Composite Document Access Module for Secure Differential Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional document management systems are inefficient and insecure when handling composite documents, as they require separate printing and security measures for each document, lacking fine-grained access control and integrity, especially in enterprise settings where sensitive information needs to be protected and accessed differentially by multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction printer with an access module that includes an authorization function and decryption mechanism, allowing secure differential access to encrypted parts of a composite document, using private keys to control access and ensure that only authorized users can decrypt and print their designated parts, maintaining confidentiality and workflow integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional document management systems are used to handle composite documents, then separate printing and security measures can be implemented for each document, but the system becomes inefficient and lacks fine-grained access control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the composite document into multiple encrypted parts, each accessible to specific users through private keys. This allows fine-grained access control where different users can decrypt and print only their designated portions, improving security while maintaining system efficiency through automated key-based authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an access module as an intermediary between users and the composite document. This module manages private keys, performs decryption operations, and controls printing permissions, thereby automating security measures and improving overall system efficiency while maintaining strong security controls
2Ease of operation
If separate printing measures are implemented for each document in a composite document, then individual document control is possible, but the complexity of managing multiple documents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple document management operations into a single composite document structure. Users interact with one unified document object that contains multiple encrypted parts, eliminating the need to manage separate printing and security measures for each individual document while maintaining fine-grained access control through the access module
3Reliability
If fine-grained access control is implemented for composite documents, then confidential information can be protected, but the system requires complex decryption and authorization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by encrypting different parts of the composite document with different encryption keys tailored to specific users or user groups. Each encrypted part has customized access controls matched to its sensitivity and required audience, providing strong confidentiality while keeping the overall system manageable through localized security measures rather than uniform complex controls
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users access different parts of a composite document, then differential access is achieved, but separate security measures for each user increase management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal access module that handles all user authentication, decryption, and printing operations for the composite document. This single multi-functional module manages differential access for multiple users through a standardized interface and unified key management system, enabling flexible user-specific access controls without requiring separate security infrastructure for each user
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes an access module to control access among different participants, one participant at a time, to at least some encrypted parts of a composite document print job located at the printer.