System and method for authentication of replaceable modules

• US 20060265742A1
• Filed: 05/20/2005
• Published: 11/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Rommelmann, Heiko, Rodriguez, Alberto, Frankel, Neil A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,840,998 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 726/16
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/0863 provided with identifying means or means for storing process- or use parameters, e.g. an electronic memory
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/55 Self-diagnostics; Malfunction or lifetime display
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1892 for presence detection, authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2215/0697 being an electronically readable memory
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2221/1892 Presence detection

Abstract

A module installable in a machine includes a memory device attached thereto for storing electronic data associated with the module. The memory device allows an individual to verify the authenticity or inauthenticity of the module without having to install the module into the machine. The memory device includes a sensory signal output device (e.g., a visual, audible, or tactile output device) that provides a sensory signal indicating authenticity or inauthenticity of the module. To verify authenticity or inauthenticity of the module, the individual initiates a query signal, for example by activating a switch on the module or by using a handheld antenna to impart an electromagnetic field onto the CRUM, and checks for the sensory signal output by the CRUM. The sensory signal may be capable of communicating a visual or audible trademark associated with the module. Data stored in the CRUM may include anti-arbitrage variables associated with the module.

Claims

1. A module installable in a machine, the module comprising:

a memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the module, wherein, when the module is not installed in the machine, the memory device provides a sensory signal indicative of authenticity or inauthenticity of the module in response to a query signal received by the memory device.

2. The module of claim 1, wherein the sensory signal is capable of communicating a trademark associated with the module.

3. The module of claim 1, wherein the data stored in the memory device includes an anti-arbitrage variable.

4. The module of claim 1, wherein operating power for the memory device is provided at least in part by an electromagnetic field associated with the query signal.

5. The module of claim 4, wherein the memory device includes a radio frequency identification tag and the query signal is a wireless signal provided by a radio frequency identification reader.

6. The module of claim 1, further comprising:

a battery associated with the memory device.

7. The module of claim 6, further comprising:

a switch associated with the module, wherein operation of the switch initiates the query signal.

8. A method of indicating authenticity or inauthenticity of a module installable in a machine while the module is removed from the machine, the method comprising:

receiving a query signal at the module; and

providing a sensory signal from the module in response to the query signal, the sensory signal being indicative of authenticity or inauthenticity of the module.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein providing the sensory signal includes communicating a trademark associated with the module.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensory signal is provided by a memory device associated with the module, the memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the module.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein operating power for the memory device is provided at least in part by an electromagnetic field associated with the query signal.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the memory device includes a radio frequency identification tag and the query signal is a wireless signal provided by a radio frequency identification reader.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the data stored in the memory device includes an anti-arbitrage variable.

14. The module of claim 8, wherein the query signal is initiated by operating a switch attached to the module.

15. A printing apparatus comprising:

a module removable from the printing apparatus, the module including;

a memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the module, wherein, when the module is not installed in the printing apparatus, the memory device provides a sensory signal indicative of authenticity or inauthenticity of the module in response to a query signal received by the memory device.

16. The printing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the sensory signal is capable of communicating a trademark associated with the module.

17. The printing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the data stored in the memory device includes an anti-arbitrage variable.

18. The printing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the memory device includes a radio frequency identification tag and the query signal is a wireless signal provided by a radio frequency identification reader.

19. The printing apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a switch associated with the module, wherein operation of the switch initiates the query signal.

20. The printing apparatus of claim 15, wherein the module includes hardware for electrostatographic printing.