Secure Mobile Printing via Printed Printer Identification Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile printing systems require users to remember unique job identifiers for remotely submitted print jobs, which can be burdensome, and existing solutions that use barcodes require users to manually locate and photograph them, especially for multiple jobs.
Innovation Solution
A secure mobile printing method that initiates a print job on a mobile device, assigns a job identifier, and uses a camera to image a printed printer identification code (PIC) to unlock the print job without requiring users to remember identifiers or manually locate barcodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users are required to remember job identifiers for remotely submitted print jobs, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a printer identification code (PIC) as an intermediary element. Instead of requiring users to remember job identifiers, the system uses a physical code printed on the printer that serves as a mediator between the user and the print job. The user scans this PIC code to automatically retrieve and input the correct job identifier, eliminating the need to remember identifiers while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically retrieving the job identifier through the PIC code scanning process. The mobile device automatically queries the printer for the associated job identifier once the PIC code is scanned, eliminating the need for users to manually remember or search for identifiers. The system serves itself by automatically matching the physical code to the digital job identifier.
2Ease of operation
If barcodes are used to relieve users of remembering job identifiers, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the barcode generation and management functionality from the printer firmware and relocates it to the mobile device. Instead of requiring complex barcode generation capabilities in the printer, the system uses a simple printed PIC code that can be read by the mobile device's camera. This extraction reduces printer complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a visual copy of the job identifier in the form of a printed PIC code rather than requiring the original digital identifier to be stored or displayed on the printer. The PIC code is a physical representation that can be easily scanned, eliminating the need for complex barcode generation and display systems in the printer while maintaining ease of access for users.
3Reliability
If users must manually locate and photograph barcodes for multiple print jobs, then security is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-printing the PIC code on the printer before the user needs to access the print job. This allows the user to quickly scan and retrieve the job identifier without having to search through lists or manually locate barcodes. The PIC code is already in place, eliminating time-consuming search operations while maintaining security through the locked print job state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the printer identification function with the job retrieval function into a single PIC code scanning operation. Instead of requiring users to separately locate barcodes, view lists of print jobs, and then retrieve identifiers, the system combines these operations into one action: scanning the PIC code. This merging of functions significantly reduces the time required to access print jobs while maintaining security.
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
Enables secure and convenient unlocking of remotely submitted print jobs without the need to remember job identifiers or perform onerous barcoding tasks, improving user experience and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
imaging by the mobile device a printed printer identification code (PIC) for the selected printer on an exposed surface of the selected printer
Data Source
AI summary
A secure mobile printing method and system allow a user to unlock remotely submitted print jobs without having to remember job identifiers and without imposing onerous barcoding requirements on printer firmware or requiring the user to scroll through a list of print jobs on a printer's front panel display screen. An exemplary method, performed on a mobile device, comprises initiating a print job, assigning a job identifier for the print job, selecting a printer for the print job, sending to the selected printer the print job and the job identifier whereby the print job is locked on the selected printer, imaging a printed printer identification code (PIC) on an exposed surface of the selected printer, resolving the printed PIC image to the job identifier, and sending to the selected printer the job identifier whereby the print job is unlocked.