JP2010049612A - Accessory authenticating system, accessory authentication method, and main device and the accessory - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an accessory authenticating system which permits connection of a main device to an accessory, after authenticating that the accessory is a regular product. <P>SOLUTION: The accessory 200 includes an authentication code storage part 210, that is a memory writable from an initial state. The device 100 includes an authentication code reading part 130, which reads information recorded in the authentication code storage part 210; a unique authentication code writing part 150 which writes, when the accessory 200 is connected to the device 100 for the first time, which is a unique authentication code specific to the device 100 to the authentication code storage part 210; a unique authentication code determining part 141, which determines whether the information read from the authentication code storage part 210 by the reading part 130 is matched to the unique authentication code; and a use permission part 160, which permits the use of the accessory 200, only when it is determined by the determination part 141 that the unique authentication code has been recorded in the authentication code storage part 210. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an accessory authentication system, an accessory authentication method, a main device, and an accessory. Specifically, the present invention relates to an accessory authentication system that authorizes use of an accessory after authenticating that the accessory is a genuine product.

  For battery packs and ink cartridges, genuine products must be used correctly, but low-quality imitations and illegally recycled products are on the market. For example, if an unauthorized battery pack is installed in a laptop computer, the laptop may be notified of the output command based on the standard, but the standard output will not be obtained from the battery. In the worst case, there is a risk of explosion. Also, if an unauthorized ink cartridge is installed in the printer, the printer body may be broken. Here, Patent Document 1 describes a method of authenticating an ink cartridge as an accessory with a printer as a main body device.

In Patent Document 1, a memory capable of writing identification information is mounted on an accessory, and when the accessory is connected to the main device, the main device reads the identification information from the memory of the accessory. At this time, if the identification code of the main device is written in the accessory memory, the accessory is authenticated based on the identification code. On the other hand, if the identification code of the main unit is not written in the memory, the main unit writes a new identification code in the memory of the accessory, and authenticates the accessory based on this identification code in subsequent connections.
JP 2002-333800 A

The configuration of Patent Document 1 is for preventing an accessory from being shared among a plurality of main devices, and an act of reusing an accessory used by one main device with another main device is regarded as unauthorized use. Yes.
Specifically, an accessory that has been used once in a certain main apparatus and whose identification code is written by the main apparatus cannot be used in other main apparatuses. In other words, on the premise that a properly manufactured accessory is used, authentication is performed based on the identification code recorded on the accessory, thereby preventing the reuse of the accessory between multiple main units. Is.

  Here, in Patent Document 1, when an accessory is unused and no identification code is written, the accessory is authenticated in all the main devices, and the identification code of the main device is stored in the memory of the accessory. To write to. For this reason, for example, in the case of an accessory equipped with a memory that is not writable and always kept unused, the main device misidentifies that the accessory is unused and always allows its use. It will be. Therefore, even an unauthorized accessory manufactured maliciously is authenticated by the configuration of Patent Document 1, and as a result, the unauthorized accessory cannot be excluded. If unauthorized products are used, there is a risk of causing damage to the device or, in the worst case, a serious accident, which is a serious problem.

  The accessory authentication system according to the present invention is an accessory authentication system in which the main body device authenticates the accessory when an accessory used detachably connected to the main body device is connected to the main body device. The accessory has an authentication code storage unit composed of a memory writable from an initial state, and the main body device includes connection means for detachably connecting the accessory, and the accessory includes An authentication code reading unit that reads information recorded in the authentication code storage unit when connected to the connection unit, and a unique assignment that is uniquely assigned to the main unit when the accessory is connected to the connection unit for the first time The unique authentication code writing unit that writes the authentication code to the authentication code storage unit, and the information read by the authentication code reading unit from the authentication code storage unit and the unique authentication code match. The unique authentication code determination unit for determining whether or not the information read by the authentication code reading unit from the authentication code storage unit matches the unique authentication code. And a use permission unit that permits the main body device to use the accessory only in the case where the accessory is used.

  In the present invention, when an accessory is connected to the main device, the accessory is authenticated on the main device side. Use of this accessory is permitted only when it is determined that the accessory is genuine. When the accessory is connected to the main unit via the connection means, the information recorded in the authentication code storage unit of the accessory is read by the authentication code reading unit. When the accessory is connected to the main device for the first time, the unique authentication code uniquely assigned to the main device is written in the authentication code storage unit of the accessory by the unique authentication code writing unit. Then, the authentication code storage unit of the accessory transitions from the initial state to the state where the unique authentication code is written. Furthermore, it is determined whether or not the information read from the authentication code storage unit by the authentication code reading unit matches the unique authentication code by the unique authentication code determination unit. When it is determined by the unique authentication code determination unit that the information read from the authentication code storage unit of the accessory matches the unique authentication code of the main unit, the use permission unit determines whether the accessory in the main unit Usage is permitted.

  According to the present invention, the accessory can be used in the main device only when the code recorded in the accessory matches the unique authentication code assigned to the main device. Usage is not allowed. Accessories that have been used and discarded in a certain main unit are not authenticated because they do not have the unique authentication code of the other main unit, and as a result, use in other main units is not permitted. Therefore, it is possible to prohibit actions such as illegal use of used accessories between a plurality of main body devices. As a result, it is possible to prevent unexpected accidents caused by using unauthorized accessories.

  In the present invention, since the connection is permitted only when the unique authentication code determination unit confirms that the unique authentication code has been written, it can be used by connecting to another main unit, for example. Even unauthorized products equipped with a memory that always maintains the initial state can be surely eliminated. Further, since the unique authentication code of the main device is written in the accessory, it is possible to reliably prevent unauthorized use and unauthorized reuse of discarded accessories. For example, it is possible to eliminate unauthorized use such as collecting and recycling discarded accessories and connecting them to other main units.

Embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated and described with reference to reference numerals attached to respective elements in the drawings.
(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the accessory authentication system of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the main device 100 and the accessory 200 are connected.
The main body device 100 and the accessory 200 have connection ports (connection means) 101 and 201, respectively, and the connection ports are connected by a signal cable. Here, examples of the main body device 100 include a personal computer main body, a mobile phone, a printer device, and the like. Examples of the accessory 200 include a battery and an ink cartridge that are consumables for a personal computer and a printer.

First, the accessory 200 will be described.
The accessory 200 includes an authentication code storage unit 210.
The authentication code storage unit 210 is a rewritable memory. The authentication code storage unit 210 stores an initial authentication code at the product shipment stage.
Here, the accessory 200 is mass-produced according to the same standard, and it is necessary that a product arbitrarily selected and purchased by a user from a display shelf of a retail store can be authenticated and operated by the user's main device. Therefore, if an initial authentication code that can be authenticated only with a specific main unit is set at the shipping stage, it is inconvenient for sale as a general-purpose product, and if a specific code is set for each individual product, the manufacturing process Becomes too complicated and increases the manufacturing cost of accessories.
Therefore, an initial authentication code set at the shipping stage is used with a certain versatility, for example, a common code is set for the model of the main device 100 to which the accessory 200 is connected. Alternatively, a special code is not written as the initial authentication code. For example, a code in which all bits are “1” may be used as the initial authentication code, but a code that is not easily known to a third party is initially authenticated. It is preferable to set it as a code.

  When the accessory 200 is connected to the main device 100, a unique authentication code uniquely assigned to the main device 100 is overwritten in the authentication code storage unit 210 by an instruction from the main device 100. When the unique authentication code of the main device 100 is overwritten on the initial authentication code, the authentication code storage unit 210 stores this unique authentication code in a nonvolatile manner.

  Although not described in detail, the accessory 200 includes various elements 202 necessary to play a role as an accessory. For example, if the accessory 200 is a battery pack, it includes a power storage unit, and if the accessory 200 is an ink cartridge, it includes an ink tank.

  The main body device 100 includes a main body side authentication unit 110 that authenticates that the accessory 200 connected to the connection port 101 is a genuine product. The main body side authentication unit 110 includes an authentication code table 120 in which an authentication code is recorded, an authentication code reading unit 130 that reads an authentication code from the accessory 200, and the accessory 200 is a genuine product based on the authentication code read from the accessory 200. Authentication code determination unit 140 for determining whether or not the authentication code, unique authentication code writing unit 150 for writing a unique authentication code in accessory 200, and permission to use accessory 200 based on the determination result in authentication code determination unit 140 Use permission unit 160.

The authentication code table 120 includes an initial authentication code table 121 that records a list of initial authentication codes assigned to the genuine accessory 200, and a unique information that is written to the accessory when the accessory 200 is connected to the main body device 100. A unique authentication code table 122 that records a list of authentication codes.
Here, since the accessory 200 connected to the main device 100 may include products of various models and model numbers, the initial authentication code table 121 includes the model and model number of the accessory 200 connected to the main device 100. And initial authentication codes for them are recorded as a list. Similarly, the unique authentication code is recorded corresponding to the model and model number of the accessory 200.

  The authentication code reading unit 130 is activated when it is detected that the accessory 200 is connected to the connection port 101, and reads the authentication code stored in the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200. The authentication code reading unit 130 sends the authentication code information read from the accessory 200 to the authentication code determination unit 140.

  The authentication code determination unit 140 includes a unique authentication code determination unit 141 and an initial authentication code determination unit 142.

The unique authentication code determination unit 141 determines whether or not the accessory 200 is a genuine product based on the authentication code notified from the authentication code reading unit 130, that is, the authentication code read from the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200. Determine.
More specifically, the unique authentication code recorded in the unique authentication code table 122 and the authentication code read from the accessory 200 are collated to determine whether or not they match. When the authentication code read from the accessory 200 matches the unique authentication code, the accessory 200 is authenticated as a regular product. When the accessory 200 is authenticated as a regular product, the result is sent to the use permission unit 160. Since it is determined that the accessory 200 is a regular product, the use permission unit 160 permits the use of the accessory 200 by the main body device 100. If the authentication code read from the authentication code storage unit 210 does not match the unique authentication code, the unique authentication code determination unit 141 determines that the authentication code is an initial authentication code without authenticating it as a genuine product. To part 142.

The initial authentication code determination unit 142 reads the authentication code read from the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 when the authentication code read from the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 does not match the unique authentication code. Is an initial authentication code.
At this time, the initial authentication code recorded in the initial authentication code table 121 is compared with the authentication code read from the accessory 200. When the authentication code read from the accessory 200 matches the preset initial authentication code, the unique authentication code writing unit 150 is notified that the authentication code is authenticated as the initial authentication code.
If the initial authentication code does not match, neither the unique authentication code nor the initial authentication code is recorded in the accessory 200, so it is determined that the accessory 200 is not a genuine product. This determination result is notified to the use permission unit 160. The use permission unit 160 does not permit the use of the accessory 200 that is determined not to be a genuine product in the main body device 100.

The unique authentication code writing unit 150 writes the unique authentication code of the main device 100 to the accessory 200 when the authentication code read from the accessory 200 matches the initial authentication code in the initial authentication code determination unit 142.
Specifically, the unique authentication code writing unit 150 selects a unique authentication code corresponding to the accessory 200 from a plurality of unique authentication codes recorded in the unique authentication code table 122, and the authentication code of the accessory 200 is selected. Write to the storage unit 210. The unique authentication code writing unit 150 instructs the accessory 200 to write the unique authentication code, notifies the authentication code reading unit 130 that the writing operation has been performed, and reads the authentication code to the authentication code reading unit 130. Let

  The use permission unit 160 permits the use of the accessory 200 by the main body device 100 only when the unique authentication code determination unit 141 determines that the unique authentication code is written in the accessory 200. Further, when the initial authentication code determination unit 142 determines that the information recorded in the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 does not match the initial authentication code, the accessory 200 determines which of the unique authentication code and the initial authentication code. Therefore, the use permission unit 160 does not permit the use of the accessory 200 by the main body device 100.

  Although not described in detail, the main device 100 includes various elements necessary to play a role as the main device 100. For example, if the main body device 100 is a computer terminal, it includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, and the like.

  The main body side authentication unit 110 and the authentication code storage unit 210 constitute an accessory authentication system.

An accessory authentication method according to the first embodiment having such a configuration will be described.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the accessory authentication method of the first embodiment.
When the connection port 101 detects that the accessory 200 is connected to the main body device 100, the authentication code reading section 130 executes the authentication code reading step (ST100) in the main body side authentication section 110.
Through this process, the authentication code recorded in the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 is read out to the main body device 100. The authentication code read by the authentication code reading unit 130 is notified to the authentication code determination unit 140, and it is determined whether or not it matches the unique authentication code (unique authentication code determination step ST110). Specifically, the authentication code received by the authentication code determination unit 140 is notified to the unique authentication code determination unit 141, and whether or not the unique authentication code matches the unique authentication code read from the unique authentication code table 122. Is determined. When the authentication code read from the accessory 200 matches the unique authentication code (ST120: YES), the result is notified to the use permission unit 160, and the use permission unit 160 permits the use of the accessory 200 by the main device 100. (ST130).

  On the other hand, in ST120, when the authentication code read from accessory 200 does not match the unique authentication code (ST120: NO), this authentication code is sent to initial authentication code determination unit 142, and the initial authentication code determination unit By 142, an initial authentication code determination step (ST140) is executed. Specifically, the initial authentication code determination unit 142 determines whether or not the authentication code read from the accessory 200 matches the initial authentication code read from the initial authentication code table 121.

  In the initial authentication code determination step (ST140), when the authentication code of the accessory 200 does not match the initial authentication code (ST150: NO), the result is sent to the use permission unit 160. In this case, since the accessory 200 does not hold either the unique authentication code or the initial authentication code, it is determined that the accessory 200 is not a genuine product, and the use permission unit 160 determines whether the main body device 100 is used. The process ends without permitting the accessory 200 to be used.

In ST150, when the authentication code read from accessory 200 is the initial authentication code (ST150: YES), unique authentication code writing section 150 has a unique authentication code uniquely assigned to main device 100. Is overwritten in the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 (unique authentication code writing step ST160).
The unique authentication code writing unit 150 selects a unique authentication code corresponding to the accessory 200 from the plurality of unique authentication codes recorded in the unique authentication code table 122 and instructs the accessory 200 to write. Then, since the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 can be overwritten on the initial authentication code, the instructed unique authentication code is recorded in the authentication code storage unit 210. After writing the unique authentication code in the accessory 200 in this way, the process returns to ST100 and repeats. At this time, if the accessory 200 is a genuine product, a unique authentication code is written. Therefore, in the next unique authentication code determination step (ST110), the unique authentication code is determined and use by the main device 100 is permitted. (ST130).

  On the other hand, as an unauthorized accessory 200 intended to be used again and again, an initial authentication code is recorded in advance in a storage area in which new writing is impossible, and an initial request is received in response to a read request from the main unit 100. There may be a configuration in which the authentication code is always returned. Since such an unauthorized accessory does not accept overwriting of the storage area, the writing in the unique authentication code writing step (ST160) is not normally executed. Since such an unauthorized accessory does not return the unique authentication code to the main device 100 in the next unique authentication code determination step (ST110), a route to return to ST100 without receiving permission to use the main device 100 is provided. Will repeat.

According to 1st Embodiment provided with such a structure, there exists the following effect.
(1) After the unique authentication code writing unit 150 instructs the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 to write the unique authentication code, the unique authentication code determination unit 141 writes the unique authentication code correctly. Only when it is confirmed, use permission is reached. Therefore, even a malicious fraudulent product equipped with a memory that always keeps an initial state in order to connect to another main body device 100 can be surely excluded. For example, it is possible to exclude the use of the discarded consumables in another main body apparatus 100 after the recovered consumables are recovered and regenerated. As described above, since the use in the main body device 100 is permitted only for the regular product, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an unexpected situation due to the use of the unauthorized accessory.

(2) The unique authentication code is written by the unique authentication code writing unit 150 only when the initial authentication code from the accessory is confirmed by the initial authentication code determination unit 142, so that the unique authentication code is applied only to the regular accessory 200. And the use in the main device 100 is permitted. For example, as an example of a malicious fraudulent product, it is possible to delete the authentication code from the memory of a used accessory, but according to the present embodiment, the unique authentication code is recorded only on the one having the initial authentication code. , Such unauthorized products will not be mistakenly authenticated.

(3) The authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 is a rewritable memory, and can write the unique authentication code in a state where the initial authentication code is recorded. As described above, the legitimate accessory 200 can be overwritten with the unique authentication code of the main body device 100, so that it is clearly distinguished from an unauthorized product having a memory that cannot be rewritten. Therefore, when the accessory 200 is used and discarded, it can be prevented from being reused by other devices, and danger due to unauthorized reuse can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, when the unique identification code is read from the accessory, the accessory is instructed to write a dummy code. It is characterized in that the product is strictly checked.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second embodiment.
The basic configuration of the accessory 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but in the second embodiment, the authentication code storage unit 210 is a memory that can be overwritten only once.
Such an authentication code storage unit 210 can be configured by a one-time ROM, for example. At the shipping stage of the accessory 200, an initial authentication code is recorded in the authentication code storage unit 210. When the accessory 200 is connected to the main device 100, the authentication code storage unit 210 is overwritten with a unique authentication code unique to the main device 100 in accordance with an instruction from the main device 100. This writing can be performed only once. That is, the authentication code storage unit 210 is disabled to write after the unique authentication code of the main device 100 is written from the state where the initial authentication code is written.

  In FIG. 3, the main body side authentication unit 110 of the main body device 100 includes a code writing unit 170. The code writing unit 170 includes a unique authentication code writing unit 171 and a dummy code writing unit 172. The unique authentication code writing unit 171 has the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment. When the unique authentication code determination unit 181 determines that the unique authentication code has been read from the accessory 200, the dummy code writing unit 172 instructs the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 to write the dummy code. To do. The dummy code is not particularly limited as long as it can be distinguished from the initial authentication code and the unique authentication code.

  The unique authentication code determination unit 181 of the authentication code determination unit 180 has a counter 182. The counter 182 is normally set to 0, and counts up by a signal from the dummy code writing unit 172 when the dummy code writing unit 172 instructs the accessory 200 to write a dummy code. When it is determined that the code read from the accessory 200 is the unique authentication code when the count value of the counter 182 is 0, the unique authentication code determining unit 181 sends the result to the dummy code writing unit 172. Then, the dummy code writing unit 172 instructs the accessory 200 to write the dummy code and counts up the counter 182. On the other hand, when it is determined that the read code from the accessory 200 is a unique authentication code in a state where the count value of the counter 182 is 1, the unique authentication code determination unit 181 sends the result to the use permission unit 160. send. Then, the use permission unit 160 permits the use of the accessory 200.

The operation of the second embodiment having such a configuration will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the accessory authentication method in the second embodiment.
In FIG. 4, operations from ST200 to ST205 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
That is, the authentication code is read from the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 (authentication code reading step ST200), and it is determined whether it matches the unique authentication code (unique authentication code determination step ST201).
When it does not match the unique authentication code (ST202: NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not it matches the initial authentication code (initial authentication code determination step ST203), and the read authentication code is the initial authentication code The unique authentication code is overwritten in (ST204: YES) (unique authentication code writing step ST205).

  Here, in the second embodiment, since the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 is configured by a one-time memory, the unique authentication code is overwritten on the initial authentication code and fixed thereafter. Writing is prohibited.

Returning to ST200, when the authentication code reading step (ST200) is performed and the read authentication code is determined to be a unique authentication code by the unique authentication code determination unit 181 (ST202), next, the counter 182 Refer to the count value.
Here, if the count value of the counter 182 is 0 (ST206: NO), the dummy code has not been written yet. In this case, the unique authentication code determination unit 181 informs the dummy code writing unit 172 of the result, and the dummy code writing step (ST207) by the dummy code writing unit 172 is executed. The dummy code writing unit 172 instructs the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 to write a dummy code, and simultaneously counts up the counter 182 (ST208).

Returning to ST200 again, the authentication code is read from the accessory 200 (authentication code reading step).
When the read authentication code matches the unique authentication code (ST202: YES) and the count value of the counter 182 is 1 (ST206: YES), the unique authentication code determination unit 181 uses the result. The data is sent to the permission unit 160. In this case, it can be seen that the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 has a configuration in which the unique authentication code is recorded and overwriting of the dummy code is not accepted. That is, it is locked in a state where the unique authentication code is overwritten at the first connection with the main body device 100, and it can be seen that this is the genuine accessory 200. The use permission unit 160 permits the use of the accessory 200 (ST209).

On the other hand, when returning to the authentication code reading step (ST200) after the dummy code writing step (ST207), if the authentication code read from the accessory 200 is not a unique authentication code (ST202: NO), further initial If it is not an authentication code (ST204: NO), the result is sent from the initial authentication code determination unit 183 to the use permission unit 160. In this case, the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 is composed of a memory that can be rewritten any number of times, and accepts the writing of the dummy code written in the dummy code writing step (ST207). become.
In the case of the accessory 200 equipped with a memory that can be rewritten any number of times as described above, it is possible to overwrite the unique authentication code instructed to be written in the unique authentication code writing step (ST205). Therefore, the unique authentication code may be determined in the unique authentication code determination step (ST201). However, the accessory 200 whose authentication code can be rewritten any number of times is an unauthorized product. Therefore, in this case, the use permission unit 160 does not permit the use of the accessory 200, and ends the processing as a use disapproval (ST210).

  As in the case of the first embodiment, when the authentication code storage unit of the accessory 200 is not rewritable from the initial authentication code, the loop from ST200 to ST205 is repeated and usage is not permitted.

According to 2nd Embodiment provided with such a structure, in addition to the effect of the said embodiment, there can exist the following effect.
(4) The authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 is composed of a one-time memory that can be rewritten only once from the initial state, and the main body device 100 includes a dummy code writing unit 172 to perform a dummy code writing instruction. Confirm that the dummy code cannot be written. As an unauthorized accessory 200, a configuration in which an initial code is always returned at the time of connection with the main device 100 and a unique authentication code from the main device 100 can be written any number of times can be considered. If there is such an unauthorized product, the configuration of the first embodiment cannot be excluded. In this regard, in the second embodiment, a dummy code write instruction is issued to strictly confirm that the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 correctly records the unique authentication code in the one-time memory. Therefore, even a fraudulent product that can be rewritten any number of times from the initial authentication code can be surely excluded.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first and second embodiments, but the third embodiment is characterized in that a central processing unit (CPU) is provided in the accessory.
FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the accessory of the third embodiment.
As an example of the function of the central processing unit 220, an encryption process is performed in transmission / reception of an authentication code with the main body device 100. For example, an authentication code transmission / reception between the main device 100 and the accessory 200 may be in a challenge / response format. That is, when an authentication code is read from the authentication code storage unit 210 of the accessory 200 by the authentication code reading unit 130 of the main device 100, first, a challenge is transmitted from the authentication code reading unit 130 to the accessory 200, and the accessory 200 The CPU 220 encrypts this challenge and the information stored in the authentication code storage unit 210 with a predetermined algorithm and sends it as a response. By adding the encryption step in this way, even if the authentication code is stolen, it can be prevented from being easily decrypted, and the manufacture of unauthorized products can be eliminated.

  In the second embodiment, the one-time ROM is used. However, when memory management is performed by the CPU 220 as in the third embodiment, the memory is controlled so that rewriting is limited to one time by software. Also good.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the first embodiment, when the initial authentication code is always read from the accessory, the case where the use is not permitted by repeating ST100 to ST160 has been described. However, the initial authentication code determination unit is provided with a counter, and the initial authentication code is If the determination step (ST140) is continuously repeated a predetermined number of times, it may be determined that use is not permitted.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the unique authentication code determination process is performed first and then the initial authentication code determination process is performed after the authentication code reading process (ST100) has been described, but the unique authentication code determination process and the initial authentication code are performed. Of course, any of the determination steps may be performed first.

  In the second embodiment, the unique authentication code determination unit has a counter, and performs status management as to whether or not the counter is instructed to write a dummy code. Instead, it may be anything that can be used as a status register, such as a flag, and is not limited to a counter.

  It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied even if the connection between the main unit and the accessory is not a wired cable but wireless communication.

Examples of the accessory include a battery and an ink cartridge as a peripheral device of a so-called electronic device, but are not necessarily limited to these. For example, the present invention may be applied to a disposable product that is replaceable and detachable and is prohibited from being reused, such as a medical injection needle. A main body side authentication unit may be provided on the syringe main body side, and an authentication code storage unit may be provided on the needle side so that communication can be performed via the connection means when the syringe main body and the needle are connected.
The configuration of the present invention can be applied to a wide range of applications without limiting the field or application because the functions on the main body side and the functions on the accessory side can be integrated into one chip.

  The present invention is not limited to those configured by hardware such as various logic elements, but a predetermined program is incorporated into a computer having a CPU (central processing unit), a memory (storage device), etc., and the computer is implemented as described above. It may be operated as each functional unit described in the embodiment, and the processes of the above steps may be executed. That is, a CPU and a memory are arranged so as to function as a computer, and a predetermined program is installed in this memory via a communication means such as the Internet or a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a memory card. The function of each functional unit may be realized by operating a CPU or the like with the programmed program.

The figure which shows a mode that the main body apparatus and the accessory are connected in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the authentication method of the accessory of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the authentication method of the accessory in 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the accessory of 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Main body apparatus, 101 ... Connection port, 110 ... Main body side authentication part, 120 ... Authentication code table, 121 ... Initial authentication code table, 122 ... Unique authentication code table, 130 ... Authentication code reading part, 140 ... Authentication code determination part 141 ... Initial authentication code determination unit, 142 ... Initial authentication code determination unit, 150 ... Unique authentication code writing unit, 160 ... Connection permission unit, 170 ... Code writing unit, 171 ... Unique authentication code writing unit, 172 ... Dummy code writing 180, authentication code determination unit, 181 ... unique authentication code determination unit, 182 ... counter, 183 ... initial authentication code determination unit, 200 ... accessory, 201 ... connection port, 202 ... various elements, 210 ... authentication code storage unit 220 ... Central processing unit.

Claims (9)

An accessory authentication system in which the main body device authenticates the accessory when an accessory used detachably connected to the main body device is connected to the main body device,
The accessory has an authentication code storage unit composed of a writable memory from an initial state,
The main unit is
Connection means for connecting the accessories;
An authentication code reading unit that reads information recorded in the authentication code storage unit when the accessory is connected to the connection means;
A unique authentication code writing unit that writes a unique authentication code uniquely assigned to the main body device into the authentication code storage unit when the accessory is connected to the connection means for the first time;
A unique authentication code determination unit that determines whether the information read by the authentication code reading unit from the authentication code storage unit matches the unique authentication code;
The main body device uses the accessory only when the unique authentication code determination unit determines that the information read from the authentication code storage unit by the authentication code reading unit matches the unique authentication code. An accessory authentication system, comprising: a use permission unit that permits the above. In the accessory authentication system according to claim 1,
The authentication code storage unit stores in advance an initial authentication code indicating an initial state,
The main unit is
An initial authentication code determination unit that determines whether the information read by the authentication code reading unit from the authentication code storage unit matches the initial authentication code;
The accessory authentication system, wherein the unique authentication code writing unit writes the unique authentication code into the authentication code storage unit only when the initial authentication code determination unit determines that the initial authentication code is the initial authentication code. In the accessory authentication system according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The authentication code storage unit is composed of a memory that can be written only once from an initial state,
The main unit is
A dummy code writing unit for instructing the authentication code storage unit to write a dummy code when the unique authentication code determination unit determines that the information read from the authentication code storage unit matches the unique authentication code; In addition,
After the dummy code writing unit instructs the authentication code storage unit to write a dummy code, the unique authentication code coincides with the information read from the authentication code storage unit by the unique authentication code determination unit again. The accessory authentication system permits use of the accessory when the unique authentication code determination unit determines. In the accessory authentication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The accessory includes a central processing unit that controls reading and writing of the authentication code storage unit and encrypts the information according to a predetermined algorithm. An accessory authentication method in which the main body device authenticates the accessory when an accessory used detachably connected to the main body device is connected to the main body device,
The accessory has an authentication code storage unit composed of a writable memory from the initial state,
An authentication code reading step of reading information recorded in the authentication code storage unit to the main device side when the accessory is connected to the connection means of the main device;
A unique authentication code writing step of writing in the authentication code storage unit a unique authentication code uniquely assigned to the main unit when the accessory is connected to the connection means for the first time;
A unique authentication code determination step for determining whether the information read from the authentication code storage unit in the authentication code reading step and the unique authentication code match;
The main body device uses the accessory only when the unique authentication code determining step determines that the information read from the authentication code storage unit in the authentication code reading step matches the unique authentication code. And a use permission step for permitting the attachment to be performed. In the accessory authentication method according to claim 5,
The authentication code storage unit is composed of a memory that can be written only once from an initial state,
If it is determined in the unique authentication code determination step that the unique authentication code of the main body device is recorded in the authentication code storage unit, then a dummy code write command to the authentication code storage unit A dummy code writing process for providing the accessory with
After giving the dummy code write command in the dummy code writing step, it is determined again in the unique authentication code determination step that the unique authentication code of the main unit is recorded in the authentication code storage unit. In some cases, the use of the accessory is permitted. A main body device for authenticating an accessory having an authentication code storage unit constituted by a writable memory from an initial state,
Connection means for detachably connecting the accessory;
An authentication code reading unit that reads information recorded in the authentication code storage unit when the accessory is connected to the connection means;
A unique authentication code writing unit that writes a unique authentication code uniquely set in the main unit when the accessory is connected to the connection unit for the first time in the authentication code storage unit;
A unique authentication code determination unit for determining whether the information read from the authentication code storage unit in the authentication code reading unit and the unique authentication code match;
The main body device uses the accessory only when the unique authentication code determination unit determines that the information read from the authentication code storage unit by the authentication code reading unit matches the unique authentication code. A main body device, comprising: a use permission unit that permits the above. An accessory authenticated by the main device according to claim 7,
An accessory comprising an authentication code storage unit configured with a memory writable from an initial state. The accessory according to claim 8, wherein
The said authentication code memory | storage part of the said accessory is comprised with the memory which can be written only once from the initial state. The accessory characterized by the above-mentioned.

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