Virtual Printer Optical Security Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for embedding optical security features into printed documents are cumbersome and costly, especially in enterprise settings, due to the need for integration with proprietary APIs and limitations in commercial off-the-shelf software applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a virtual printer that reformats print jobs into an intermediate format, embeds optical security features using a security feature service, and then reformats back to the print format for printing, allowing for the inclusion of visible or invisible security features independently of the user, software, or hardware printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a customized application uses a proprietary API to embed optical security features, then the security features can be embedded into the print job, but the integration with proprietary APIs creates complexity and limits compatibility with different software applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual printer as an intermediary component that sits between the COTS application and the security feature service. The virtual printer receives print jobs from any application, converts them to an intermediate format, and forwards them to the security feature service. This mediator eliminates the need for direct integration between applications and proprietary security APIs, reducing complexity while maintaining security embedding capability.
2Reliability
If a COTS application is customized to incorporate a proprietary API, then optical security features can be embedded, but this approach is not extensible to multiple productivity applications and requires costly customizations
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual printer is designed as a universal component that can handle print jobs from any COTS application without requiring application-specific customization. It provides a standardized interface that works across multiple productivity applications, making the security feature embedding system extensible and versatile while maintaining consistent security functionality across different software platforms.
3Reliability
If a custom application is developed on top of a proprietary optical security feature solution, then security features can be embedded, but implementation changes are required when migrating to other forms of printed security features
Solution Approach 1:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: the virtual printer for format conversion, the security feature service for embedding, and the hardware printer for output. This segmentation allows the security feature service to be independently replaced or upgraded without affecting the virtual printer or hardware printer components, enabling easy migration to different security feature types while maintaining system stability.
4Reliability
If proprietary APIs are integrated into workflows, then optical security features can be embedded, but this creates costly implementation changes and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual printer automatically performs format conversion and routing of print jobs to the security feature service without requiring user intervention or configuration. The system self-manages the complex processes of format translation, security feature integration, and job routing, making the workflow simple for users while maintaining robust security embedding functionality in the background.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for embedding an optical security feature in a digital document with a virtual printer and a security feature service and then sending the digital document to a hardware printer.