Area-Based Password Control for N-in-1 Document Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming technologies lack flexibility and usability in document security management, as they only provide a single password for an entire sheet, regardless of the presence of confidential or non-confidential information across multiple printed areas.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that includes a document reader, printer, security code detector, password detector, entry requestor, and controller, which allows for the detection and management of security codes and passwords for each area on a sheet, enabling the N in 1 mode to print multiple pages on one sheet with customizable security settings and password entry for each area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single password is given to the entire sheet in N in 1 mode, then the operation is simple, but the security management flexibility is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sheet into multiple areas (first area and second area) and assigns different passwords to each area. This segmentation allows independent security control for each region, enabling flexible security management where different confidentiality levels can be applied to different parts of the same sheet without requiring a single unified password for the entire sheet.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different passwords are assigned to different areas on a sheet, then security management flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to password management by assigning passwords to specific areas rather than treating the sheet as a single unit. This area-based approach adds a spatial dimension to the security system, allowing multiple passwords to coexist on one sheet without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as each area is independently controllable.
3Reliability
If area-based password control is implemented, then document security is enhanced, but the operation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-dividing the sheet into areas and pre-assigning passwords to each area before the actual printing operation. This preliminary setup enables the system to automatically manage area-based security during printing, reducing the operational burden on users during the actual password entry phase while maintaining enhanced security.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus, comprises: a document reader that reads images printed in a plurality of areas in a document; a printer that prints on a sheet image data read out from the document by said document reader; a security code detector that detects a security code given to each of the plurality of areas in said document; a password detector that detects a password given at least to one of the plurality of areas in said document; an entry requestor that requests a password to be entered; a password judgment part that judges whether or not said entered password is an appropriate one that corresponds to the password detected by the password detector; and a controller that decides an operation performed by said printer, to print image data from the area having the given password, depending on the judgment result drew by said password judgment part.