Printing Device Watermark ID for Document Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information leakage occurs when important documents are printed without identifying the source, especially when the printing device and the terminal are far apart, making it difficult to track the printed matter.
Innovation Solution
A printing device that superimposes a print retriever ID as watermark information onto electronic document data after it is stored and only outputs the document if the ID is set, ensuring that only authorized individuals can retrieve the printed matter, thereby enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If watermark information is superimposed on electronic document data at the printing instruction issuing terminal, then information indicating the printing party can be identified, but if the terminal is located far from the printing device, a third-party may take away the printed matter before the printing party reaches the device, making tracking difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing the print retriever ID in the printing device before the actual printing occurs. When a printing instruction is issued, the system immediately associates the retrieving user's ID with the document data in the printing device's storage, ensuring that even if the printed matter is taken away, the tracking information is already recorded and cannot be lost.
2Loss of time
If the print retriever ID is set before electronic document data is transmitted and stored, then the watermark information can be superimposed earlier, but this may compromise security by allowing unauthorized access before authorization is verified
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of ID setting based on the operational state. The ID setting means waits in standby until after the electronic document data is transmitted and stored, then activates to set the print retriever ID. This dynamic timing ensures that authorization verification occurs at the appropriate moment - after data is securely stored but before printing begins - optimizing both security and processing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of electronic document data are stored in the printing device, then document selection flexibility is improved, but the complexity of managing and tracking which user retrieved which document increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the ID setting means automatically records which print retriever ID corresponds to which retrieved document. When a user retrieves a document, the system provides feedback by storing the association between the retrieved document and the user's ID, enabling automatic tracking without increasing operational complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an information printing method and a printing device, which assure a higher level of security when outputting printed matter. The present invention provides a printing device comprising a document storage means for storing electronic document data generated at a printing instruction issuing terminal operated by a printing instruction issuer and transmitted from the printing instruction issuing terminal, an ID setting means for setting a print retriever ID of a print retriever who is to execute processing for outputting the electronic document data stored at the document storage means onto paper, a watermark information superimposing means for superimposing the print retriever ID having been set at the ID setting means as watermark information onto the electronic document data and a printing means for outputting the electronic document data having the watermark information superimposed thereupon by the watermark information superimposing means onto paper.