Printing Control Apparatus Restricts Re-printable Copy Number Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing printing systems face security issues when image data with copy number printing is stored in a storage area, as it becomes difficult to distinguish between multiple printed copies with the same content and copy number, leading to unauthorized duplication and tracking challenges.

Innovation Solution

A printing control apparatus that restricts the combination of identification information with image data, preventing the simultaneous use of copy number printing functions and storage in a re-printable state, ensuring unique identification and tracking of printed materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If image data with copy number printing is stored in a storage area (box), then the printing system allows re-printing of stored data, but it becomes difficult to distinguish between multiple printed copies with the same content and copy number, leading to security issues and unauthorized duplication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvere-print capabilityVSAvoidcopy distinction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of copy number printing settings before storing image data in the box. When copy number printing is detected, the system proactively adds management information (flag indicating copy number printing, original copy number) to the stored data, preventing the security issue from occurring in the first place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces management information as an intermediary between the image data and the box storage system. This management information includes flags and original copy numbers that mediate the interaction between stored data and re-printing operations, enabling the system to distinguish between different copies even when they have the same content

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the printing apparatus simply stores image data with superimposed copy number images, then storage is straightforward, but the apparatus cannot recognize the embedded copy number information, making it impossible to prevent unauthorized duplication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoidcopy number recognition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces management information as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple storage and copy number recognition. This management information is stored separately from the image data but associated with it, allowing the printing apparatus to recognize copy number settings without complex image analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/image-based copy number detection (analyzing superimposed images) with an information-based system (reading management information flags). This substitution makes copy number recognition more reliable and easier to implement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If users can duplicate and re-print stored image data with copy number printing, then flexibility is improved, but two sets of printed materials with the same content and copy number can exist, compromising security

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting flexibilityVSAvoidunauthorized duplication

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by detecting when image data with copy number printing is stored in the box, and automatically adjusting subsequent printing operations. When re-printing stored data, the system checks the management information and modifies copy number assignment to prevent duplicate copy numbers, providing continuous feedback control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting copy number printing settings before re-printing operations and proactively preventing the generation of duplicate copy numbers. The control unit intervenes in advance to modify printing parameters, preventing the harmful effect of unauthorized duplication before it can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS11307816B2Printing control apparatus, printing system, and information processing apparatus to enable first and second print settings

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 CANON KK

AI summary

A printing control apparatus that transmits print data including image data and a print setting with respect to the image data to a printing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a change of the print setting with respect to the image data transmitted to the printing apparatus and a control unit configured to place a restriction that prevents print data based on a first setting value indicating that predetermined identification information is combined with image data when the image data is generated by the printing control apparatus and a second setting value indicating that the image data is stored in the printing apparatus in a re-printable state from being transmitted to the printing apparatus.