Printer Position Verification for Secure Alternative Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In networked print systems, there is a lack of security in ensuring that print data is only printed at the intended location and that unauthorized users cannot print data, especially when printers are moved or encounter operational issues like paper jams, leading to potential misuse of large amounts of print data.
Innovation Solution
A printer and print client system that acquires and transmits printer position information to calculate relative distances with alternative printers, allowing secure alternative printing by decrypting print data only when the correct location is confirmed, and selecting the nearest alternative printer if the primary printer is unavailable due to operational issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If print data is transmitted to any printer on the network unconditionally, then printing can be performed by any printer, but print data may be printed by printers not installed at the intended location or by unauthorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each printer have unique position information that defines its local printing authority. Printers are configured with specific location data (IP address, MAC address, position coordinates) that creates localized printing zones. This ensures print data can only be executed by the specific printer at the intended location, preventing unauthorized printing at different locations while maintaining network-wide printing capability through proper configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring position information and authorization data in printers before print jobs are transmitted. The system performs preliminary verification of printer position and authorization status before executing print data. This advance preparation ensures that only authorized printers at correct locations can process print jobs, preventing security issues before they occur.
2Ease of operation
If a printer is moved to a different location but keeps the same IP address, then network connectivity is maintained, but print data may be printed by the moved printer instead of the intended printer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of printer position information before executing print data. When print data is transmitted, the receiving printer checks whether its current position (verified through position information acquisition units) matches the intended destination. This preliminary check prevents moved printers from accidentally printing data meant for their original location, even though network connectivity is maintained through IP address retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where printers continuously verify their position information and report status to the print management system. When a printer's physical location changes (detected through position acquisition units), the system receives feedback about the location mismatch and can prevent execution of print data or notify users. This feedback loop ensures printing location accuracy is maintained even when printers are physically moved.
3Productivity
If print data is printed unconditionally without authorization checks, then printing is simple and fast, but unauthorized users can print large amounts of data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization verification by checking whether the receiving printer is authorized to process the transmitted print data before execution. Authorization information is pre-configured in printers, allowing rapid verification without complex real-time authentication. This preliminary check enables fast printing for authorized users while blocking unauthorized printing attempts, maintaining high productivity for legitimate operations.
4Reliability
If the primary printer cannot execute print operations due to operational issues, then printing is interrupted, but user-friendliness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple printers into an alternative printing network where printers can substitute for each other. When the primary printer cannot execute operations (detected through error status from operation status acquisition units), the system automatically identifies and transfers the print job to an alternative printer. This merging approach maintains printing service continuity and user-friendliness by providing seamless failover to backup printers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares alternative printing options in advance by pre-identifying available alternative printers and their capabilities. When the primary printer fails, the cushioning effect of pre-prepared alternatives allows immediate job transfer without user intervention or significant delay. This prior preparation maintains reliability by ensuring backup options are ready before failures occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer acquires a relative distance between the printer and another printer and holds the relative distance in an alternative printer list table. When selecting a printer to which a request for alternative printing is made, the printer searches relative distances in the alternative printer list table and selects a printer with the shortest relative distance as an alternative printer. Consequently, the printer to which the request for alternative printing is made or the like can be efficiently selected.