Patent Application
20250085912
This application relates generally to printing. The application relates more particularly to a distributed print job storage and retrieval system wherein content addressable print jobs are received and stored in each of a fleet of multifunction peripherals in conjunction with metadata disposed in a searchable blockchain.
Document processing devices include printers, copiers, scanners and e-mail gateways. More recently, devices employing two or more of these functions are found in office environments. These devices are referred to as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs). As used herein, MFPs are understood to comprise printers, alone or in combination with other of the afore-noted functions. It is further understood that any suitable document processing device can be used.
MFPs receive and execute print jobs from users. Print jobs may be sent directly to an MFP or retrieved from a cloud server. There is additional cost in providing and maintaining a cloud server. If a cloud server becomes unavailable, users may not have access to their print jobs.
Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein:
The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such.
Example embodiments herein provide a mechanism for storing document processing jobs, such as print jobs, in a distributed MFP network using a blockchain.
The InterPlanetary File System, or IPFS, is a distributed peer-to-peer protocol designed to create a content-addressable and decentralized method of storing and sharing data on the Internet. Traditional web protocols like HTTP rely on centralized servers to host and deliver content to users. In contrast, IPFS uses a decentralized network of nodes to store and distribute data. It operates on the principle of content addressing, which means that files are identified by their content rather than their location or a specific server.
Key features of IPFS include:
IPFS provides for distributing large files, sharing data in a censorship-resistant manner, and enabling decentralized applications (dApps) that rely on distributed data storage.
A blockchain is a decentralized and distributed ledger technology that enables secure and transparent recording of transactions across a network of computers. It operates on a network of computers, called nodes, instead of a central authority.
When someone initiates a transaction, it is broadcast to the network. The network's nodes validate the transaction using specific rules and algorithms. Validated transactions are grouped together into a “block,” with each block containing a unique identifier called a hash, which is a cryptographic representation of the block's data.
Each new block includes the hash of the previous block, creating a chain-like structure. This linking mechanism ensures that any alteration to a block would affect all subsequent blocks, making it extremely difficult to tamper with the data.
Before a block is added to the blockchain, the network must agree on its validity through a process called “consensus.” Different consensus mechanisms, such as Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (POS), help achieve this agreement. Once a block is verified and added to the blockchain, it becomes part of a permanent, immutable record of all transactions that have ever occurred on the network. The cryptographic nature of the linking and verification processes, combined with the distributed nature of the network, ensures security.
The subject application implements blockchain technology. Even though most blockchains are for cryptocurrency such as Toshiba coin, the blockchain can also support print jobs, storing extra information. This information that can be stored works differently from cryptocurrency and can be used to create and manage print jobs.
In example embodiments herein IPFS with a blockchain using a Filecoin, such as Toshiba Coin, stores print jobs using the MFP's storage space. Toshiba coin is a lightweight and non-mined virtual currency operating on a model known as proof of stake. Proof of stake is a method used by cryptocurrency networks to validate and confirm new transactions. There are no high-powered computers and competitions to see who can be the first to validate a block of transactions, which means the costs for this method are lower.
While a cloud server may be used as a centralized location where print jobs can be stored and organized, there is problem wherein, if a cloud server goes offline, clients worldwide will be denied access to their jobs.
Example embodiments herein provide a mechanism for storing print jobs on the blockchain using MFP storage space. Print jobs may be accessible through MFPs located anywhere in the world. Unused storage space on MFP's hard drives worldwide can be used. If any MFP does not have enough disk space or if distributed storage violates a company's policy, the actual print job can just be saved on each business's private cloud. Only a link to the print job will be stored on the blockchain. IPFS is used to store print jobs and a blockchain is used to verify addresses. Every print job uploaded to IPFS is assigned a permanent address. Unlike IPFS, a blockchain is not suitable for storing large numbers of print jobs. In example embodiments herein, a device print driver stores the print job on IPFS and puts the immutable permanent IPFS address into the blockchain transaction. IPFS provides an accessible database, while blockchain makes it verifiable.
IPFS is distributed as print jobs are stored across the network such that all data processing and archiving are not done in the same place. IPFS allows for fast performance and decentralized data archiving. Ownership of a print job and other information such as who printed the print job is recorded on the blockchain.
Example embodiments herein integrate IPFS into a blockchain system. Print file data is are stored on IPFS, and the blockchain contains the references (IPFS hashes) to those files. This approach leverages IPFS's content-addressable storage capabilities to ensure data integrity and decentralization while using the blockchain for other critical aspects of the application. In accordance with the forgoing and detailed description below, example embodiments take advantage of a distributed structure to become more stable and secure. Print jobs are stored on multiple servers, or nodes, all around the world. Print jobs can be retrieved simultaneously, including print jobs from multitude nodes simultaneously. This facilitates tracking print job changes such as who created, edited, paid for, or printed the job, as well as when it was created. As more transactions occur, the blockchain continues to grow, and the process of adding new blocks and reaching consensus is ongoing. This decentralized and immutable nature of blockchain ensures transparency, security, and trust among participants in a network
To manage ownership and actions, a blockchain 116 which resides in each of a plurality of MFPs, such as MFPs 120, 124 and 128, is utilized. The blockchain stores a reference link to the IPFS CID of each print job, enabling the blockchain to verify the existence of print job data without directly storing it. Upon submission, a blockchain transaction records the owner's identity and the IPFS CID, establishing clear ownership.
Throughout the print job lifecycle, various actions are recorded as separate blockchain transactions. Confirmation for printing, cancellation, or completion are all securely documented. Decentralized print service nodes equipped with IPFS and blockchain capabilities handle the printing process. These nodes validate print job authenticity by querying the blockchain for the IPFS CID. IPFS's content-addressable approach ensures data integrity, making tampering evident by altering the CID. The blockchain's immutability preserves the print job history, preventing any alteration or deletion of records. The combination of IPFS and blockchain fosters a decentralized and transparent ecosystem for print job management, granting users complete control and auditability over their print jobs. Through cryptographic hashing and distributed design, the system guarantees security and authenticity, revolutionizing the way we print and manage print jobs.
Included in
Turning now to
Processor 202 is also in data communication with input/output interface 222, suitably comprising a user touchscreen. While touchscreens are discussed in example embodiments herein, it is to be appreciated that any suitable user interface, such as keyboards, switches, displays, trackballs or mice may be used.
Processor 202 is also in data communication with a storage interface 208 for reading or writing to a storage 216, suitably comprised of a hard disk, optical disk, solid-state disk, cloud-based storage, or any other suitable data storage as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Processor 202 is also in data communication with additional interfaces, such as Bluetooth interface 226, NFC interface 228 and card reader 232 for data exchange with proximity cards, such as card keys.
Processor 202 is also in data communication with a network interface 210 which provides an interface to a network interface controller (NIC) 214, which in turn provides a data path to any suitable wired interface or physical network connection 220, or to a wireless data connection via wireless network interface 218. Example wireless network interfaces include optical, cellular, Wi-Fi, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. Example wired interfaces include Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Lightning, telephone line, or the like.
Processor 202 can also be in data communication with any suitable user input/output (I/O) network interface 222 which provides data communication for interfacing with user peripherals, such as displays, keyboards, mice, track balls, touch screens, or the like. Processor 202 can also be in communication with hardware monitor 221, such as a page counter, temperature sensor, toner or ink level sensor, paper level sensor, or the like.
Also in data communication with data bus 212 is a document processor interface 222 suitable for data communication with the document rendering system 250, including MFP functional units. In the illustrated example, these units include a copy engine comprising copy hardware 240, a scan engine comprised of scan hardware 242, a print engine comprised of print hardware 244 and a fax engine comprised of fax hardware 246 which together comprise document rendering system 260. It will be understood that functional units are suitably comprised of intelligent units, including any suitable hardware or software platform.
Turning now to
While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the spirit and scope of the inventions.
