Text Modification System for Confidential Document Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for masking sensitive information in documents are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when dealing with large volumes, as they require creating multiple copies and can compromise confidentiality if sensitive information is accidentally left unmasked.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for masking text in documents that allows users to select and modify print jobs to obscure specific text elements with a user interface, using a text modification system that applies masks to the print job data stream, enabling color highlighting or replacement of text elements without altering the original document.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional masking methods (correction pen or cover-up tape) are used on hardcopy documents, then sensitive information can be masked, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires creating multiple copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical masking operations (correction pens, cover-up tape) with an automated digital printing system. The system intercepts print jobs, identifies sensitive information through pattern recognition or user-defined criteria, and automatically applies masking patterns during the digital printing process, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing processing time while maintaining confidentiality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs masking preparation in advance by analyzing the document content before printing. It identifies sensitive information elements and pre-configures masking patterns and parameters, so that when the document is printed, the masking is already embedded in the digital print stream, eliminating the need for post-printing manual masking operations.
2Reliability
If multiple copies are created for masking verification, then confidentiality can be ensured, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is enhanced to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the document reproduction device and the masking application device. The system integrates document analysis, sensitive information detection, masking pattern generation, and print output in a single unified process, eliminating the need for separate copying and verification steps while ensuring confidentiality through automated control.
3Reliability
If manual masking is performed on large volumes of documents, then individual attention can be given to each document, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated document analysis and sensitive information detection capabilities that allow documents to effectively mask themselves without human intervention. The system uses pattern recognition, keyword matching, or user-defined criteria to automatically identify sensitive information and apply appropriate masking patterns, enabling high-volume processing while maintaining consistent accuracy across all documents.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of masking parameters such as pattern type, opacity, and target information criteria based on document content and user preferences. This enables flexible, automated masking that adapts to different document types and sensitivity levels, maintaining high accuracy across diverse volumes without requiring manual reconfiguration for each document.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for masking text in a rendered copy of an original document includes a text modification system which is configured to receive a print job from an application and modify the print job in accordance with a print job description, whereby when rendered on an output device, a selected text element is masked. A user interface is configured to receive instructions from a user to build the print job description including instructions for selecting text elements to be masked.