Location-Based Printer Selection for Secure Immediate Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing print control systems allow printing by distant printers despite user intent to use a nearby printer, leading to potential waste and information disclosure due to operational errors.

Innovation Solution

A print control apparatus and method that selects printers based on proximity, allowing immediate printing only for nearby printers and requiring authentication for distant ones, using GPS and IP address matching to prevent erroneous selections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If printing is allowed by any printer regardless of location, then printing flexibility and accessibility are improved, but operational errors lead to wasteful printing and unauthorized information disclosure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting flexibilityVSAvoidprinting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different printing control rules based on the spatial relationship between the user and printer. Printers in the same area as the user are permitted for immediate printing, while distant printers require authentication. This location-based differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing flexible printing locally while ensuring reliability remotely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If immediate printing is permitted for all selected printers, then printing efficiency is improved, but operational errors cause wasteful printing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidprinting waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements location-dependent printing modes: immediate printing is enabled for printers in the same area to maintain high productivity, while distant printers require authentication to prevent waste from operational errors. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing efficiency locally and preventing waste remotely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system preemptively prevents potential printing waste by requiring authentication for distant printers before printing occurs. This preliminary control measure stops erroneous printing before it happens, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and waste prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If distant printers are made accessible without restrictions, then user convenience is improved, but unauthorized information disclosure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter accessibilityVSAvoidinformation disclosure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different access control levels based on printer location. Local printers in the user's area are freely accessible for immediate printing, while distant printers require authentication. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation locally while preventing information disclosure risks remotely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Authentication acts as an intermediary mechanism for distant printers. Before printing can occur, the user must authenticate, which serves as a mediator to verify legitimate access needs and prevent unauthorized information disclosure while still allowing convenient access for genuine users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12423035B2Print control apparatus, method for producing printed object, and print control program

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A print control apparatus includes: a selection unit configured to receive selection of one printer from selectable printers; a setting unit configured to prohibit, in a first case where the selected printer is a distant printer located in an area different from the print control apparatus, a setting for immediately printing, and permit, in a second case where the selected printer is a near printer located in the same area as the print control apparatus, the setting for immediately printing; and a print control unit configured to transmit print data to the selected printer and cause the selected printer to print according to the setting of the setting unit.