Document IR Mark Embedding for Partial Content Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing confidential documents during printing and copying are inadequate, as they either block entire documents or require costly infrared (IR) security marks, failing to address scenarios where only partial content needs to be secured.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow users to select and secure partial content within a document by embedding an IR mark with coordinates of the confidential area during printing, enabling secure printing and copying while masking the confidential content during reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an IR mark is embedded in the document to secure confidential content, then security of confidential content is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to dedicated IR readers and special marks being required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the standard printer perform a security function (embedding IR marks) that previously required dedicated security equipment. The printer becomes a multi-functional device that not only prints documents but also embeds security marks, eliminating the need for separate IR marking devices and readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the printer to automatically detect and embed IR marks in documents without requiring manual intervention or specialized equipment. The printer serves itself by incorporating the security marking capability directly into its printing process.
2Reliability
If the entire document is blocked when IR mark is detected, then security of confidential document is improved, but the usability and ease of operation deteriorate as agents cannot access any content for legitimate purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the document into confidential and non-confidential portions. Instead of blocking the entire document, only the specific confidential areas marked with IR marks are blocked, while the rest of the document remains accessible for legitimate purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by applying different access control characteristics to different parts of the document. Areas with IR marks have restricted access, while areas without IR marks maintain normal accessibility, allowing selective security based on local content characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partial content security is implemented, then the adaptability and versatility are improved for different user scenarios, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding IR marks in the document during the printing process before the document is distributed. This advance security marking allows the system to automatically identify and protect confidential content during subsequent copying operations without requiring manual configuration or additional processing steps.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses methods and systems for securing confidential content of a document. The method includes receiving a print request to print the document. A user interface is provided to the user having a secure option, the secure option further includes a partial secure option to secure partial content of the document. Based on the selection of the partial secure option, a selection of a confidential area including the confidential content in the document is received. Based on the selection, one or more coordinates of the confidential area are calculated. Then, an infrared (IR) mark is embedded in the document. While embedding the IR mark, the one or more coordinates of the confidential area including the confidential content in the document is embedded. Finally, a printed document is output with the IR mark including the coordinates of the confidential area for later identification of the confidential content and/or use such as masking.