Print Portal Server for Dynamic Printer Selection and Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems lack flexibility in selecting output resources on a network, leading to issues with printing accuracy, cost management, and security, particularly in mobile and distributed environments, where users may unintentionally choose inappropriate printers, resulting in inefficient resource utilization and potential misuse.
Innovation Solution
A print portal system that intermediates between content provider servers and printing apparatuses, enabling clients to select output resources dynamically through a network, with features like maintenance management, accurate status tracking, and accounting, while preventing unauthorized printing by managing relationships between users and printers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If printing systems allow free choice of output resources on the network, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but management complexity and risk of misuse increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print portal server as an intermediary between clients and printing apparatuses. The server manages the relationships between users and available printers, handling authentication, printer selection, and job routing. This intermediary layer provides the flexibility of choosing any printer on the network while centralizing the management complexity on the server side, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and management complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If printing systems allow free choice of output resources, then versatility is improved, but the risk of unauthorized printing and misuse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization actions before printing jobs are executed. The print portal server verifies user credentials, checks printing permissions, and validates printer availability before accepting or routing print jobs. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized printing and misuse while maintaining the versatility of allowing users to access multiple printers on the network.
3Reliability
If printing is carried out at fixed locations for each computer owner, then connection stability is improved, but mobility and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static printing model (fixed printer assignment) to a dynamic model where printer assignments are determined at runtime based on user authentication and system state. The print portal server dynamically routes print jobs to appropriate printers based on current availability, user permissions, and job requirements. This dynamic approach maintains connection reliability through centralized management while enabling mobility and accessibility across different locations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printing apparatuses are made available for free selection, then adaptability is improved, but the loading of management increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management functions for multiple printing apparatuses into a single centralized print portal server. Instead of managing each printer independently, the server consolidates authentication, job routing, status monitoring, and accounting for all printers in one location. This merging approach enables the system to handle a large number of printing apparatuses with adaptable selection while keeping management loading manageable through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
The technique of the present invention intermediates between an arbitrary client and an arbitrary printer connecting with a network to actualize practical printing works.A print portal system utilizing a server connected to the network intermediates between the client and the printer to execute a printing operation. The client outputs a printing requirement, which specifies print data of interest and a printer as an output resource, to the print portal system. The print portal system converts the input print data into data of a general purpose format, which does not depend upon the type of the printer, and transfers the converted print data to the specified printer.