Method and device for modifying a digital file.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for modifying a digital file to graphically represent its content, said method being implemented by a modification device and characterized in that it comprises: a first step of obtaining, from said content of said digital file, at least one element whose content is represented by a first graphical representation; a second step of obtaining at least one second graphical representation of the content of said at least one element; a step of modifying said digital file by adding to the content of said digital file said at least one second graphical representation. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for modifying a digital file.

[0001] 1. Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications and more particularly concerns restitution services, for example digital printing, of electronic content.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] Digital printing is a process that uses digital files to create physical copies of documents. The document to be printed may be a digital file (e.g., a Word® or PDF® file) and / or a physical document (e.g., a sheet of paper). When it is a physical document, a process of converting the physical document into a digital version is required (document scanning process). This allows an electronic / digital copy of the document to be printed / reproduced to be created.

[0005] Once the digital file has been obtained and / or selected by a user, the user can start the printing process from an electronic terminal (computer, tablet, smartphone or smart phone in English, etc.). The digital file is then transmitted to a digital printer which reproduces the digital file on a printing medium chosen by the user (paper, cardboard or other specific materials).

[0006] Generally speaking, printed digital files can correspond to all kinds of documents such as contracts, forms, invoices, photographs, presentations or books. However, all or part of the content of these digital files can, once printed, generate a degraded user experience (content not or poorly suited to printing).

[0007] Thus, there is a need for a technical solution allowing the content of one or more digital files to be adapted / modified before printing in order to improve the user experience.

[0008] 3. Statement of the invention

[0009] The invention improves the state of the art and proposes for this purpose a method of modifying a digital file for a graphic restitution of its content, said method being implemented by a modification device and characterized in that it comprises: - a first step of obtaining, from said content of said digital file, of at least one element whose content is represented via a first graphical representation; - a second step of obtaining at least one second graphic representation of the content of said at least one element; - a step of modifying said digital file by adding to the content of said digital file said at least one second graphic representation.

[0010] Advantageously, this mode of implementation makes it possible, for example, to modify a digital file which, when the content thereof is graphically rendered to a user, comprises at least one element whose graphic representation does not allow for an optimal user experience. To do this, the method obtains and / or detects in the content of the digital file the element(s) that may pose a problem during rendering and obtains and / or generates one or more alternative graphic representations of the content of each element. Once generated, the alternative graphic representation(s) are added to the digital file, for example, before and / or after the corresponding element. Cumulatively, the method can remove from the digital file the initial graphic representation of the element that poses a problem.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a method as described above is characterized in that said graphic rendering corresponds to a printing and / or a display on a screen of said digital file.

[0012] This embodiment allows the execution of the method before the digital file is printed via a digital printer (printing terminal) and / or displayed on the screen of a terminal (television, video projector, mobile terminal, computer, etc.).

[0013] Note that the digital printer may correspond to a virtual printer. A virtual printer is a simulated, i.e. non-physical, printing device that prints the content of a first digital document, for example in PDF® document format, an image, a Word® document, etc., in a second digital document.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a method as described above is characterized in that said at least one element corresponds to at least one character string and in that said at least one second graphic representation corresponds to at least one barcode.

[0015] This mode of implementation makes it possible to add to the content of a digital file an alternative graphic representation (second graphic representation within the meaning of the invention), in the form of one or more barcodes, of the content of an access link (element or meaning of the invention) present in the content of the digital file.

[0016] In a particular example, the initial graphical representation (first representation graphical representation within the meaning of the invention) of the access link and its content both correspond to a character string (identical or not). Thus, the method detects in the content of the digital file a character string corresponding to an access link (for example an access link to an internet resource) and / or obtains it from a third-party terminal and then generates and / or obtains one or more barcodes based on the character string corresponding to the content of the access link. Once the barcode(s) have been generated, they are added to the content of the digital file.

[0017] This embodiment is particularly suitable in the case where the content of the digital file must be printed and / or displayed on a screen, for example, advertising. Indeed, in such a case, a user will be more inclined to “flash / scan”, for example with his smartphone, a printed / displayed barcode in order to access the internet address contained in the barcode rather than entering the entire character string of the internet address in the address bar of an internet browser.

[0018] An access link is understood to mean data allowing access to a digital / computer resource or not.

[0019] A barcode is understood to mean a graphic representation of numeric and / or alphanumeric data in the form of symbols (for example, colored bars and spaces of varying thickness, black squares arranged in a white square, etc.).

[0020] The barcode can be of any type (one-dimensional, two-dimensional) and generated via any type of technology (QRCode, Datamatrix, 2D-Doc, PDF417, etc.).

[0021] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a method as described above is characterized in that said at least one second graphic representation corresponds to at least one character string and in that said at least one element corresponds to at least one barcode.

[0022] This mode of implementation makes it possible to add to the content of a digital file an alternative graphic representation (second graphic representation within the meaning of the invention), in the form of one or more character strings, of the content of a barcode (element within the meaning of the invention) present in the content of the digital file.

[0023] Thus, the method detects a barcode in the content of the digital file and / or obtains it from a third-party terminal and then generates and / or obtains one or more character strings (clickable or not) depending on the content of the barcode, the content of the barcode being able, for example, to correspond to an access link such as an internet address. Once the character string(s) have been generated, they are added to the content of the digital file.

[0024] This embodiment is particularly suitable in the case where the content of the digital file must be displayed on the screen of a smartphone-type terminal. In effect, the user will be more inclined to copy / paste the character string of the access link into the address bar of an internet browser on their smartphone rather than manipulating the digital file in order to determine the content of the barcode and, if necessary, access the internet address. Alternatively or cumulatively, the process can generate a second graphic representation whose format is directly understandable / usable by the OS (operating system) of the terminal.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a method as described above is characterized in that said at least one element is selected according to its type and / or its content. The type and / or the content of said at least one element can be chosen from a group comprising at least: - an electronic address (for example, an address of an electronic mail service, a web page (for example, a URL for Uniform Resource Locator), a digital storage space (for example, a URI for Uniform Resource Identifier), a hyperlink, a download link for an eSIM (Embedded Subscriber Identity / Identification Module), etc.); - geographic coordinates (e.g. GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates); - a postal address; - an identifier (for example an IP (Internet Protocol) address, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, a telephone number, etc.); - a digital business card (a vCard type file); - an alphanumeric code (for example a WEP / WPA type Wi-Fi security key, a numeric folder code, etc.); - etc.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a method as described above is characterized in that said at least one element is selected according to the type of said graphic rendering.

[0027] The graphic rendering may, for example, correspond to a printout of the content of the digital file and / or to a display (for example on a screen and / or a video projector) of the content of the digital file. In the latter case, the element(s) may also be selected according to the type of display device used (window screen, outdoor screen, terminal screen, etc.) and / or according to the type of terminal connected and / or associated with the display device (for example a mobile terminal, a server, a central unit, etc.).

[0028] The invention also relates to a device for modifying a digital file for graphic restitution of its content, characterized in that it comprises: - a first module for obtaining, in said content of said digital file, at least one element whose content is represented via a first graphic representation; - a second module for obtaining at least one second graphic representation of the content of said at least one element; - a module for modifying said digital file by adding to the content of said digital file said at least one second graphic representation.

[0029] The term module can correspond to a software component as well as to a hardware component or a set of hardware and software components, a software component itself corresponding to one or more computer programs or subroutines or more generally to any element of a program capable of implementing a function or a set of functions as described for the modules concerned. In the same way, a hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or a set of functions for the module concerned (integrated circuit, smart card, memory card, etc.).

[0030] The invention also relates to a terminal or a server comprising a modification device as described above.

[0031] The invention also relates to a printer comprising a modification device as described above.

[0032] The invention further relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the above method according to any of the particular embodiments described above, when said program is executed by a processor. The method can be implemented in various ways, including in hard-wired form or in software form. This program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0033] The invention also relates to a recording medium or information medium readable by a computer, and comprising instructions of a computer program as mentioned above. The recording media mentioned above can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can comprise a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a hard disk. Furthermore, the recording media can correspond to a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The programs according to the invention can in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0034] Alternatively, the recording media may correspond to an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

[0035] This modification device and this computer program have characteristics and advantages similar to those described previously in relation to the modification method.

[0036] 4. List of figures

[0037] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given as simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0038] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] illustrates an example of an environment for implementing the modification method according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents the hardware architecture of a modification device according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0040] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents in the form of an organizational chart the main stages of the modification method according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0041] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents in the form of a QR Code a graphic representation of an element according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0042] 5. Description of an embodiment of the invention

[0043] [Fig.l] illustrates an example of an implementation environment of the invention according to a particular embodiment of the invention. The implementation environment comprises a terminal 101 (101a, 101b, 101c) adapted to render, via one or more display devices 102 (102b, 102c), the content of a digital file. The terminal 101 implements the modification method. Alternatively, the execution of the modification method can be distributed partially or totally between a plurality of terminals.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the terminal 101 corresponds to an electronic terminal (computer, television, connected object, electronic tablet, smartphone, etc.) comprising at least one display device / peripheral 102 capable of displaying the content of the digital file (for example a screen or a touch screen). Alternatively or cumulatively, the terminal 101 is connected to one or more display devices 102 (for example a screen, a touch screen, a video projector, etc.). The connection between the display device 102 and the terminal 101 can be wired, for example via an HDMI cable, or wireless, for example via a Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth® connection.

[0045] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the terminal 101 corresponds to a printer (101a) capable of printing the contents of a digital file onto a printing medium (e.g. paper, cardboard, glass, etc.).

[0046] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the terminal 101 is capable of interpreting data from a digital storage device connected or integrated into the terminal 101 such as a memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) key.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the terminal 101 is capable of communicating with another terminal, for example, via point-to-point communication (WiFi®, Bluetooth®, etc.) or via a local LAN communication network. This network can be managed by a residential / professional / mobile PAS gateway connected to a data communication network of an operator R_EXT which hosts one or more application servers SA.

[0048] We will now describe an example of hardware architecture of a obtaining device according to a particular embodiment of the invention in connection with [Fig.2].

[0049] The device DISP has the classic architecture of a computer, and notably comprises a memory MEM, a processing unit UT, equipped for example with a processor PROC, and controlled by the computer program PG stored in memory MEM. The computer program PG comprises instructions for implementing the steps of the modification method as described later in support of [Fig. 3], when the program is executed by the processor PROC.

[0050] At initialization, the code instructions of the computer program PG are for example loaded into a memory before being executed by the processor PROC. The processor PROC of the processing unit UT notably implements the steps of the modification method according to any one of the particular embodiments described in relation to [Fig. 3] and according to the instructions of the computer program PG.

[0051] The DISP device comprises a GET1 module capable of obtaining an element of a digital file.

[0052] The DISP device comprises a GET2 module capable of obtaining one or more alternative graphic representations of the content of the element obtained via the GET1 module.

[0053] The DISP device comprises a MODIF module capable of modifying the digital file by adding the alternative graphic representation(s) of the content of the element obtained via the GET1 module.

[0054] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the DISP device comprises a communication module COM (not shown) configured to establish communications with a network, for example IP, using a wired (for example Ethernet) or wireless (for example Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®) type technology. This communication module communication is for example used to receive the digital file and / or the alternative graphic representation(s) of the content of the element obtained via the GET1 module.

[0055] According to a particular embodiment, the DISP device comprises a graphic rendering module (not shown) capable of graphically rendering the content of the digital file.

[0056] [Fig. 3] illustrates steps of the modification method according to a particular embodiment of the invention. In this exemplary implementation, the modification method is executed by the terminal 101.

[0057] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the modification method is executed by a server located in the R_EXT network.

[0058] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the modification method is executed by a computer. The modification method can for example be executed by a software extension module (plug-in in English) of a software (Office®, PDF®, etc.) located on the computer.

[0059] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the modification method is executed in a distributed manner between the terminal 101 and one or more terminals (for example the PAS gateway and / or the SA server).

[0060] In step 300 the method obtains / accesses a digital file before its content is graphically rendered (for example printed and / or displayed). Once the digital file is obtained, the method determines and / or obtains one or more elements of interest present in the content of the digital file. These elements of interest are for example selected according to their nature / type (for example text, video, audio, image, barcode, access link, hyperlink, email address, postal address, clickable, etc.) and / or their content (text, access link, hyperlink, email address, URL, URI, geographical coordinates, postal address, identifier, alphanumeric code, etc.).

[0061] Furthermore, these elements of interest may be selected according to an action to be performed associated with the digital file (i.e. according to the type of graphic rendering of the content of the digital file). The action may, for example, correspond to an action of printing the content of the digital file and / or to an action of displaying (for example on a screen and / or a video projector) the content of the digital file. In the latter case, the elements of interest may also be selected according to the type of display device used (window screen, outdoor screen, terminal screen, etc.) and / or according to the type of terminal connected and / or associated with the display device (for example a mobile terminal, a server, a central unit, etc.).

[0062] In a first example, the terminal 101 corresponds to a printer (101a). In In this case, during step 300, the method can, for example, search in the content of the digital file for elements of interest corresponding to electronic access links (for example, by searching for a particular prefix such as “http: / / ” or “\\”). The access links obtained can, for example, correspond to character strings (clickable or not) having as their content a URL of an internet page. The table below describes two possible examples: Access link Content 1 Link_l http: / / www.monsite.com 2 http: / / www.monsite.com / actu / http: / / www.monsite.com / actu /

[0063] In the case of the first access link, the initial graphical representation corresponds to the character string “Link_l” and its content to the URL "http: / / www.mysite.com". In the case of the second access link, the initial graphic representation and the content of the access link are identical and correspond to the character string "http: / / www.mysite.com / actu / ".

[0064] Note that the initial graphic representation of an access link may also correspond to an image (animated or not), an icon, an audio extract, a video, a barcode, etc.

[0065] During step 301, the method generates and / or obtains an alternative graphical representation of the content of the access links. The method may, for example, generate and / or obtain a QR Code for each access link whose content corresponds to the content of the access link. For example, for the first access link, the alternative representation may correspond to the QR Code of [Fig.4].

[0066] The content of this QRCode therefore contains the character string “http: / / www.mysite.com”.

[0067] During step 302, the method modifies the content of the digital file by adding the alternative representation(s) to the content of the digital file. Cumulatively, the method may delete from the digital file the initial graphical representation of the access link(s). Note that the alternative graphical representation(s) of an access link may be added to the digital file before and / or after the initial graphical representation(s) of the access link.

[0068] Thus, thanks to the method, the digital file is modified in such a way that a UT user can access the content accessible via the access link(s) by “flashing / scanning”, for example with his smartphone (101c), a QR Code (alternative graphic representation within the meaning of the invention) added at the level of the graphic reproduction of the content of the digital file (printing) without having to enter the entire character string (initial graphic representation) of the access link in the address bar of an internet browser.

[0069] In a second example, the terminal 101 corresponds to a mobile terminal, for example a smartphone (101c). In this case, during step 300, the method can, for example, search in the content of the digital file for the elements of interest corresponding to barcodes, for example, QR Codes. The content of a QR Code can correspond to one or more character strings corresponding to one or more access links.

[0070] During step 301, the method generates and / or obtains an alternative graphic representation of the content of the QR Codes in the form of one or more character strings (clickable or not).

[0071] During step 302, the method modifies the content of the digital file by adding the alternative representation(s) (i.e., the character string(s)) to the content of the digital file. Cumulatively, the method may remove from the digital file the initial graphic representation (the QR codes) of the access link(s). Note that the alternative graphic representation(s) of an access link may be added to the digital file before and / or after the initial graphic representation(s) of the access link.

[0072] Thus, thanks to the method, the digital file is modified in such a way that a user can access the content accessible via the access link(s) by clicking on a character string (alternative graphic representation within the meaning of the invention) added to the level of the graphic reproduction of the content of the digital file (display on the screen 102c of the smartphone 101c) without having to manipulate the digital file in order to determine the content of the QR Code (initial graphic representation of the access link).

[0073] Alternatively, the user UT can access the content accessible via the access link(s) via a “copy / paste” of the character string into the address bar of an internet browser of the smartphone 101c).

[0074] Generally speaking, QR Codes can be personalized with a logo, for example of a company, a color, or a particular design.

[0075] It goes without saying that the embodiment described above has been given purely for informational purposes and is in no way limiting, and that numerous modifications can easily be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for modifying a digital file for a graphical restitution of its content, said method being implemented by a modification device and characterized in that it comprises: - a first step of obtaining (OBT1), from said content of said digital file, at least one element whose content is represented via a first graphical representation; - a second step of obtaining (OBT2) at least one second graphical representation of the content of said at least one element; - a step of modifying (MOD) said digital file via the addition to the content of said digital file of said at least one second graphical representation.

2. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that said graphic rendering corresponds to a printing and / or a display on a screen of said digital file.

3. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that said at least one element corresponds to at least one character string and in that said at least one second graphic representation corresponds to at least one barcode.

4. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that said at least one second graphic representation corresponds to at least one character string and in that said at least one element corresponds to at least one barcode.

5. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that said at least one element is selected according to its type and / or its content.

6. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that said at least one element is selected according to the type of said graphic rendering.

7. Method according to claim 5 characterized in that the type and / or the content of said at least one element is chosen from a group comprising at least: - an electronic address; - geographical coordinates; - a postal address; - an identifier; - a digital business card; - an alphanumeric code.

8. Device for modifying a digital file for a graphical restitution of its content, characterized in that it comprises: - a first module for obtaining (GET1), in said content of said digital file, at least one element whose content is represented via a first graphical representation; - a second module for obtaining (GET2) at least one second graphical representation of the content of said at least one element; - a module for modifying (MODIF) said digital file via the addition to the content of said digital file of said at least one second graphical representation.

9. Terminal or server characterized in that it comprises a device according to claim 8;

10. Printer characterized in that it comprises a device according to claim 8;

11. A computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, when the program is executed by a processor.

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