RSSI-Based Print File Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for secure printing of documents with sensitive information rely on costly wireless technologies like NFC and Bluetooth, and require queuing files at the printer before authorization, which can be insecure and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The method employs signal strength-based printing that authenticates and sends printable files from a personal computing device to a printer over a network without relying on costly wireless technologies in the printer, using a personal computing device's antenna to determine proximity and authenticate printing based on RSSI values, with a two-factor authorization process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC or Bluetooth technology is used in the printer for secure printing, then printing security is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a personal computing device as an intermediary between the mobile electronic device and the printer. The personal computing device performs the authentication by measuring signal strength (RSSI) and determining proximity, then sends authorized printable files to the printer over a network. This mediator approach allows secure printing without requiring expensive wireless technology in the printer itself.
2Ease of operation
If file queuing is performed at the printer before authorization, then printing control is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional printing workflow by performing authentication and file selection on the personal computing device before transmission to the printer. Instead of queuing files at the printer and authorizing them later, the system authenticates the user, determines proximity via signal strength, and sends only authorized files to the printer. This reversal maintains printing control while significantly improving security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless technology is integrated in the printer for proximity detection, then authentication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wireless authentication functionality from the printer and relocates it to the personal computing device. The printer is reduced to a simple receiving and printing device, while the personal computing device handles all complex authentication operations including signal strength measurement, proximity determination, and file authorization. This extraction simplifies the printer's design and reduces its complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances security by ensuring only authorized documents are printed, eliminates the need for expensive wireless-capable printers, and streamlines the printing process by sending files when the signal strength meets a calibrated threshold, providing enhanced security and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a personal computing device receives a wireless signal from a mobile electronic device; comparing a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value of the wireless signal to a RSSI threshold value
Data Source
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AI summary
Example implementations relate to signal strength based printings. In an example, signal strength based printings can employ a personal computing device including a network adapter coupled to a computer network, an antenna to receive a wireless signal from a mobile electronic device, a processor to compare a signal strength indication (RSSI) value of the received wireless signal to a RSSI threshold value, and send, via the network adapter, a printable file to a printer based on the comparison of the RSSI value to the RSSI threshold value.