Print Job Sharing via Notification and Authorization Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networked printer systems face challenges in securely and efficiently sharing printable electronic documents between users, as existing methods often require transferring files, sharing login credentials, or using additional resources, which can lead to security issues and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to share electronic documents by sending a notification message to identified users, including an authorization code for non-authorized users, enabling secure access and printing on networked printers or MFDs without transferring the document, utilizing a print processor, user interface, and network interface to manage sharing and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If file transfer mechanisms (email, server sharing, direct copy) are used to share electronic documents between users, then document sharing capability is improved, but resource usage and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sharing functionality from traditional file transfer mechanisms. Instead of transferring the actual document file through email or server sharing, the system extracts only the necessary access information (authorization codes, job identifiers) and transmits that minimal data set, thereby achieving document sharing without the resource overhead of full file transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system itself acts as an intermediary that enables document sharing. Rather than using external file transfer mechanisms, the patent uses the print processor and job management system as a mediator to facilitate secure document access between users through authorization codes and job release mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If file transfer mechanisms are used to share electronic documents, then document sharing capability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential access authorization data from the complete document sharing process. By transmitting only authorization codes and job identifiers rather than full documents, the patent dramatically reduces the time required for document sharing while maintaining security and access control.
3Ease of operation
If login credentials are shared between users, then document access is improved, but security issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into separate components: the original user creates an authorization code that can be shared, while the receiving user maintains their own credentials. This segmentation allows document access to be shared without sharing login credentials, thereby maintaining security while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Authorization codes serve as an intermediary mechanism that enables document access without requiring credential sharing. The print processor acts as a mediator that validates these codes and grants appropriate access, thereby facilitating easy document access while maintaining security through centralized authentication.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional file transfer resources are used for document sharing, then document sharing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the printing system multi-functional by enabling it to handle both document printing and document sharing through the same interface and job management mechanisms. The print processor and user interface are extended to support sharing operations, eliminating the need for separate file transfer tools and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are configured to share a printable electronic document created as part of a job, such as a print, copy, or scan job, between users. They include receiving a command to print an electronic document associated with a job initiated on a multi-function device, the job initiated in response to an input from a first user. They further include receiving an input to share the electronic document associated with the job with a second user and identifying the second user. They also include sending a notification message to the identified second user, the notification message indicating an availability of the electronic document associated with the job to the identified second user.