Document Protection Mechanism for Traceable Restricted Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing document sharing systems fail to prevent unauthorized replication and distribution of restricted-access data when shared as editable documents, posing a significant risk to data providers.

Innovation Solution

Implement a document protection mechanism that includes adding duplication identifiers, generating alerts for duplication attempts, and restricting access levels to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution of protected content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If documents are shared as editable documents to enable easy distribution and access, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but security and control over data replication deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of document distributionVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses digital watermarking technology to embed invisible duplication identifiers into copied document portions. This allows the system to track and trace unauthorized replications while maintaining the ability to share documents freely. The watermarking technique enables security monitoring without restricting legitimate document distribution and collaboration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The server system acts as an intermediary between document creators and recipients, managing document distribution, authentication, and duplication tracking. The server validates user credentials, controls access rights, and monitors document usage, thereby enabling easy distribution while maintaining security through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If duplication protection mechanisms are implemented to prevent unauthorized copying, then data security is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The document protection mechanism operates automatically without requiring user intervention. The system self-monitors document access, detects duplication attempts, and embeds watermarks autonomously. This automation maintains strong security while keeping the user experience simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex physical security measures with digital watermarking and server-based monitoring. Instead of using cumbersome access controls or physical document protection, the system uses invisible digital identifiers and automated tracking, thereby maintaining security while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If read-only mode is enforced to prevent copying, then data security is improved, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddocument collaboration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different access rights to different users and document portions. Authorized users can edit specific sections while the overall document remains protected. This selective access control enables collaboration on specific areas while maintaining security, thereby balancing productivity with data protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows users to copy and share document portions for legitimate collaboration purposes while automatically embedding watermarks to track the source. This enables productive document sharing and collaboration while maintaining security through traceability, without requiring strict read-only restrictions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12450373B2Document protection mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.10.21 NUVOLO TECHNOLOGIES CORP
  • US12450373B2 patent drawing
  • US12450373B2 patent drawing
  • US12450373B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for secure document sharing. The method includes receiving, from a server system, metadata associated with a document stored by the server system. The document includes protected data. A user input including a request to access the document stored by the server system is received. The user input is processed to validate the request. A display of the document in a read only mode is generated. A user attempt to duplicate of at least one portion of the document presented for display is detected. A duplication identifier is added to the at least one portion of the document. The duplication identifier is indicative of a duplication source of the document presented for display.