Print Image Tracking via Virtual Driver Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively prevent the fraudulent distribution of printed documents, as they rely on specific dedicated printers and do not adequately deter internal users from printing and distributing confidential information.
Innovation Solution
A computer-readable recording medium and method that adds tracking information to print data, using a print management unit to intercept print requests and a virtual driver to generate tracking print image data, which is then printed, regardless of the printer type, to discourage distribution by embedding identifying information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated (specified) printers are used for security printing, then tracking information can be embedded to identify document sources, but the adaptability to different printer types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal print management system that can embed tracking information in print data regardless of the printer type. The system intercepts print requests at the software level and adds tracking information before transmission to the printer, making the security feature adaptable to various printer models without requiring dedicated security printers.
2Reliability
If tracking information is added to all print data, then fraudulent distribution can be discouraged by identifying document sources, but the device complexity increases due to the need for interception and modification of print requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print management unit as an intermediary component that sits between the application and the printer driver. This unit intercepts print requests, adds tracking information, and forwards the modified print data to the printer. By placing the tracking functionality at this intermediary level, the system achieves traceability without requiring complex modifications to individual applications or printers.
3Reliability
If print requests are intercepted and modified to add tracking information, then security is enhanced, but the processing time may increase due to the additional interception and modification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements tracking information addition as a preliminary action that occurs during the print request interception phase, before the actual printing process begins. By embedding the tracking data in advance during the software processing stage, the system enhances security without adding time to the physical printing operation itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A print image generating program is capable of printing information that discourages fraudulent distribution of printed documents, irrespective of the type of printer. A print image generating apparatus has an application, a printer driver, a print management unit, and a virtual driver, and is designed to add tracking information that discourages distribution of printed documents when print data is printed. The print management unit monitors print requests from the application. When detecting a print request which was output from the application to the printer driver, the print management unit acquires and interrupts the print request destined for the printer driver. When the virtual driver receives a command from the print management unit, it acquires print data and tracking information, and generates tracking print image data by adding the tracking information to the print data, and gives the generated data to the printer driver.