System and method for authentication of replaceable modules
First Claim
1. A module comprising:
- a memory device attached to the module, the module being installable in a machine, the memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the module, the memory device including a sensory signal output device,whereinwhen the module is not installed in the machine, the sensory signal output device provides a sensory signal indicative of authenticity or inauthenticity of the module in response to a query signal initiated by a user and received by the memory device, the sensory signal indicating whether installation of the module in the machine is authorized,the user is characterized as an individual authorized to initiate the query signal,the query signal is initiated without physical contact between the user and the module, andinauthenticity of the module is characterized by installation of said module being not in accordance with warranty conditions for the machine.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
14 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A module comprising:
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a memory device attached to the module, the module being installable in a machine, the memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the module, the memory device including a sensory signal output device, wherein when the module is not installed in the machine, the sensory signal output device provides a sensory signal indicative of authenticity or inauthenticity of the module in response to a query signal initiated by a user and received by the memory device, the sensory signal indicating whether installation of the module in the machine is authorized, the user is characterized as an individual authorized to initiate the query signal, the query signal is initiated without physical contact between the user and the module, and inauthenticity of the module is characterized by installation of said module being not in accordance with warranty conditions for the machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of indicating authenticity or inauthenticity of a module installable in a machine, comprising:
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receiving a query signal at the module while the module is removed from the machine, the module being installable in the machine and the query signal being initiated by a user; and providing a sensory signal from a sensory signal output device included in the module in response to the query signal, the sensory signal being indicative of authenticity or inauthenticity of the module and indicating whether installation of the module in the machine is authorized, wherein the user is characterized as an individual authorized to initiate the query signal, the query signal is initiated without physical contact between the user and the module, and inauthenticity of the module is characterized by installation of said module being not in accordance with warranty conditions for the machine. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A printing apparatus comprising:
a module installable in and removable from the printing apparatus, the module including; a memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the module, the memory device including a sensory signal output device, wherein when the module is not installed in the printing apparatus, the sensory signal output device provides a sensory signal indicative of authenticity or inauthenticity of the module in response to a query signal initiated by a user and received by the memory device, the sensory signal indicating whether installation of the module in the printing apparatus is authorized, the user is characterized as an individual authorized to initiate the query signal, the query signal is initiated without physical contact between the user and the module, and inauthenticity of the module is characterized by installation of said module being not in accordance with warranty conditions for the machine. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
Specification