Printer Controller Authentication Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in securely managing and displaying print jobs based on user authentication, particularly in distinguishing and processing print jobs with and without authentication information, which affects the security and functionality of accumulated print data.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a controller, memory, and user interface that differentiates and processes print jobs based on user identification and authentication information, displaying selectable items only to authorized users and allowing accumulation printing based on set authentication modes, thereby enhancing security and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the printing apparatus displays all accumulated print jobs to any user, then the functionality and accessibility of the printing system is improved, but the security and authorization control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of print jobsVSAvoidsecurity of print jobs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display of print jobs by user authentication status. The controller divides print job data into authenticated user-specific data and unauthenticated data, displaying only relevant portions to each user type. This segmentation allows the system to maintain security while providing appropriate accessibility to different user groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different display qualities and information levels to different user categories. Authenticated users receive full access to their print job history with detailed information, while unauthenticated users receive limited or no access. This localized quality control ensures security requirements are met for sensitive data while maintaining functionality for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the printing apparatus implements strict authentication checks for all print jobs, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of print systemVSAvoidconvenience of print access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing authentication checks only where necessary. Instead of requiring authentication for every single print job operation, the system performs authentication checks selectively based on the specific operation and user context. This partial application of security measures maintains adequate protection while reducing unnecessary friction for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs authentication checks in advance before allowing access to print job functions. By establishing user credentials and authorization levels beforehand, the system can subsequently provide convenient access to authenticated users without repeated authentication prompts, thus maintaining both security and ease of operation for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the printing apparatus accumulates and stores multiple user's print jobs, then the productivity and functionality is improved, but the complexity of managing and securing the data increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccumulation printing capabilityVSAvoiddata management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments accumulated print job data by user identification, organizing data into distinct authenticated and unauthenticated categories. This segmentation simplifies data management by providing clear structure and boundaries, making it easier to control access and manage security permissions for each user group separately rather than managing a monolithic data structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by defaulting to restricted access for accumulated print jobs and providing exceptions for authenticated users. Instead of providing open access and requiring restrictions, the system establishes security as the default state and grants permissions selectively, which simplifies the security model and reduces the complexity of managing access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12079523B2Printing apparatus configured to store print jobs, displays a list of documents related to logged-in user and causes display unit to display selectable items for print jobs accumulated in printer's memory
Publication Date: 2024.09.03 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US12079523B2 patent drawing
  • US12079523B2 patent drawing
  • US12079523B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A printing apparatus having a print engine, a network interface, a memory, a user interface and a controller. The controller is configured to perform accumulation printing in which the controller receive selection of print data accumulated in the memory through the user interface. The controller is configured such that, for print data to which user identification information of a first user and authentication information is set, the controller causes the user interface to display selection items for such print data, while, for print data to which the user identification information for the first user is not set, the controller causes the user interface not to display the selection items for such print data. The controller is further configured to control the print engine to print the print data as selected through the user interface.