Dynamic Printer Allocation for Secure Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer security systems are inefficient as they require dedicated printers for confidential documents, leading to underutilization of printers and increased costs due to varying printing frequencies and confidentiality levels.
Innovation Solution
A system where a client computer requests a printer from a server that meets specific security requirements, allowing multiple printers to be dynamically allocated and secured based on document confidentiality levels, enabling secure printing without reducing printer usage efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a printer dedicated to confidential documents is installed, then security requirements are satisfied, but printer usage efficiency decreases due to underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes printer security settings based on the confidentiality level of documents being printed. Instead of dedicating a printer permanently to confidential documents, the same printer can be allocated to different users with different security requirements as needed, optimizing both security and utilization
Solution Approach 2:
A single printer is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve different users with different security requirements through dynamic allocation. The printer can function as a confidential document printer when needed, and as a general-purpose printer at other times, eliminating the need for dedicated printers
2Reliability
If various security functions are validated, then confidentiality is improved, but printer accessibility deteriorates due to restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
Security functions are applied locally and selectively based on the specific document's confidentiality level rather than universally to all printing operations. This allows users to access printers freely for non-confidential documents while security restrictions are only activated when confidential documents require printing
3Reliability
If security functions are set printer by printer, then security control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between users and printers, centralizing the security management functionality. The server handles security validation, printer allocation, and configuration, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining security control. Individual printers don't need complex security settings as the server manages these centrally
Data Source
AI summary
Securely printing a document. Receiving, by a server computer, a request from a client computer to allocate a printer satisfying a set of security requirements. Allocating, by the server computer, a printer that will print document data according to the received set of security requirements and that is accessible by the client computer. Transmitting to the client computer, by the server computer, an identification of the allocated printer. Transmitting to the allocated printer, by the server computer, the received set of security requirements. Receiving from the client computer, by the server computer, a printing instruction including document data for printing to the allocated printer. Transmitting to the allocated printer, by the server computer, the received document data to print.