Watermark Embedding Section for Secure Document Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing systems lack sufficient security measures to prevent leakage of classified information, as they rely on user name and host computer information which are not sufficient to identify the individual retrieving printed documents.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that includes an image forming apparatus with an input section for user information, a receiving buffer for print data, and a watermark embedding section that combines print data with a security watermark pattern containing user-specific information, ensuring that only authorized users can access and retrieve printed documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional printing systems use only user name and host computer information in watermarks, then the system is simple to operate, but the security against information leakage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system into multiple components: the second user's identification information (from ID card) and the first user's information (from input section). This segmentation allows more comprehensive tracking of document retrieval while maintaining modular system architecture that doesn't significantly increase overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by embedding multiple layers of information in the watermark pattern. The watermark contains both the second user's identification information and the first user's information, creating a nested structure where one layer of identification is contained within another, thereby enhancing security without requiring separate watermark systems
2Measurement precision
If the system embeds only basic user information in watermarks, then the watermark embedding process is simple and fast, but the ability to identify the actual document retriever is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining and storing the second user's identification information from their ID card before the printing process occurs. This pre-capture of identification data ensures that when the document is later retrieved, the system already has the necessary information embedded in the watermark, eliminating the need for complex real-time identification processes
Solution Approach 2:
The watermark embedding section is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a simple markup tool and as a comprehensive identification system. By making the watermark contain multiple types of information (second user ID and first user info), the same watermarking mechanism serves multiple security and tracking functions without requiring additional devices
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes an image forming apparatus and a host terminal apparatus. The image forming apparatus is operated by a first user who picks up a printed output of the image forming apparatus. A second user sends print data from the host terminal apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an input section, a receiving buffer, and a watermark embedding section. The first user inputs a first item of information indicative of the first user through the input section. The receiving buffer stores the print data therein. The watermark embedding section produces a watermark pattern in which information representative of the first item of information is embedded, and combines the print data with the watermark pattern. The image forming apparatus prints out the received print data with the watermark pattern embedded therein. The watermark pattern includes the first item of information therein.