Print Job Release Code and Preview for Selective Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-functional peripherals (MFPs) require users to authenticate and enter release codes to access and print documents, which can be error-prone, tedious, and wasteful, as users often have to print entire documents without the option to select specific portions.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a release code and print preview for a pending print job, allowing users to select and print only specific portions of a document by inputting the release code and print criteria, using email for convenient access and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a release code is required to unlock a pending print request, then document security and access control are improved, but user operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a release code as a simplified copy or representation of user authentication credentials. Instead of requiring full username and password authentication at the MFP, the system generates a release code that serves as a surrogate key to unlock the print job, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and generates the release code before the user reaches the MFP. The print job is held in a pending state with pre-configured security parameters, so that when the user arrives at the MFP, they only need to enter the pre-generated release code rather than performing full authentication procedures
2Ease of operation
If the entire document is printed when a release code is entered, then print job completion is simplified, but resource waste and user time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print job into individual page components that can be independently selected and controlled. The user interface at the MFP allows users to view a list of pages and select only the specific pages they need to print, rather than printing the entire document as a single unit. This segmentation enables precise control over printing resources while maintaining simple operation through the release code mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables partial action by allowing users to print only the necessary portions (specific pages) of the document rather than the entire document. This prevents excessive printing of unwanted pages while keeping the authentication process simple through the use of a single release code
3Reliability
If a user must manage multiple release codes for different print requests, then document security is maintained, but user time and cognitive load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The release code mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides authentication, identifies the specific print job, and enables page selection control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security mechanisms for each print request, allowing users to manage multiple print jobs more efficiently while maintaining security through a consistent interface
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for generating and updating locked print data. An apparatus receives from a first device, document identification data that identifies an electronic document to be printed. In response to receiving the document identification data that identifies an electronic document to be printed, a print preview and a release code for the electronic document are generated. The apparatus sends the print preview and the release code to the first device. The apparatus receives, from a printing device, the release code and print criteria that indicate one or more portions of the electronic document to be printed. The one or more portions of the electronic document comprise less than the entire electronic document. In response to receiving the release code and the print criteria from the printing device, the apparatus provides, to the printing device, print data that includes the one or more portions of the electronic document.