MFD Redaction via Scanning and Digital Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for redacting documents, such as using black pens or third-party software, are either ineffective in fully concealing information or require additional processing steps and costs, including scanning, transmitting, and re-printing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function device (MFD) with a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to select and redact portions of a document during scanning, creating a new electronic file that removes the selected information, which is then printed, ensuring the redacted content is not present in the final document.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If black pen or felt pen is used to color over text, then the text is partially concealed, but the text remains visible through the pen marks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the redaction function from manual methods and integrates it into the MFD's scanning and printing system. The device automatically removes selected portions of the document during the scanning process, creating a new electronic file with the redacted content permanently eliminated, rather than merely obscuring it with pen marks that can be seen through.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical method of manual redaction (using pens to color over text) with an electronic/digital system. The MFD uses its scanning capability to convert the document to an electronic format, then uses software to permanently remove selected portions, eliminating the need for physical manipulation and achieving secure redaction.
2Loss of information
If third party software is used to modify documents, then redaction can be achieved, but additional processing steps and costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the redaction function with the MFD's existing scanning and printing capabilities. Instead of requiring separate third-party software and multiple transmission steps, the redaction feature is integrated into the device itself, allowing users to scan, redact, and print documents through a single unified system, thereby reducing complexity and eliminating the need for additional external software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the MFD multi-functional by incorporating document redaction capability alongside its existing scanning and printing functions. This allows the single device to perform multiple document processing tasks (scanning, redacting, printing) without requiring separate specialized software or devices, thereby simplifying the overall process and reducing the number of steps users must follow.
3Loss of information
If third party software is used to process documents, then redaction is possible, but additional time and cost are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the redaction operation with the scanning and printing workflow into a single integrated process. Users can select portions to redact directly on the scanned document preview displayed on the MFD's touchscreen, and the redacted document is immediately ready for printing, eliminating the time-consuming steps of transmitting files to external software, processing them separately, and then retrieving them for printing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for redacting a document via a graphical user interface (GUI) on a multi-function device (MFD) are disclosed. For example, the method includes scanning a document, displaying the document on the GUI, receiving a selection of at least one portion of the document to redact via the GUI and creating a new document that redacts the at least one portion of the document that is selected.