Cloud Print Server Mediator for Cross-Printer Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud printing systems face compatibility issues due to various user environments and printer models, limiting their commercialization and mobility, and lack robust security features to protect sensitive documents during printing.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based secure printing system that authenticates users and documents, allows mobile printing across different locations and printer models, and reduces unnecessary printing through a secure print platform with an open API, integrating with existing systems and providing output history management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If various driver modules according to printer model and application modules according to user terminal model are developed to support different printer models and user environments, then printing compatibility is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of commercialization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based print server as an intermediary between user terminals and printers. The print server handles driver modules and application modules centrally, so that user terminals do not need to have multiple drivers installed for different printer models. The print server acts as a mediator that translates between different terminal types and printer models, resolving the contradiction by centralizing complexity in the server rather than distributing it to numerous client devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal cloud-based printing system where a single print server can handle multiple printer models and user terminal types through centralized driver management. The system provides multi-functional capability where one server infrastructure supports diverse printing scenarios (mobile devices, PCs, tablets) and various printer models without requiring separate specialized systems for each combination.
2Ease of operation
If cloud printing system is implemented to allow printing from any location and device, then ease of operation and work efficiency are improved, but information security risks increase due to document exposure in network environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and security checks before documents are transmitted to or stored on the print server. User credentials are verified in advance, and document security levels are determined before the printing process begins. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized users can access the cloud printing system and that sensitive documents receive appropriate security protection from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors printing activities, user authentication status, and document security levels. The print server provides feedback to users about printing job status, security compliance, and authentication requirements. This feedback loop allows the system to dynamically adjust security measures and alert users to potential security issues, balancing convenience with security monitoring.
3Reliability
If cloud-based mobile printing solution is provided by printer manufacturers for their own printer models, then printing compatibility within the same manufacturer ecosystem is improved, but adaptability to other printer models decreases and equipment replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into distinct functional layers: user terminals, cloud-based print server, and printers from various manufacturers. The print server layer acts as an independent intermediary that handles compatibility issues, allowing user terminals to communicate with any printer model through the server without requiring direct integration between specific terminal and printer models. This segmentation enables reliable printing within manufacturer ecosystems while also supporting cross-manufacturer compatibility through the universal server interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cloud-based secure printing system and a method of processing same. When requesting printing of a desired printed matter by using a communication network of a mobile terminal of a user and a personal computer, the cloud-based secure printing system of the present invention uses a print management server and a print agent to authenticate and confirm the user and document security authority, and prints the printed matter through a desired printer. According to the present invention, the effects of strengthening the security of printed matter, increasing user convenience and work efficiency through a mobile printing function, and reducing the printing of unnecessary documents and the leaving of documents unattended and reducing costs can be obtained, and a secure print platform can be provided which is capable of printing, regardless of which printer manufacturer and model is used.