Print Job Restart Control via User Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing printed matter from being handed over to users other than the intended recipient when print jobs are interrupted due to abnormalities such as paper jams.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a stop unit to halt print jobs upon abnormalities, a setting unit to set interrupted jobs to a skip state, and a restart unit that only allows restarts by the original user associated with the print job, preventing unauthorized restarts and distribution of printed matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the print job is automatically restarted after abnormality resolution, then productivity is improved, but security deteriorates as unauthorized users may access printed matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an authentication mechanism as an intermediary between the abnormality resolution and print job restart. When a paper jam is resolved, the system requires authentication (e.g., user ID input, card insertion, or biometric verification) before allowing the print job to resume. This intermediary step ensures that only the authorized user can restart the print job and access the printed matter, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining productivity.
2Reliability
If the print job is interrupted due to paper jam, then reliability is improved by preventing printing errors, but productivity deteriorates due to work interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection and notification mechanisms that alert users to paper jams before they cause printing errors. The system detects the paper jam condition, interrupts the print job proactively, and notifies the user. This preliminary action prevents corrupted printing while maintaining the ability to resume efficiently. Additionally, the system can automatically restart the print job after a predetermined time or upon user authentication, minimizing productivity loss while ensuring print quality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If user authentication is required for print job restart, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication methods that allow users to authenticate quickly and conveniently. Options include inserting an ID card into a card reader, using a fingerprint sensor for biometric verification, or entering a pre-registered PIN code. These self-service mechanisms enable users to restart their print jobs independently without requiring administrator intervention or complex authentication procedures, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring security.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a processor. The processor is configured to stop a print job under execution in response to an occurrence of an abnormality preventing the print job from continuing, set the stopped print job to a skip state, and restart the print job set to the skip state in response to a restart instruction by a user associated with the print job and not by a second user different from the user associated with the print job.