Metadata Obfuscation for Secure Variable Data Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable data printing (VDP) technologies face challenges in securely configuring print settings based on metadata without disclosing personal information, as existing encryption methods require decryption during the printing process, which can lead to information exposure and decrease printing performance.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that replaces common information between conditional print settings and metadata with unique information, allowing for secure printing configuration without decrypting metadata, thus preventing information exposure and maintaining printing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encryption is performed on the document to prevent disclosure of metadata, then information security is improved, but decryption is required during printing which decreases printing performance and may expose information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing obfuscation processing on the metadata before the printing process begins. The host computer replaces identifiable information in the metadata with unique identifiers (GUIDs) in advance, so that the printer receives already-obfuscated data and can print without needing to decrypt or process sensitive information, thus maintaining high printing performance while ensuring information security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If metadata is decrypted during the printing process to enable variable print settings, then printing functionality is improved, but personal information may be exposed to third parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensitive personal information from the metadata and replaces it with unique identifiers (GUIDs) before sending the data to the printer. The host computer separates the identifiable information from the printing control data, keeping only the GUIDs in the transmitted metadata. This allows the printer to perform variable print settings based on the GUIDs without ever accessing or exposing the actual personal information, thus maintaining both printing functionality and information security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces unique identifiers (GUIDs) as an intermediary between the original metadata and the printing process. These GUIDs serve as mediators that carry the necessary information for variable print settings while preventing direct exposure of personal information. The GUIDs act as a bridge that allows the printer to access metadata information without revealing sensitive data to third parties.
3Reliability
If the entire print job is encrypted to prevent disclosure, then information security is improved, but variable print settings cannot be configured without decrypting metadata
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing obfuscation processing on the metadata before the printing process begins. The host computer replaces identifiable information in the metadata with unique identifiers (GUIDs) in advance, so that the printer receives already-obfuscated data and can print without needing to decrypt or process sensitive information, thus maintaining high printing performance while ensuring information security.
Data Source
AI summary
A document for variable printing and print settings including a conditional print setting that depends on metadata included in the document are received, information that is common between the conditional print setting and metadata included in the document is replaced with unique information, and printing is instructed using the conditional print setting and the document in which the common information is replaced with the unique information.