Device attachable to and detachable from image-forming apparatus, and method and apparatus for remanufacturing the device

A method for remanufacturing a device that can be attached to and detached from an image-forming apparatus that is executed using an information processing apparatus connected to the device, the device including a memory including a first storage area which is read-only and a second storage area which is rewritable, the method comprising:

• reading out first information specific to the device from the first storage area of the device to the information processing apparatus;
• obtaining, by the information processing apparatus, second information to be read out from the device and used by the image-forming apparatus;
• obtaining, by the information processing apparatus, a digital signature generated based on the first information and the second information;
• obtaining, by the information processing apparatus, authentication information generated at least on a basis of the second information;
• transmitting, together with the authentication information from the information processing apparatus to the device, a writing instruction for writing the second information and the digital signature to the second storage area;
• and
• writing, by the device, the second information and the digital signature to the second storage area in a case where verification of the second information based on the authentication information is successful.

An information processing apparatus for remanufacturing a device that can be attached to and detached from an image-forming apparatus, the device including a memory including a first storage area which is read-only and a second storage area which is rewritable, the information processing apparatus comprising:

• a connection interface configured to be connected to the device at a time of remanufacturing of the device;
• and
• control circuitry configured to control writing of information from the information processing apparatus to the device, wherein
• the control circuitry is configured to
• read out first information specific to the device from the first storage area of the device,
• obtain second information to be read out from the device and used by the image-forming apparatus,
• obtain a digital signature generated based on the first information and the second information,
• obtain authentication information generated based at least on the second information, and
• transmit, together with the authentication information to the device, a writing instruction for writing the second information and the digital signature to the second storage area,
• wherein writing of the second information and the digital signature to the second storage area is allowed in a case where verification of the second information that is based on the authentication information is successful in the device.