EDP Control Unit for Secure Print Job Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security standards for triggering print jobs in computer networks are not meeting the highest security requirements, particularly in the authentication process.

Innovation Solution

An EDP control unit with a user authentication system, utilizing biometric methods such as palm vein recognition, fingerprint, retina, iris, or voice recognition, combined with a scanner, smart card reader, and PIN query, is implemented to securely select and transmit print jobs to target devices after user authentication, allowing for dynamic target device selection and enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a print job is pre-selected and made available at a target device before authentication, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The print job is prepared and staged in advance in the EDP control unit's buffer, but the actual transmission to the target device is delayed until authentication occurs. This preliminary preparation maintains ease of operation while the delayed execution ensures security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The EDP control unit acts as an intermediary between the client and the target device. It receives the print job, buffers it, performs authentication, and then transmits the job to the selected target device. This intermediary role allows the system to balance ease of operation with security by controlling when and how the job reaches the target device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a target device is selected in advance for job execution, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The target device selection is made dynamic rather than static. The EDP control unit allows the user to select the target device at the time of authentication, not in advance. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through a simple authentication process while improving adaptability by allowing flexible device selection based on current needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the user to self-select the target device during the authentication process. The EDP control unit presents the authentication interface and allows the user to choose which device should receive the print job, eliminating the need for pre-selection while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If biometric authentication systems are implemented, then the security is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The EDP control unit combines multiple authentication methods (biometric sensors, smart card readers, PIN queries) into a single integrated device. This merging approach improves security by offering multiple authentication options while managing device complexity through unified control and a single point of interaction for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The EDP control unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform various authentication methods (fingerprint, palm vein, retina, iris, voice recognition, smart card, PIN). This universality improves security by providing multiple authentication pathways while avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices for each authentication method, thus managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3021253B1EDP control unit for an intermediate storage system, network and method for authenticated activation of a target mechanism
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 BWO SYST
  • EP3021253B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3021253B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3021253B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer control unit for a buffer comprising a system for user authentication in a network, a network and a method for authenticated control of a target device.