Print Job Destination Verification via Virtual Driver Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional print output management systems fail to accurately control and manage print output destinations, particularly in networks with multiple printers from different vendors, leading to potential data leakage and inefficiencies, especially when handling confidential information and high-security print jobs.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus that includes an application execution unit, a print-request-source notification unit, a virtual printer driver, and a transmission processing unit, which selects and manages printer drivers based on user or client-specific output-destination information, generates higher image formats, and displays transmission destination information to ensure secure and efficient print operations across diverse printer networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all available printers are displayed in the printer dialogue for selection, then users can choose from more output options, but the risk of specifying a wrong output destination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printer selection process by separating the display of printers into two categories: recommended printers (segment A) and other available printers (segment B). This segmentation allows users to see all options while guiding them toward appropriate selections, reducing the risk of wrong destination specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the print management server) that acts as a mediator between the user and the printer selection process. This intermediary analyzes job attributes and printer capabilities to provide recommendations, reducing the cognitive load on users and minimizing selection errors.
2Manufacturing precision
If the printer driver is exclusively used by one print job, then the print job can be processed with dedicated resources, but the throughput of subsequent print jobs is bottlenecked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic printer driver allocation where the driver state can transition between exclusive use and shared use based on job requirements and system conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between processing accuracy and throughput by adjusting resource allocation in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of job attributes and printer capabilities before assigning printer drivers, allowing the system to pre-determine the optimal allocation strategy. This preliminary action enables better throughput planning while ensuring appropriate driver assignment for each job type.
3Ease of operation
If print output destinations are not collectively managed, then individual printers can operate independently, but data leakage and security issues occur when handling confidential information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the print management server continuously monitors printer status, job attributes, and output destinations. This feedback loop enables the system to detect potential security issues and adjust printer assignments to prevent data leakage while maintaining operational independence of individual printers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal print management framework that can handle both secure confidential jobs and regular independent printer operations through a single centralized system. This multi-functional approach allows the system to provide collective management for security-critical operations while preserving printer independence for routine tasks.
4Productivity
If a wrong output destination is specified and cancellation is attempted, then data processing can be stopped, but data other than those left in the print queue are already output to the wrong destination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of output destination appropriateness before actual print data transmission begins. This preliminary check allows the system to prevent wrong destination output before it occurs, rather than attempting cancellation after data has already been sent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a rapid verification and correction mechanism that can quickly identify and redirect wrong destination assignments before significant data transmission occurs. This rushing through the verification process minimizes the window of vulnerability where wrong destination output could occur.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a data processing apparatus including an application execution unit that transmits job data; a print-request-source notification unit invoked by the application execution unit to report print-request-source information specifying a print request source; a virtual printer driver that is invoked upon receiving the job data, extracts job information specifying print settings from the job data, generates a work space for image conversion, and generates drawing data of a higher image format from the job data in the work space; and a transmission processing unit that is generated as a private instance for the job data, selects a printer driver corresponding to output-destination printer information associated with a client or a user of the client, instructs the selected printer driver to print the drawing data, and displays transmission destination information and/or print information determined for the job data on the print request source.