System for advanced protection of consumable or detachable elements

Abstract

A method of authenticating a consumable or detachable element of a continuous inkjet printer comprising: the controller of the printer generating a 1.sup.st item of random information that is dispatched to an authentication circuit of the element; encrypting the 1.sup.st item of information by the authentication circuit using a 1.sup.st encryption algorithm and a 1.sup.st secret key to form a 1.sup.st item of encrypted random information; dispatching the 1.sup.st item of information to the controller; encrypting the 1.sup.st item of information by the controller using a 2.sup.nd encryption algorithm and a 2.sup.nd secret key to form a 2.sup.nd item of encrypted random information; comparing the 1.sup.st item of encrypted random information with the 2.sup.nd encrypted item of random information to authenticate the consumable element; and if the consumable element is authenticated, dispatching at least one part of a 3.sup.rd key, termed the shared key, by the element to the printer.

Claims

1. A consumable or detachable element for a continuous inkjet printer, (CIJ), comprising: a circuit configured to implement an authentication process with said printer before using said consumable or detachable element with said printer, and to implement a 1st encryption algorithm and a 1st key, termed the secret key; a memory storing at least one item of data; and an interface to exchange data with said printer.

2. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 1, said circuit being configured to implement an authentication of the printer by the consumable or detachable element.

3. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 1, said circuit being configured to implement an authentication of the consumable or detachable element by the printer.

4. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 1, said circuit being configured to implement: an authentication of the printer by the consumable or detachable element; and an authentication of the consumable or detachable element by the printer.

5. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 1, said circuit being configured to encrypt said at least one item of data with a 2nd key, termed the shared key, and to transfer said at least one encrypted item of data to said printer.

6. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 5 said memory storing at least part of said 2nd key, termed the shared key.

7. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 5, said 2nd key being encrypted with said 1st key.

8. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 5, said 2nd key being variable over time and/or having a limited duration of validity.

9. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 1, said circuit being configured: to generate a 1st item of information and to send it to the continuous inkjet printer; to encrypt said 1st item of information with said 1st encryption algorithm and said 1st key, thereby generating a 1st encrypted item of information; to compare said 1st encrypted item of information with an item of information received from said printer.

10. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 1, said circuit being configured: to receive a 1st item of information from said continuous inkjet printer; to encrypt said 1st item of information with said 1st encryption algorithm and said 1st key, thereby generating a 1st encrypted item of information; to send said 1st encrypted item of information to said printer.

11. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 1, said interface comprising an RFID interface or an interface to exchange data by contact.

12. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 1, said memory storing at least one item of data concerning at least one 2nd consumable or detachable element or at least one spare part that the printer can use, and/or at least one software that the printer can use, and/or at least one method of use that the printer can implement.

13. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 12, in which said consumable or detachable element is a data medium, said at least one 2nd consumable element or detachable element or at least one spare part being an ink or solvent cartridge or a filter or a pump or a solenoid valve, or a removable module, for example the ink circuit of the printer or a printing head of the printer.

14. A consumable or detachable element according to claim 1, wherein said consumable or detachable element is an ink or solvent cartridge or a filter or a pump or a solenoid valve, or a removable module, for example of the ink circuit of the printer or of a printing head of the printer, or a data medium.

15. A continuous inkjet printer, comprising: an ink circuit, a printing head, a hydraulic connection between the ink circuit and the printing head, an electrical connection for supplying electrical power to said printing head, a consumable or detachable element according to claim 1.

16. A continuous inkjet printer according to claim 15, further comprising a controller, said controller and said circuit of said consumable or detachable element being configured to perform: an authentication of the printer by the consumable or detachable element; and an authentication of the consumable or detachable element by the printer.

17. A consumable or detachable element for a continuous inkjet printer, (CIJ), comprising: a circuit configured to implement an authentication process with said printer before using said consumable or detachable element with said printer, and to send to said continuous inkjet printer, or to receive from said continuous inkjet printer, at least part of a decoding key, termed the shared key; a memory storing at least one item of data; and an interface to exchange data with said printer.

18. A consumable or detachable element for a continuous inkjet printer, (CIJ), comprising: a circuit configured to implement an authentication process with said printer before using said consumable or detachable element with said printer; a memory, said memory storing a password, said authentication process being based on said password; and an interface to exchange data with said printer.

19. A consumable or detachable element for a continuous inkjet printer, (CIJ), comprising: a circuit configured to implement an authentication process with said printer before using said consumable or detachable element with said printer; a memory, forming part of said circuit configured to implement an authentication process with said printer; and an interface to exchange data with said printer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 represents a known structure of a printer.

(2) FIG. 2 represents a known structure of a printing head of a CIJ printer.

(3) FIG. 3 schematically represents a printer and an ink cartridge, provided with a tag, according to the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 represents production details of a controller and a tag of and ink cartridge, according to the present invention.

(5) FIGS. 5A and 5B represent steps of an authentication method according to one aspect of the invention.

(6) FIGS. 6A and 6B represents the uses of a tag according to one aspect of the invention.

(7) FIG. 7 represent steps for producing a tag according to one aspect of the invention.

(8) FIGS. 8A and 8B represent embodiments of another aspect of the invention, with individual identification card of the printer.

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF AN EMBODIMENT

(9) FIG. 3 represents, highly schematically, the body 3 of a printer and a consumable 20, for example a spare part or an ink or solvent cartridge. The term “consumable element” refers to an element intended to be renewable due to reduction of its contents or due to its consumption, for the performance of a function of the printer. This can also be an element for which authorisation for use is given in a time-limited manner, for example a software or a software function.

(10) The term “detachable element” refers to an element which must be temporarily connected in order to implement a function of the printer.

(11) In the following, the example of the ink cartridge will frequently be cited: it can be connected to the printer in order to supply the printer with ink. The cartridge is both consumable and detachable. However, the invention also applies to a spare part, for example a filter or a pump or a solenoid valve, or any other module or subassembly of the printer, for example a removable module such as described in application PCT/EP2014/056215. Each of these elements has a limited service life, at the end of which it must be replaced for the proper operation of the printer. Another example, described below, is that of an authentication card.

(12) The machine, in fact the controller thereof, is equipped with communication means 30, for example RFID communication means, which enable dialogue with said consumable. In addition, the controller is programmed to implement the steps described below.

(13) The consumable 20 is equipped with a circuit 200 (hereinafter referred to as a “tag”) which allows it to implement the steps described below. This circuit can be realised in the form of a processor, a microprocessor or an FPGA, for example. This circuit can be programmed to implement a method according to the invention. Communication means are also provided, for example RFID communication means, which enable dialogue with the controller. As a variant, the communication between the body 3 of the printer and the consumable 20 can be communication by contact.

(14) In this case, contacts are provided on each of the circuits to ensure the transmission of data between the two circuits.

(15) In the 2 cases, RFID communication and contact communication, an event will trigger a 1.sup.st dialogue step, which involves an authentication or a data exchange. This is the case when it is necessary to use the consumable or detachable element, for example: during the control at printer start-up, the printer detects the presence of the consumable or detachable element, this detection forming the event above; or during connection of the consumable or detachable element, causing a detection by the controller which then triggers a method according to the invention; or when the need for the element arises, for example when a low level of ink is detected in the main reservoir, requiring it to be supplied by the ink cartridge.

(16) The circuit 201 is for example installed against a wall of the consumable, in such a way as to facilitate the dialogue (or data exchange) with the controller.

(17) FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of this architecture in a slightly more detailed manner, in the version of same with RFID communication means.

(18) Reference sign 31 designates a controller circuit 3, realised, for example, in the form of a microprocessor or an FPGA, programmed to carry out certain functions or method steps. For example, this circuit 31 is provided with means 32 for generating one or more items of information, for example random numbers. This circuit can be equipped with memory means 37 for storing data, and in particular data for implementing a method according to the invention, for example data relating to a shared key 40 and/or a secret key 41. As explained below, the controller may not comprise: a shared key, only being supplied with the shared key during realisation of an event such as the start of an interaction session with the tag; or a secret key, no authentication process of the type described below being implemented.

(19) A shared key can be exchanged, at least in part, between the consumable and the controller, in general after authentication as explained below.

(20) In the course of a method according to the invention, a secret key is not exchanged between the consumable and the controller.

(21) In the present application, an algorithm implements a key. Each algorithm is defined by a set of instructions, stored in the corresponding circuit 31, 210, which code the steps of the algorithm.

(22) This circuit 31 will supply, to the means 30, data to transmit to the consumable (in fact: to the circuit—described below—associated with the consumable), and/or receives, via the means 30, data transmitted by the same consumable (in fact: by the circuit—described below—associated with the consumable).

(23) On the consumable side, reference sign 200 designates the RFID interface of the tag 21.

(24) Reference sign 210 designates a circuit of the tag, realised for example in the form of a microprocessor or an FPGA, which is programmed to perform certain functions or method steps according to the invention. For example, this circuit 210 is equipped with means, globally designated by reference sign 215, comprising means 213 for generating one or more items of information, for example random numbers, means 212 implementing an authentication method and encryption means 211. This circuit can be equipped with memory means 214 for storing data, and in particular data for implementing a method according to the invention, for example data relating to a shared key 40 and/or a secret key 41.

(25) This circuit 210 will supply, to the means 200, data to be transmitted to the controller 3, or to be implemented by the controller (for example in order that it can read same) and/or receives, via the means 200, data transmitted by the circuit 31 and the controller means 30.

(26) Reference sign 35 symbolises the data exchanges between the controller and tag of the consumable. As indicated above, it involves in this case an example with an exchange of data by RFID mode.

(27) According to one particularly interesting embodiment, the shared key 40, which is a different key from the secret key 41 (it can for example be more easily decoded than the secret key) serves mainly, or even exclusively, for encrypting information stored in the memory. The secret key 41 serves mainly, or even exclusively, for authentication of the consumable by the controller or for reciprocated authentication of the consumable and of the controller. The risk of “piracy” is limited, i.e. the risk of non-authorised use of data contained in the tag and, consequently, of the associated consumable.

(28) The shared key can be, for example: determined or chosen, by the manufacturer of the controller, for example during manufacture thereof; optionally it varies over time, for example periodically, the controller can then have the list of keys or the algorithm allowing the shared key that is to be used to be recovered at the desired time; or be supplied by the tag to the controller, only when the authentication has been validated.

(29) An example of a method that is able to be implemented by this system will be described, with reference to FIG. 5A. It involves an algorithm, or a method of authentication before the exchange of data between tag and controller. As explained above, some methods according to the invention do not allow the prior implementation of this authentication.

(30) According to this example, both the controller of the printer and the tag of the consumable, store and implement a secret key 41 and a shared key 40; an encryption algorithm implements the secret key, the data relating to this algorithm being stored both in the controller and in the tag.

(31) On realisation of an event, for example one of those mentioned above, the controller generates a 1.sup.st random number (more generally, an item of information) A (step 101) which it dispatches (step 102) to the tag of the cartridge; the tag encrypts the number (step 103) using its encryption algorithm and the secret key 41 and re-dispatches (step 104) this encrypted number C(A) to the printer.

(32) The controller 3 performs the same operation: it encrypts this same number (step 106) using its encryption algorithm and the secret key 41, thereby forming C′(A).

(33) The circuit of the controller 3 compares (step 107) the result C′(A) obtained by the internal calculation of same with that C(A) sent by the tag.

(34) If C′(A)=C(A) (or, more generally, if a relationship between C(A) and C′(A) is satisfied, allowing their agreement or correspondence to be determined), then the tag—and the associated consumable—is authentic and the data, for example confidential data contained in the tag, can be exchanged between this tag and the controller. These data can be qualified from technical use data (they may concern technical aspects or technical functions of the machine and/or technical aspects of the functioning of the machine). If not, the tag, and the consumable with which it is associated, is recognised as being non-authentic, and said data cannot be exchanged between this tag and the controller.

(35) More generally, during the installation of the spare part or before sampling a consumable (for example a fluid such as the ink or solvent) in a cartridge or a bottle, an authentication can be carried out in the manner that will now be described.

(36) During the implementation of this authentication method, the shared key 40 does not play a role, and only the secret key is used; this secret key enables authorisation of the transmission of information from the “tag” to the controller, and vice versa. Indeed, at this stage, data (other than those relating to the authentication phase) are not yet being exchanged. It is therefore possible to not supply the shared key, to one or other of the 2 elements (consumable, controller), until after successful authentication.

(37) For example, the shared key is dispatched by the tag 20 to the controller 3 after validated or successful authentication. This is highly advantageous in embodiments in which the shared key is modified: there is then no need to reprogram the elements (tag, controller) which implement it. More specifically, a consumable will itself supply the (shared) key to the printer, which will enable decoding of the exchanged data. If this key has changed or has been modified (for example due to technical developments or algorithmic modifications), there is no need to act on the printer, which recovers the new shared key during its 1.sup.st interaction (after authentication) with the new consumable which itself has the modified shared key. In addition, no means for synchronisation of the keys is implemented.

(38) In order to better protect the data of the tag, the authentication can be mutual and the tag can in its turn generate a random number which is submitted to the printer, in accordance with the method of FIG. 5B: the tag generates a random number (more generally, an item of information) A (step 101′) which it dispatches (step 102′) to the controller; the controller encrypts the number (step 103′) using its encryption algorithm and the secret key 41 and re-dispatches (step 104) this encrypted number C(A) to the tag; the controller performs the same operation: it encrypts this same number (step 106′) using its encryption algorithm and the secret key 41, thereby forming C′(A); the tag compares (step 107′) the result C′(A) obtained by the internal calculation of same with that C(A) sent by the controller.

(39) If C′(A)=C(A) (or, more generally, if a relationship between C(A) and C′(A) is satisfied, allowing their agreement or correspondence to be determined), then the tag can exchange data with the controller. If not, the latter is recognised as not authentic, or more generally as not authorised to exchange data with the controller. It is optionally possible to proceed in the inverse order: the method described above with reference to FIG. 5B is preformed first, followed by the method described above with reference to FIG. 5A.

(40) In general, in the case of a mutual authentication, the two authentications will be preferably validated (respectively by the controller or by the consumable) in order to conclude with a possible exchange of data between the consumable and the printer and to authorise such an exchange, and subsequent use of the consumable.

(41) In order to diversify the secret key 41, the latter can be diversified, for example using an algorithm. For example, it is combined with an item of identification information, which may be a number such as a serial number or a UID (unique identification number) 33 of the controller and/or 216 of the tag (FIG. 4), and/or date according to an algorithm.

(42) In a variation, the secret key 41 is present in the tag and the controller is then modified using an algorithm, by using for example another number (available in the tag and/or the printer), for example before coding (step 103, 103′).

(43) This diversification, which can be applied to the shared key, makes the system more robust because, due to this fact, the key concerned is only valid for said tag, said printer or said tag/printer combination.

(44) On the occurrence (before, during or after) of this diversification step, the tag can be made to supply the controller with the data used for the diversification.

(45) The following can be a variant of the authentication method described above.

(46) The consumable communicates a password to the controller; the controller compares this password with a password that it contains (and which is saved in the memory means of the controller) and, as a function of the result of the comparison, the use of the consumable is authorised or not. The same can apply to a software.

(47) Once the authentication has been successfully completed, data can be exchanged or transferred between the tag and the controller, for example made available to the controller by the tag. In general this exchange is carried out at the initiative of the controller, the tag making available to the controller, on request therefrom, data which it dispatches or which it allows the controller to read.

(48) However, according to a yet more powerful method in terms of security, once the authentication has been successfully completed, the tag supplies the shared key 40 to the controller (respectively to the tag). In a variant: the controller supplies the shared key to the tag; the controller and the tag each supply a part of the shared key, respectively to the tag and to the controller.

(49) After authentication, it is possible to carry out not only data exchange, which allows successful completion of the authentication, but also, and before data exchange, communication of at least one part of the shared key 40 which will enable decoding of this exchanged data. This could be the case, for example, when a “session” (period—which can be very short, for example on the order of several minutes—during which a tag and a controller are set in uninterrupted connection), the controller only receiving the shared key for the session in question. The start of the session is for example the end of the authentication process, the end of a session is for example any other event after the start, for example a power outage. To strengthen security still further, this key can have only been created, for example by a random process, at the time of the start of this session, or, more generally, at the start of a determined period, during the realisation of an event or of a determined event, for example one of those mentioned above. Such a temporary key can optionally have, with respect to a permanent shared key, a reduced length or size: the size of the memory for storing the temporary key is reduced, and the calculation time of any operation utilising the temporary key is also reduced.

(50) According to one embodiment, the shared key 40 can vary over time. In this case, means 31 and/or 210 contain means, a software and/or a circuit programmed according to an algorithm, to make this key 40 change over time.

(51) As previously, the secret key preferably remains dedicated to authentication.

(52) The example is also given above of a shared key created at the time of the realisation of an event (at the start of a session or at the time of another determined event).

(53) The method described above can guarantee the authentic aspect of the consumable and/or of a spare part and the inviolability of data stored in this tag.

(54) The algorithm or method disclosed above can be implemented by the printer, using the controller thereof, programmed for this purpose, and by the tag also programmed for this purpose.

(55) Two different examples of use will be given, with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

(56) In the two cases, a tag 200 according to the invention, of the type illustrated in FIG. 4, is used and provided with a secret key 41 and a shared key 40. The tag also contains the data 50 that is intended to be exchanged with the controller.

(57) The controller of the printer of FIG. 6A only possesses the shared key 40, installed in the controller before any contact with a tag 200 (the shared key can nevertheless, in this case also, change over time). No authentication method can therefore be implemented and the data 50 are exchanged between the tag 200 and the controller without authentication, even though the tag possesses the secret key and the shared key.

(58) According to another utilisation, the controller of the printer of FIG. 6B possesses the secret key 41. It can therefore first implement an authentication method, then the data 50 are exchanged between the tag 200 and the controller 3 after validation of the authentication. As explained above, the shared key 40 can be supplied to the controller after authentication and/or be able to vary over time.

(59) Consequently, a tag according to the invention is compatible with a simple controller (case shown in FIG. 6A) provided with a shared key but not a secret key, or with a more evolved controller (case shown in FIG. 6B), provided with a secret key and optionally with the shared key.

(60) In general, the fact of possessing, in the tag, a shared key 40 and a secret key 41 enables: encrypting of the data 49 to be inserted in the tag in the form of encrypted data 50, using the algorithm of the shared key 40; and/or encrypting of the shared key 40 using the algorithm of the secret key 41, in particular if the memory area containing the shared key is accessible to the reader.

(61) An example of a method for preparing or manufacturing a tag 200 is illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein: data 49, to be stored in the tag, are encrypted using the shared key 40 (not yet encrypted by the secret key, see below); reference sign 50 designates the data that is encrypted and stored in the tag; the shared key 40 is encrypted using the algorithm of the secret key 41, in order to form the shared key 40′ stored in the tag 200.

(62) The tag can therefore contain encrypted data 50, the secret key 41 and the shared key 40, the latter being optionally encrypted by the secret key (and then being stored in the form 40′).

(63) Such a method can be carried out by the manufacturer of the printer and/or of consumables.

(64) An example of manufacture or preparation of a consumable element according to the invention and of a printer according to the invention can be the following:

(65) 1. Preparation of the consumable:

(66) In the tag, are stored: the 1.sup.st authentication algorithm and the 1.sup.st authentication key; and the 2.sup.nd algorithm and the 2.sup.nd key, termed the shared key, optionally variable and/or optionally encrypted using the 1.sup.st key; the encrypted data (encrypted by the shared key).

(67) 2. Preparation of the printer:

(68) In the printer (or its controller) are stored: the 1.sup.st authentication algorithm and the 1.sup.st authentication key; and the 2.sup.nd algorithm and the 2.sup.nd key, termed the shared key, optionally variable and/or optionally encrypted using the 1.sup.st key (case shown in FIG. 7).

(69) After the manufacturing or preparation steps, an authentication process can be completed, as already explained above.

(70) During a process of data exchange between printer (controller) and tag 200, the data can be dispatched from the printer (or from the controller), to the tag, said data having been encrypted using the shared key. Data dispatched by the tag to the controller are read (deciphered) by the controller, also using the shared key. The shared key is also used in the tag for despatching data to the controller or for reading or writing the data dispatched by the controller.

(71) Examples are given below concerning the nature of the data 49 (or use data) stored in the tag and which can be dispatched to the controller.

(72) According to another embodiment, shown schematically in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the algorithm or the methods disclosed above can be implemented by the machine, using an authentication card 300, 300′ associated with same. Here “card” shall mean any type of data medium (USB memory, ROM, RAM, flash memory, optical medium such as a CD, or magnetic medium, etc.). This card 300, 300′ is a consumable or detachable element according to the meaning given above. However, it is different from another consumable or detachable element, such as a cartridge or a spare part or a software, for which it will allow authentication.

(73) This card contains or comprises communication means, for example RFID communication means, which allow dialogue with the controller. As a variant, the communication between the body 3 of the printer and the card can be communication by contact.

(74) This card will itself be subject to an authentication process such as that described above. It can therefore contain the data which will allow such an authentication method to the performed; for example, it comprises a circuit, such as circuit 200 which has been described above, which will contain the data which will enable such an authentication method to be performed.

(75) It may for example contain at least a part of the information or data which will be transmitted to the controller, or exchanged therewith, for example on request of the controller, and allow the controller to implement the steps described above.

(76) As described above, the machine (or the printer) is then equipped with communication means, for example RFID communication means, or means for communication by contact, which enable dialogue with elements such as the consumables. However, according to one embodiment, the card 300, 300′ contains encryption information which allows implementing of the steps described above. This card generates, for example, random numbers for encryption, which are transmitted to the controller, which transmits them to the tag of the consumable 20. The tag carries out the encryption operations and re-dispatches (step 104) the encrypted information to the controller, which transmits it to the card 300, 300′. The card has performed its own encryption (step 106) and possesses means which allow it to carry out the comparison step (step 107). It then delivers to the controller, or not, an authorisation for use of the consumable 20.

(77) In a variation, the exchanges are made uniquely or mainly with the controller, which itself performs the comparisons between the data of the card 300, 300′, on the one hand, and the data of the consumable element 20, on the other hand. The controller then validates the use of the consumable element if, firstly, it has authenticated this element (according to the authentication process as described above) and, secondly, after authentication of the card 300, 300′ according to an authentication method such as described above for the consumable elements, it has obtained the authorisation for using the consumable by the data exchanges with the card. The order of the steps can therefore be: a) authentication of the card 300, 300′, according to one of the methods described above; b) authentication of the consumable 20, according to one of the methods described above; c) reading, by the controller, of at least one item of data from the card, concerning the possible use of the consumable 20 or of the spare part.

(78) According to yet another example, the card 300, 300′ contains data which will enable, after authentication of the card, authorising, or not, of the use of a software or a software function or a function of the printing machine.

(79) According to another example, the card 300, 300′ contains: both data which will enable authorising, or not, of the use of a consumable 20 or of a spare part; and, data which will enable authorising, or not, of the use of a software or a software function or a function of the printing machine (for example: rights of use of the printer).

(80) The card 300, 300′ can advantageously contain a set of technical data which are only valid for a given printer. For a printer that is already installed, this avoids creating a new program, or a new configuration, after the technical data relating to the printer in question have been modified. According to another example, this makes it possible to create a set of data for a new customer who purchases a printer: it is not the printer which is directly configured, but rather the card 300, 300′.

(81) FIG. 8A shows the case of a card 300 intended to be read by contact by the printer 3, the card is then inserted in a slot 301 of the body of the printer, in order to come into contact with a reader circuit.

(82) FIG. 8B represents a case of a card 300′ intended to be read by RFID by the printer 3, which possesses an RFID reader 301 dedicated to the reading of the card 300′.

(83) In the two cases, the data transmitted from the card to the printer can be of the type described below.

(84) The consumable 20 (FIG. 8B) is, in the two cases, still equipped with the tag 21, which enables it to implement the steps described above, and with communication means, for example RFID communication means, which enable dialogue with the controller.

(85) The card 300, 300′ is a detachable element of the printer, which permits authorisation at two times, the card is serving, on the one hand, as an intermediary for authorising the use of a consumable (after having been itself authenticated), the latter being, on the other hand, authenticated according to one of the methods already described above.

(86) In a variant, the card 300,300′, after authentication by the controller, can authorise a consumable or detachable element which does not possess authentication means. The authorisation, by the controller, then proceeds either by an identification of technical data available on the consumable element, for example in a tag or a memory present thereon, or by data entered in the printer by the user, for example by reading an identification label available on the element or an item of data supplied therewith (in the packaging, in documentation attached to the element, etc.).

(87) The order of the steps can therefore be, for example: a) authentication of the card 300, 300′, according to one of the methods described above; b) reading, by the controller, of at least one item of data from the card 300, 300′ (or supplied by same) concerning the possible use of the consumable 20 or of the spare part.

(88) A particular use of the card 300, 300′ solves the problem of a user who wishes, for example, to use spare parts or consumables (inks) from a third-party manufacturer (for example the case of an ink having very specific properties) and/or from a distribution network for which the protection policy of the consumables must be adapted.

(89) In order to do this, the card 300, 300′ can be configured machine by machine.

(90) In general, this card, or a tag such as previously described, can contain at least one item of data, or an item of technical data of use, relating to the configuration of the printer and the expected behaviour thereof, and/or at least one item of information to be securely saved.

(91) These technical data of use may contain, for example, at least one item of data or information concerning: a) at least one list of consumables that the printer can use; b) and/or the possible use, or not, of at least one consumable and/or of at least one spare part from a third-party manufacturer; c) and/or the authorisation for use, or not, of at least one consumable and/or of at least one recognised spare part; d) and/or at least one possible use of at least one software enabled in the controller of the printer; e) and/or equipment options or one or more peripherals used on the printer, for example a type of ink circuit and/or head; f) and/or use rights of the printer: this is the case, for example, for a “pay-per-print” option, according to which a user will see his/her invoice calculated as a function of the number of prints made. In this case, the card contains an item of information relating to a maximum number of authorised prints and the controller will, after each print, incrementally reduce this maximum number in the card; g) and/or, more generally, one or more items of data specific to the operation of the printer. Such data can be, for example: data on the charge sequence of drops by the charging electrodes of the printing head of the printer, for example as a function of the different printing conditions, in particular the printing speed, or as a function of diverse printing configurations; and/or technical data relating to the printing of a given message; and/or data relating to the use of a particular printing font, and/or, more generally, relating to authorisation for access to certain functions of the printer.

(92) These data can be read by the controller of the printer. As a function of the data read, the controller allows, or not, the envisaged use.

(93) For example, the information concerning at least one list of consumables that the machine can use makes it possible to guarantee to the user that only a consumable compatible with his printer will be able to be used: if a consumable which is not part of the list in question is used, one or more functions of the machine can be blocked. This is an advantage for the user, who will thus avoid using an ink, or a printing head, the quality of which is insufficient for or incompatible with the printer used.

(94) The information concerning authorisation of the use of at least one consumable and/or of at least one spare part from a third-party manufacturer, enables the use, or prohibition of the use, of said consumable or spare part, although this spare part or this consumable is not equipped with a tag or is equipped with another tag, for another printer, or is equipped with a tag uniquely for authorising another specific application. In the case where it is not equipped with a tag, a manual action of the operator can enable the use of the consumable or the part in question.

(95) The information concerning authorisation of use, or not, of at least one unrecognised consumable and/or of at least one unrecognised spare part, allows use or prohibition of the use, of at least one spare part, or of at least one consumable, although this spare part or this consumable is not known by the manufacturer of the machine.

(96) The information concerning at least a possibility of use of at least one specific software (or one software function), in the controller of the printer, enables the use, or the prohibition of the use, of this software or of this software function: for example, during manufacture, the controller of a printer is equipped with a first software L1 and a second software L2, different from L1 by at least the writing or one of the functions thereof. The specific tag only authorises the use of the first software L1. It will therefore not be possible to use the second software L2.

(97) An example of authorisation of use of software or a software function corresponds to the use of functions enabling specific printings. Such specific printings may be anti-counterfeiting printings, for which the limiting of one or more software functions makes it possible to avoid copying of an anti-counterfeiting marking. This type of application can be implemented using a card such as 300, 300′ which contains information relating to the authorisation of use of one or more pieces of software.

(98) The information concerning one or more rights of use of the printer will allow the operation of the printer to be adapted and, in particular, allow storage of data as a function of the rights of the user. For example, for a “pay-per-print” option, the controller 20 will store the number of prints made.

(99) An example of this type of right concerns the franking of envelopes, for which the user pays as a function of the number of prints made. A card, such as card 300, 300′ can authorise a printer to perform the number of prints stored on the card.

(100) Another application example is the following: the printer is coupled to a proof-reading system; this system comprises for example an imaging device for capturing at least one image of at least one part of a pattern printed by the printer, coupled with means for comparing said image with a reference image, which can for example be stored, or with reference data, which can for example be stored. Hence it is possible to verify the quality of a print. Such an application can be authorised at the time of manufacture of the printer or be authorised later at the site of the customer using a card 300.

(101) Such software or software functions can already be present in the printer and authorised by a card 300, 300′ after authentication of said card; or be stored in the card and sent to the printer after authentication.

(102) In the case of an identification card 300, 300′, this card may change over time; for example an identification card can be updated, or indeed a new identification card can be sent to the identification card holder, in order to update one or more items of data of the type mentioned above.

(103) This identification card is generated, for example, by the manufacturer of the machine (see FIG. 7) and/or during a development of the configuration of the printer. In order to guarantee that the identification card is only usable on one given printer, during the initial installation in the printer, an association is produced between the card and the equipment of the printer by saving the identifier in the card corresponding to this particular machine. Once recorded, these data cannot be modified and the card is reserved for use on this particular machine.

(104) This solution offers the possibility of easy and secure configuring of the functions of the printer, at the end of the production line, or even directly at the site of a user. In other words, it is possible to manufacture a unique machine and vary the use thereof by a user as a function of the data on the card 300, 300′.

(105) The solution that has just been described above for a card is equally applicable to a consumable element, for example a cartridge or a spare part, the “tag” or circuit 200 thereof containing at least one item of information of one of types a) to g) listed above, for example relating to at least one other consumable, for example a cartridge or a spare part, that the machine can use.

(106) An ink circuit of an inkjet printer, with the optional ink and solvent cartridges thereof, is described for example in document FR 13 52925 (WO2014/154830) or WO2009/047510.

(107) Remember that the ink circuit mainly performs the following functions: supply of ink of adequate quality under pressure to the drop generator of the head 1; recovery and recycling of the fluids not used for printing on returning from the gutter of the head 1; suction for purging of the drop generator situated in the head 1; supply of solvent to the head 1, for rinsing carried out during head maintenance operations.

(108) One and/or the other of the cartridges of this circuit can be equipped with a tag according to the present invention. A controller of the printer may be of the type described above.

(109) The invention can be implemented in a continuous inkjet printer (CIJ) such as described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. This comprises in particular a printing head 1, generally remote from the body of the printer 3, and connected to the printer by means, for example in the form of a flexible umbilical cord 2, containing the hydraulic and electrical connections enabling operation of the head.

(110) The invention can advantageously be applied to a printer which is not connected to a communication network such as the Internet.