Rights-Controlled Document Format for Browser-Based Access Revocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic document management systems lack the ability to provide secure, interactive, and dynamic control over documents after sharing, especially in environments where recipients may not have compatible software or accounts, and there is no effective way to revoke access or track unauthorized document sharing.
Innovation Solution
The RPD file format, which transforms an original document into an encrypted transformation document with embedded transaction IDs and controls, allowing access and interaction through standard web browsers, enables Originators to manage access, revoke rights, and gather feedback, without requiring additional software or storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Same Licensing Plan systems are used to protect document rights, then document access control is improved, but software installation costs and complexity for viewers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rights management server as an intermediary between the document originator and viewers. The server handles authentication, authorization, and rights enforcement, eliminating the need for viewers to install complex licensing software. The server mediates all access requests and enforces document rights centrally, resolving the contradiction between reliable access control and reduced software complexity for viewers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical software installation and licensing system with a web-based authentication system. Instead of requiring viewers to install and configure licensing software, the system uses web browsers with embedded authentication mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for local software installations while maintaining secure access control through centralized server-based validation.
2Reliability
If Install App companion software is required for viewing documents, then document security is improved, but ease of access for viewers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the viewing system universal by supporting multiple platforms and devices through a web-based interface. The rights management server communicates with standard web browsers, allowing documents to be viewed on any device with a browser (desktop, mobile, tablet) without requiring device-specific companion software. This universality maintains security through centralized control while dramatically improving ease of access for viewers.
Solution Approach 2:
The rights management server acts as an intermediary that enables secure document viewing without requiring viewers to install specialized software. The server handles all security operations remotely, including authentication, document delivery, and rights enforcement, allowing viewers to access protected documents through standard web browsers on any platform.
3Productivity
If Centralized Storage systems are used to manage documents, then document distribution is improved, but protection against unauthorized copying deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding rights management metadata and authentication mechanisms into documents before distribution. Documents are prepared with embedded rights information, digital signatures, and authentication tokens that prevent unauthorized copying. This preliminary protection is maintained throughout the distribution process via the centralized server, which validates rights on each access attempt and can revoke permissions remotely, thus protecting against unauthorized copying while maintaining distribution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The rights management server implements continuous feedback monitoring of document access and usage. It tracks viewer authentication, document viewing events, and access patterns in real-time. This feedback enables the system to detect and respond to unauthorized copying attempts, revoke permissions when violations are detected, and maintain protection throughout the document lifecycle while supporting efficient centralized distribution.
4Loss of information
If account creation is required for document viewing, then access tracking is improved, but platform fees and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where viewers can access documents through their existing organizational credentials or email addresses without requiring separate account creation on the document management platform. The rights management server integrates with existing identity providers, allowing viewers to authenticate using credentials they already possess. This eliminates the need for additional account setup, reduces platform fees, and maintains access tracking capabilities through automatic credential verification and logging.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic document transformation and sharing system and method that allows a document originator control over an electronic document shared by the document originator with at least one recipient. An input device receives an original electronic document and document-specific controls instructions pertaining to said original electronic document. By transformation, a new encrypted transformation document is created from an original electronic document, the encrypted transformation document having a transaction ID and controls instructions embedded. A recipient, if authorized, may view the encrypted transformation document after decryption within the limits set by the controls instructions such as time span over which the document may be viewed or the number of times it may be viewed.