Automated Redaction System for Classified Document Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating extract documents with sensitive information redacted are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and lack automation, posing security risks due to the use of computer programs that may generate temporary files, which can compromise the confidentiality of removed information.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a computer-assisted process where a source document is converted into a fixed format using an identifying data set to mask sensitive items, ensuring the source document remains unamended and the extracted document cannot reveal the masked information, utilizing irreversible conversions and OCR recognition for item selection and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual redaction process is used with printing, marking, and scanning, then security of redacted information is improved, but time consumption and resource demand increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical redaction process (printing, marking with pens, scanning) with an automated computer-based system that performs redaction digitally. The system identifies sensitive information, applies redaction marks, and generates extract documents automatically, eliminating the need for physical handling while maintaining security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service redaction by automatically identifying sensitive information categories (personal names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.), applying appropriate redaction marks, and generating extract documents without requiring manual intervention for each redaction action, thereby reducing time consumption while preserving security through automated validation.
2Productivity
If computer programs are used for automated redaction, then productivity is improved, but security is compromised due to temporary file generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes temporary files and intermediate documents generated during the redaction process, ensuring they are not stored on the system. The system processes documents in memory and deletes all transient data after extraction, eliminating the security risk of temporary file leakage while maintaining automated processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards all temporary files, intermediate redacted versions, and processing artifacts immediately after generating the final extract document. This automatic discarding mechanism ensures no sensitive information remains in transient storage, resolving the contradiction between automated processing and security confidentiality.
3Reliability
If multiple validation iterations are performed to ensure complete redaction, then security is improved, but time consumption and resource demand increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation by automatically checking the redacted document for any remaining sensitive information patterns before finalizing the extract. This preliminary check identifies and corrects incomplete redactions in a single pass, eliminating the need for multiple iterative validation cycles and improving processing efficiency while maintaining security.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual review and approval processes are implemented, then quality of redaction is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the redaction engine continuously validates its output against predefined security criteria and sensitive information patterns. This automated feedback loop ensures high redaction quality by detecting and correcting errors in real-time, replacing manual review processes and reducing system complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a system for providing an extract document from a source document, said source document being a classified document, said method comprising the steps of a) providing said source document in a computer readable format, b) selecting at least one item from said source document, c) establishing an identifying data set to identify said at least one item that has been selected, d) validating said at least one item that has been selected, e) providing the extract document in a fixed format by performing an irreversible conversion of said source document, based on said source document and said identifying data set for said at least one item that has been validated.