Printing system with identity identification function and printing method
By introducing biometric identification technology into printing devices, it ensures that only designated personnel can print documents, thus solving the problem of insufficient security in existing printing devices and achieving higher document security and confidentiality protection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TECO IMAGE SYST
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
Smart Images
Figure CN121996176A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This case relates to a printing device, and more particularly to a printing system and method with identification capabilities. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, some printing devices on the market lack encryption capabilities. This means that when a printing device receives a print command for a document from a user's device, it will directly print the document. Therefore, the document may be taken by unauthorized personnel, and could even lead to the leakage of confidential information.
[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, printing devices with password encryption capabilities have been developed. Users can set a password when entering a print command for a document on their client device, and then send the password-protected print command to the printing device. The password can contain user-defined text, numbers, or a combination thereof. The user then moves to the printing device and enters the password. After verifying that the entered password matches the password in the print command, the printing device performs the print job. However, this password encryption function still has shortcomings. For example, if different client devices set the same password for their respective printed documents and simultaneously send them to the same printing device for printing, there is still a risk that the document may be printed and accidentally obtained by unauthorized personnel. Furthermore, the aforementioned password encryption function has a low security level, and the password is easily obtained maliciously by malicious individuals, increasing the probability of documents being accidentally obtained or stolen by unauthorized personnel, leading to the leakage of confidential documents.
[0004] In view of this, it is necessary to develop a printing system and method with identity recognition capabilities to solve the problems faced by existing technologies. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this case is to provide a printing system and method with identity recognition function, which can improve the encryption level of printed documents, prevent documents from being taken by unauthorized personnel, and reduce the risk of leakage of confidential documents.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a printing system with identity verification functionality, comprising a user terminal device and a printing device. The user terminal device is configured to generate a printing instruction based on a first preset operation. The printing instruction includes digital file data, printing setting information, and encrypted information. The encrypted information includes at least one first biometric feature. The printing device is communicatively connected to the user terminal device and includes a first processor, a printing unit, and a first biometric feature acquisition unit. The first processor is connected to the printing unit and the first biometric feature acquisition unit and is communicatively connected to the user terminal device. The first biometric feature acquisition unit is configured to generate at least one second biometric feature based on a second preset operation and transmit the at least one second biometric feature to the first processor. The first processor receives the printing instruction transmitted by the user terminal device, parses the printing instruction, and performs a comparison and identification operation between the at least one first biometric feature and the at least one second biometric feature to generate an identification result. Based on the identification result, the first processor controls the printing unit to perform a printing operation on the digital file data to generate a paper document, or not to perform a printing operation.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a printing method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a printing system, wherein the printing system includes a user terminal device and a printing device, wherein the printing device is communicatively connected to the user terminal device and includes a first processor, a printing unit and a first biometric acquisition unit, wherein the first processor is connected to the printing unit and the first biometric acquisition unit and is communicatively connected to the user terminal device; (b) the user terminal device generates a printing instruction according to a first setting operation, wherein the printing instruction includes digital file data, printing setting information and encryption information, and the encryption information includes at least one first biometric information; (c) the first biometric acquisition unit of the printing device generates at least one second biometric information according to a second setting operation and transmits the at least one second biometric information to the first processor; (d) the first processor receives the printing instruction transmitted by the user terminal device, parses the printing instruction, and performs a comparison and identification operation between the at least one first biometric information and the at least one second biometric information to generate an identification result; and (e) the first processor controls the printing unit to perform a printing operation on the digital file data according to the identification result to generate a paper document, or not to perform a printing operation. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a printing system with identity recognition function according to an embodiment of this case.
[0009] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a printing method according to an embodiment of this case.
[0010] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:
[0011] 100: Printing System
[0012] 1: User terminal device
[0013] 11: Second Processor
[0014] 12: Input Unit
[0015] 13: Second biometric extraction unit
[0016] 14: Second storage unit
[0017] 2: Printing device
[0018] 21: First Processor
[0019] 22: Printing Unit
[0020] 23: First biometric extraction unit
[0021] 24: Control Unit
[0022] 241: User Interface
[0023] 25: First storage unit
[0024] 3: Communication Network
[0025] S1, S2, S3, S4, S5: Steps Detailed Implementation
[0026] Some typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of this invention will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that this invention can have various variations in different forms, all of which do not depart from the scope of this invention, and the descriptions and illustrations therein are essentially for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit this invention. For example, if the following description of this invention places a first feature on or above a second feature, it indicates that it includes embodiments where the first and second features are in direct contact, and also includes embodiments where additional features can be placed between the first and second features, so that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, different embodiments in this invention may use repeated reference numerals and / or markings. These repeated reference numerals and / or markings are for simplification and clarity purposes and are not intended to limit the relationships between the various embodiments and / or the described appearance structures. Moreover, to facilitate the description of the relationship between one component or feature and another (plural) component or feature in the drawings, spatially related terms such as "below," "below," "lower part," "above," "upper part," and similar terms may be used. In addition to the orientations shown in the figures, spatially related terms are used to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be positioned in other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or located in other orientations), and the spatially related terms used will be interpreted accordingly. When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or there may be intervening components. Furthermore, it is understood that although terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in the claims to describe different components, these components should not be limited by these terms, and the components described accordingly in the embodiments are represented by different component symbols. These terms are used to distinguish different components; for example, a first component may be referred to as a second component. Similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component without departing from the scope of the embodiments.
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a printing system with identity recognition function according to an embodiment of this case. Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the printing system 100 has an identity verification function, which can improve security, prevent documents from being taken by unauthorized personnel, and reduce the risk of confidential documents being leaked. The term "user" as used in the specification refers to any operator of the device; the user in the preceding and following text may be the same user or different users. The term "designated personnel" as used in the specification refers to a single target person who obtains the paper document. The printing system 100 includes a user terminal device 1 and a printing device 2. The user terminal device 1 is, for example, but not limited to, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, or other information processing device with input capabilities, and is configured to generate a printing instruction based on a first set operation by the user. In one embodiment, the printing instruction includes digital file data, printing setting information, and encryption information, but is not limited thereto. The printing setting information includes printing format settings, such as the number of copies, single-sided or double-sided printing, and / or margin width, but is not limited thereto. The encryption information includes at least one first biometric information of the designated personnel.
[0028] The printing device 2 is communicatively connected to at least one user terminal device 1 via a communication network 3, and includes a first processor 21, a printing unit 22, and a first biometric acquisition unit 23. The first processor 21 is connected to the printing unit 22 and the first biometric acquisition unit 23, and is also communicatively connected to the user terminal device 1. The first biometric acquisition unit 23 is configured to generate at least one second biometric information of the user based on a second user setting operation, and transmits the at least one second biometric information to the first processor 21. The first processor 21 receives the printing command transmitted from the user terminal device 1, parses the printing command, and performs a comparison and identification operation between the at least one first biometric information and the at least one second biometric information to generate an identification result. Based on the identification result, the first processor 21 controls the printing unit 22 to perform a printing operation on digital document data to generate a paper document, or not to perform a printing operation.
[0029] In one embodiment, when the identification result is a match, it means that the first processor 21 determines that the user is the designated person. At this time, the first processor 21 controls the printing unit 22 to perform a printing job on the digital document data to generate a paper document. When the identification result is a mismatch, it means that the first processor 21 determines that the user is not the designated person. At this time, the first processor 21 controls the printing unit 22 not to perform a printing job on the digital document data. By using biometric identification to encrypt and identify the digital document data to be printed through the printing system 100, it is ensured that the user is the designated person, thereby improving security, preventing documents from being taken by unauthorized personnel, and reducing the risk of leakage of confidential documents.
[0030] In this embodiment, the first biometric information and the second biometric information respectively include at least one of fingerprint information, facial feature information, and voiceprint feature information, but are not limited thereto. For example, when the digital document to be printed requires a high level of encryption, the printing system 100 can use fingerprint features as the first and second biometric information to achieve encrypted printing. In this embodiment, the user can perform a first setting operation on the user terminal device 1 to generate and output a printing command, and transmit the printing command to the first processor 21. The printing command includes digital document data, printing setting information, and encryption information, wherein the encryption information includes the fingerprint feature information of a designated person. Subsequently, when the user wants to take the printed document through the printing device 2, the user performs a second setting operation on the printing device 2 to activate the first biometric feature acquisition unit 23 of the printing device 2 to acquire the user's fingerprint feature information and transmit the fingerprint feature information to the first processor 21. The first processor 21 receives and parses the print command, and performs a comparison and identification operation between the fingerprint feature information of the designated person (i.e., the first biometric information) and the fingerprint feature information of the user (i.e., the second biometric information) to determine whether the two match. When the identification result is consistent, it means that the user is the designated person, and the first processor 21 controls the printing unit 22 to perform a print job on the digital document according to the identification result and print settings information to generate a paper document. When the identification result is inconsistent, it means that the user is not the designated person, and the first processor 21 does not perform a print job. With the printing system 100 of this case, it is possible to ensure that the user is the designated person, thereby improving security, preventing documents from being taken by unauthorized personnel, and reducing the risk of leakage of confidential documents.
[0031] In some embodiments, the printing system 100 may also use facial features as the first and second biometric information to achieve encrypted printing. In other embodiments, the printing system 100 may also use voiceprint features as the first and second biometric information to achieve encrypted printing. Since the operation of the components and the printing method of the printing system 100 are similar to those of the aforementioned fingerprint feature method, they will not be described in detail here.
[0032] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 In this embodiment, the printing device 2 includes a control unit 24 connected to the first processor 21, and includes a user interface 241 configured to allow a user to control the operation of the printing device 2. In one embodiment, the user interface 241 of the control unit 24 is a touch panel configured to provide touch functionality and display various information of the printing device 2. In one embodiment, the first processor 21 transmits the aforementioned identification results to the user interface 241 of the control unit 24 for display by the user, thereby improving convenience.
[0033] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 In this embodiment, the printing device 2 includes a first storage unit 25 connected to the first processor 21, for storing digital file data, first biometric information, and second biometric information. When the printing device 2 receives a printing instruction, the first processor 21 temporarily stores the printing instruction in the first storage unit 25. When the first processor 21 receives at least one piece of second biometric information, the first processor 21 parses the printing instruction temporarily stored in the first storage unit 25 and performs comparison and identification operations on the at least one piece of first biometric information and the at least one piece of second biometric information to generate an identification result for subsequent printing operations.
[0034] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 As shown. In this embodiment, the user terminal device 1 includes a second processor 11, an input unit 12, and a second biometric acquisition unit 13. The second processor 11 is connected to the input unit 12 and the second biometric acquisition unit 13, and is communicatively connected to the first processor 21 of the printing device 2. The input unit 12 is configured to allow the user to perform a first setting operation to input digital file data and print setting information, and the input unit 12 transmits the digital file data and print setting information to the second processor 11. The input unit 12 is, for example, but not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel with a virtual user interface, or a voice input device. The second biometric acquisition unit 13 is configured to be actuated according to the user's first setting operation to perform biometric acquisition operations on a designated person, thereby generating at least one first biometric information of the designated person, and transmitting the at least one first biometric information to the second processor 11. The second processor 11 receives at least one first biometric information transmitted by the second biometric acquisition unit 13, and digital file data and print setting information transmitted by the input unit 12, and converts the aforementioned at least one first biometric information, digital file data, and print setting information into a print command. Furthermore, the second processor 11 transmits the print command to the first processor 21 of the printing device 2 via the communication network 3. Through the configuration of the second biometric acquisition unit 13, at least one first biometric information of a designated person can be generated in real time, and this at least one first biometric information can be used for the encrypted printing operation, thereby eliminating the need to access the designated person's identification information and reducing the risk of personal data leakage. In some embodiments, the user terminal device 1 further includes a second storage unit 14 connected to the second processor 11. At least one first biometric information can be pre-stored in the second storage unit 14 of the user terminal device 1, thereby allowing the second processor 11 to retrieve the at least one first biometric information from the second storage unit 14 for subsequent encrypted printing operations.
[0035] In one embodiment, the first biometric acquisition unit 23 and the second biometric acquisition unit 13 may be fingerprint scanners. In some embodiments, the first biometric acquisition unit 23 and the second biometric acquisition unit 13 may be image acquisition units. In other embodiments, the first biometric acquisition unit 23 and the second biometric acquisition unit 13 may be voiceprint acquisition units. In still other embodiments, each of the first biometric acquisition unit 23 and the second biometric acquisition unit 13 may include at least two of a fingerprint scanner, an image acquisition unit, and a voiceprint acquisition unit.
[0036] In one embodiment, the input unit 12 of the user terminal device 1 includes an encryption printing level menu for selecting an unencrypted printing mode, a non-biometric encryption printing mode, or a biometric encryption printing mode. When the encryption level required for the digital document to be printed is low, the user can select the unencrypted printing mode. In this case, the second processor 11 generates a print command and transmits it to the first processor 21 of the printing device 2 to perform an unencrypted printing operation. The print command only contains the digital document data and print settings information, and has no encryption information. When the encryption level required for the digital document to be printed is medium, the user can select the non-biometric encryption printing mode. In this case, the second processor 11 generates a print command and transmits it to the first processor 21 of the printing device 2 to perform a non-biometric encryption printing operation. The print command includes the digital document data, print settings information, and encryption information containing non-biometric features, which can be text, numbers, patterns, or a combination thereof. When the digital file to be printed requires a high level of encryption, the user can select the biometric encryption printing mode. At this time, the second processor 11 generates a printing instruction and sends it to the first processor 21 of the printing device 2 to perform the biometric encryption printing operation. The printing instruction includes digital file data, printing setting information and encryption information containing biometrics, including fingerprint features, facial features, voiceprint features or a combination thereof.
[0037] In one embodiment, the input unit 12 of the user terminal device 1 may be, for example, but not limited to, at least one or a combination of a physical keypad, a virtual keypad, a graphical password input interface, and a card reader. This allows the user to perform setting operations, i.e., to input and set non-biometric information in the non-biometric encrypted printing mode.
[0038] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a printing method according to an embodiment of this case. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the printing method is used to identify whether the user is a designated person and selectively print paper documents. The printing method sequentially includes the following steps: First, step S1 is performed, providing... Figure 1 The printing system 100 shown is a user terminal device 1 and a printing device 2. The printing device 2 is communicatively connected to the user terminal device 1 via a communication network 3 and includes a first processor 21, a printing unit 22, and a first biometric data acquisition unit 23. The first processor 21 is connected to the printing unit 22 and the first biometric data acquisition unit 23, and is communicatively connected to the user terminal device 1. Next, step S2 is executed, whereby the user terminal device 1 generates a printing command according to a first setting operation, wherein the printing command includes digital file data, printing setting information, and encryption information, and the encryption information includes at least one first biometric data. Subsequently, step S3 is executed, whereby the first biometric data acquisition unit 23 of the printing device 2 generates at least one second biometric data according to a second setting operation, and transmits the at least one second biometric data to the first processor 21. Next, step S4 is executed, whereby the first processor 21 receives the printing command transmitted by the user terminal device 1, parses the printing command, and performs a comparison and identification operation between the at least one first biometric data and the at least one second biometric data to generate an identification result. Finally, in step S5, the first processor 21 controls the printing unit 22 to perform a printing job on the digital file data to generate a paper document, or not to perform a printing job, based on the identification result.
[0039] In one embodiment, in step S5 of the printing method, when the identification result is consistent, it means that the first processor 21 determines that the user is the designated person. At this time, the first processor 21 controls the printing unit 22 to perform a printing operation on the digital document data to generate a paper document. In step S5 of the printing method, when the identification result is inconsistent, it means that the first processor 21 determines that the user is not the designated person. At this time, the first processor 21 controls the printing unit 22 not to perform a printing operation on the digital document data. By using biometric identification to encrypt and identify the digital document data to be printed through the above printing method, it is ensured that the user is the designated person, thereby improving security, preventing documents from being taken by unauthorized personnel, and reducing the risk of leakage of confidential documents.
[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the printing device 2 includes a control unit 24. The control unit 24 includes a user interface 241. In step S4 of the printing method, the first processor 21 transmits the identification result to the control unit 24 to display the identification result on the user interface 241 for the user to view, thereby improving convenience.
[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the user interface 241 of the control unit 24 of the printing device 2 includes an encryption level menu (not shown). In step S2 of the printing method, the encryption level menu of the control unit 24 selects at least one of the following based on a first setting operation: unencrypted printing mode, non-biometric encrypted printing mode, or biometric encrypted printing mode, to generate encrypted information. Therefore, the user can select different encryption printing modes according to the required encryption level of the digital document data to be printed, thereby improving security and convenience.
[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the user terminal device 1 includes a second processor 11, an input unit 12, and a second biometric acquisition unit 13. The second processor 11 is communicatively connected to the first processor 21 of the printing device 2, and the input unit 12 and the second biometric acquisition unit 13 are respectively connected to the second processor 11. In step S2 of the printing method, the input unit 12 generates digital file data and print setting information according to a first setting operation, and transmits the digital file data and print setting information to the second processor 11. The second biometric acquisition unit 13 acquires and generates at least one first biometric information according to the first setting operation, and transmits the at least one first biometric information to the second processor 11. The second processor 11 receives the at least one first biometric information transmitted by the second biometric acquisition unit 13, as well as the digital file data and print setting information transmitted by the input unit 12. The second processor 11 converts the at least one first biometric information, the digital file data, and the print setting information into a print command, and transmits the print command to the first processor 21 of the printing device 2. In one embodiment, the first biometric information and the second biometric information are at least one of fingerprint features, facial features, and voiceprint features, but are not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the first biometric extraction unit 23 and the second biometric extraction unit 13 are at least one of a fingerprint scanner, an image capture unit, and a voiceprint extraction unit, but are not limited thereto.
[0043] In summary, this case provides a printing system and method with identity recognition function. By encrypting the digital documents to be printed with biometrics, it ensures that the user is a designated person, thereby improving security, preventing documents from being taken by unauthorized personnel, and reducing the risk of confidential documents being leaked.
[0044] This case may be modified in various ways by those skilled in the art, but all of them shall not deviate from the protection sought by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A printing system with identification function, comprising: A user terminal device is configured to generate a print command based on a first setting operation, wherein the print command includes digital file data, print setting information, and encrypted information, and the encrypted information includes at least one first biometric information; and A printing device, communicatively connected to a user terminal device, includes a first processor, a printing unit, and a first biometric acquisition unit. The first processor is connected to the printing unit and the first biometric acquisition unit and is communicatively connected to the user terminal device. The first biometric acquisition unit is configured to generate at least one second biometric information according to a second setting operation and transmit the at least one second biometric information to the first processor. The first processor receives the printing command transmitted by the user terminal device, parses the printing command, and performs a comparison and identification operation between the at least one first biometric information and the at least one second biometric information to generate an identification result. Based on the identification result, the first processor controls the printing unit to perform a printing operation on the digital document data to generate a paper document, or does not perform the printing operation.
2. The printing system with identification function as described in claim 1, wherein when the identification result is consistent, the first processor controls the printing unit to perform the printing job on the digital file data according to the printing setting information to generate the paper document, wherein when the identification result is inconsistent, the first processor does not perform the printing job.
3. The printing system with identity recognition function as described in claim 1, wherein the printing device includes a control unit, the control unit includes a user interface configured to control the operation of the printing device, wherein the first processor transmits the recognition result to the control unit to display the recognition result on the user interface.
4. The printing system with identity recognition function as described in claim 3, wherein the user interface of the printing device includes an encryption level menu for selecting an unencrypted printing mode, a non-biometric encrypted printing mode, or a biometric encrypted printing mode.
5. The printing system with identification function as described in claim 1, wherein the user terminal device comprises: A second processor is communicatively connected to the first processor of the printing device; An input unit, connected to the second processor, configured to generate the digital file data and the print setting information according to the first setting operation, and transmit the digital file data and the print setting information to the second processor; and A second biometric extraction unit is connected to the second processor and is configured to extract and generate the at least one first biometric information according to the first setting, and transmit the at least one first biometric information to the second processor. The second processor receives at least one first biometric information transmitted by the second biometric acquisition unit, as well as the digital file data and print setting information transmitted by the input unit. The second processor converts the at least one first biometric information, the digital file data, and the print setting information into a print command and transmits the print command to the first processor of the printing device.
6. The printing system with identity recognition function as described in claim 5, wherein the first biometric information and the second biometric information are at least one of fingerprint features, facial features and voiceprint features.
7. The printing system with identity recognition function as described in claim 5, wherein the first biometric acquisition unit and the second biometric acquisition unit are at least one of a fingerprint scanner, an image acquisition device, and a voiceprint acquisition device.
8. A printing method, comprising the steps of: (a) A printing system is provided, wherein the printing system includes a user terminal device and a printing device, wherein the printing device is communicatively connected to the user terminal device and includes a first processor, a printing unit and a first biometric acquisition unit, wherein the first processor is connected to the printing unit and the first biometric acquisition unit and is communicatively connected to the user terminal device. (b) The user terminal device generates a print command based on a first setting operation, wherein the print command includes digital file data, print setting information and encryption information, and the encryption information includes at least a first biometric information. (c) The first biometric acquisition unit of the printing device generates at least one second biometric information according to a second setting operation, and transmits the at least one second biometric information to the first processor; (d) The first processor receives the printing instruction transmitted by the user terminal device, parses the printing instruction, and performs a comparison and identification operation between the at least one first biometric information and the at least one second biometric information to generate an identification result; as well as (e) The first processor controls the printing unit to perform a print job on the digital document data to produce a paper document, or not to perform the print job, based on the identification result.
9. The printing method of claim 8, wherein in step (e), when the identification result is consistent, the first processor controls the printing unit to perform the printing job on the digital file data according to the printing setting information to generate the paper document, wherein when the identification result is inconsistent, the first processor does not perform the printing job.
10. The printing method of claim 8, wherein the printing device includes a control unit, the control unit including a user interface configured to control the operation of the printing device, wherein the user interface of the printing device includes an encryption level menu, wherein in step (b), the encryption level menu of the control unit selects to execute an unencrypted printing mode, a non-biometric encrypted printing mode or a biometric encrypted printing mode according to the first setting operation to generate the encrypted information, wherein in step (d), the first processor transmits the identification result to the control unit to display the identification result on the user interface.
11. The printing method of claim 8, wherein the user terminal device includes a second processor, an input unit, and a second biometric acquisition unit, wherein the second processor is communicatively connected to the first processor of the printing device, and the input unit and the second biometric acquisition unit are respectively connected to the second processor, wherein in step (b), the input unit generates the digital file data and the printing setting information according to the first setting operation, and transmits the digital file data and the printing setting information to the second processor, and the second biometric acquisition unit acquires and generates the at least one first biometric information according to the first setting operation, and transmits the at least one first biometric information to the second processor, the second processor receives the at least one first biometric information transmitted by the second biometric acquisition unit, and the digital file data and the printing setting information transmitted by the input unit, and the second processor converts the at least one first biometric information, the digital file data, and the printing setting information into the printing instruction, and transmits the printing instruction to the first processor of the printing device.
12. The printing method of claim 11, wherein the first biometric information and the second biometric information are at least one of fingerprint features, facial features and voiceprint features, and wherein the first biometric acquisition unit and the second biometric acquisition unit are at least one of a fingerprint scanner, an image acquisition device and a voiceprint acquisition device.