IM Plugin Module for Streaming Content Copy Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Instant Messenger (IM) platforms lack the ability to prevent unauthorized copying of streaming content, such as screenshots or screen recordings, during online content-sharing sessions, exposing sensitive corporate data to theft or misuse.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in module based on a trampoline function is used in conjunction with a host module to prevent unauthorized copying by interacting with the Operating System (OS) of participant systems, allowing the host of the session to dictate privacy preferences and control copying permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IM platforms allow free copying of streaming content, then ease of operation is improved, but data security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plug-in module as an intermediary component that sits between the IM platform and the participant systems. This plug-in module intercepts and controls copying operations by injecting code into the participant systems, thereby mediating between the need for easy content sharing and the requirement for data security. The plug-in acts as a gatekeeper that can selectively allow or block copying based on host preferences.
2Reliability
If IM platforms implement strict copying prevention, then data security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of copying permissions through host preferences that can be adjusted during the online session. The system transitions from static copying prevention to dynamic permission management, where the host can real-time modify who can copy content and under what conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt security levels based on the specific needs of each session and participant.
3Reliability
If a plug-in module is deployed to control copying, then data security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plug-in module is designed to self-install and self-configure on participant systems without requiring manual intervention or complex deployment procedures. The module automatically detects the IM platform environment, injects itself into the appropriate processes, and configures its operation based on host preferences transmitted through the IM platform. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity despite the increased architectural complexity.
4Reliability
If kernel-specific interfaces are used to prevent copying, then data security is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the plug-in module with universal functionality that can operate across different operating systems and IM platforms. By using standard plugin architectures and abstracting the kernel-specific interfaces through a common control layer, the system achieves multi-platform compatibility. The plug-in can adapt to different OS environments (Windows, macOS, Linux) while maintaining consistent security functionality through standardized interfaces and configuration protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in module, which, in combination with a host module, prevents unauthorized copying—like screen captures, screenshots, or screen recordings—of the streaming content provided to a participant in an online content-sharing session via an Instant Messenger (IM) service. The plug-in module may be a part of an IM application running on the participant's system or the host module may transmit a self-installing plug-in module to the participant's system upon receiving an indication that a user is hosting the online session. The plug-in module provides kernel-specific interface of the participant system's Operating System (OS) to the host module, which, then sends an OS-specific instruction to the plug-in module to trigger the OS to disable or control the copying of the streaming content as specified in a privacy preference received from the user hosting the online session. In this manner, sensitive and critical business data may be conveniently and securely shared online.