Print Data Confidentiality Routing via Segmented Rasterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to enhance printing productivity while ensuring the confidentiality of highly confidential print data, particularly when rasterization processing is performed in environments with varying security levels, such as on-premise and cloud environments.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that determines the degree of confidentiality of print data and selectively requests rasterization processing from either an on-premise or cloud-based server, ensuring that highly confidential data is processed in a secure environment and less confidential data can be handled in a less secure environment, thereby balancing productivity and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rasterization processing is performed in a cloud environment or external environment, then printing productivity is increased, but the confidentiality of highly confidential print data cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting productivityVSAvoidconfidentiality of print data

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments print data into multiple types based on confidentiality levels (highly confidential, confidential, and non-confidential). Different rasterization processing paths are assigned to different data types: highly confidential data is processed locally on the image forming apparatus, while less confidential data can be processed externally. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing productivity improvement for non-critical data while maintaining security for critical data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different security policies to different parts of the system based on local requirements. The image forming apparatus itself maintains high security for processing highly confidential data, while external servers or workstations can operate with lower security constraints for processing less confidential data. This local quality approach allows the system as a whole to achieve higher productivity without compromising the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If rasterization processing is performed only in an on-premise environment, then confidentiality of print data is maintained, but printing productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfidentiality of print dataVSAvoidprinting productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the rasterization processing workload into segments based on data confidentiality. Highly confidential data remains processed locally, while less confidential data is segmented out and processed externally. This segmentation allows the system to maintain confidentiality requirements while improving overall productivity through parallel processing and external resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic decision-making based on the confidentiality level of each print job. The system dynamically selects the appropriate processing path (local or external) depending on the specific data being processed. This dynamic approach allows flexibility to maximize productivity for non-critical jobs while maintaining security for critical jobs, rather than using a static one-size-fits-all approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If print data is transmitted to external devices for rasterization, then processing capability is enhanced, but the risk of data leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoiddata leakage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments print data based on confidentiality levels and routes different segments to appropriate processing locations. Highly confidential data segments are processed locally to eliminate transmission risks, while less confidential data segments can be transmitted to external devices for enhanced processing capability. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling external processing only where it doesn't compromise security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the image forming apparatus controller) that acts as a gatekeeper between internal highly confidential data and external processing resources. The controller determines which data can be safely transmitted externally and which must remain internal. This intermediary protects against data leakage by preventing unauthorized transmission of highly confidential data while still allowing beneficial external processing for less sensitive data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12260135B2Information processing device, printing system, and non-transitory computer readable medium for preventing leakage of confidential data contained in print data

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing device includes a processor configured to: recognize, based on a predetermined condition, a degree of confidentiality of acquired print data; request a first apparatus that is installed in an internal environment in which the first apparatus is installed or that is installed in an environment that requires authentication processing for access to perform rasterization processing on print data that is recognized as having a high degree of confidentiality; and request a second apparatus, which is different from the first apparatus, to perform rasterization processing on print data that is recognized as not having a high degree of confidentiality.