Image Data Encryption Key Control for Secure Scan Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Multi-Function Peripherals (MFPs) lack effective security measures to protect sensitive information transmitted via scanned files, particularly in scenarios where unauthorized access may occur.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an image obtaining device with a controller that encrypts image data using a unique encryption key and transmits it to an authorized terminal, while withholding the key in certain situations to enhance security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the encryption key is transmitted to the terminal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the information security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidinformation security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transmission behavior of the encryption key based on user authorization status. When authorization is granted, the key is transmitted to enable decryption; when authorization is denied, the key is withheld to maintain security. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives feedback information about user authorization status and adjusts its behavior accordingly. The feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized access attempts, transmitting the encryption key only when necessary and appropriate, thus balancing operational ease with information security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the image data is encrypted, then the information security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation securityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The encryption key acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the encrypted image data and the terminal. When the key is transmitted, it enables the terminal to decrypt and access the image data; when withheld, it prevents unauthorized access. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain security while providing operational ease to authorized users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the encryption key is not transmitted to the terminal, then the information security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation securityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains dynamic control over encryption key transmission based on real-time authorization status. The controller evaluates authorization information and adjusts key transmission behavior accordingly, ensuring that encrypted image data remains inaccessible to unauthorized users while remaining accessible to authorized users who need to view the images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12621401B2Communication system and image obtaining device configured to transmit image data and to transmit encryption key, nontransitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer readable instructions for image obtaining device, and controlling method for image obtaining device

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image obtaining device includes a communication interface configured to communicate with a terminal and a controller in communication with the communication interface. The controller configured to: generate encrypted image data using an encryption key and image data received by the controller, transmit the encrypted image data to the terminal via the communication interface; and transmit the encryption key to the terminal via the communication interface in a first situation, wherein the encryption key is not transmitted to the terminal in a second situation different from the first situation.