Machine-Readable Print Codes for Secure Remote Document Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods of sharing physical documents are either insecure (digital sharing) or inconvenient (physical delivery), lacking convenience and security for users.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a machine-readable code, such as a QR code, to facilitate printing a document at a preferred printer of the requesting user without sharing the document directly, involving generating and sharing a QR code with printer details, user details, and execution details to automate the print job configuration at the remote user's end.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user shares the digital version of the document with the other user, then the convenience of sharing is improved, but the security of the document deteriorates due to chances of mishandling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of sharingVSAvoidsecurity of document

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A machine-readable code (QR code) is introduced as an intermediary that contains encrypted printing instructions and document identification information. The remote user scans this code to automatically configure the print job without receiving the actual document content, thus enabling convenient sharing while maintaining document security and preventing mishandling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The essential printing parameters and document identification information are extracted from the complete document and embedded into a compact machine-readable code. This allows the remote user to obtain only the necessary printing instructions without accessing the full document, thereby improving convenience while preserving security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the user takes the printout and shares it via courier service or personal delivery, then the security of the document is improved, but the time consumption and inconvenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of documentVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine-readable code serves as a digital intermediary that enables direct electronic transmission of printing instructions between users. This eliminates the need for physical document delivery through courier services or personal visits, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining document security through automated encrypted processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical process of physical document delivery (courier service or personal transport) is replaced with an electronic digital system where the machine-readable code is transmitted via email or messaging applications. This substitution eliminates time-consuming physical delivery while preserving document security through automated digital handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the remote user manually configures the print job with all printing parameters, then the flexibility and control are improved, but the complexity of operation and time consumption deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of print configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The requesting user performs preliminary actions by generating the machine-readable code that contains pre-configured printing parameters, printer identification, and document information. When the remote user scans the code, all these parameters are automatically populated, eliminating manual configuration steps while preserving the ability to modify settings if needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically configuring the print job based on the information embedded in the machine-readable code. The remote user's device automatically extracts printing parameters, identifies the target printer, and sets up the print queue without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining flexibility through optional user overrides

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250244933A1Methods and systems for printing a document using a machine-readable code

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 XEROX CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses methods and systems for generating a machine-readable code for printing a document for a requesting user is disclosed. The method is implemented on a computing device used by the requesting user. The method includes receiving a request from the requesting user for generating the machine-readable code for printing the document for the requesting user. Thereafter, details related to printing the document are obtained, wherein the details include printer details of a preferred printer of the requesting user, requesting user details, and execution details. Once obtained, the machine-readable code including the details related to printing the document is generated. Thereafter, the requesting user is allowed to share the machine-readable code with a remote user such that the remote user submits the document for printing for the requesting user at the preferred printer without sharing the document with the requesting user.