Host Apparatus Encryption Logic for Secure Print Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional secure printing solutions rely on pre-installed encryption and decryption modules, which are vulnerable to security breaches if leaked, as they are not user-selectable and stored on both host and image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing user-selectable and programmable encryption and decryption logic, where the host apparatus displays a setting screen for users to choose and edit encryption and decryption logic, and only transmits the necessary logic to the image forming apparatus on demand, ensuring that decryption logic is not stored on the image forming apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-installed encryption and decryption modules are used in conventional secure printing solutions, then encryption and decryption functions are provided, but security is vulnerable if the modules leak since they are stored on both host and image forming apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the decryption logic from the image forming apparatus and relocates it to the host apparatus. Only encryption logic is stored in the image forming apparatus, while decryption logic is transmitted temporarily during the printing process and then deleted. This extraction eliminates the security vulnerability of having decryption logic permanently stored in the image forming apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporary transmission mechanism as an intermediary for decryption logic. The decryption logic is transmitted from the host apparatus to the image forming apparatus only when needed for printing, and is automatically deleted after use. This intermediary approach ensures that sensitive decryption logic is not permanently stored in the image forming apparatus.
2Reliability
If users are given the ability to select and program encryption and decryption logic, then security is improved by reducing logic leaks, but device complexity and ease of operation are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to independently select and configure encryption and decryption logic through a user interface on the host apparatus. Users can choose from multiple encryption algorithms and customize their security settings according to their needs. This self-service approach allows users to take control of their own security configurations without requiring complex system-level changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic encryption logic selection where users can change encryption algorithms and parameters based on different printing needs and security requirements. The system adapts to user preferences and can switch between different encryption schemes, providing flexibility while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If decryption logic is transmitted to the image forming apparatus on demand and then deleted, then security is improved by preventing storage leaks, but loss of time occurs during transmission and deletion operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of decryption logic only when printing operations are required, rather than maintaining continuous storage. The decryption logic is transmitted, used immediately for decryption, and then deleted. This periodic action minimizes the time window during which decryption logic exists in the image forming apparatus, reducing security risks.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, a host apparatus, and an encryption method for print data, the method of encrypting the print data of the host apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus including: displaying an encryption setting screen for the print data; selecting an encryption logic to encrypt the print data through the encryption setting screen; converting the print data according to the selected encryption logic; and transmitting the converted print data to the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, the print data is encrypted and decrypted on the basis of the selected encryption logic and corresponding decryption logic set up according to users, thereby increasing security.