Location-Based Print Restriction via Mobile Terminal Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull printing systems face challenges in restricting output functions based on the location of output devices, as using IP addresses or subnet masks is ineffective in determining the device's location, and attaching GPS devices is costly.
Innovation Solution
A server apparatus in a pull printing system communicates with mobile terminals via short-distance wireless communication to determine the location of output devices, allowing for location-based print restriction by matching received location information with stored rules, enabling output operations only when the device is in close proximity to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IP address or subnet mask is used to restrict printing, then print restriction function is provided, but location determination capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary device between the output apparatus and the server. The mobile terminal obtains location information and transmits it to the server, which then uses this information to determine whether to permit printing. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing accurate location data without requiring modification to the output apparatus itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/location-based restriction method (IP address/subnet mask) with an information-based approach using mobile communication and wireless communication technologies. The server communicates with mobile terminals via networks and receives location information wirelessly, substituting physical location verification with digital information verification.
2Measurement precision
If GPS device is attached to output apparatus to grasp location, then location determination capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal, which the user already possesses and carries, performs the location determination function. Instead of requiring the output apparatus to have GPS capabilities, the system leverages the mobile terminal's existing location capabilities (through wireless communication with the server) to provide the needed location information.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal serves multiple functions: it acts as a user authentication device, a location determination device, and a communication bridge between the user and the server. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate GPS devices on output apparatus while maintaining location-based control capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If location information is obtained through mobile terminal, then location-based print restriction is achieved, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the server: authentication verification, location information reception, location-based permission determination, and print job transmission. By centralizing these functions in the server, the system reduces overall communication complexity despite the added location verification step.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a memory that stores a rule for controlling job output, the rule associating a job, user information, and location information with one another, a print-request reception unit that receives, from an image output apparatus, a print request for printing a job and user information regarding a user from whom the print request is made, a first transmission unit that transmits a location check request to a mobile terminal carried with the user, a location-information reception unit that receives location information from the mobile terminal carried with the user or via the image output apparatus having received the location information from the mobile terminal, and a second transmission unit that transmits the job to the image output apparatus in a case where the user is allowed to print the job at a location indicated by the received location information.