CONTEXT-AWARE PRINTER SELECTION

A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed. The method includes receiving a file to be printed from a device and, in response to the receiving, managing printer access for the device. Managing the printer access includes obtaining printer data from printers accessible to the device, obtaining correlation data corresponding to a printer access filter enabled on the device, filtering the printers based on the correlation data and the printer data, and inhibiting access to at least one of the printers based on the filtering.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to network printing, and more specifically, to management of printer access and selection.

Network printing can allow users to print files from a user device to one or more printers connected to the same network. There can be more than one physical printer available via the network. When printing a document, a user can select which available printer to use from a list of printers displayed on the user device.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed to a method, which includes receiving a file to be printed from a device and, in response to the receiving, managing printer access for the device. Managing the printer access includes obtaining printer data from printers accessible to the device and obtaining correlation data corresponding to a printer access filter enabled on the device. Managing the printer access also includes filtering the printers based on the correlation data and the printer data and inhibiting access to at least one of the printers based on the filtering.

Further embodiments are directed to a system, which includes a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to perform the method. Additional embodiments are directed to a computer program product, which includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause a device to perform the method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to network printing and, more specifically, to managing printer access. While the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of the disclosure may be appreciated through a discussion of various examples using this context.

Network printing can allow users to print files (e.g., documents and images) from a user device (e.g., laptop, desktop, tablet, mobile phone) connected to a network to one or more printers connected to the network. In some instances, such a user can select, among any of the one or more printers, a printer to receive a file to be printed (i.e., a destination printer). While the ability of the user to select among any of such printers can provide user convenience, in some instances, it can lead to unintended results. For example, in some instances, a user can inadvertently select a destination printer that is remotely located. For example, the user, while working in a home office, can inadvertently select a destination printer that is located in the user's business office. In this example, a file printed at the destination printer can be lost or misplaced before the user can retrieve it. In a similar example, such a user, while working in the user's business office, can inadvertently select as a destination printer a shared common area printer, rather than the user's personal office printer, to print confidential employee documents. The error could result in the documents being compromised and could jeopardize employee privacy. While some printers can include enhanced security features, such as badge readers and/or passwords, to prevent erroneous printing at a destination printer, employing such features can be cumbersome and/or economically impractical for some entities.

To address these and other challenges, embodiments of the present disclosure include a printer access manager. In some embodiments, the printer access manager can inhibit access to one or more printers based on predetermined criteria that can be selected by a user. For example, in some embodiments, in response to a location of a user device matching a predetermined location, the printer access manager can restrict a display of a user device such that one or more printers available for selection as a destination printer are not displayed. In some embodiments, in response to an opened file having one or more characteristics that match one or more predetermined characteristics, the printer access manager can restrict a display of a user device such that a visibility of one or more printers available for selection as a destination printer is obstructed. Inhibiting printer access can also include blocking access to one or more of the printers by, for example, preventing a document from being printed automatically and/or without a manual override. By inhibiting access to printers based on user-selected criteria, embodiments of the present disclosure can permit a user to tailor the printer access manager according to the user's objectives. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure can facilitate secure, efficient printing by a plurality of printer types, including printers that lack security features such as badge-reading capability and/or password-protected operation.

It is to be understood that the aforementioned advantages are example advantages and should not be construed as limiting. Embodiments of the present disclosure can contain all, some, or none of the aforementioned advantages while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Turning now to the figures,FIG.1is a schematic diagram illustrating a printer access environment100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Environment100can include a user device105(also referred to herein as a “personal device”) and one or more printers120-1-120-n(collectively, printers120). The printers120and user device105can exchange data with one another through a network125. In some embodiments, the network125is a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), the internet, or an intranet. The set of printers120can include one or more printers. For example, in some embodiments, the set of printers120can include one printer (120-1) to n printers (120-n), where n is an integer greater than zero. For example, n=2 in embodiments in which the set of printers120includes two printers (a first printer120-1, as shown inFIG.1, and a second printer120-2) and so on.

In some embodiments, the set of printers120can include one or more devices configured to receive and print files, such as documents and images, to physical media such as paper. In some embodiments, at least one of the printers may be configured to send digital copies of files to another device and/or user. The set of printers120can be accessible by at least one user device105through at least one network125. Accordingly, the set of printers120can be configured to print one or more files received through at least one network from at least one user device105. In some embodiments, a printer can be accessible to the user device105based, at least in part, on the printer and the user device105sharing a location (e.g., both the user device105and the printer being located in the same facility, such as an office building). In some embodiments, a printer can be accessible to a user device105from a plurality of locations, such as locations where the user device can access a particular network (e.g., a virtual private network (VPN)) to which the printer is connected. In some embodiments, the set of printers120can store and transmit printer data to the printer access manager130. This is discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.2.

The user device105can include a device such as a notebook computer, tablet, desktop computer, mobile phone (e.g., a “smartphone”), tablet, wearable technology (e.g., a “smartwatch”), and the like. While not shown inFIG.1, there can be more than one user device105associated with the printer access manager130in some embodiments. The user device105can include a display132configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI) that permits a user to view, select, and/or input data, such as filter settings135, files138, visual representations corresponding to one or more printers120(see, e.g.,FIGS.3A and3B), etc. In some embodiments, the files138can include items such as text documents and/or images.

The printer access manager130can be included in software installed on the user device105. The printer access manager130can include filter settings135and correlation data145. The filter settings135can include at least one default and/or user-configured filter for selecting one or more of the printers120. For example, there can be a location-based filter, a user device-based filter, a file-based filter, etc. The filters available in the filter settings135can have corresponding correlation data145. In some embodiments, correlation data145can be stored in a list, database, matrix, table, etc. (see, e.g., Tables 1 and 2). The correlation data145can include at least one set of data related to the user device105, files138, and/or printers120. The type of correlation data145used to filter printer access can depend upon which printer access filter is enabled. This is discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.2.

Correlation data145can include a location of the user device105(e.g., GPS coordinates), user identity (e.g., based on login information), device operating system, security settings, enterprise policies, etc. In some embodiments, user device correlation data145can include a time (e.g., a time of day and/or a date) corresponding to a location of a user device105. In this way, the printer access manager130can recognize changes in the location of the user device105with respect to time. Correlation data145can also include information that associates a printer120with a location and/or file(s)138.

Further, correlation data145can include information regarding one or more of the files138(“file data”). In some embodiments, file data can be stored in a file's metadata. Examples of file data can include category designations. Such a category designation can be selected by an entity, such as a user or an administrator, and describe a general classification of the content of the file. File data can also include content information extracted from the document to be printed. For example, keywords and/or other extracted information (e.g., image content, formatting, signatures, etc.) may indicate that a file corresponds to a given topic (e.g., financial records, family photos, etc.), location (e.g., home, office, etc.), and/or security category (e.g., confidential, non-confidential, personal, etc.).

Further, the correlation data145may be transmitted from such a user device105or computing device to the printer access manager through the network125. The printer access manager130can utilize correlation data145to individually manage access by one or more user devices to respective sets of printers, as discussed with respect to method200.

In some embodiments, correlation data145can be stored on the user device105or another computing device (not shown). For example, in some embodiments, the user device105can be a laptop computer, and the correlation data145can be stored in the memory of the laptop computer. In another example, in some embodiments, the computing device can be a server, and the correlation data can be stored in the memory of the server for use with a specific user device105. In some embodiments, correlation data can be stored in metadata of a file. For example, in some embodiments, a file such as “Annual Reports.docx” can have metadata that includes file correlation data145for a first user device105. In this example, the printer access manager130can obtain the file correlation data145from the metadata and manage the first user device's105access to one or more printers120as discussed with respect to process200(see below).

Correlation data and/or filter settings can be managed and maintained on individual devices, and the printer access manager130can be independent of printer architecture, location, and file type. In some embodiments, the user device105does not share correlation data145with other devices. For example, a user may transfer files138(e.g., an email attachment) from the user device105to another computing device without transferring associated filter settings135and/or correlation data145from the printer access manager130. Printer preferences configured on the other computing device can then be used to print the received file. In another example, a file attached to an email may be opened on the user device105. The printer access manager130can override default settings associated with the printers120, file type of the attachment, and/or filters applied by the sender of the email in order to implement the preferred filter settings135. In some embodiments, the printer access manager130can be extended to at least one VPN, and the filter settings135can be applied recursively to each VPN.

FIG.2is a flowchart illustrating a process200of performing printer access management, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Process200can be performed by components of environment100and, for illustrative purposes, is discussed with reference toFIG.1.

A file can be received. This is illustrated at operation205. For example, a document from files138can be opened or selected on user device105. The file can be any document (e.g., text and/or image document) that may be intended for printing. Operation205may include user-selection of an option such as “print document”, “print setup”, “open printer access manager”, etc. The printer access manager130can then receive the selected file.

It can then be determined whether a printer access filter has been enabled on the user device105. This is illustrated at operation210. For example, the printer access filter can be a location-based filter, a file-based filter, a device-based filter, etc. selected from the filter settings135. In instances where more than one printer access filter is enabled, a preferred filter can optionally be selected. For example, the user can be prompted to manually select a filter from the filter settings135. The enabled filter can also be determined based on file data local to the user device105(e.g., saved in metadata, a local database, etc.). For example, a user can manually select a filter setting for a document when creating or saving the document.

If printer access filters have not been enabled, a notification can be generated. This is illustrated at operation213. For example, the absence of an enabled filter can be conveyed to the user via display132with a pop-up message, a menu showing printer access filter options, or another visual indicator such as an icon, a secondary icon (e.g., an overlay icon), a color, etc. For example, if the printer access manager130detects it has access to network printers, a security icon may provide an indicator that user action is needed in order to enable or configure security settings. An example such as this is illustrated inFIG.3A. Options for user actions such as enabling/selecting a printer access filter, manually overriding printer access filters, dismissing the notification, disabling all filters, etc. may be provided. In some embodiments, there may be an option to enable/disable filters using, for example, a checkbox, toggle, or other element. In some embodiments, an indicator that no filters are enabled can be displayed prior to a file being received at operation205.

FIG.3Ais a schematic diagram illustrating example graphical user interface (GUI) elements300for printer access filter selection, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The GUI elements300may be implemented via the display132of the user device105illustrated inFIG.1. In this example, a user can select a security icon305in a desktop environment311. In some embodiments, at least one of GUI elements300can be provided when a document is saved or selected for printing.

In response to user-selection of the security icon305, a security window315can appear. The security window315may also appear in response to receiving a document to be printed (e.g., at operation205, illustrated inFIG.2). The security window315can display icons representing access (e.g., shortcuts or links to settings/preferences) to “firewall protection”, “account protection”, “virus protection”, and “print protection”. The icons on security window315are overlaid with secondary icons (circles) indicating security status based on color. In this example, the status indicator320over the “print protection” icon can be a different color than the other indicators, indicating that filter settings are not enabled/configured.

Selection of the icon/status indicator320can cause a printer access filter settings window325to open in the desktop environment311and provide a list of access options326. While the security window315and the settings window325are shown outside of the desktop environment311inFIG.3A, the windows315and325can be displayed within the desktop environment311or any appropriate user interface configuration known in the art.

The illustrated access options326include “filters” (e.g., enabling or selecting filters), “manual” (e.g., manually overriding existing or default filters), “none” (e.g., disabling all filters), and “disable printing” (e.g., inhibiting all printer access and/or allowing only printing to pdf). User-selected options from the settings window325are indicated by a double outline. In this example, the user selects “filters” from the list of access options326. In response to the selection of “filters” from the access options326, a list of filter options327is provided. The illustrated filter options327include location-based filters and category-based filters. In other embodiments, there can be additional and/or alternative filter options (e.g., more specific categories and/or locations). Types of access filters are discussed in greater detail with respect toFIGS.1and2. In this example, the user selects a location-based filter (“location”).

In response, a list of location options328including “current” (e.g., based on GPS coordinates of the user's personal device), “saved” (e.g., locations of previously used printers, user-input locations such as “home” and “office”, etc.), and “other” (e.g., a new address, network, GPS coordinates, etc. entered by the user or automatically identified upon selection of “other”) is provided. In the example illustrated inFIG.3A, the user selects “current” in order to view a window (not shown) showing printers available in the vicinity of their personal device.

Referring again toFIG.2, it can be determined whether the user selected a printer access filter to be enabled in response to the notification. This is illustrated at operation216. If the user ignored or dismissed the notification generated at operation213(e.g., by ignoring the security icon305or selecting “none” from the settings window325illustrated inFIG.3A), process200can proceed to operation219, whereupon all available and/or connected printers can be displayed. If no printers are available (e.g., none are connected to the network125or “disable printing” was selected from the settings window325), the display options generated at operation219can indicate that printing is unavailable.

However, if it is determined at operation210or216that a printer access filter has been enabled, process200can proceed to operation220. At operation220, printer data can be obtained from available printers. For example, while not shown inFIG.1, printer data can be obtained from printer(s)120sharing a network125with the user device105. In some embodiments, the printer access manager130can obtain printer data from a resource such as the user's personal device105, the printers120, or another computing device (not shown). In some embodiments, the printer data can be stored in a location such as a database of such a user device, printer, and/or computing device.

Printer data can include information such as location information and/or identifying information for one or more printers. Such information can distinguish one printer from one or more other printers. Location data can specify a printer's location. For example, location data may include an address where a printer is located, coordinates of a printer's location (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) coordinates), identifying information for a facility (e.g., “Austin Campus, Bldg. A”) or an area of a facility (e.g., “Conference Room B”) where a printer is located, etc.

Identifying information can further distinguish one printer from other printers. For example, in some embodiments, printer data can include information such as a printer name (e.g., “Printer C”), a printer identification code (e.g., serial number, model number, etc.), and/or a visual representation of a printer (e.g., a digital image, icon, name and/or symbol displayable to represent a printer on a graphical user interface). In some embodiments, printer data can include both location data and identification data (e.g., “Bldg. D—Dallas—Lobby Printer E”).

Correlation data corresponding to the enabled printer access filter is obtained. This is illustrated at operation230. In some embodiments, the correlation data is obtained from the correlation data145stored on the user device105and can include file data, location data, user device data, etc. This is discussed in greater detail with respect toFIG.1.

Correlation data145can include information that, for a specific user device105, associates a printer120with a location and/or file(s). Based on the printer information obtained at operation220and the correlation data obtained at operation230, the filter(s) can be applied. This is illustrated at operation240. The associations between printers and locations and/or files can be established by, for example, pairing printer data with location data in a database, matrix, or table, such as Table 1.

Table 1 shows location correlation data145for a specific user device105(“mobile phone”). Table 1 identifies a set of printers120and a set of respective office locations. Row1of Table 1 shows a printer identified as “Bldg.3—Lobby” corresponding to a geographical location “Dallas.” In some embodiments, the printer access manager130may inhibit the user device's105access to a set of printers120except the “Bldg.3—Lobby” printer in response to determining that the user device105is in Dallas. Row2shows a printer identified as “Office Desk Printer” having a corresponding office location “San Francisco.” In some embodiments, the printer access manager can inhibit access to a set of printers except “Office Desk Printer” when the user device is determined to be in San Francisco. Row3shows a printer identified as “Floor2Conf. Room Printer” having a corresponding office location “Austin.” Row4shows a printer identified as “Desk Printer” having a corresponding office location “Home.” In this example, “Home” can represent a user's residential address.

In some embodiments, correlation data can include file correlation data that relates a file and/or a category of files with a specific printer. For example, in some embodiments, file correlation data can associate a given file with a specific printer. In some embodiments, file correlation data can associate a category of files, such as documents regarding a given topic (e.g., annual budget plans) or meeting another criterion (e.g., confidentiality level), with a specific printer. As discussed above, printer/file category correlation data can be configured automatically or selected by a user. The correlation data can be established by pairing printer data with file data in a database, matrix, or table, such as Table 2 below.

Table 2 shows file correlation data for a another user device105(“laptop computer”). Table 2 identifies a set of printers and a set of respective files. For example, row1shows a file “Department Evals.doc” having a corresponding printer “Desk Printer A.” As discussed in further detail below, in some embodiments, the printer access manager can inhibit access to a set of printers except “Desk Printer A” for printing “Department Evals.doc” from the user device. The printer access manager can perform such inhibiting in response to determining that “Department Evals.doc” is opened on the user device. Row2shows a set of files having a category designation “Tax” having a corresponding printer “Bldg.44—Finance Printer B.” As discussed in further detail below, in some embodiments, the printer access manager can inhibit access to a set of printers except “Bldg.44—Finance Printer B” for printing files having the category designation “Tax” from the user device. The printer access manager can perform such inhibiting in response to determining that a file having the category designation “Tax” is opened on the user device. Row3shows a file “Org Chart.jpg” having a corresponding printer “Printer3-C.” Row4shows a file “Annual Budget.xlsx” having a corresponding printer “Bldg.44—Finance Printer D.”

In some embodiments, filter settings135can include a user-selected priority between location correlation data and file correlation data. For example, in some embodiments, a user can elect to prioritize the file correlation data. In this example, in the event that the printer access manager determines at operation240that a match is present between both 1) location correlation data and location information and 2) file correlation data and file data, the printer access manager can proceed to manage access according to the file correlation data, based on the user-selected priority. For example, in some embodiments, a user device can be in a first location, and location correlation data can associate the first location with “Printer A.” Continuing with this example, a user can open a first document on the user device, and file correlation data can associate the first document with “Printer B.” In this example, the printer access manager can determine that a match is present between both 1) location correlation data and location information and 2) file correlation data and file data. Further in this example, the printer access manager can inhibit access to all printers except “Printer B,” based on the user's election to prioritize the file correlation data.

The printer access manager can determine whether a match is present between: 1) location correlation data and location information and/or 2) file correlation data and file data. For example, in embodiments in which correlation data includes location correlation data, the printer access manager can determine that location information matches location correlation data in response to identifying that each includes the same location. For example, in some embodiments, the printer access manager can obtain location information indicating that a user device is located in a particular facility (e.g., “Austin Campus, Building903”). Further in this example, the printer access manager can obtain location correlation data indicating that the user device associates “Printer75-A” with “Austin Campus, Building903.” Accordingly, the printer access manager can determine that the location information matches the location correlation data in response to identifying that each includes “Austin Campus, Building903.”

In some embodiments, the printer access manager can determine that location information matches location correlation data in response to identifying that each includes a substantially similar location. For example, in some embodiments, the printer access manager can obtain location information indicating that a user device has a first set of GPS coordinates. Further in this example, the printer access manager can obtain location correlation data indicating that the user device associates a specific printer with a location having a second set of GPS coordinates. In response to identifying that the first set of GPS coordinates is within a threshold distance (e.g., 10-20 meters (m)) of the second set of GPS coordinates, the printer access manager can determine that the GPS coordinates are substantially similar. Accordingly, the printer access manager can determine that the location information matches the location correlation data. Conversely, the printer access manager can determine that the location information does not match the location correlation data in response to identifying that each does not include the same or a substantially similar location.

In another example, in embodiments in which correlation data includes file correlation data, the printer access manager can determine that file data matches the file correlation data in response to identifying that each includes the same information (e.g., file name, category designation, file type). For example, in some embodiments, the printer access manager can obtain file data indicating that the file “Org Chart.jpg” is opened on a user device. Further in this example, the printer access manager can obtain file correlation data indicating that the user device associates “Printer3-C” with the file “Org Chart.jpg.” Accordingly, the printer access manager can determine that the file data matches the file correlation data in response to identifying that each includes “Org Chart.jpg.” Conversely, the printer access manager can determine that the file data does not match the file correlation data in response to identifying that each does not include the same information (e.g., file name, category designation, file type).

In response to the printer access manager determining a match is present between: 1) location correlation data and location information and/or 2) file correlation data and file data, the printer access manager can manage a user device's access to a set of printers according to the correlation data. In some embodiments, such managing can include the printer access manager inhibiting access to one or more printers by the user device. In some embodiments, such managing can include the printer access manager providing access to and displaying one or more printers by the user device. Inhibiting access to a printer by a user device can refer to the printer access manager restricting or obstructing the user device's ability to print a file to the printer. For example, in some embodiments, such inhibiting can include the printer access manager modifying visibility of the printer on a display of the user device. Such modifying can prevent or inhibit a user's ability to select the printer as a destination printer for printing a file. In some embodiments, modifying a visibility of the printer on a display of the user device can include changing a visual representation of the printer (e.g., a digital image, icon, name and/or symbol displayable to represent a printer on a graphical user interface). In some embodiments, changing the visual representation can include removing or hiding the visual representation. In some embodiments, changing the visual representation can include modifying an appearance of the visual representation, such as changing a color of the visual representation and/or displaying a symbol, such as an “X” or a strikethrough with the visual representation.

Conversely, allowing access to a printer by a user device can refer to the printer access manager removing a previously applied restriction or obstruction to the user device's ability to print a file to the printer. For example, in some embodiments, such allowing can include the printer access manager reversing a previous modification to a visibility of the printer on a display of the user device. For example, in some embodiments, such allowing can include making visible or unhiding a visual representation of the printer. In some embodiments, such allowing can include changing a color of a visual representation to an original or default color and/or removing a symbol, such as an “X” or a strikethrough previously displayed with the visual representation.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in an example based, in part, on Table 1 discussed above, a user can be traveling with a mobile phone having the location correlation data of Table 1. In this example, the user is in the Dallas office location at a first time. While in the Dallas office location, the user opens a document on the user device to print the document. Continuing with this example, based on network availability, a plurality of printers would be accessible by the user device for printing the document. Accordingly, based on such network availability, a set of visual representations corresponding to the plurality of printers would be displayed on the user device so that the user could select any of the plurality of printers for printing the document. However, based on the location correlation data, the printer access manager modifies the set of visual representations such that only the visual representation corresponding to the “Bldg.3—Lobby” printer is visible on the user device for the user's selection to print the document.

Continuing with this example, the user travels to the Austin office location and is present in that location at a second time subsequent to the first time. While in the Austin office location, the user opens the document on the user device to print the document. Continuing with this example, based on network availability, a plurality of printers would be accessible by the user device for printing the document. However, in a manner similar to that discussed above, based on the new location and the location correlation data, the printer access manager modifies the set of visual representations such that a visual representation corresponding to “Printer847-B” is allowed and made visible on the display of the user device. Furthermore, in this example, only the visual representation corresponding to “Printer847-B” is visible on the user device for selection. Further in this example, the printer access manager inhibits access to alternate printers by displaying a prompt requesting that the user input a password in order to view and select such alternate printers.

Continuing with this example, the user forwards the document to a coworker at the Austin office location. When the coworker opens the document on the coworker's desktop computer, a printer access manager installed on the desktop computer manages access by the desktop computer to a set of printers according to correlation data stored on the desktop computer.

Continuing with this example, the user travels to the airport and is present at the airport at a third time subsequent to the second time. While in the airport, the user opens the document on the user device and inadvertently selects an icon on the graphical user interface of the user device for printing the document. In this example, in response to the airport location not being included in the location correlation data, the printer device manager can hide visibility of visual representations corresponding to all printers and permit visibility of an option to digitally print the document.

A display showing available printers can then be generated. This is illustrated at operation219. When printer access filters have been applied at operation240, the display can show printers selected based on the filter settings. However, if the printer access filter is not enabled (“no” at operations210and216), a list of all printers identified by the user device may be displayed. In other embodiments, physical printer access may be inhibited when the filters are not enabled. An option allowing the user to return to printer access filter settings (e.g., at operation213) may also be displayed. For example, operation219can include the printer access manager removing visual representations of all physical printers accessible by the user device and permitting a visual representation such as “print to PDF” to be displayed on the user device. In this way, the printer access manager can prevent inadvertent physical printing (e.g., printing a document to paper).

FIG.3Bis a schematic diagram illustrating example GUI elements301for displaying printing options, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, these elements301can be generated at operation219of process200. A print options window330shows print options selected at operation240, as well as an option for displaying other printers. In this example, a login window339can open in response to a user selecting option335(“display other printers”) from the printer window330. A window340showing all available printers can be displayed upon correct entry of the login information. In other embodiments, window340can open in response to selection of option335without requiring a password. These and other options for display, security, etc. can be configured by an administrator, user, default settings, etc.

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer system30that can be used in implementing one or more of the methods, tools, components, and any related functions described herein (e.g., using one or more processor circuits or computer processors of the computer). In some embodiments, the major components of the computer system30comprise one or more processors32, a memory subsystem34, a terminal interface42, a storage interface46, an input/output device interface44, and a network interface48, all of which can be communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, for inter-component communication via a memory bus33, an input/output bus38, bus interface unit37, and an input/output bus interface unit41.

The computer system30contains one or more general-purpose programmable central processing units (CPUs)32A,32B, and32N, herein collectively referred to as CPU32. In some embodiments, the computer system30contains multiple processors typical of a relatively large system; however, in other embodiments the computer system30can alternatively be a single CPU system. Each CPU32may execute instructions stored in the memory subsystem34and can include one or more levels of on-board cache.

The memory34can include a random-access semiconductor memory, storage device, or storage medium (either volatile or non-volatile) for storing or encoding data and programs. In some embodiments, the memory34represents the entire virtual memory of the computer system30and may also include the virtual memory of other computer systems coupled to the computer system30or connected via a network. The memory34is conceptually a single monolithic entity, but in other embodiments the memory34is a more complex arrangement, such as a hierarchy of caches and other memory devices. For example, memory may exist in multiple levels of caches, and these caches may be further divided by function, so that one cache holds instructions while another holds non-instruction data, which is used by the processor or processors. Memory can be further distributed and associated with different CPUs or sets of CPUs, as is known in any of various so-called non-uniform memory access (NUMA) computer architectures.

Components of environment100(FIG.1) can be included within the memory34in the computer system30. However, in other embodiments, some or all of these components may be on different computer systems and may be accessed remotely, e.g., via a network. The computer system30may use virtual addressing mechanisms that allow the programs of the computer system30to behave as if they only have access to a large, single storage entity instead of access to multiple, smaller storage entities. Thus, components of the memory34are not necessarily all completely contained in the same storage device at the same time. Further, although components of environment100are illustrated as being separate entities, in other embodiments some of these components, portions of some of these components, or all of these components may be packaged together.

In an embodiment, components of environment100include instructions that execute on the processor32or instructions that are interpreted by instructions that execute on the processor32to carry out the functions as further described in this disclosure. In another embodiment, components of environment100are implemented in hardware via semiconductor devices, chips, logical gates, circuits, circuit cards, and/or other physical hardware devices in lieu of, or in addition to, a processor-based system. In another embodiment, components of environment100include data in addition to instructions.

Although the memory bus33is shown inFIG.4as a single bus structure providing a direct communication path among the CPUs32, the memory subsystem34, the display system36, the bus interface37, and the input/output bus interface41, the memory bus33can, in some embodiments, include multiple different buses or communication paths, which may be arranged in any of various forms, such as point-to-point links in hierarchical, star or web configurations, multiple hierarchical buses, parallel and redundant paths, or any other appropriate type of configuration. Furthermore, while the input/output bus interface41and the input/output bus38are shown as single respective units, the computer system30may, in some embodiments, contain multiple input/output bus interface units41, multiple input/output buses38, or both. Further, while multiple input/output interface units are shown, which separate the input/output bus38from various communications paths running to the various input/output devices, in other embodiments some or all of the input/output devices may be connected directly to one or more system input/output buses.

The computer system30may include a bus interface unit37to handle communications among the processor32, the memory34, a display system36, and the input/output bus interface unit41. The input/output bus interface unit41may be coupled with the input/output bus38for transferring data to and from the various input/output units. The input/output bus interface unit41communicates with multiple input/output interface units42,44,46, and48, which are also known as input/output processors (IOPs) or input/output adapters (IOAs), through the input/output bus38. The display system36may include a display controller. The display controller may provide visual, audio, or both types of data to a display device35. The display system36may be coupled with a display device35, such as a standalone display screen, computer monitor, television, or a tablet or handheld device display. In alternate embodiments, one or more of the functions provided by the display system36may be on board a processor32integrated circuit. In addition, one or more of the functions provided by the bus interface unit37may be on board a processor32integrated circuit.

In some embodiments, the computer system30is a multi-user mainframe computer system, a single-user system, or a server computer or similar device that has little or no direct user interface but receives requests from other computer systems (clients). Further, in some embodiments, the computer system30is implemented as a desktop computer, portable computer, laptop or notebook computer, tablet computer, pocket computer, telephone, smart phone, network switches or routers, or any other appropriate type of electronic device.

It is noted thatFIG.4is intended to depict the representative major components of an exemplary computer system30. In some embodiments, however, individual components may have greater or lesser complexity than as represented inFIG.4, Components other than or in addition to those shown inFIG.4may be present, and the number, type, and configuration of such components may vary.

In some embodiments, the data storage and retrieval processes described herein could be implemented in a cloud computing environment, which is described below with respect toFIGS.5and6. It is to be understood that although this disclosure includes a detailed description on cloud computing, implementation of the teachings recited herein are not limited to a cloud computing environment. Rather, embodiments of the present invention are capable of being implemented in conjunction with any other type of computing environment now known or later developed.

Characteristics are as follows:

Service Models are as follows:

Deployment Models are as follows:

FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating a cloud computing environment40, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, cloud computing environment40includes one or more cloud computing nodes10with which local computing devices used by cloud consumers, such as, for example, personal digital assistant (PDA) or cellular telephone54A, desktop computer54B, laptop computer54C, and/or automobile computer system54D may communicate. Nodes10may communicate with one another. They may be grouped (not shown) physically or virtually, in one or more networks, such as Private, Community, Public, or Hybrid clouds as described hereinabove, or a combination thereof. This allows cloud computing environment40to offer infrastructure, platforms and/or software as services for which a cloud consumer does not need to maintain resources on a local computing device. It is understood that the types of computing devices54A—54D shown inFIG.5are intended to be illustrative only and that computing nodes10and cloud computing environment40can communicate with any type of computerized device over any type of network and/or network addressable connection (e.g., using a web browser).

FIG.6is a block diagram illustrating a set of functional abstraction model layers50provided by the cloud computing environment40, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood in advance that the components, layers, and functions shown inFIG.6are intended to be illustrative only and embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. As depicted, the following layers and corresponding functions are provided:

Workloads layer90provides examples of functionality for which the cloud computing environment can be utilized. Examples of workloads and functions that can be provided from this layer include: mapping and navigation91; software development and lifecycle management92; virtual classroom education delivery93; data analytics processing94; transaction processing95; and printer access management96.

In the previous detailed description of example embodiments of the various embodiments, reference was made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific example embodiments in which the various embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments were described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, but other embodiments may be used and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various embodiments. In the previous description, numerous specific details were set forth to provide a thorough understanding the various embodiments. But, the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure embodiments.

When different reference numbers comprise a common number followed by differing letters (e.g.,100a,100b,100c) or punctuation followed by differing numbers (e.g.,100-1,100-2, or100.1,100.2), use of the reference character only without the letter or following numbers (e.g.,100) may refer to the group of elements as a whole, any subset of the group, or an example specimen of the group.