PDF Form Encryption with Distributed Decryption Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data transferred over networks is vulnerable to interception and modification, leading to adverse consequences for senders and recipients, and existing methods for processing data from images or paper forms are error-prone and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods for encrypting data within electronic documents, such as PDF forms, using encryption keys to secure sensitive information and allowing decryption by authorized users, while utilizing standard document viewers for accessibility and reducing network bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is transferred over a network in electronic form, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but data security and vulnerability to interception worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by encrypting data before it is transmitted over the network. The encryption process converts sensitive information into an unreadable format prior to transmission, so that even if interception occurs, the data remains protected. This pre-encryption step ensures that data security is maintained while still allowing efficient electronic transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing encrypted data as a mediator between the original sensitive information and the network transmission process. The encrypted form acts as a protective layer that allows data to be transmitted electronically without exposing the underlying sensitive information to potential interceptors.
2Productivity
If data is converted from image or paper form to computer-readable form, then data processing capability is improved, but error propagation risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing validation and error checking during the data conversion process from image or paper form to computer-readable form. By checking for errors before the data is fully processed and stored, the system can identify and correct issues early, preventing error propagation through subsequent processing stages while still maintaining high data processing capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If centralized decryption is used to secure data, then data security is improved, but network resource consumption and processing time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the decryption process into distributed operations rather than requiring centralized decryption. Different systems or users can decrypt their respective data locally using their own encryption keys, which eliminates the need for all data to be sent to a central decryption point. This reduces network resource consumption and processing time while maintaining data security through the use of distributed key management.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for encryption and authentication are disclosed. A system receives a document request over a network from a first computer system, the document comprising a plurality of fields configured to receive input data. The document is transmitted to the first computer system. Context data and the document, including field input data, are received from the first computer system. An encryption key is generated and used to encrypt the document field input data and the context data. A payload is generated including the encrypted document field input data, the encrypted context data, and a non-encrypted identifier linked to the key. The payload and an image of the document are provided to a second computer system. The document image is viewable using a portable document format viewer. A decryption key request including the identifier linked to the key is received. The decryption key is provided to the second computer system to decrypt the encrypted field input data and the encrypted context data.