Print Authentication System for Remote Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems require users to return to the client PC to reissue print instructions when switching from a client PC to an image forming apparatus, leading to inconvenience, especially when the image forming apparatus is at a remote location, and lack flexibility in print destination selection.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and system that receives print requests with user authentication, judges printing enablement, sends prohibition notifications if unauthorized, records print data and attributes, and sends data to image forming apparatuses via a network, allowing seamless printing across different devices without specifying a print destination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user authentication is performed at the image forming apparatus, then security is improved, but user convenience deteriorates because users must return to the client PC to reissue print instructions when switching locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication and stores print job information in advance at the client PC before the user leaves. The authentication result and print job data are pre-processed and stored in the storage unit, so when the user returns to a different location, the system can automatically retrieve and execute the pre-authenticated print job without requiring the user to re-authenticate or re-issue instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a storage unit at the client PC as an intermediary between the user and the image forming apparatus. This storage unit holds both the authentication result and the print job information, acting as a mediator that enables the user to access print services from different locations without direct interaction with the authentication system or print server each time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If print jobs are stored in a storage unit at the client PC, then printing flexibility is improved, but unauthorized printing risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication and stores print job information in advance at the client PC before the user leaves. The authentication result and print job data are pre-processed and stored in the storage unit, so when the user returns to a different location, the system can automatically retrieve and execute the pre-authenticated print job without requiring the user to re-authenticate or re-issue instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a judging part that provides feedback about the authentication status and printing enablement. When the user attempts to print, the system checks the stored authentication information and provides feedback through the prohibit sending part if printing is not enabled, preventing unauthorized access while allowing legitimate users to print from any connected image forming apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus receives from a client apparatus a print request including authentication information of a user, and a judging part judges whether a printing related to the print request is enabled using the authentication information, and a sending part sends to the client apparatus information indicating that printing is prohibited when the judging part judges that the printing is not enabled. A recording part records print data and print attribute information received from the client apparatus in a related manner with respect to the print request if the judging part judges that the printing is enabled, and a sending part sends the print data to an image forming apparatus in response to a request therefrom.