Printing Control Apparatus Dynamic Restriction Inquiry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current printing systems lack the ability to manage document data output based on varying levels of confidentiality and specific printing restrictions, which can lead to unauthorized printing or failure to enforce necessary restrictions.

Innovation Solution

A printing control apparatus that receives instruction information indicating whether to inquire external restriction information, acquires and compares this information to permit or deny printing, ensuring compliance with conditions set for document data confidentiality levels, location, time, and user permissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If printing restriction information is stored locally in the printing apparatus, then printing control can be performed, but the system cannot adapt to varying confidentiality levels and specific printing restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting restriction management capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an external server as an intermediary that stores and manages printing restriction information. The printing apparatus communicates with this server to acquire restriction information dynamically, rather than storing it locally. This mediator approach enables the system to handle various confidentiality levels and printing restrictions without increasing the complexity of individual printing apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention moves the storage and management of printing restriction information from the local dimension (printing apparatus) to a remote dimension (external server). This dimensional shift allows multiple printing apparatuses to access centralized restriction information, enabling adaptable printing control across the network without each apparatus needing complex local storage and management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If printing restriction information is acquired from external apparatus, then printing control based on confidentiality levels can be enforced, but additional communication and processing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting restriction enforcementVSAvoidprinting process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary actions by having the printing apparatus acquire printing restriction information from the external server before the actual printing process begins. The restriction information is stored temporarily and validated in advance, so that when printing is requested, the control decision can be made quickly without delaying the printing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the printing control process based on the acquired restriction information. The printing apparatus checks whether restriction information exists and applies appropriate control measures only when necessary. This dynamic approach ensures reliable enforcement of printing restrictions while minimizing additional processing time for documents without restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If printing restriction information is not inquired from external apparatus, then processing is faster, but unauthorized printing may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting processing speedVSAvoidunauthorized printing risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the printing apparatus continuously checks with the external server to determine whether printing restriction information exists for a given document. Based on the server's response, the apparatus either proceeds with printing or applies restriction control. This feedback loop ensures unauthorized printing is prevented while maintaining efficient processing for documents without restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus autonomously determines whether to acquire printing restriction information by checking if such information exists for the document. The system self-manages the inquiry process, only contacting the external server when necessary, thereby maintaining high processing speed for unrestricted documents while ensuring security for restricted documents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12124746B2Printing control apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program that manage output of document data based on printing restriction information

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A printing control apparatus includes a processor configured to receive instruction information including document data and information indicating whether or not it is necessary to inquire an external apparatus that holds restriction information indicating a condition for restricting printing of the document data, in a case where the instruction information includes the information indicating that the inquiry is necessary, acquire the restriction information in a case where the restriction information associated with the document data exists by inquiring the external apparatus, and permit printing of the document data in a case where information to be compared with the acquired restriction information satisfies the condition indicated by the restriction information.