Secure Print Job Identification via Encrypted Header Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encryption print techniques face challenges in securely identifying and decrypting user-specific print jobs stored in a printer, as conventional methods require unsafe procedures and fail to maintain security against wiretapping and falsification.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and print control apparatus that utilize a code reception unit, random number generation and encryption, and code conversion to securely identify and decrypt user-specific print jobs using a personal identification code, eliminating the need for unsafe procedures and maintaining security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If print data is transmitted unencrypted from host to printer, then transmission speed and simplicity are improved, but security against wiretapping and falsification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting the print data before transmission on the host side. The encryption is performed in advance, so that during transmission the data is already protected, eliminating the need for separate security measures during transmission while maintaining both speed and security.
2Reliability
If print data is encrypted before transmission, then security against wiretapping and falsification is improved, but the ability to identify user-specific jobs among multiple stored jobs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print data into two parts: an encrypted main body and an unencrypted header. The header contains identification information that remains accessible for job identification, while the main body is encrypted for security. This segmentation allows both security and ease of operation to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the unencrypted header - that mediates between the encrypted data and the identification requirement. The header acts as a bridge that allows users to identify their jobs without exposing the encrypted content, solving the contradiction between security and identifiability.
3Productivity
If the printer automatically prints received data without storage, then productivity is improved, but security against unauthorized access to printed materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing encrypted print data in the printer's storage unit before printing. This preliminary storage of encrypted data allows the system to maintain security while enabling later printing operations. The encryption is already in place before the data is stored or printed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automatic decryption and printing based on user identification. When a user identifies their job (e.g., through card insertion or code input), the printer automatically decrypts and prints the data without manual intervention, maintaining both security and productivity.
4Ease of operation
If user identification code is transmitted unencrypted from printer to host, then ease of job retrieval is improved, but security against code interception and falsification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting the identification code before transmission from the printer to the host. The encryption is performed in advance, so the code is protected during transmission, allowing secure job retrieval without exposing the identification code to interception or falsification.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus, which encrypts print data (PDL), receives a personal identification code (PIN) input by a user, generates a random number (rnd), encrypts the generated random number by using the personal identification code or an encryption key generated based on the personal identification code, converts the personal identification code by using a predetermined function, and encrypts print data by using the random number as an encryption key, thereby maintaining security in the printing.