CN101665035A

CN101665035A - Method and apparatus for article authentication

Info

Publication number: CN101665035A
Application number: CN200910178732A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 克莱夫·P·霍博格; 博里斯·Y·茨尔莱恩
Original assignee: ZIH Corp
Current assignee: ZIH Corp
Priority date: 2001-08-24
Filing date: 2002-08-22
Publication date: 2010-03-10

Abstract

An authentication method for authenticating an article in a device includes the steps of a) reading an identification number stored on the article, b) reading an authentication number stored on the article, c) determining an input number based at least in part on the identification number, d) applying an authentication function to the input number to calculate an output number, e) determining thatthe article is authentic only if the authentication number corresponds to the output number, and f) permitting use of the article in the device if the article is authentic, and disabling use of the article in the device if the article is not authentic.

Description

Medium retainer and medium treatment system

The application is that the application number that the applicant submitted on April 11st, 2007 is 2007100965372, is entitled as dividing an application of " being used for the method and apparatus that articles for use are differentiated " patent application.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to a kind of authentication technique that is used in the articles for use in the main frame.More specifically, a specific embodiment of the present invention relates to the print cartridge of heat label device or a China ink barrel improvement of making, and wherein, can differentiate print cartridge or China ink band, determines that it is suitable model and comes from the authorized source of goods.

Background technology

Once there was other method to attempt to differentiate consumptive material in the main frame, but fact proved that they all can not be satisfactory.Particularly, existing method discussed below all can not provide effective anti-piracy means.These in the past known methods enough distinguishing abilities can't be provided, and often be replicated, electronic deception or similar techniques crack.

A kind of technology of early stage discriminating consumptive material depends on the key formula profile of consumptive material.Such key formula configuration design can be become only have the consumptive material of key formula profile can fit in the main frame of given model.For example, the shaver of certain plate can be designed as the blade that only admittance has certain key shape.Again for example, ink-jet printer can be designed as the heavily filling print cartridge that only admittance has certain key shape.Use such key formula profile can prevent that the consumptive material between the different main frame models from exchanging.But, this method generally speaking for anti-piracy be invalid because the key formula shape of consumptive material can be observed easily and is replicated.

Be designed for " question and answer (challenge andresponse) " the formula identification algorithm that uses in the responder of automobile safety system, for example Atmel TK556 or the like also is unsafty.Automobile safety system is designed for " one lock with multi-key " and uses, and wherein, single password is compiled in each key and each lock.If a main frame, for example printer or camera are " locks ", and so such question and answer responder just need all be compiled identical password with lock (printer) with all keys (medium).

On as the consumptive material of film and/or provide coding as the identification purposes and transmit the information of relevant film or camera on the main frame as camera, this point has been well-known.Term " coding " has very broadly shown the feature of entity medium, is used for giving main frame with one or more information." coding " comprises alphanumeric text and other mark, symbol or the like.Can adopt various means to detect coding, comprise the card reader of optics, magnetic and/or punch card, and more than that.

U.S. Patent No. 6,106,166 disclose a kind of device with responder and transceiver.The read/writable memory device able to programme electric or electronics that is contained in the responder links to each other with consumptive material is whole.Responder can receive a RF frequency electromagnetic field and from wherein obtaining energy and address information, generates the 2nd RF frequency electromagnetic field afterwards and makes and replying.The feature that second electromagnetic field has is the data of storing in the memory.Transceiver is positioned at main frame inside, has antenna and support component, is used for detecting in turn each responder.Indicated as the control logic processor, transceiver can read manufacturing information and usage and deal with data are write responder so that deposit memory in from responder.

Radio-frequency identification transponder can take various forms.The form of a kind of being called as " built-in responder " is the identification responder with basic flat pattern.The form that is used for the antenna of built-in responder is the conducting wire that is positioned on the non-conductive support member.This antenna can be the shape of flatwise coil or the like.Also be furnished with the lead-in wire of antenna, and if desired, between lead-in wire, insert non-conductive layer.Memory member, the RF communication, but and any control function all chip on the support member provides and be connected to antenna by lead-in wire with working method by being installed in.Built-in responder is used as the lamination of identification label or labeling always, so that the coding that can obtain outside certain distance to be provided.In U.S. Patent No. 6,173, a kind of camera with radio-frequency identification transponder is disclosed in 119, can outside certain distance, visit this camera to read and write.

The responder of another kind of known type is RF identification (RFID) responder.The RFID responder can comprise the identifier that is installed in the uniqueness in the nonvolatile memory (non-volatilememory) by the producer usually.

For main frame, it is well-known that the consumptive material that has responder is provided, for example print cartridge.Such main frame for example is equipped with the printer of print cartridge, comprises the transceiver that is used to detect media types on the print cartridge.The transceiver and the answering machine of this type of population are disclosed in the U.S. Patent No. 6,099,178 that is presented to people such as Spurr.The patent disclosure of Spurr a kind of printer, be used to detect the type of medium of packing into, and comprise RF transceiver, be used to send first electromagnetic field and detect second electromagnetic field.But Spurr does not describe or illustrates the device that is used to differentiate the medium that carries responder.The information that is coded in the responder of Spurr patent can be forged easily, thereby makes this system turn turtle as anti-piracy means the time.

International publication number WO 98/52762 discloses a kind of printer, and it uses a kind of RFID label, is used to discern the type of paper of ink-jet printer of packing into.This method provides and has appended to the technical scheme of carrying out contactless communication between the read/writable memory device on the ink-jet roller.Yet this invention is not put down in writing or is illustrated and invents corresponding discrimination method and device therewith.

Therefore, need provide the anti-piracy means of a kind of effective employing responder and transceiver to detect coded message on the consumptive material that is used for main frame, for example be used for the medium of printer.

Description of drawings

Should believe, when combining, from following explanation, can understand the present invention better with accompanying drawing, in the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1A is for to look perspective view according to the top view left side of the consumptive material in the main frame of packing into of an embodiment.

Figure 1B is the top view elevational perspective view according to the consumptive material in the main frame of packing into of an embodiment.

Fig. 2 A is a program flow diagram, and the embodiment that preparation can be differentiated the operating sequence of consumptive material is shown.

Fig. 2 B is a program flow diagram, and the embodiment that preparation can be differentiated the operating sequence of consumptive material is shown.

Fig. 3 A is for to look perspective view according to the consumptive material that will differentiate of an embodiment and the top view right side of main frame.

Fig. 3 B for according to the consumptive material that is used to differentiate of an embodiment and the top view right side that is used for main frame that the present invention is differentiated look perspective view.

Fig. 4 is a system flow chart, and operating sequence and the data flow of an embodiment of the method that is used for differentiating consumptive material is shown.

Fig. 5 looks perspective view for a part top view left side of putting into the consumptive material in the main frame, and the discriminating position component according to an embodiment is shown.

Fig. 6 looks perspective view for the part top view right side of putting into the consumptive material in the main frame, and the discriminating position component according to an embodiment is shown.

Fig. 7 A is the perspective view according to the consumptive material print cartridge of the discriminator circuit that is installed in a side having of an embodiment.

Fig. 7 B is the enlarged drawing that is installed in the discriminating parts on the consumptive material.

Fig. 7 C is the side view according to the consumptive material print cartridge of the discriminator circuit that is installed in a side having of an embodiment.

Fig. 7 D is the top view according to the consumptive material print cartridge of the discriminator circuit that is installed in a side having of an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is the block diagram according to the consumptive material of an embodiment, main frame and discriminator circuit.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view, and the position of the circuit board that is used to differentiate consumptive material in the main frame according to an embodiment is shown.

Figure 10 A is the rearview that is used to be installed on the main frame with first embodiment of the circuit board of differentiating consumptive material.

Figure 10 B is the front view that is used to be installed on the main frame with first embodiment of the circuit board of differentiating consumptive material.

Figure 11 is the perspective view according to the consumptive material print cartridge axle that is installed in the discriminator circuit on the flange having of an embodiment.

Figure 12 A is the side view according to the consumptive material print cartridge axle that is installed in the discriminator circuit on the flange having of an embodiment.

Figure 12 B is first end-view according to the consumptive material print cartridge axle that is installed in the discriminator circuit on the flange having of an embodiment.

Figure 12 C is second end-view according to the consumptive material print cartridge axle that is installed in the discriminator circuit on the flange having of an embodiment.

Figure 12 D is the sectional view according to the consumptive material print cartridge axle that is installed in the discriminator circuit on the flange having of an embodiment.

Figure 13 is the block diagram according to consumptive material, main frame and the discriminator circuit of the embodiment that adopts network to connect.

The specific embodiment

This specification be used in particular for illustrating formation according to the parts of the part of device of the present invention or with its parts that more directly cooperate.Should be appreciated that the parts that do not specifically illustrate or illustrate can be various forms well known by persons skilled in the art.In this specification, term " consumptive material " refers to be designed for the parts that exhaust and change in being called the equipment of main frame.Consumptive material and separately the example of main frame comprise: be used in the ink-jet box in the printer, be used in film in the camera, be used in the colour band on the typewriter and/or be used in toner cartridge in the duplicator.

With reference now to Figure 1A,, main frame 100 is used to admit consumptive material 120.Main frame 100 in this specific embodiment can be the plastic clip printer that is used for adopting heat transfer method type slug font code on plastic cards.The consumptive material 120 of this embodiment can be the ribbon cartridge that contains color band 150, the example of this colour band 150 such as resin-based heat transfer colour ribbon or dye sublimation colour band.Plastic clip printer host 100 can comprise other legacy device (not shown), for example printhead, magnetic coding platform, power switch, control panel, advance card device, card output bucket and other parts.Openable printer cover 162 has been covered the internal mechanism of ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 and the dirt that helps to limit such as dust and foreign matter enters.In this embodiment, cover release-push 160 illustrates in a side of plastic clip printer 100.The second cover release-push (not shown) can be positioned at opposite side.Among this embodiment, left inwall 167L and right inwall 167R form straight trough 165 in plastic clip printer host 100, be used to admit ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120.At first press the cover release-push 160 of a side of plastic clip printer host 100 and open printer cover 162, afterwards ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 is vertically inserted straight trough 165, and the ribbon cartridge consumptive material is pressed in place, ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 can be packed in the plastic clip printer host by above step.The feedback of the sense of touch or the sense of hearing can indicate ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 and correctly be installed.

Still with reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 can comprise supply shaft 140 and picker shaft 145.Use before the ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120, colour band 150 is wound into a volume round supply shaft 140.When using colour band 150 and ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 to exhaust, colour band 150 is wound on the picker shaft 145.In illustrated embodiment, supply shaft 140 and picker shaft 145 is spaced apart in relatively-stationary mode by left support member 147L and right support member 147R.Supply shaft 140, picker shaft 145, left support member 147L and right support member 147R have constituted four edges together, form the coffin that colour band 150 can pass.In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, RF identification (RFID) responder 130 is arranged on the left support member 147L of ribbon cartridge 120.Although in illustrated embodiment, RFID responder 130 is positioned on the left support member 147L, also it can be arranged on any suitable position during practical application, for example is arranged on the right support member 147R.Certainly,, need not responder is restricted to radiofrequency signal, and this responder can utilize any type of suitable electromagnetic radiation, for example visible light, ultraviolet ray and infrared ray as known in this area.

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the sequence number n that RFID responder 130 can comprise is unique, programme in the factory.Each has all comprised 32 to 64 unique responder recognition sequence number n this RFID responder that can buy, is used in " anti-collision " agreement.This agreement can separate and separately identification appear at a plurality of responders in the field of RFID reader simultaneously, a plurality of main frames just may cause this situation when being in the nearer relatively scope.

The encryption function F calculating grant number x that use is selected by the manufacturer of ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 and maintained secrecy.The grant number permanent storage is in RFID responder 130.Printer host 100 can access encryption function F at its duration of work.For example, in an embodiment shown in Fig. 8, can in manufacture process, the encryption function F that maintains secrecy be enrolled in the printer host 100 in advance.In another embodiment, printer host can obtain the encryption function F that maintains secrecy on network.When ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 was packed printer host 100 into, the internal RF ID transceiver of printer (not shown in Figure 1A) was from linking to each other with ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 or thereon RFID responder 130 of position reads the value of sequence number n and grant number x.Afterwards, it will judge whether grant number x after by the encryption function F conversion of maintaining secrecy, conforms to sequence number n.If two values conform to, then ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 is considered as the medium product of the mandate that can on this printer, use.

Each can be with identical AES coding in factory from the printer 100 of given manufacturer.When producing ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120, in printer, provide identical being used to generate the AES of grant number.In case ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 has been installed, has just been read the unique sequences n of responder.In a preferred embodiment, the unique sequences n of responder has been locked in the RFID responder 130 by manufacturer.

The type y of the medium that will make also knows in the manufacturer of ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120.In another embodiment, the value of n and y is combined calculate authorization code x in the AES to be used in.Afterwards, the manufacturer of ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 enrolls x and y value and be locked in the memory of responder 130.Responder 130 for good and all is installed on the ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120.With the method, can produce in fact the medium volume or the cartridge of the uniqueness of unlimited amount, each is all comprising value, the value of media types y and the value of grant number x of the sequence number n of unique code and locking.

Although sequence number n, media types y and grant number x can freely read, preferably, the encryption function F that maintains secrecy does not choose the obvious contrafunctional function class from known having.Correspondingly, such function is difficult to decode, thereby safe distinguishing ability is provided.In order to produce the ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 of the forgery that can work on according to printer embodiment illustrated in fig. 1 100, the adulterator of ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 will have to rebuild the algorithm F that can be used in printer 100.

If the value of calculating x is as the complicated function of unique and the responder sequence number n that can't duplicate, then the value of n and x can all be stored in the RFID responder 130, at this place two number coding encryptings also can be read by anyone.Selectively, if media types y also is used in the conversion, then also it can be stored in the RFID responder.When ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 is installed on the printer 100, printer can read x and n (and reading y alternatively) from responder, and verify whether the x value that reads conforms to the n value that reads (and the y value that reads alternatively), thereby whether checking is the ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 that is used for corresponding printer 100.

From known strong cipher algorithms, select a kind of algorithm to be used for F meticulously, can make and crack become very difficulty and expensively in practical operation must make prestige and step back of this security system.By n being encrypted, can adopt enciphered method to calculate authorization code x with some functions.The unique information that the adulterator can access is exactly that the authorization code x of given colour band is consistent with given sequence number n.More particularly, the adulterator can not know or work out the value that how to obtain x for given n.The adulterator also can't test all possible n value randomly, unless because the adulterator has obtained having simultaneously the certified products medium volume of that n and corresponding authorization code x, otherwise just can't know the value of x.So the sample that the adulterator can only have limited n, x is used for test.

Calculating for the function with sequence number n and media types y the embodiment of x also is in like manner.By n and y being encrypted, can adopt enciphered method to calculate authorization code x with some functions.Same, the unique information that the adulterator can access is exactly that the authorization code x of given colour band conforms to given a pair of n, x.

In order to prevent that further security system is cracked, can be stored in the main frame between test value, forming a plurality of functions that to accept to concern.Afterwards, consumptive material can be encoded with a plurality of grant number, each grant number all satisfies concrete mandate functional relation.Be cracked if known any concrete mandate function, then can adopt other a mandate function and an authorization value to verify medium.The mandate function that can will be cracked in main frame is closed the pirate medium that adopts the mandate function manufacturing that is cracked to prevent to license to.For example, according to the mark of in follow-up medium, setting or by host software or hardware are upgraded, the mandate function that is cracked can be closed.

As known in the art, main frame or printer 100 comprise: suitable memory, for example RAM, ROM, EEPROM or the like, input-output apparatus, computer or central processing unit, optionally disk storage and corresponding support equipment, all these parts are all not shown.This computer can be for example, for example to have

Or the IBM compatible computer of Intel series microprocessor.Selectively, this computer also can have the Motorola series microprocessor

Compatible computer.But this computer or central processing unit also can be any computer, processor, central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer), mainframe computer, work station, single-chip microcomputer, distributed processors, server, controller, microcontroller, discrete logic devices, remote computer, internet computer or network computers.Be designed for stored program instruction with computer corresponding memory and/or magnetic disc store, programmed instruction is represented algorithm and is carried out each step described here.Such programmed instruction can perhaps also can be downloaded from remote data source by network or other communication link from magnetic disc store or from such as the nonvolatile memory of ROM, PROM, EPROM etc. " download ".

With reference now to the embodiment shown in Figure 1B,, shows plastic clip printer host 100 and ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120.Shown in Figure 1B, ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 is packed in the plastic clip printer host 100.In this specific embodiment, this ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120 can be inserted between left inwall 167L and the right inwall 167R.The responder of RFID shown in the figure is installed on the left support member 147L, but also can be installed in other places, for example is installed on the right support member 147R.Pack into after the ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120, cover 162 can be covered and operate plastic clip printer host 100.

For the purpose of simplifying the description, below the performance of the present invention of explanation will only adopt sequence number n and grant number x.But, media types y is used to calculate grant number x with sequence number n, this is also within the scope of the invention.Use sequence number n and the difference of using media types y can be that when making the RFID responder, sequence number can for good and all be fixed therein, and can be unique for each responder.On the other hand, in factory, media types y can be stored in the RFID responder, and all be identical for the medium of every kind of given type.But the use for sequence number n in discriminating or computations of explanation herein is with identical for the use of media types y.

Fig. 2 A is a program flow diagram, and an embodiment of the operating sequence that is used for preparing a kind of consumptive material differentiated that is used in main frame is shown.At first, a suitable mandate function must be selected by manufacturer, by selecting to authorize the expression of function F step 202.Preferably, if only provide less several x and the value of n, function F is very impalpable.After selecting to authorize the step 202 of function F, next step is the step 204 that reads the sequence number n of RFID responder.But the manufacturer of duscriminant consumptive material must read sequence number n from will be installed to the RFID responder on the consumptive material.Sequence number n loads in factory and is unique for each responder.Next step, manufacturer can carry out the step 208 of calculating grant number x=F (n).The domain of definition of function F is not limited only to the setting value of n, and specifically, F can be a multi-variable function, will describe in detail as following.Calculate after the grant number x by the step 208 of calculating grant number x=F (n),, grant number x is placed on the public data area of responder then by grant number x being stored in the step 210 in the RFID responder.

Another alternate embodiments in the operating sequence that is used for preparing a kind of consumptive material differentiated that is used in main frame shown in Fig. 2 B.In this embodiment, function F is at first being selected to authorize by manufacturer _{M, Q}Step 202 ' middle selection mandate function.Preferably, the selection mandate function F of this optional embodiment _{M, Q}Step be the one-way function of the classics that in cryptography, use, it can be based on modulo operation and Galois Field computing (Galois Field arithmetic).The Galois Field computing particularly cooperates one-way function [M ^GMod Q] time, extensive use in public key cryptography.Give one example, the Diffie-Hellman method has just adopted this means.Parameter M and Q are selected, determined function F uniquely _{M, Q}(G)=M ^GMod Q.For instance, as known in the field, in sentence, can express " delivery " symbol in the following manner:

The functional value of G equals the value of G power of M to the value delivery of Q.

Parameter M and Q are two prime number values (prime values), and the relation between them is that M is the primitive element (primitiveelement) of Q rank prime number Galois Field (prime Galois Field) GF (Q).Selecting to authorize function F _{M, Q}Step 202 ' in configure after the encryption function, next step is exactly the step 204 that reads RFID responder sequence number n.Next step of Fig. 2 B illustrated embodiment is the step 206 of identification consumptive material type y.Numeral y selects part number by manufacturer, is used to indicate the particular type of medium, and manufacturer will be assembled to this RFID responder on this medium.

Next step is to select preparation function (preparatory function) G (n, step 208 y).(n, codomain y) becomes function F to function G _{M, Q}(G) the domain of definition, thus make compound function F ο G that input value n, y are mapped to grant number x.Preferably, (n y) is unique (unique) and maintain secrecy for the manufacturer that can differentiate consumptive material to function G.Preferably, (n y) can be mapped as unique result with every couple of n, y to the preparation function G, but such mapping one to one is not that the present invention is necessary.Preferably, (n y) should avoid (degenerative) of some degeneration, (pathological) G value of morbid state to the preparation function G.Particularly, preferably this function should avoid obtaining being in the interior value of following codomain:

G≤0，

G＝1，

G = \frac{Q - 1}{2},

With

G＝(Q-1).

Known to from the Galois Field number theory, the function G that produces these values may be destroyed coding function F _{M, Q}Security.(n, y) afterwards, next step in the operating sequence shown in Fig. 2 B illustrated embodiment is to calculate grant number x=F to choose suitable preparation function G _{M, Q}(the step 208 of G (n, y)).After calculating finishes, grant number x is being stored in the step 210 of RFID responder, grant number x is being stored into the public data area of the RFID responder of an embodiment.In addition, consumptive material style number y is being stored in the step 212 of RFID responder, will represent the digital y of media types to be stored in the responder, afterwards, promptly finishing the operating sequence shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2, the consumptive material medium is become can be differentiated.

Fig. 3 A and 3B illustrate another embodiment that

consumptive material

120A, 120B are unloaded and set up from main frame 100, and wherein,

consumptive material

120A, 120B are ribbon cartridge, and main frame 100 is the plastic clip printer.In order after using consumptive material, to unload ribbon cartridge

consumptive material

120A, 120B from plastic clip printer host 100, open cover 162, then the ribbon cartridge consumptive material among the main frame 120B is pulled out (310), remove ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120A.For ribbon cartridge consumptive material 120A is unloaded, it is inserted vertically (320) and push (120B) in place.

Fig. 4 is a system flow chart, and total operation workflow that this system is shown and data flow are used for a specific embodiment, and whether the consumptive material that detects in the main frame of packing into is certified products.When the consumptive material medium was contained on the printer host, main frame at first detected the consumptive material of newly packing in the step 410 that detects consumptive material.Can detect this consumptive material by mechanical pick-up device, contiguous RFID responder or other any suitable sensing devices that is used for this type of detection of identification.After detecting new consumptive material, the internal RF ID transceiver of printer is from being installed in the value that responder on the medium reads sequence number n, grant number x and consumptive material type y.

This illustrates with three continuous steps in the embodiment shown in fig. 4: read the step 415 of sequence number n, the step 420 that reads consumptive material style number y and the step 425 that reads grant number x.The order of these operations is unimportant, and in other embodiment, under the prerequisite that does not deviate from scope of the present invention, can carry out these operations according to different orders.Read after the consumptive material style number y, in the embodiment shown in fig. 4, in the step 430 of checking consumptive material type validity, consumptive material is checked for the validity of this concrete main frame.In this embodiment, the active medium type y for concrete main frame is known.If consumptive material belongs to for the invalid type of this main frame, then main frame will adopt report condition step 480 to report the state and the termination work of incompatible ribbon cartridge.If media types and this main frame are incompatible, needn't check then whether this medium is certified products.

Still with reference to the embodiment of figure 4, authorize function data 490 can be used to check whether the consumptive material medium is certified products.Can before sale, in main frame, enroll identical mandate function, utilize this function manufacturing to be used for the consumptive material of this main frame subsequently.Can will determine that the sequence of steps of this mandate function is as authorizing function data 490 to be stored in the main frame.If consumptive material belongs to for the effective type y of this main frame, then use authority function 490 is checked grant number x in the step 440 of checking grant number.The step 440 of checking grant number is carried out n and y and is formed the algorithm of authorizing relation as input, and with the x=F of its internal calculation _{M, Q}(value of G (n, y)) compares with the x value that reads from responder.If they are identical, then this is that a type is the medium product through authorizing of y, and can use on this printer.Have incorrect authorization code x if detect a volume medium, then all validity flag and residue medium counter are reset to zero also locking by replacement sign step 475.Printer has not only detected the medium of this forgery, and is " exhausting fully " in case detect its setting state, just makes it can not be used for any application in the future.

In this embodiment, main frame can once be used consumptive material table data 470, thereby guaranteed that the ribbon cartridge of in the past using up is not inserted into.After this consumptive material is by checking, in the step 460 of using consumptive material, it is used in main frame, for example use ribbon cartridge to come printed product.In one embodiment, when judging step 460 that consumptive material has been used consumptive material and exhaust fully, the sign (as unique sequence number n) of consumptive material is stored in and uses up in the consumptive material table data 470, represent that this consumptive material uses up.In another embodiment, once can comprise the sign of all consumptive materials in the main frame of packing into and the percentage of remaining life in each consumptive material with consumptive material table data 470.Once can store the information of the consumptive material of using about a large amount of the pasts at an easy rate with consumptive material table data 470, for example, the tabulation of preceding 512 print cartridges of in the plastic clip printer, using.If ribbon cartridge or ribbon spool occur once more, and have than residual count amount higher in the memory that is stored in the plastic clip printer, then this plastic clip printer is considered as having invalid mandate with ribbon cartridge or the ribbon spool that repeats to pack into, and not only can refuse to use this medium, and its responder can also be locked as the state of " exhausting fully ".

Then with reference to the embodiment of figure 5 and 6, the part perspective view is looked on a top view left side that comprises an embodiment of the main frame that can differentiate consumptive material shown in Figure 5.Fig. 6 illustrates the top view right side of an embodiment who comprises the main frame that can differentiate consumptive material and looks the part perspective view.Consumptive material shown in the figure 120 is loaded in the main frame 100, RF identification (" RFID ") responder 130 is shown is loaded on the consumptive material 120.Antenna 510 in the main frame 100 makes it can read on the consumptive material 100 canned data in the RFID responder 130.

Then, some views that consumptive material is shown are arranged with reference to figure 7A-7D.Ribbon cartridge is shown in the perspective view of Fig. 7 A.Ribbon cartridge consumptive material 700 at one end has supply shaft 710, has picker shaft 720 at the other end, and by left support member 730L and right support member 730R, supply shaft 710 and picker shaft 720 are connected with each other.Communication component shown in the figure 740, it can be RF identification (RFID) responder.Between two

support member

730L, 730R, colour band 750 from an axle 710 through another the axle 720.

Fig. 7 B is the RFID transponder label and the assembling thereof of a communication component 740 among the embodiment.Responder can be positioned at the inboard or the outside of left support member 730L or right support member 730R.Label also can be positioned on the support member with explanation RFID responder.

Fig. 7 C is the side view according to the consumptive material 700 of a specific embodiment.Ribbon cartridge consumptive material 700 at one end has supply shaft 710, has picker shaft 720 at the other end.Supply shaft 710 links to each other by support member 730 with picker shaft 720.Communication component 740 is installed on support member 730,

It can be a RFID responder.

Fig. 7 D is the top view according to the consumptive material 700 of a specific embodiment of the present invention.Ribbon cartridge consumptive material 700 at one end has supply shaft 710, has picker shaft 720 at the other end.By left support member 730L and right support member 730R, supply shaft 710 and picker shaft 720 are connected with each other.Communication component 740 is installed on left support member 730L or the right support member 730R, and this communication component 740 can be the RFID responder.

With reference now to Fig. 8,, is used for differentiating the schematic diagram of the consumptive material identification system of consumptive material shown in the figure at main frame.Consumptive material 800 can comprise for example, having the ribbon cartridge of supply shaft 805, picker shaft 810 and support member 815.Consumptive material 800 can comprise communication component 820,835, is used for information is sent to main frame 850.In one embodiment, communication component 820,835 can be the low cost RFID responder, and it has two specific characters.At first, preferably, the RFID responder of this low cost type can comprise unique sequence number n (830) that producer is enrolled, and the user can't change it, also can't be by in the responder that public data area 825 is copied to other similar models and it is duplicated.Therefore, each responder all is unique coding, and this is a requirement of the RFID responder with " anti-collision " agreement of most of types just, can distinguish a plurality of responders in all antenna fields that is in the RFID reader.

The second, preferably, the low cost RFID responder has such ability, data value x and y can be write once (or write and lock) in the public data area 825 of responder.In this specific embodiment, value y is a media types information, because not every media types can both be worked on the printer of all models.Non-zero value x will be the complicated function of the unique identifying number n of y and this responder.In the example shown in this, value x will enroll responder by producer when making medium, perhaps be to enroll responder before it leaves the storehouse of manufacturer at least.

The 13.56MHz RFID responder of Philip (Philips) I*Code and equivalent thereof and No. 15693 standards of any ISO of meeting (International Standards Organization) all has producer's 48 bit sequence number programming, not reproducible, can for good and all store corresponding (producing from sequence number) authorization code in chip.The 4.1st part of ISO 15693 has illustrated that each standard compliant responder all should be represented by 64 unique identification (UID), and this unique identification should for good and all be set by IC manufacturer, and should constitute by following form:

MSB

LSB

??6457	??5649	??48??1
??6457	??5649	??48??1	Hexadecimal ' E0 '	IC manufacturer sign indicating number	IC manufacturer sequence number

Most important byte is hexadecimal ' E0 ', and the back is 8 IC manufacturer sign indicating number and then, and this sign indicating number is distributed by ISO 7816-6/AM1.48 sequence number should be distributed by above-mentioned IC manufacturer.Can estimate that each manufacturer meets the responder of ISO 15693 standards with production, and in factory to wherein enrolling sequence number and at unique ID of manufacturer of 7816 times registrations of ISO.The ID tabulation of 8 unique ID of manufacturer or the qualified manufacturer part as discrimination process can be included in wherein.

Still with reference to the specific embodiment of figure 8, main frame 850 comprises communication component 855,860, is used to read the n, the x that are stored on the consumptive material and the value of y.The information that is stored on the consumptive material that can receive processor 865 also can adopt the getable mandate function of processor (870) F, and (x y) determines to exist between authorization code x and sequence number n and the media types sign indicating number y relation of authorizing for M, Q.Preferably, processor 865 is secure microprocessors.The medium evaluator of printer is stored in the secure microprocessor, therefore hides for potential copy right piracy.Evaluator can't be read from printer, can not observe out this program in the process of its operation.This helps to prevent that potential bootlegger from judging or reconstruct the authorization Algorithm that is used for calculating from n and y x.

Preferably, consumptive material comprises sign 827, so that point out the number of medium parts, for example is used in the ribbon panel on the consumptive material.Each ribbon spool core or ribbon cartridge can only use once.The operating position of other memory element recording mediums in the responder, and keep the medium counting.When using up each unit part (being generally 10-15%) of medium, the sign in the transponder memory is reset and locks.Owing to the extra medium that has only 15% at most can be re-fitted on colour band core or the ribbon cartridge, so this colour band core or box of making the recycling part use become not attractive economically.Certainly, this sign also can be used to indicate the operating position of any degree.

With reference to the embodiment shown in the figure 8, processor 865 can once be used the tabulation 880 of consumptive material.Tabulation is kept in each printer " once to use box ".The sequence number n of 512 ribbon cartridges before and their residue bar counting number are stored in each printer.If a ribbon cartridge occurs and has being higher than the residue bar counting number that is stored in the printer storage once more, then printer can be considered as having invalid mandate with the ribbon cartridge or the ribbon spool of this refitting, and not only refusal uses this medium, its responder can also be locked onto the state of " exhausting fully ", thereby prevent to be filled once more with the medium of crossing.

Then, show the specific embodiment that is installed in the communication component on the main frame, be used to read communication component on the consumptive material with reference to figure 9.There is shown main machine frame 910.The concrete main machine frame 910 that herein illustrates is the plastic clip printer frame, has removed the outer plastic shell.Circuit board 920 is installed on this main machine frame 910.Circuit board 920 comprises the world 930, is used to read the radio-frequency identification transponder (not shown).Antenna 930 on the circuit board 920 is a transceiver, is used for reading the responder (not shown) in the consumptive material that will install to main machine frame 910.This transceiver just reads an embodiment of the communication component that is stored in a kind of form of information in the consumptive material.Other examples of communication component comprise: electrical contact, be used for connection circuit, infrared or other optical sensors, so as with element communications such as LED; Mechanical switch is set by for example electromechanical assembly or any suitable device, is used to transmit such signal.

In Figure 10 A and Figure 10 B, the circuit board that is suitable for implementing a kind of form of the present invention has been shown.Figure 10 A is the front view of circuit board and Figure 10 B is the rearview of circuit board.In this specific embodiment, socket 1015 is arranged on the circuit board, is used to admit microprocessor.As shown in Figure 8, by being stored in the secure microprocessor, preferably, the medium evaluator of printer is hidden for potential copy right piracy.

Then, show an optional embodiment of the communication component that is used to be installed on the consumptive material with reference to Figure 11.The axle 1310 that is used in the consumptive material is provided.In one embodiment, consumptive material can be for example, to be used in the ribbon cartridge in the main frame.In another embodiment, consumptive material can be for example, to be used in the cartridge in the camera.Colour band or medium are wound on the axle 1310.Flange 1320 can be positioned at an end of axle 1310, or is positioned at any traditional location that links to each other with axle 1310.In illustrated embodiment, the conductive strips 1330 that are positioned at the circular concentric on the flange play the effect of communication component, thereby the information that will be stored on the consumptive material passes to main frame.

Then, show a plurality of views that are used in a part in the consumptive material with reference to figure 12A-12D.Figure 12 A is the side view of wireline reel 1405.Drum (the winding drum) 1410 that reel is provided, and medium can be wound on this coiling drum, for example is used in the colour band in the ribbon cartridge in the printer, perhaps is used in the film in the film in the camera.Flange 1415 links to each other with the drum of reeling, and can, for example, be connected to an end of the drum of reeling.The structure that other also can be arranged, and these structures all are considered as equivalent.Communication component can be installed on the flange, is used for and carries out communication such as the main frame of printer or camera.

Figure 12 B is the end-view of observing from an end relative with flange 1415 on the coiling drum 1410.Shown in this specific embodiment in, coiling drum 1410 is hollow, has the inner surface 1420 that forms cavity.The end-view of Figure 12 C for observing from the end that flange 1415 is installed.Also can find out the inner surface 1420 in the formation hollow cylinder chamber that this specific embodiment has.

With reference now to Figure 12 D,, the cutaway view that sections along the line A-A among Figure 12 A is shown.Axle 1405 has the coiling drum 1410 that has outer surface 1425, can twine thereon such as colour band that is used for printer or the film that is used for camera.Inner surface 1420 among this embodiment forms cavity in hollow inside.Can utilize flange 1415 on the end so that communication component, for example RFID responder to be installed.In another embodiment, first communication component 1430, for example the RFID responder can be installed on the inner surface 1420, and it passes through axial second communication component (not shown) and the host communication of placing in the cavity of the inwall formation of axle.

With reference now to Figure 13,, a schematic diagram is disclosed, the consumptive material identification system that is used for differentiating the main frame consumptive material is shown.Consumptive material 1500 can comprise: for example, have the ribbon cartridge of supply shaft 1505, picker shaft 1510 and support member 1515.Consumptive material 1500 can comprise

communication component

1520,1535, is used for sending information to main frame 1550.In one embodiment,

communication component

1520,1535 can be a RFID responder cheaply, and it has two specific characters.At first, preferably, this cheaply the RFID responder can comprise unique sequence number n (1530) that producer is enrolled, the user can't change it, also can't be by in the responder that public data area 1525 is copied to other similar models and it is duplicated.Therefore, each responder all is unique coding, and this is a requirement of the RFID responder with " anti-collision " agreement of most of types just, can distinguish a plurality of responders in all antenna fields that is in the RFID reader.

The second, preferably, the low cost RFID responder has such ability, data value x and y can be write once (or write and lock) in the public data area 1525 of responder.In this specific embodiment, value y is a media types information, because not every media types can both be worked on the printer of all models.For illustrated situation, non-zero value x will be the complicated function of the unique identifying number n of y and this responder.In the example shown in this, value x will enroll responder by producer when making medium, perhaps be to enroll responder before it leaves the storehouse of manufacturer at least.

Also show main frame 1550 in the drawings, it comprises

communication component

1555,1560, is used to read the n, the x that are stored on the consumptive material and the value of y.In step 1565, can be subjected to being stored in the information on the consumptive material and can use the getable mandate function of processor (1570) F that (x y) determines between authorization code x and sequence number n and the media types sign indicating number y that the existence mandate concerns for M, Q.Processor 1565 can and can pass through communication channel 1590 and host communication away from main frame, for example connects by network or telecommunication.

Preferably, consumptive material comprises sign 1527, so that point out the number of medium parts, for example is used in the ribbon panel on the consumptive material.Each ribbon spool core or ribbon cartridge can only use once.The operating position of other memory element recording mediums in the responder, and keep the medium counting.When using up each unit part (being generally 10-15%) of medium, the sign in the transponder memory is reset and locks.Owing to the extra medium that has only 15% at most can be re-fitted on colour band core or the ribbon cartridge, so this colour band core or box of making the recycling part use become not attractive economically.

Still with reference to Figure 13, processor 1565 can once be used the tabulation 1580 of consumptive material.Tabulation is kept in each printer " once to use box ".The sequence number n of 512 ribbon cartridges before and their residue bar counting number are stored in each printer.If a ribbon cartridge occurs and has being higher than the residue bar counting number that is stored in the printer storage once more, then printer can be considered as having invalid mandate with the ribbon cartridge or the ribbon spool of this refitting, and not only refusal uses this medium, its responder can also be locked onto the state of " exhausting fully ", thereby prevent to be filled once more with the medium of crossing.

The process of implementing said method and device comprises M ^NThe repetitive operation of form, wherein M and N are big prime numbers.When M and N are big prime number, M then ^NCan be the hundreds of figure place in theory.In order to implement above-mentioned authorization Algorithm better, produced a kind of method, can in small-sized microprocessor, estimate M rapidly ^NAnd figure place is restricted to the twice of the length of Q.

For instance, suppose M＜＜Q and Q are 64 figure places, therefore neededly just carry out 64 multiplication of taking advantage of 64.This example also can have other embodiment just for purposes of illustration.

N is defined as 64 binary number, and it is certain function of n and y:

N (n, y) = c_{0} 2^{0} + c_{1} 2^{1} + . . . + c_{63} 2^{63} = Σ_{i = 0}^{63} c_{i} 2^{i}

Equation 1

In this equation, each c _iAll represent continuous binary digit.With following formula substitution M ^N, obtain:

M^{N} = M^{c_{0} 2^{0} + c_{1} 2^{1} + . . . + c_{63} 2^{63}} = M^{Σ_{i = 0}^{63} c_{i} 2^{i}}

Equation 2

M^{N} = Π_{i = 0}^{63} M^{c_{i} 2^{i}}

Utilize M ^NThis distortion, can adopt following theorem estimation equation M ^NThe value of mod Q:

(a * b) modc=[(amodc) * (bmodc)] modc equation 3

Use this theorem, obtain:

M^{N} \mod Q = (Π_{i = 0}^{63} (M^{c_{i} 2^{i}}) \mod Q) \mod Q

Equation 4

Order

T_{i} = (M^{c_{i} 2^{i}}) \mod Q

Equation 5

Then

M^{N} \mod Q = (Π_{i = 0}^{63} T_{i}) \mod Q

Equation 6

Utilize each c now _iAll equal 0 or 1 this fact, can be to each T _iEstimate.

If c _i=0

T_{i} = M^{c_{i} 2^{i}}

modQ＝M ⁰modQ＝1

Equation 7

If c _i=1

T_{i} = M^{c_{i} 2^{i}}

\mod Q = M^{2^{i}} \mod Q

c _i=1 o'clock, T _iThe value maximum be no more than 64, these values can be calculated in advance and are stored in the tables of data, perhaps also can estimate then.To T _iThe value that adopts this tables of data or these to calculate then can be with M ^NThe value of modQ is progressively calculated.Make P _iBe the partial product in each stage, i from 1 to 63.With pursuing of recurrence mode is calculated:

P ₁＝(T ₀×T ₁)modQ

P ₂=(P ₁* T ₂) modQ equation 8

.

P _i＝(P _i-1×T _i)modQ

Up to

M ^NModQ=P ₆₃=(P ₆₂* T ₆₃) modQ equation 9

Utilize and work as c _i=0 o'clock T then _i=1 such fact, with the quantity decreased average of 64 * 64 multiplyings 50%.But,, also need to carry out fast 128 bit arithmetics of 64 figure places to the Q delivery in order to implement security system described herein.

For each above step, work as c _i, must carry out the simplification of shape at=1 o'clock as (WmodQ).Usually, this is finished by the long division operation of integer, thereby obtains integer remainder.In the example herein, divisor Q is 64 figure places, and dividend W is 128 figure places, must carry out a large amount of displacements and subtraction.

In order to implement security system described herein better, developed a kind of than the long about 20 times method soon of removing.If Q is chosen as

Q=2 ⁿ-k, wherein k＜＜2 ⁿEquation 10

This has comprised and has been 2 ⁿNot not still (Mersenne) prime number of-1 form.But, if can estimate the value (that is, the integer quotient of this division arithmetic) of (WdivQ) exactly, then can easily find remainder by following formula:

The equation 11 of WmodQ=W-Q * (WdivQ)

Can estimate the integer quotient of this division arithmetic with following formula.At first, write out form of equal value

W div Q = int (\frac{W}{2^{n} - k})

Equation 12

The molecule and the denominator on right side all be multiply by 2 ^-n, obtain

W div Q = int \frac{2^{- n} W}{1 - 2^{- n} k}

Equation 13

Because Q is big (being n～63 figure places) usually, so (2 herein ^-nK)＜＜1 and available infinite series the denominator in the equation 14 is launched

\frac{1}{1 - u} = Σ_{i = 0}^{\infty} u^{i}

Equation 14

With equation 14 substitution equatioies 13, obtain:

W div Q = int (2^{- n} W Σ_{i = 0}^{\infty} {(2^{- n} k)}^{i})

Equation 15

The first few items of estimation equation 15 is found

WdivQ ≈ int (2 ^-nW+w ^-2nKW+2 ^-3nk ²W+...) equation 16

The maximum of known n, k and W then can be estimated the every of equation 16, enough little up to obtaining (for example less than 1/2) first, and making that the back is every can not influence integer part, because all consequent all littler.At this moment, these can not being influenced the every of integer part value omits in the estimation of equation 16 safely.

In fact, can select W, Q and k, make equation 16 in only just convergence after several.Verified in practical operation, the method for this calculating WmodQ is fast doubly more a lot of than directly removing evaluation by length.

As the example of optional embodiment, consumptive material and main frame can carry out communication by optically-coupled.Other example comprises electric contact and magnetic read-write head.The cited consumptive material and any concrete exemplary forms of the communication between the main frame are not construed as limiting the present invention in this specification, and appended claim is intended to contain any appropriate communication mode of lid.

Although the present invention the time is according to the preferred version explanation of the medium treatment system that is embodied as the thermal transfer printer form in explanation, but the present invention has identical exploitativeness for following main frame: as United States Patent (USP) 5,266,968 and 5,455, thermal printer described in 617 (thermalprinter), as United States Patent (USP) 6,106,166, described image processing apparatus, as United States Patent (USP) 6,173,119 described cameras, as United States Patent (USP) 5,428,659, described X-ray camera and ink-jet printer, laser printer or the like.Although the present invention describes with the form that is embodied as the medium treatment system, and wherein carry out wireless telecommunications between medium assembly and the medium treatment system, but the present invention also can easily be used in medium assembly and medium treatment system by in the system of wired connection communication, as United States Patent (USP) 5,266,968 and 5,455, shown in 617.

For the purpose that manufacturing of the present invention and occupation mode are described, at the above specific embodiment that this method and device have been described.Should be appreciated that the embodiment of other variations of the present invention and modification and various aspects of the present invention are clearly for a person skilled in the art, and the present invention is not limited to described specific embodiment.Therefore, the invention is intended to contain lid any with all main idea and the modification within the scope, variation or the equivalence that are in this open and claimed basic principle.

Claims

1. a discrimination method is used for differentiating the articles for use at device, and this method comprises the steps:

Read selected number;

Read grant number, wherein described selected number or at least one in the described grant number are stored on the described articles for use;

Judgement Enters Number according at least a portion on the described selected number;

To authorize function to be applied on described the Entering Number, to calculate output number, wherein said mandate function is the enciphering transformation to Entering Number, and the step of wherein said application mandate function further comprises:

The first prime number Q is provided;

The second prime number M is provided; Second prime number is the primitive element of the prime number Galois Field of first prime number; And

Calculate output number according to following formula:

Output number=M ^NMODQ, wherein N is described Entering Number;

Wherein, select second prime number, make second prime number be not equal to 1, and second prime number is not equal to first prime number deducts 1 difference half greater than 0, the second prime number; And

Have only when described grant number during, judge that described articles for use are believable corresponding to described output.

2. discrimination method as claimed in claim 1, the step of the described output of wherein said calculating number comprises:

Utilize a series of centres of application computes number of one or more following formula:

Middle number=M ^NMOD Q, wherein N is initial described input number, and in each follow-up application program of described formula, the centre of N before being number, and

Described last centre number is transformed into the form of output number with algorithm.

3. one kind is suitable for the articles for use differentiated by main frame, and these articles for use comprise memory, and described memory is used for storing at least one of selected number and grant number,

Wherein, described grant number is calculated as follows:

The first prime number Q is provided;

Calculate output number according to following formula:

Output number=M ^NMOD Q, wherein N is described selected number;

Wherein, described second prime number is not equal to 1 greater than 0, the second prime number, and second prime number is not equal to first prime number deducts 1 difference half.

4. articles for use as claimed in claim 3, wherein said memory comprise described selected number and described authorization number.

A kind of medium support member that is used to keep medium comprises:

Axle, this axle comprises main body, this main body is extended along the center line between first and second ends, is used for keeping medium thereon;

At least one flange, described flange are positioned at one of them end of described axle; And

Antenna is positioned on the described flange.

6. medium support member as claimed in claim 5, wherein said antenna comprise the conductor to the small part arc that at least one center line that centers on described axle extends.

7. medium support member as claimed in claim 5, wherein said antenna are included in the conductor of the parallel coupling of a series of cardinal principles of the described flange upper support of described axle, and these conductors extend around described center line.

8. medium support member as claimed in claim 7, wherein these conductors comprise the track part of deposit.

9. medium support member as claimed in claim 5 wherein is connected to data storage with described antenna.

10. medium support member as claimed in claim 9, wherein said data storage comprises enciphered data.

11. medium support member as claimed in claim 5, wherein said antenna comprises the part wireless answering.

12. medium support member as claimed in claim 11, wherein said responder are the RFID responders.

13. medium support member as claimed in claim 5, wherein said antenna is included in the main body of extending between the end, and wherein said main body is made up of the series of parallel conductor, and these conductors extend around the center line of described axle.

14. medium support member as claimed in claim 5, wherein said medium support member is used for being supported on the colour band that printer uses.

15. medium support member as claimed in claim 6 further comprises the medium box, described medium box comprises box body, and wherein said medium support member is arranged in the described box body of described medium box.

16. a medium treatment system comprises:

Be used to support the medium support member of medium, comprise:

Antenna is positioned on the described flange;

Treatment system is used to handle described medium, and described treatment system comprises:

Second antenna is arranged in described treatment system, and is coupled with described first antenna wireless; And

Reader with described second antenna coupling, is used for carrying out communication via the responder of described first and second antennas and described medium support member.

17. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said antenna comprises main body, this main body in shape to small part be arc.

18. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said antenna comprises main body, and this main body comprises at least one arch section, and this arch section extends around the center line of described axle.

19. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said antenna comprises main body, and this main body is extended between the end, and wherein said main body is extended around the center line of described axle.

20. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said axle further comprises flange, this flange is connected with at least one end of the main body of described axle, and described flange extends perpendicular to the center line of described axle substantially, and wherein said antenna is positioned on the described flange.

21. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said flange is circular, and described antenna comprises main body, and this main body is extended for attachment on the described flange around the center line of described axle.

22. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said flange is circular, and described antenna comprises main body, and this main body is extended between each end, and wherein said main body is extended for attachment on the described flange around the center line of described axle.

23. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said flange is circular, and described antenna is positioned on the described flange and comprises main body, and this main body comprises: the part to the small part arc that at least one extends around the center line of described axle.

24. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 20 wherein is connected to data storage with described antenna.

25. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 20, wherein said responder are the RFID responders.

26. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said responder comprises data storage, and described data storage comprises enciphered data.

27. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 24, wherein said data storage comprises authorization message, and whether the described authorization message of wherein said access by readers comprises the medium of mandate to judge described medium support member.

28. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 18 further comprises the medium box, described medium box comprises box body, and wherein said medium support member is arranged in the described box body of described medium box.

29. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 16 further comprises medium operating position counter, is used for following the tracks of from the medium support member by described treatment system the operating position of medium.

30. medium treatment system as claimed in claim 29, wherein said reader with memory that described responder is associated in stored medium the operating position data.

31. a medium box comprises:

Box body, it comprises shell;

The medium spool is arranged in described shell; And

Memory comprises the supply information relevant with described medium, and described supply information comprises security code.

32. medium box as claimed in claim 31, wherein said medium spool comprises:

Antenna is positioned on the described flange.

33. medium box as claimed in claim 32, wherein said antenna comprises main body, and this main body has to the shape of small part arc.

34. medium box as claimed in claim 32, wherein said antenna comprises main body, and described main body comprises at least one arch section, and described arch section extends around the center line of described axle.

35. medium box as claimed in claim 32, the described main body of wherein said antenna is the track part of deposit.

36. medium box as claimed in claim 32, wherein said antenna comprises main body, and described main body is extended between each end, and the series of parallel conductor that wherein said main body is extended by the center line around described axle is formed.

37. one kind is used for the medium retainer that uses with the medium processor, described medium retainer comprises:

Axle comprises:

Reel and rouse, the described coiling drum definition axis and first diameter,

Flange, definition is greater than second diameter of described first diameter;

Antenna is positioned on the described flange, and wherein, described antenna comprises at least one arch section that extends around the axis of described coiling drum; And

Memory is positioned on the described flange and is provided with antenna communication ground, and described memory is configured to store identification number and grant number.

38. according to the described medium retainer of claim 37, wherein, described antenna is included in a series of arc-shaped conductors of the described flange upper support of described axle, wherein said arc-shaped conductor extends around the axis of described coiling drum.

39. according to the described medium retainer of claim 37, wherein, described grant number is the enciphering transformation of described identification number at least in part.

40. according to the described medium retainer of claim 37, wherein, described antenna and memory comprise the part of wireless answering.

41. according to the described medium retainer of claim 37, wherein, described memory also comprises media types.

42. according to the described medium retainer of claim 41, wherein, described grant number is the enciphering transformation of described identification number and described media types at least in part.

43. according to the described medium retainer of claim 37, wherein, described medium retainer is configured to keep colour band for using in the printer.

44. according to the described medium retainer of claim 43, wherein, described colour band comprises ribbon panel, and wherein said memory comprises the blocked relatively memory cell of 10%-15% that is configured to use with printer ribbon panel.

45. a medium treatment system comprises:

The medium retainer is configured to keep medium, and described medium retainer comprises:

Reel and rouse, the described coiling drum definition axis and first diameter,

From the flange that described coiling drum extends, described flange defines second diameter greater than described first diameter, and

Responder comprises first antenna and the memory that are positioned on the described flange, and described memory is configured to store identification number and grant number; And

Be used to handle the treatment system of described medium, described treatment system comprises:

Second antenna is configured to carry out radio communication with first antenna,

Reader with the coupling of described second antenna, is used for communicating by letter with the responder of described medium retainer via described first and second antennas, wherein communicates by letter with comprising and from the memory of responder, read identification number and grant number with responder, and

Processor is set to and reader communication, and wherein, described processor is configured to confirm exist the relation of authorizing between grant number and identification number.

46. according to the described medium treatment system of claim 45, wherein, described grant number is the enciphering transformation of described identification number at least in part.

47. according to the described medium treatment system of claim 45, wherein, the memory of described responder also comprises media types, wherein, reader is communicated by letter with described responder and is comprised read identification number, grant number and media types from the memory of responder, and wherein, described processor is configured to confirm exist the relation of authorizing between grant number, identification number and media types.

48. according to the described medium treatment system of claim 47, wherein, described grant number is the enciphering transformation of described identification number and media types at least in part.

49. according to the described medium treatment system of claim 45, wherein, described treatment system also comprises medium operating position counter, described medium operating position counter is configured to follow the tracks of from the medium retainer by described treatment system the operating position of medium.

50. according to the described medium treatment system of claim 49, wherein, the memory of described responder comprises memory cell, described memory cell configurations is for locked relatively with the 10%-15% that has used medium.

51. according to the described medium treatment system of claim 45, wherein, described processor authorizes function to confirm to exist the relation of authorizing between grant number and identification number by identification number is used at least in part.