Print Management System with Multi-Server Job Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document print management systems in network environments lack operational flexibility and desired capabilities, particularly in multi-print server and multi-user scenarios, leading to inefficiencies and security concerns.
Innovation Solution
A print management system that includes client devices generating print jobs, multiple print servers sharing and storing job information, and a user interface for selective retrieval and printing, utilizing authentication methods like smart cards and public key cryptography to ensure security and flexibility across local and wide area networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If documents are sent to a selected printer and waited in a queue, then printing can be performed, but the system lacks operational flexibility and desired capabilities in multi-print server environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments print job management across multiple print servers, allowing print jobs to be distributed and managed on different servers. Each print server can independently handle portions of the print workload, enabling flexible access to print jobs from multiple locations while maintaining system organization through division of responsibilities
Solution Approach 2:
The print management system provides multi-functionality by enabling users to access and print jobs from any print station connected to any print server in the network. The system universally handles print job submission, storage, retrieval, and printing across heterogeneous print servers and multiple locations, making the print infrastructure adaptable to various user needs and locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If print job information is shared between multiple print servers, then access flexibility is improved, but security concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that mediates access to shared print job information. Users must present valid authentication credentials (such as smart cards or public key certificates) to access print jobs on any print server. The authentication system verifies user identities and authorizes access, allowing flexible cross-server job retrieval while maintaining security through controlled access permissions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses cryptographic copying mechanisms where users present copies of their authentication credentials (such as smart card data or public key certificates) to prove identity without exposing the original security credentials. This allows secure verification of user identities across multiple print servers while maintaining the security of the actual authentication materials
3Reliability
If authentication methods like smart cards and public key cryptography are implemented, then security is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system operates on a self-service basis where users manage their own authentication credentials through standard operating system authentication mechanisms. The print servers automatically verify credentials and manage authentication states without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration by users. This approach maintains high security through cryptographic methods while keeping the user experience simple and the system manageable
Data Source
AI summary
A print management system may include at least one client device for generating print jobs, and a plurality of print servers for storing print job information based upon the generated print jobs. The print servers may cooperate to share the print job information therebetween. At least one printing station may retrieve the shared print job information, and selectively print print jobs based thereon.