Mobile Printing Security via Distance Threshold Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printing methods using mobile terminals for reservation printing lack security, as users can inadvertently start printing from a distance, leading to unauthorized access and potential theft of printed materials.

Innovation Solution

Implement a printing method that measures the distance between the mobile terminal and the printing apparatus, restricting the acceptance of print start instructions when the distance exceeds a set threshold, ensuring that printing can only be initiated when the user is within a specific range, thereby preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If printing is allowed to be started from a distance using a mobile terminal, then user convenience is improved, but security of printed matter deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsecurity of printed matter

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of distance between the mobile terminal and printing apparatus by measuring it and comparing with a threshold value. When the distance exceeds the threshold, the system restricts printing operations, thereby maintaining security while allowing convenient operation when close

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If printing is restricted when distance exceeds threshold, then security of printed matter is improved, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of printed matterVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the measured distance. The printing function is enabled when the user is within the threshold distance and disabled when beyond it, creating a dynamic security mechanism that adapts to the user's physical proximity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If distance measurement and restriction functions are added, then security of printed matter is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of printed matterVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical security verification with electromagnetic-based distance measurement using the mobile terminal's communication capabilities. This substitution maintains security functionality while leveraging existing wireless communication infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10599374B2Printing method that ensures security of printed matter, storage medium, and mobile terminal

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 CANON KK

AI summary

A printing method that ensures security of printed matter. A printing apparatus performs printing based on print data transmitted from a mobile terminal which a user operates. A distance between the mobile terminal and the printing apparatus is measured, and based on the measured distance, acceptance of an instruction to perform the printing from the user is restricted. When the measured distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value set in advance, acceptance of an instruction to perform the printing from the user is not permitted.