Printing Apparatus Security Level Control with Decolorable Toner
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Printing apparatuses using decolorable materials face the risk of image falsification due to the ability to erase and re-write images, which compromises document security and integrity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a security setting system that determines the security level of print data, controlling the use of decolorable material based on this level, and storing or not storing the data accordingly, along with displaying security setting options to restrict printing or content changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If images are formed with decolorable material that can be erased by heating, then sheet conservation and environmental protection are improved, but document security and integrity deteriorate due to risk of image falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into multiple functional components: a security setting unit that classifies print data into different security levels, a control unit that determines whether to use decolorable material based on security levels, and a storage unit that retains print data for verification. This segmentation allows the system to apply decolorable material selectively only to low-security prints, thereby conserving sheets while maintaining document security for high-security prints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of material type based on security level. For high-security print data, the system uses conventional non-decolorable printing material. For low-security print data, the system uses decolorable printing material that can be erased by heating. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting material properties to security requirements.
2Reliability
If print data is stored for security verification purposes, then document integrity and falsification detection are improved, but data storage requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing print data immediately when it is received, before the actual printing occurs. The storage unit retains both the print data and associated security setting data in advance, enabling later verification of document integrity without adding complex post-printing verification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary storage unit that acts as a mediator between the printing apparatus and the verification system. This storage unit holds print data and security settings, allowing verification without requiring direct access to the printing apparatus or complex real-time monitoring systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively minimizes the risk of image falsification by restricting printing with decolorable toner based on security settings, allowing secure printing and enabling the tracking of print jobs for potential falsification checks.
Implementation Method 1
a controller configured to determine a security level of print data received by the communication interface, based on security setting data for the print data, that is received by the communication interface
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a data storage, a first printer, a communication interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a security level of print data received, based on security setting data for the print data, when determining that the security level is a first security level, control the first printer to print the print data with the decolorable material and control the data storage to store the print data and the security setting data for the print data, and when determining that the security level is a second security level that is lower than the first security level, control the first printer to print the print data with the decolorable material and control the data storage not to store the print data and store the security setting data for the print data in the data storage.