Style Sheet Formatting Control for Protected Content Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
General purpose user interface applications, such as web browsers, are not compatible with the security requirements for protecting value bearing indicia (VBI) from unauthorized access, copying, or printing due to their open nature, which allows users to easily manipulate and duplicate protected content.
Innovation Solution
Implementing style sheet based formatting control and client-side scripting to hide protected content from display and ensure it is only printed, using two style sheets to control display and print operations, and utilizing separate windows or pages to manage access, thereby preventing interaction with protected content during printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If general purpose user interface applications are used for remote metering operations, then user experience and accessibility are improved, but security protection of value bearing indicia is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content delivery into two distinct style sheets: one for display purposes and one for printing purposes. The display style sheet hides the actual VBI while showing a sample, while the print style sheet reveals the actual VBI only during the printing process. This segmentation allows the system to maintain security while enabling legitimate printing operations through general purpose applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces style sheets as an intermediary layer between the protected content and the user interface application. These style sheets act as mediators that control what content is visible and printable, preventing direct access to the actual VBI while allowing authorized printing operations through the print style sheet.
2Productivity
If protected content is made accessible for printing, then legitimate printing operations are enabled, but unauthorized copying and manipulation become possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality attributes to different parts of the content through style sheets. The display style sheet applies a hidden attribute to the actual VBI while showing a sample, and the print style sheet applies a visible attribute only during printing. This local quality differentiation enables legitimate printing while preventing unauthorized copying and manipulation.
3Reliability
If specialized metering technology is implemented, then security protection is improved, but system complexity and user accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the style sheet system universal by using standard web technologies that work with any general purpose user interface application, particularly web browsers. Instead of requiring specialized metering software, the system uses universally available HTML and CSS style sheets to provide security protection, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods which prevent or limit access to protected content (e.g., value bearing indicia (VBI)) by a general purpose user interface application (e.g., web browser) are shown. Embodiments implement techniques to avoid displaying protected content by a general purpose user interface application, or displaying protected content during a time in which a user does not have access to particular functions of the general purpose user interface application, to protect the content from various operations, such as repeated printing, electronic copying, etc. Data presentation formatting control in the form of style sheets may be utilized to control access to content. Additionally or alternatively, executable code or an executable object may be implemented within a page or other content to control access to content. Similarly, separate areas, such as windows or pages, may be utilized to control access to content.