Printer identity and security

Abstract

A system and method for establishing a secure identity for a printing device at the time of manufacturing is provided. The method includes obtaining a first private key for use with a first operation of the printing device and obtaining a second private key for use with a second operation of the printing device. The method also includes loading the first private key into a secure memory portion of the printing device during manufacturing of the printing device, and loading the second private key into the secure memory portion of the printing device during manufacturing of the printing device.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method of generating a unique and secure identity of a printing device during manufacturing of the printing device, the method comprising:
 reading a unique printing device serial number associated with a component of the printing device,   sending the unique printing device serial number to a certificate authority,   receiving from the certification authority a certificate that is unique to the printing device containing the unique printing device serial number, and   loading the certificate to the printing device.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the unique printing device serial number is placed in a common name field of the certificate. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising storing a key associated with the certificate into a secure memory portion of the printing device while the printing device is being manufactured. 
     
     
         18 - 20 . (canceled)