Printer Authentication via Proximity Detection and Direct Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable electronic devices face difficulties in installing and pairing printers due to the lack of printer driver software and limited storage space, making it cumbersome to perform print jobs without extensive user input and software updates.
Innovation Solution
A system that facilitates print job execution by generating output to identify the printer, confirming user access, and establishing a direct connection between the portable electronic device and printer using methods like user input, proximity detection, and Wi-Fi connections, minimizing the need for printer driver installation and updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If printer driver software is installed on portable electronic devices, then printing functionality is enabled, but storage space is consumed and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printer driver functionality from the portable electronic device and relocates it to the printer itself. The printer now stores and executes the driver software locally, allowing the portable device to communicate with the printer without having the driver installed on its limited storage. This resolves the contradiction by enabling printing functionality while preserving the portable device's storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network infrastructure as an intermediary between the portable electronic device and the printer. Through the network, the portable device can access and communicate with the printer's driver software without physically storing it on the device. This mediator approach enables printing functionality while avoiding storage space consumption on the portable device.
2Reliability
If printer driver updates are installed, then printing performance is improved, but installation time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the printer automatically downloads, installs, and updates its own driver software through the network connection. The system performs these updates autonomously without requiring user intervention for downloading, installing, or managing driver updates. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining improved printing performance through automatic updates while eliminating the time loss and user effort previously required for manual driver installation and updates.
3Reliability
If manual driver installation is required, then system security is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an authentication feedback mechanism where the portable electronic device and printer exchange verification information through the network to confirm each other's identity and authorization. This automated feedback process replaces manual driver installation while maintaining security protocols, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising system security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary authentication and authorization actions between the portable device and printer through the network before actual printing operations begin. By pre-establishing secure connections and verifying permissions in advance, the system maintains security requirements while eliminating the need for manual driver installation during the printing process, thus improving ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Streamlines the printing process by simplifying printer detection, authentication, and connection, reducing user input and storage requirements, while ensuring secure and authorized printer usage.
Implementation Method 1
detection of proximity between the portable electronic device and the printer involves at least one of: (i) detection of audible output from the printer on the portable electronic device; (ii) a radio-frequency identification (RFID) technique; (iii) an infrared-location technique; (iv) a geolocation technique
Implementation Method 2
detection of proximity between the portable electronic device and the printer involves at least one of: (i) detection of audible output from the printer on the portable electronic device; (ii) a radio-frequency identification (RFID) technique; (iii) an infrared-location technique
Implementation Method 3
the direct connection corresponds to a Wi-Fi connection
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates the execution of a print job. During operation, the system receives, at a printer, a signal from a portable electronic device indicating the printer has been selected for the print job. Next, in response to the selection, the system generates an output that facilitates identification of the printer by a user of the portable electronic device. The system also provides a mechanism for confirming physical access to the printer by the user. Upon confirming the physical access to the printer by the user, the system establishes a connection between the portable electronic device and the printer, wherein the connection is subsequently used by the portable electronic device and the printer to perform the print job.