Image Management Server Anti-Counterfeit Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses connected to networks face challenges in securely transferring and managing anti-counterfeit information, as existing methods require complex device configurations and frequent inquiries for printing control, leading to potential security breaches and operational complications.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a control unit that adds image attribute information to image data and determines treatment permissions based on the presence of anti-counterfeit information, classifying data and restricting access to ensure secure transfer only when specific conditions are met, including device compatibility and access rights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-counterfeit information is transferred between image forming apparatuses through a network, then security of image data is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for compatibility verification and access control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image management server as an intermediary that centralizes the management of anti-counterfeit information. The server stores tint block data and handles distribution to authorized image forming apparatuses, eliminating the need for complex peer-to-peer verification mechanisms between devices. The server acts as a trusted mediator that manages access rights and ensures secure transfer of anti-counterfeit information.
Solution Approach 2:
The image management server performs multiple functions: storing anti-counterfeit information, verifying device compatibility, managing access rights, and controlling information distribution. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional server, the system avoids the complexity of implementing each function separately in every image forming apparatus.
2Reliability
If access control mechanisms are implemented for attribute information added image data, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent inquiries and permission checks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing access rights and device compatibility in the image management server before actual image transfer operations. The server pre-loads tint block information and pre-verifies which devices are authorized to receive specific anti-counterfeit information. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for frequent runtime inquiries and permission checks during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The image management server implements a feedback mechanism where devices automatically report their capabilities and receive authorization tokens. The server continuously monitors and updates access rights based on device status and compatibility, providing real-time feedback without requiring manual intervention. This automated feedback loop simplifies operation by eliminating repeated manual permission checks.
3Reliability
If anti-counterfeit information is prepared and held in advance for each printer, then printing security is improved, but device complexity increases due to need to store multiple printer-specific tint blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the function of storing and managing multiple printer-specific anti-counterfeit information from individual image forming apparatuses and relocates it to a centralized image management server. Each device only needs to store minimal identification information, while the server holds the complete database of tint blocks for various printer types. This extraction eliminates the complexity of maintaining local copies of multiple printer-specific information sets.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of each device storing complete anti-counterfeit information sets, the system uses copying where the server creates and distributes appropriate tint block copies to authorized devices based on their specific capabilities. Devices receive only the specific anti-counterfeit information they need, rather than maintaining comprehensive local libraries, reducing storage and management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus, an image management method and an image management program in which a security of image data to which anti-counterfeit information and the like is added can be ensured. The image forming apparatus connected to the network has an image data forming unit which forms the image data, and a control unit which prohibits transference of anti-counterfeit added image data in which the anti-counterfeit information is added to the image data between devices connected to the network. Thus, since the transference of the anti-counterfeit added image data is prohibited in general, security of the anti-counterfeit added image data can be improved.