FujiXerox takes digital paper to new level

FujiXerox has created a number of cutting-edge technologies for effective management and utilization of documents and sharing of knowledge that take the concept of digital paper to a new level.

Electronic and security papers are perhaps not exactly new but Fujixerox’s latest versions of these are thick with improvements.

FujiXerox’s Photo-Addressable Electronic Paper incorporates copy machine technology. It’s a new portable image-display device that consists of an organic photoconductor and microcapsulated cholesteric liquid crystal.

Basically there are two layers of plastic films that encapsulate the special liquid. There’s no single integrated circuit on the electronic paper that instantly converts optical signals into image signals.

Although it requires electric power during the writing process, it can retain the image after writing without electric power. Capable of projecting images at 1,200 dpi (dots per inch), this electronic paper is rewritable at least 10,000 times. Images can be deleted by simply pressing the erase button. It can also receive image files from PCs or mobile phones by infrared.

Security paper

Current security paper technology merely consists of deterring duplication such as by using watermarked papers on which the words “Classified Document” appear when photocopied and by tracing information leakage paths. Consequently, hardly any technology exists that physically prevents documents from being improperly removed from the premises.

In light of these situations, FujiXerox has become the first in the world to develop a technology that incorporates into sheets of plain paper during manufacturing extra-fine amorphous magnetic wire having a diameter of about 40 microns, thinner than strands of human hair that will be the key in physically preventing information leakage through physical detection of the paper itself.

The special security paper works normally with FujiXerox’s multi-function devices and printers. It is also designed to work with sensors that offices can install at points of entry or exit to detect unauthorized movement of classified documents printed on these security papers. Such acts will be recorded so that leakage may be remotely monitored.

Moreover, warnings may be issued on the spot, movements may be thwarted by the closing of gates or e-mails can be automatically sent to security administrators.

Additionally, sensors mounted on scanners and copiers can prevent scanning and copying, and sensors installed in the insertion slots of shredders can prevent classified documents from being accidentally shredded. This technology cannot only guard against intentional information leaks but also accidental losses of information.

Paper fingerprint

FujiXerox has found a way to give paper its own “fingerprint” to tell every sheet apart.

Researchers at FujiXerox in Japan carefully study the entangled, random patterns of natural fibers found in paper, keeping in mind that finding identical patterns are very low.

With a camera they then process and store in a database the obtained images where they can be easily retrieved, scanned and matched with high accuracy with other registered paper for identification.

Researchers say the patterns of paper fibers do not crumble even if the sheets are folded nor do they change over time. FujiXerox believes the paper fingerprint technology can be practically applied for management of confidential documents and for preventing contracts, certificates and other important documents from being forged.

DST technology

Fuji Xerox also developed a Document Security and Traceability (DST) technology that enables users to manage security of paper and electronic documents in a single environment.

With this technology, it is possible to set operating rights, including viewing and printing rights, to each document and user as well as to carefully manage the operation history of each document.

The DST gives a document ID to a scanned paper document, thereby enabling management of both paper and electronic documents, including controlling each user’s usage of the document and managing operation log.

The DST also lets users to set a security level of stamps for paper documents. When scanned on a multi-function device, a security level will automatically be assigned to the document in accordance with the stamp that might say “confidential” or “for internal use only.” In this way, only users with usage rights can access the scanned electronic document.

The DST technology provides both confidentiality and convenience for companies concerned about security in paper and electronic documents that include personal and classified information.

The DST, together with the new photo-addressable electronic paper, magnetic-based security paper, and paper fingerprint recognition technology, is among FujiXerox’s solutions to realize its vision of “Open Office Frontier” where offices will ideally become more open but secure and where people are connected through better communications.

FujiXerox plans to commercially test or launch these solutions in select markets sometime this year.