Public Print Server Policy Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing policy-based printing systems are limited to closed private domain environments, making it difficult for users, such as on-the-go professionals, to access and print documents in public locations without reliable access to policy-based printing services.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based public print service that utilizes a public server to manage documents and apply policy credit values, allowing users to print documents through a public print service by generating a print code and determining remaining credit values, enabling secure and controlled printing across public networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a closed private domain environment is used for policy-based printing, then printing control and security are maintained, but accessibility and flexibility for users in public locations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A public print server acts as an intermediary between the private domain printing system and public printing devices. The server receives print requests from users in public locations, validates them against organizational policies, and forwards approved requests to the printing system. This mediator enables public accessibility while maintaining the reliability of policy-based control through centralized authentication and authorization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system is segmented into distinct functional components: a public-facing access layer (web interface, mobile app), a policy enforcement layer (print server with policy validation), and a printing execution layer (connected printing devices). This segmentation allows users to access printing services from public locations while policy control remains enforced at the server level, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and control.
2Ease of operation
If printing services are extended to public locations, then user flexibility and accessibility are improved, but system complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Users can independently submit print requests through web interfaces or mobile applications, select their preferred printing devices from available public locations, and receive real-time status updates without requiring administrative intervention. The system automatically validates requests against policies, manages credit balances, and coordinates printing execution. This self-service capability enhances user flexibility while the automated policy enforcement manages system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The public print server provides multiple functions through a single unified platform: user authentication, policy validation, credit management, device discovery, print request routing, and status monitoring. This multi-functional approach allows users to access printing services flexibly across various public locations while the server handles system complexity centrally, avoiding the need for separate systems at each printing location.
3Reliability
If policy credit values are implemented for print jobs, then organizational printing policies are enforced, but processing overhead and time for credit verification increase
Solution Approach 1:
User credentials and organizational policies are pre-configured and stored in the print server before printing operations begin. When a user submits a print request, the server performs rapid credit verification by comparing the request against pre-loaded policy rules and available credit balances. This preliminary preparation of authentication data and policy frameworks enables fast processing while maintaining reliable policy enforcement, reducing the time penalty for verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms that provide users with immediate information about their credit balances, policy compliance status, and print request outcomes. When a print request is submitted, the server quickly determines credit availability and communicates the result to the user instantly. This feedback loop enables efficient policy enforcement by providing timely information that allows users to adjust their printing behavior without significant processing delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A policy-based system is implemented to allow access to a private domain to print using a public domain. The private domain includes private servers that store documents. The public domain includes servers and a printing device. A public policy server uses a domain list and a protocol connection with a private authentication server to validate a user and identify which private domain to access. The public policy server receives requests from the printing device to process a print job of a document in the private domain. The policy-based system also determines whether printing operations may occur in a public printing service. A public print server determines whether to allow printing for a user in an organization.