Tag-Based Print Job Access Control for Networked Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems for printing devices fail to efficiently manage varying user needs and permissions, leading to inefficient use of networked resources and potential abuse of features, as different users with different access levels and preferences cannot easily access the appropriate features or devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using tags with encoded information that can be scanned or wirelessly read by devices to grant differential access to users, allowing control over feature access based on user identification, permissions, and preferences, and enabling efficient distribution of print jobs across networked systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional access control systems are used for printing devices, then device security is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to inability to dynamically allocate access based on user needs and permissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tag as an intermediary carrier that stores user identification information. The scanning device reads this tag to identify the user and retrieve their print jobs from the print queue, enabling dynamic access control without complex authentication systems. The tag acts as a mediator between the user and the printing system, simplifying the access control mechanism while improving resource allocation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing user print jobs in the print queue and pre-encoding user identification information in tags. When a user approaches a printing device, their identity is immediately recognized through tag scanning, and their pre-prepared print jobs are automatically retrieved and printed, eliminating the need for real-time authentication and significantly improving resource utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If uniform access control is applied to all users, then system management is simplified, but user-specific needs and preferences cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by encoding specific user identification information in individual tags for different users. Each tag contains unique information that allows the system to recognize and accommodate specific user needs, permissions, and preferences. This enables differentiated access control where each user receives customized service based on their local characteristics stored in their tag, rather than uniform treatment.
3Ease of operation
If manual authentication methods are used at printing devices, then device functionality is accessible, but user convenience deteriorates due to additional authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual authentication methods (mechanical interaction requiring user input) with optical or electromagnetic tag scanning. The scanning device automatically reads the user's tag information without requiring the user to manually enter credentials or interact with complex authentication interfaces. This substitution dramatically reduces authentication time and improves ease of operation, as users simply need to present their tag for automatic recognition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for printing documents on a networked system. The method includes creating at least one print job associated with a user identification code, sending the at least one job to a print queue and separately conveying the user identification code to a printing device. This method could be accomplished either with a tag system or by direct data entry at the site of a printing device. The device then obtains and prints the at least one job associated with the user identification code from the print queue.