Mobile Print Job Release via Location-Based Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network resource access systems face challenges in managing access to printer resources, particularly in large networks, as they often require users to navigate multiple release mechanisms with different authentication requirements, which can complicate the process of releasing print jobs, especially when resources are located behind firewalls, leading to potential security breaches.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that modifies the user interface of a mobile network terminal to obtain location information, query a printer directory service for nearby printer resources, receive connection and configuration information, and provide authentication information to release print jobs, thereby simplifying the process and enhancing security by reducing the need for open firewall access ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access control lists are defined by network administrator for each network resource, then security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print release system that acts as an intermediary between users and printer resources. Instead of requiring network administrators to manage complex access control lists for each printer, the system uses a centralized print release mechanism that handles authentication and authorization automatically. The system includes a print release interface that users interact with, and a print release module that manages the actual release process, thereby simplifying access control management while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service functionality where users can autonomously release their own print jobs without requiring network administrator intervention. The print release interface allows users to select and release their print jobs independently, and the system automatically verifies authentication information against stored credentials. This eliminates the need for administrators to manually manage access control lists for each resource, reducing complexity while maintaining security.
2Ease of operation
If firewall access ports are opened for extended periods to access IPP printers, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication before granting access to printer resources. Instead of keeping firewall ports open continuously, the system performs authentication checks in advance through the print release interface. The print release module verifies user credentials before allowing print job release, and only temporarily opens communication channels when authentication succeeds. This eliminates the need for continuously open firewall ports while maintaining convenient access for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic authentication rather than continuous open access. The firewall access ports are opened only periodically when a user attempts to release a print job, and only for the brief duration needed to complete the authentication and release process. The print release module closes the connection after the transaction is complete. This periodic, on-demand access model maintains ease of operation for authorized users while dramatically reducing the window of vulnerability to security breaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple release mechanisms with different authentication requirements are provided, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal print release interface that handles multiple authentication methods through a single unified mechanism. The print release interface presents a consistent user experience regardless of which authentication method is used. The print release module internally supports multiple authentication types (such as username/password, certificates, or other credentials) but presents them through a single standardized interface. This allows the system to adapt to different authentication requirements while maintaining ease of operation for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple release mechanisms into a single integrated print release system. Instead of providing separate interfaces for different authentication methods, the patent combines them into one unified print release interface that automatically selects and applies the appropriate authentication method based on user credentials and printer configuration. The print release module consolidates multiple authentication pathways into a single coherent process, thereby maintaining versatility while simplifying user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method that provides a user interface on a mobile network terminal for operation with a printer resource access system wherein the user interface is modified for releasing a print job from a nearby printer resource. Since printer resources may include any number of print job release mechanism each requiring different authentication information, the user interface must be modified appropriately. The mobile network terminal obtains location information from a location service, such as GPS or an internet based location service, and provides the location information to a punter directory service in a printer resource access system. The printer directory service then consults the database of printer resource information and provides connection and configuration information for printer resource located nearby the mobile network terminal. The mobile network terminal modifies its user interface to accept the appropriate type of authentication and configuration information specified by the printer directory service. The authentication information may then be provided over a secure network connection to the printer resource to release the print job.