Email Print Scan Server with Barcode Job ID Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multifunction printers (MFPs) lack an efficient method to manage email-based printing and scanning processes, particularly in ensuring secure transmission of source addresses and handling of barcode-encoded job IDs during scanning.
Innovation Solution
A server system that receives emails with image data, generates print data including barcodes for MFPs, and transmits scanned data back to the original sender, while managing job IDs and settings for print and scan operations, ensuring secure address handling and user-configurable barcode usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MFP directly uses the sender's email address as the destination for scanned data, then the scanning process is simple, but the source address may be exposed to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the MFP and the email system. The server stores the correspondence between job IDs and source email addresses, and handles the email transmission. This mediator protects the MFP from directly handling sensitive email address information while maintaining secure communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses barcode images as copies/representations of job IDs. Instead of directly using or transmitting the actual job ID or email address, the system creates a visual copy (barcode) that can be scanned and processed. This indirect representation enhances security by not exposing the actual sensitive data in plaintext.
2Ease of operation
If the MFP prints barcode images over print data, then scanning identification is enabled, but the print data processing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the original print data with barcode identification data into a single composite print output. The barcode is overlaid on the print data, combining information carrier and visual content in one element. This simplifies the overall process by eliminating separate identification steps while maintaining ease of scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary encoding of job IDs into barcode images before printing. By pre-processing the identification data into scannable barcode format and embedding it with the print data, the system prepares the identification mechanism in advance, making the subsequent scanning and matching processes simpler and more reliable.
3Speed
If the system stores job ID and source address correspondence on the MFP, then quick access is achieved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the storage of sensitive correspondence data from the MFP to a remote server. The server acts as a secure repository that stores the mapping between job IDs and source email addresses. The MFP only stores and processes the job ID itself, not the sensitive email address information, thereby distributing security responsibilities and reducing local security risks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the MFP autonomously manages email transmission, then operational independence is achieved, but functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the server handles multiple roles: storing job information, managing email address correspondence, generating responses, and coordinating with multiple MFPs. This centralized multi-functional approach allows the MFP to remain relatively simple while the system as a whole achieves high versatility and adaptability in handling various email-based printing and scanning scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A server includes an email receiver, a memory controller, a first generator, and an email transmitter. The email receiver receives, from an external device, a first email including image data, a first email address, and a second email address. The memory controller stores identification information in association with the second email address. The first generator generates first print data representing a first print image. The first print image includes a first partial image represented by the image data and a second partial image representing an image corresponding to the identification information. The email transmitter transmits a second email including scanned data. The scanned data represents a scanned image. The second email further includes, as a destination address, the second email address associated with the identification information corresponding to the second partial image included in the scanned image.