Secure Postage Printing via Browser Content Object Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current general purpose user interface applications lack the necessary security and precision for printing Value Bearing Indicia (VBI), leading to issues like fraud, misprints, and inconvenience due to the open nature of these applications, which deter users from using online VBI purchasing services.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that restricts the use of VBI by sending a content object with defined parameters through a general purpose interface application, preventing unauthorized copying, printing, and precise location control, allowing secure and precise printing of VBI without requiring specialized metering software or hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized metering hardware and software are installed on user computers to provide secure postage printing, then security and printing precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web browser as an intermediary between the user and the postage printing system. The browser receives controlled content objects from a remote server that include embedded parameters restricting copying, printing, and display. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for specialized metering hardware and software while maintaining security through remote control of the content object parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical specialized metering hardware and software system with an electronic remote server system that controls printing through content objects. The server sends controlled content objects to the user's general purpose computer, replacing the need for local specialized hardware with a remote electronic control mechanism.
2Reliability
If specialized metering hardware and software are installed on user computers to provide secure postage printing, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The web browser serves as a user-friendly intermediary that automatically handles security control. Users simply request postage through the browser, and the system automatically receives controlled content objects with embedded restrictions. This eliminates the need for users to install, configure, or maintain specialized metering software while maintaining strong security through automated remote control.
3Ease of operation
If general purpose interface applications are used to print VBI, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to open nature of the application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding security control parameters directly into the content object before it reaches the user's computer. The content object includes predefined restrictions that prevent copying, printing, and display manipulation. This preliminary embedding of control parameters ensures security is established before the user can potentially violate it, while maintaining ease of operation through automatic enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled content object acts as an intermediary between the general purpose browser and the VBI printing function. This intermediary contains embedded parameters that restrict the browser's ability to copy, print, or manipulate the VBI, thereby maintaining security while preserving the ease of operation characteristic of general purpose applications.
4Reliability
If content objects with defined parameters are sent through general purpose interface applications, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the general purpose web browser universal by enabling it to handle both standard web browsing functions and secure VBI printing through controlled content objects. The browser's existing multi-functional capabilities are leveraged to provide security control without requiring separate specialized hardware or software systems, thereby improving security while avoiding additional device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to systems and methods which restrict the use of Value Bearing Indicia (VBI) such that a general purpose interface application can be used to securely and/or precisely print VBI. A method and/or system of embodiments of the invention, includes a general purpose interface application being operated on a general purpose processor to request VBI, and in response to that request, receiving a content object comprising both the VBI and defined parameters which are controlled such that the general purpose interface application's use of the VBI is restricted.