Print Controller Portable Media Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networked printing systems require network access and dedicated magnetic or optical storage readers, posing challenges for users without network access and compromising document security, especially for sensitive materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow submitting print jobs to a networked print controller using a portable media device connected to an input port, which automatically copies the electronic document to a print queue, eliminating the need for network access and dedicated storage readers, and optionally a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network access is required for print job submission, then document security is compromised, but printing accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the print job submission function from the network environment and places it directly on the printing system itself. The portable storage device connects directly to the printing system's storage interface, eliminating the need for network transmission and client computers, thus securing documents while maintaining accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a portable storage device as an intermediary between the user and the printing system. This mediator allows direct transfer of print jobs without requiring network infrastructure, solving both the security concern (no network transmission) and accessibility issue (direct user connection)
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated magnetic or optical storage readers are added to the print controller, then print job submission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the printing system's storage interface multi-functional by enabling it to accept portable storage devices in addition to its original function. This universal interface approach allows the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without adding dedicated magnetic or optical readers
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system serves itself by utilizing its existing storage interface capabilities to handle portable storage devices. Rather than requiring additional dedicated readers, the system leverages its own existing infrastructure to provide enhanced print job submission functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for submitting an electronic document to a printing system that includes a print controller having an input port and a print queue. Methods in accordance with this invention include coupling a portable media device to the input port, the portable media device including an electronic document and automatically copying the electronic document to the print queue. Apparatus in accordance with this invention include a portable media device that includes an electronic document. The portable media device is adapted to be coupled to the input port of the print controller, and the print controller is adapted to automatically copy the electronic document to the print queue.