Information Processing Apparatus for Secure Customer Data Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for printing customer information with associated image information on products are costly and time-consuming, as they require external printing companies to handle sensitive customer data securely, involving complex processes and substantial resources.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that receives customer information, acquires the state of a printed recording medium, and associates it with image information via a print job, using a system that includes a server, label printer, and digital camera to manage and deliver products with securely linked customer and image data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If customer information is outsourced to an external printing company for secure printing, then customer data security is improved, but processing time and costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensitive customer information from the outsourcing process by implementing local printing capabilities at the image forming apparatus. The system acquires identification information from the printed recording medium and performs customer data association locally, eliminating the need to outsource customer information to external printing companies while maintaining security and reducing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an identification information medium (such as a barcode or QR code) as an intermediary element on the printed recording medium. This intermediary carries customer identification data that can be read locally, enabling the system to associate customer information without direct access to sensitive data or external printing services, thus balancing security with efficiency
2Reliability
If customer information is outsourced to an external printing company for secure printing, then customer data security is improved, but processing costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the costly outsourcing operation by enabling the image forming apparatus to handle customer information association locally. The apparatus reads identification information from the printed medium and associates it with customer data internally, eliminating substantial outsourcing costs while maintaining security through controlled local access
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service functionality where the image forming apparatus autonomously performs customer information association by reading identification information from the printed recording medium. This self-service capability eliminates dependency on external printing companies, reducing processing costs while maintaining data security through automated local processing
3Measurement precision
If identification information is assigned to customer information for secure printing, then data association accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing identification information (such as barcodes or QR codes) directly on the printed recording medium at the specific location where printing occurs. This localized identification enables precise association of customer data with the printed output without requiring complex centralized tracking systems, thereby improving accuracy while minimizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual data tracking systems with optical recognition technology. The image forming apparatus uses an image reader to optically capture identification information from the printed medium, automatically associating it with customer data through digital processing. This substitution of optical-digital systems for mechanical-traditional systems improves association accuracy while reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives customer information of a customer to whom a product is to be delivered, and image information to be printed on the product, an acquisition unit that acquires a state of a recording medium having an image printed thereon from the image information received by the receiving unit, and an associating unit that associates via a print job the state of the recording medium acquired by the acquisition unit with the customer information received by the receiving unit.