Print Job Conversion for Secure Private Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network print systems, users requesting private prints often face delays due to other users' ongoing print processes, leading to potential misappropriation of print results and security concerns, as existing solutions either prevent other users from using the printer or require the private print user to wait until ongoing processes are completed.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a user authentication system that allows users to convert waiting normal print jobs to private print jobs, enabling secure execution and movement of print jobs to another device, thereby allowing users to prioritize their own print security and avoid delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If private print is used to prevent misappropriation of print results, then print security is improved, but other users cannot use the printer until the private print is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic print job management where the printer can switch between private print mode and normal print mode based on user authentication and requests. When a private print job is received, the system dynamically adjusts its operation mode, allowing authenticated users to interrupt or cancel private prints, thereby making the printer availability flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically checks for authenticated users who wish to use the printer during private print execution. The printer maintains a waiting state for authentication requests and can periodically accept interruption requests, allowing other users to gain access after a certain period, thus creating a periodic opportunity for printer availability.
2Reliability
If private print is used to prevent misappropriation of print results, then print security is improved, but users may be kept waiting for a long time until ongoing print processes are terminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication of users before allowing them to interrupt private print jobs. By pre-establishing authentication mechanisms and maintaining a ready-to-respond state for interruption requests, the system enables users to quickly gain access without lengthy waiting periods, reducing the time loss while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer provides feedback to authenticated users about the status of private print jobs and their ability to interrupt them. The system monitors and communicates the execution state of private prints, allowing users to make informed decisions about whether to wait or interrupt, thereby optimizing their time investment.
3Productivity
If normal print is used to allow continuous printer usage, then printer productivity is improved, but users risk forgetting to fetch print results or having them misappropriated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism between the user and the print job execution. The authentication system acts as a mediator that verifies user identity and authorizes access to specific print jobs, preventing misappropriation while allowing normal print operations to proceed efficiently. This intermediary layer security-checks without significantly blocking throughput.
4Reliability
If authentication system is implemented to allow job conversion, then print security and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is designed to serve multiple functions: it authenticates users, manages job conversion between private and normal modes, controls interruption permissions, and tracks print job status. By making the authentication mechanism universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus spools normal print requests received from external equipment as normal print jobs which are sequentially executed by a printer, spools a private print request received from an external equipment in a spooler as a private print job executed by a printer in response to an instruction by a user who has requested the private print, and changes a normal print job in an execution waiting state of the user which is spooled in the spooler to a private print job of the user in response to a request from the user authenticated by a user authenticating portion.