Image Processing Apparatus Security via Embedded Document Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems burden users with the need to enter passwords for copying sensitive documents, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that embeds security information as a detectable pattern within the document, allowing or prohibiting copying operations based on pre-set conditions, eliminating the need for user input of passwords by using a document read-out state as the security feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a password entry system is used to control copying of confidential documents, then security is improved, but user operation becomes burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects copy prohibition information embedded in the document and controls copying operations without requiring user intervention. The copy machine itself performs the security verification by reading the embedded information and automatically deciding whether to permit copying, eliminating the need for users to manually enter passwords or identify themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The security verification function is extracted from the user operation process and integrated into the document itself through embedded copy prohibition information. The security control mechanism is separated from manual authentication and embedded directly in the document flow, allowing automatic detection and control without user involvement.
2Reliability
If copy prohibition information is embedded in documents to prevent illegal copying, then security is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security control function is merged with the document processing flow. The copy prohibition information is embedded within the document itself, and the detection mechanism is integrated into the existing reading and copying processes, allowing security verification to occur as a natural part of document handling without requiring separate complex authentication systems.
Data Source
AI summary
When an image of a read out document is acquired, an MFP obtains information of a read out state of the image (document orientation or the like) or a copy setting information (magnification and the like), qualified as the copy permissive condition embedded in the image. Copying is permitted only when the read out state of the image or the copy setting of the image matches the permissive condition embedded in the image.