Encrypted Document Printing via Multi-Network Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enterprise computer systems face challenges in securely printing sensitive documents across multiple networks, as users often struggle with remembering printer names and IP addresses, leading to potential misrouting of documents and limited mobility in printing due to restricted access to enterprise printers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize multiple wireless networks to securely print encrypted documents, where a mobile computing device receives an encrypted document and key, determines printer presence and preference based on proximity, and communicates with the printer via a higher bandwidth network to decrypt and print the document, eliminating the need for users to remember printer details and enhancing flexibility and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually remember and input printer names and IP addresses, then printing can be performed, but user burden increases and misrouting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic printer discovery and selection without requiring user input of printer details. The mobile device automatically detects available printers, determines proximity, and selects the appropriate printer, making the system serve itself rather than requiring manual user configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of remembering and typing printer details with an automated electronic discovery system using wireless networks and proximity detection algorithms to automatically identify and select printers.
2Reliability
If enterprise printers are restricted to internal networks, then security is maintained, but user mobility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary that receives encrypted documents, manages decryption keys, and facilitates secure printing. This intermediary enables users to print sensitive documents at external printers while maintaining security through encrypted document transmission and controlled key distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends printing capability from the traditional enterprise network dimension to external wireless networks by using multiple network types (WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC) for device discovery and communication, enabling printing outside the enterprise network while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network types are used for printer discovery, then accessibility improves, but network selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different wireless network types (WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC) based on availability, proximity, and suitability for the specific printing task. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different situations without requiring complex manual network management.
4Reliability
If encrypted documents are transmitted over networks, then security improves, but transmission reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing secure communication channels, pre-authenticating with printers, and pre-managing encryption keys before document transmission. This preliminary preparation ensures that encrypted documents can be transmitted securely and reliably without delivery failures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
In one example of the disclosure, an encrypted document and an encryption key for decrypting the encrypted document are received from a computer. Presence data for a printer is received via a first wireless network. A user instruction to print the encrypted document at the printer is received. A credential is received from the printer via the first wireless network, where the credential for communication with the printer via a second wireless network with greater bandwidth than the first wireless network. The encrypted document and the encryption key are sent to the printer, where the printer is to utilize the encryption key to decrypt the encrypted document and is to print the document following decryption.