Selective Document Redaction via Authorization-Based Page Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling access to electronic documents, particularly PDFs, are inadequate as they either allow full access or deny access entirely, failing to provide selective redaction and protection of privileged content, which is time-consuming and vulnerable to reverse engineering, especially in large volumes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that dynamically controls redacted content in electronic documents based on user authorization levels, allowing selective display of page records and redacted page images, with pre-computed high and low resolution copies stored in a database, enabling real-time updates and protection of privileged content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full access or complete denial of PDF content is provided, then access control is simple to implement, but selective protection of privileged content is not achieved and privilege leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PDF document into individual page records, allowing selective redaction at the page level rather than treating the entire document as a single unit. This enables fine-grained access control where different users can see different subsets of pages, resolving the contradiction by providing selective protection without requiring complete document duplication for each user group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different redaction qualities to different pages within the same document. Each page record can have its own redaction status and authorization level, allowing privileged content on specific pages to be protected while other pages remain accessible. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by enabling selective protection without system-wide complexity.
2Reliability
If static redacted versions are created for different user groups, then privileged content is protected from reverse engineering, but the system becomes time-consuming to update and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic redaction where the redacted view is generated on-demand based on user authorization levels rather than pre-generating static redacted versions. The system dynamically determines which pages to redact for each user group, allowing updates to propagate automatically without manual re-redaction. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining security through dynamic generation while eliminating the time-consuming update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of the master PDF document for different user groups, where each copy contains only the pages appropriate for that user's authorization level. These virtual copies are generated on-demand from the master document, allowing secure distribution without requiring physical duplication or manual re-redaction. This resolves the contradiction by providing secure copies that are automatically updated from the master document.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple duplicate PDF records are created for different authorization levels, then selective access control is achieved, but storage efficiency decreases and version control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple authorization-level-specific page records are contained within a single master PDF document structure. Each user group sees only the pages relevant to their authorization level, but all pages are stored in one unified document. This resolves the contradiction by providing authorization-level adaptability while minimizing storage requirements through shared document structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal master PDF document that serves all user groups simultaneously, with the system dynamically determining which pages to display based on user authorization. This single multi-functional document replaces the need for multiple duplicate PDF records, resolving the contradiction by providing authorization adaptability while reducing storage volume.
4Reliability
If real-time dynamic redaction is implemented for multiple words and pages, then selective content protection is achieved, but system performance becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of pages into authorization-level groups during document creation or initial processing. The system pre-determines which pages belong to which authorization levels and stores this mapping in the database. When users access the document, the system quickly retrieves the pre-organized pages for their authorization level without performing real-time redaction analysis. This resolves the contradiction by providing selective content protection while maintaining fast access speeds through preliminary organization.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method of selectively controlling redacted content from an electronic document having one or more pages is provided. The method includes providing a file record associated with the electronic document and one or more page records within the file record. Each page record corresponds to the one or more pages in the electronic document. For each page with redacted content, one or more redacted page image records are provided and each redacted page image record is associated with an authorization level. The one or more page records are selectively displayed and the one or more redacted page image records are selectively displayed based on the authorization level associated with a user viewing the electronic document.