NFC Printer Authentication via Central Server

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current network printing systems face challenges in reliably selecting a specific printer from multiple identical models and managing printer permissions, leading to increased workload and security risks, especially when mobile terminals are stolen or personnel changes occur.

Innovation Solution

A network printing system where a mobile terminal acquires printer identification information via NFC and transmits it to a server for authentication, allowing central management of matching information to determine permitted printer-terminal pairs, eliminating the need for storing model IDs on each printer and simplifying permission settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If NFC communication is used to establish connection between mobile terminal and printer, then the user can clearly identify which printer to communicate with, but the communication distance is limited to less than 10 cm requiring physical proximity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter selection accuracyVSAvoidcommunication distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile terminal and printer. The server receives printer identification information from the terminal via NFC, performs authentication, and manages the connection. This mediator approach allows NFC to be used only for initial identification while the actual communication can occur over longer distances through the server.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If model IDs are stored in each printer to restrict mobile terminal usage, then printer security is improved, but the workload to store and manage model IDs in all printers increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter usage securityVSAvoidpermission management workload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the authentication and permission management functions from individual printers into a centralized server. Instead of each printer storing and managing model IDs independently, the server consolidates these functions, receiving printer identification information and managing authentication centrally. This reduces the complexity and workload at each printer while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If all printers are replaced with NFC compatible printers to clarify communication targets, then printer identification is improved, but the time required to store model IDs in all printers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication target clarityVSAvoidmodel ID storage time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the authentication and permission management functionality from the printers themselves and relocates it to a separate server system. This allows printers to focus solely on providing identification information via NFC, while the time-consuming model ID storage and management operations are performed centrally by the server, reducing overall system setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If a printer list is displayed on the mobile terminal for user selection, then user freedom to select printer is improved, but information about printer location and identity is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter selection freedomVSAvoidprinter location information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional display-based printer selection interface with an NFC-based automatic identification system. Instead of mechanically displaying a list and requiring user selection, the system uses NFC communication to automatically identify and select the printer when the terminal is brought near it, providing location information through proximity detection while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables reliable printer selection, reduces the workload of managing permissions, and facilitates easy alteration of allowed printer-terminal pairs, enhancing security by centralizing the management of authentication information.

Implementation Method 1

exchanges information between the mobile terminal and the printer by NFC (Near Field Communication) communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNFC (Near Field Communication):

Data Source

PatentUS9164711B2Network printing system and network printing program adapted to execute printing from a mobile terminal to a printer by using wireless communication

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 STAR MICRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A desired printer can be reliably selected and the setting of which printer is permitted to communicate with which mobile terminal can be easily altered. A mobile terminal acquires printer identification information from a printer by NFC communication, and transmits the printer identification information and mobile terminal identification information to a server, thereby requesting an authentication. The mobile terminal transmits print data to the printer to instruct a printing execution when the authentication is successful. Therefore, the desired printer can be reliably selected by placing the mobile terminal close to the desired printer. Any stolen mobile terminal can be disabled for any printer only by rewriting the centrally managed information on the server.