Printer Object Mediator for Capability Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex print shop architectures, clients often access and utilize printer features that are not intended by the system administrators, as existing protocols do not provide means to hide or manage printer capabilities effectively, leading to undesired print job features.
Innovation Solution
A printer object is introduced that processes print protocol requests for device capabilities, overriding client access by providing a set of system and device capabilities, allowing for the blocking of certain features and configuring them for presentation as a virtual printer, thereby managing and controlling the capabilities presented to clients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the print server presents all printer capabilities to clients via standard protocols, then clients can access full printer functionality, but system administrators cannot control or restrict specific printer features
Solution Approach 1:
The print server acts as an intermediary between clients and printers, intercepting capability queries and selectively presenting only authorized printer features to clients. This mediator approach allows the system to maintain full printer functionality while controlling what information is exposed to clients, resolving the contradiction between capability accessibility and centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer capabilities are segmented into distinct feature sets that can be selectively exposed to clients based on authorization policies. The print server divides the complete capability set into manageable portions, presenting only the appropriate subset to each client while maintaining the ability to access all features through the server for administrative control.
2Loss of information
If clients query printer device capabilities directly, then clients receive complete printer feature information, but undesired print job features may be executed without administrator approval
Solution Approach 1:
The print server serves as a mediator that intercepts capability queries before they reach the printer directly. By presenting a filtered version of capability information to clients, the server prevents clients from requesting or executing undesired print job features while still providing necessary capability information for authorized operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The print server takes preliminary action by filtering and modifying capability information before it is presented to clients. This preemptive measure prevents clients from accessing or executing unauthorized printer features, addressing the reliability concern before any harmful action can occur.
3Ease of operation
If the print server filters and modifies capability information presented to clients, then centralized control over printer features is achieved, but the complexity of capability management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The print server performs multiple functions within a single capability management mechanism: it filters capability information, enforces authorization policies, presents modified capability sets to clients, and maintains inventory of all printer features. This multi-functionality approach consolidates complexity into one system component rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods presented herein provide for delivery of a set of capabilities that encompasses system-level capabilities and device capabilities via a print protocol of a physical printer. For example, a printer object may respond to a print protocol request for capabilities of a physical printer with a set of capabilities that differs from the actual capabilities of the physical printer than would be typically delivered in response to such a request. The printer object comprises the capabilities of the physical printer. The capabilities of the physical printer are accessible via the print protocol of the physical printer. The printer object processes a request from the client system via the print protocol and in turn provides a set of capabilities that is different from the capabilities of the physical printer in response to the request.