system. Figure 2 is a table illustrating one embodiment of the information format stored in the memory device of the replaceable printer component.

Figure 3 is a (flow) logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of using a memory device of a replaceable printer component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0010] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the attached figures, which form a part thereof and on which illustrative embodiments specific to the invention in which the invention can be practically used are illustrated. Accordingly, the definitions of directions such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "front", "rear", etc., are used in relation to the orientation of the figures described. Since the components of the embodiments of the invention may be located in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for illustration purposes and is by no means limiting. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For this reason,

[0011] It should be understood that the features of various embodiments of the invention described herein can be combined with each other, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the printing system 100. The printing system 100 includes a host 102 and a printing system 104. The printing system 104 facilitates the printing of graphic and / or texture images on a print medium 118, such as paper, cardboard, film transparent, Mylar, fabric and the like. The printing system 104 includes, for example, an inkjet printer, a laser printer or other suitable printer. The host 102 communicates with the printing system 104 and transmits the data and / or control signals to the printing system 104. The host 102 may or may be located in a plurality of information sources, e.g. a computer, a camera or other suitable device, e.g. a digital personal assistant (PDA), digital camera, mobile phone, etc. [0013] In one embodiment, the printing system 104 includes a printer driver 116 and a replaceable printer component 108. The exchangeable printer component 108 includes a memory device 110. In one embodiment, the memory device 110 stores the label encryption mask 111 in a header storage area. Labels defining the data and data defined by these labels are stored in the memory device 110 in the memory data area. Data defined by

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Each label may be either encrypted or unencrypted. The label encryption mask 111 indicates the encryption state of the data defined by each label stored in the memory device 110, indicating whether the data is encrypted or unencrypted.

[0014] The printer driver 116 controls the operation of the printing system 104 and, as such, receives data or control signals from the host 102. The printer controller 116 communicates with the host 102 via a communication link 106. The communication link 106 includes, for example, an electrical, optical an infrared or other suitable path for transmitting information between the printer driver 116 and the host 102.

[0015] The exchangeable printer component 108 includes an element of the printing system 104 that can be placed in the printing system 104 and removed therefrom. In one embodiment, the replaceable printer component 108 includes a consumable member that is removed and replaced when its useful life expires. An example of such an operating element may include an ink container or toner cartridge that includes a supply of marking material to the printing system 104. The marking material is ejected onto the print medium 118 by the printing system 104 and depletes during the life of the ink reservoir or toner cartridge. The ink container itself or toner cartridge itself is ejected and replaced when its useful life has passed or is refilled and re-used.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the replaceable printer component 108 includes a printing element that is easily interchangeable in the printing system 104. Examples of such printing means include a printhead that selectively places ink on the print medium 118 in response to control signals from the controller. printers 116 or print cartridges consisting of a printhead and an ink delivery system. Thus, the replaceable element of the printer 108 may include an ink container, printhead, or cartridge for the printer if, for example, the printing system 104 includes an inkjet printer. Furthermore, the replaceable printer component 108 may include a toner cartridge or developer, if, for example, the printing system 104 includes an inkjet printer. Also,

[0017] The printer driver 116 and the interchangeable printer component 108 communicate with each other via communication link 114. The communication link 114 facilitates the transfer of information between the printer driver 116 and the replaceable printer 108 when the replaceable printer component 108 is installed in the printing system 104. Communication link 114 includes, for example, an electrical, optical, infrared or other infrared-based communication path between the replaceable element of the printer 108 and the printer driver 116.

[0018] The exchangeable printer component 108 includes a memory device 110 that stores information for the exchangeable printer component 108 and / or printing system 104. In one embodiment, the memory device 110 includes a 256 bit non-volatile memory or other suitable storage capacity, e.g. EEPROM, FLASH or other appropriate type of memory. In one embodiment, the memory device 110 stores, for example, information that specifically relates to the exchangeable printer component 108 and / or information that applies to the printing system 104. Furthermore, the memory device 110 may include information stored therein intended for use by the user.

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The printing system 104 may or may store information for the printing system 104. In one embodiment, the information that may be stored in the memory device 110 includes operating or non-operating parameters for the replaceable printer component 108 and / or printing system 104.

[0019] In one embodiment, the replaceable printer component 108 includes a communication link 112 that connects an electrical or communication memory device 110 with a communication link 114, and thus, a printer driver 116 when the replaceable printer component 108 is installed in the system. The memory device 110 itself communicates with the printer driver via communication links 112 and 114 when the interchangeable printer component 108 is installed in the printing system 104. Thus, the communication links 112 and 114 include, for example, electrical connectors, e.g. electrical contacts or plugs that connect to corresponding electrical nodes or sockets respectively.

The printer controller 116 includes a circuit, logic or encryption / decryption algorithm 117. When the exchangeable printer component 108 is installed in the printing system 104, the printer driver 116 reads the information stored in the memory device 110, including the label coding mask 111, label and data defined by these labels. The encryption / decryption algorithm 117 then decrypts the data defined by each label, wherein the encryption mask of the label 111 indicates that the data defined by the label is encrypted. Therefore, some of the data blocks stored in the memory device 110 may be encrypted, while other data blocks stored in the memory device 110 may remain unencrypted. When the printer driver 116 saves data to the memory device 110, the encryption / decryption algorithm 117 first encrypts the data defined by each label, wherein the encryption mask of the label 111 indicates that the data defined by the label is encrypted. The encrypted data is then stored in the storage device 110.

[0021] The label encryption mask 111 allows encryption of any selected parts or blocks of memory device 110 by the manufacturer or another authorized user of the replaceable printer component 108 without prior programming of the printing system 104 to recognize that some parts or blocks of the memory device 110 store the encrypted data. Thus, the encrypted data and the location of the encrypted data stored in the memory device 110 of the replaceable printer component 108 may vary over the life of the printing system 104.

[0022] Figure 2 is a table illustrating one embodiment of the information format 150 stored in the memory device 110 of the replaceable printer element 108. The memory device 110 includes a header area designated 152 and a data area designated 154. The header area 152 begins at address 0, and ends at the address "A-1", where "A" is an integer specifying the number of bytes of the memory device 110. In one embodiment, the header area 152 is not encrypted. The header area 152 includes a label encryption mask 111. In one embodiment, the label encryption mask 111 occupies 2 bytes (16 bits) in the memory device 110.

[0023] In one embodiment, data area 154 includes 16 portions or blocks in storage device 110. In other embodiments, data area 154 includes less than 16

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EP 2 286 328 B1 parts or blocks. Each of the 16 blocks contains a label labeled "T0" to "T15" and label data. For each block, the label is stored in the memory device 110 immediately before the label data. In one embodiment, the labels are not encrypted. Each label defines the identity of the label and the length of the label data. The label identity identifies the type of data stored in the next block of the memory device 110. Based on the length of the label data, the address range for the block is determined. The address range for each block is defined in the range from "A" to "Q", where the letters "A" and "Q" are integers specifying the number of bytes of the memory device 110. For example, the label "T0" defines the type of data stored in the range addresses from "A + 1" to "B-1". The "T1" label defines the type of data stored in the address range from "B + 1" to "C1". Similarly, the label "T15" defines the type of data stored in the address range from "P + 1" to "Q1". The labels can be stored in the data area 154 in any order. In addition, the included identities of labels do not have to create a continuous scope. For example, in one embodiment, the data area 154 includes six data storage blocks defined by the following labels in the order given: "T3", "T1" "T4" "T5", "T6", and "T10". The data type and data length defined by each label may be different for each label from "T0" to "T15". For example, the label data length "T0" can be 12 bytes, the length of the label data "T1" can be 32 bytes, the data length of the label "T2" can be 44 bytes, etc.

[0024] Each respective bit of the label encryption mask 111 indicates whether the label data defined by each corresponding label is encrypted or unencrypted. The first bit of the label encryption mask 111 indicates whether the data defined by the label "T0" is encrypted or unencrypted. The second bit of the label encryption mask 111 indicates whether the data defined by the "T1" label is encrypted or unencrypted. Similarly, the 16th bit of the label encryption mask 111 indicates whether the data defined by the label "T15" is encrypted or not encrypted.

[0025] In one embodiment, a bit with a logic "0" in the label encryption mask 111 indicates that the data defined by the corresponding label is not encrypted and the bit with the logic "1" in the label encryption mask 111 indicates that the data defined by responds their label is encrypted. In a further embodiment, the logic bit "1" in the label encryption mask 111 indicates that the data defined by the corresponding label is not encrypted, and the bit with the logical "0" in the label encryption mask 111 indicates that the data defined by the corresponding label they are encrypted. For example, in one embodiment, where the logical "1" means encrypted data, the label encryption mask in the form "0010-0000-0100-0001" indicates that the data defined by the "T13" labels, "T6" and "T0" are encrypted and data defined by other labels are not encrypted. In other embodiments, a different number of labels and a different length of the label encryption mask 111, e.g. 32 labels, and a 32 bit label encryption mask, respectively, are used.

[0026] Figure 3 is a logic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 200 for using a memory device 110 of the replaceable printer component 108. In point 202, labels and data associated with each label are defined. Each label defines the type of data to be stored behind the label and the length of this data. At 204, the data to be encrypted at the memory device 110 of the replaceable printer component 108 is identified. At 206, the identified data is encrypted and the labels and data defined by these labels are saved.

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In memory device storage area 110, at point 208, a label encryption mask is stored in the area of ​​the header of memory device 110, indicating which data is encrypted and which data is unencrypted. In one embodiment, the above process, described in blocks 202 to 208 inclusive, is performed by the manufacturer of the replaceable printer element 108 in the production process of the exchangeable printer component 108.

[0027] At 210, the user installs a replaceable printer 108 in the printing system 104. When the exchangeable printer 108 is installed on the printing system 104, the printer controller 116 establishes communication with a memory device 108 via communication links 112 and 114. In step 212, the controller The printer 116 reads a memory device 110 containing a label and label encryption mask and data defined by these labels. At point 214, the encryption / decryption algorithm 117 of the printer driver 116 decrypts any encrypted data read from the memory device 110 according to the label encryption masks. When the printer driver 116 saves data to the memory device 110, the encryption / decryption algorithm 117 first encrypts any data,

[0028] Embodiments provide a removable printer component including a memory device. Exemplary embodiments of the memory device store a label encryption mask indicating which parts of the storage device are storing encrypted data and which parts of the storage device are storing unencrypted data. The printing system in which the embodiment of the exchangeable printer component is installed decrypts the encrypted data during the read operation based on the label encryption mask. In addition, the printing system in which the embodiment of the replaceable printer component is installed encrypts the data during the write operation based on the label encryption mask. Hence, in the embodiments,

[0029] Although particular embodiments have been illustrated and described in the present application, one skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein can be replaced by a number of alternative or equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present application is intended to cover all adaptations and variants of the specific embodiments described therein. The present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

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EP 2 286 328 B1