Barcode Metadata Encoding in Document Editors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic documents lose metadata when printed, as the metadata associated with the electronic form is not retained on the printed document.

Innovation Solution

A document editor application encodes selected document properties into a barcode image, such as QR or Data Matrix, and updates the barcode before printing, allowing the metadata to be preserved and decoded later.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a document is printed, then the document can be distributed and viewed offline, but the metadata associated with the electronic form is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemetadataVSAvoiddocument printing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the barcode containing metadata into the document layout before printing. The document editor application inserts a container object with a barcode image that encodes document properties (author, title, creation date, etc.) into the document. When the document is printed, this barcode is printed along with the document content, preserving the metadata in physical form without requiring additional post-processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If metadata is embedded in the document, then information is preserved, but the document structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetadata retentionVSAvoiddocument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a container object that acts as a mediator between the document content and the metadata. The container object holds the barcode image and associated XML data, separating the metadata storage function from the main document structure. This intermediary layer allows metadata to be embedded without directly complicating the document's core structure, as the container object can be queried and managed independently through the document editor's object model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If barcode images are updated before printing, then current metadata is preserved, but additional processing time is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent metadataVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by automatically detecting when document properties change and triggering barcode regeneration. The document editor application monitors modifications to document metadata and, when changes are detected, automatically updates the barcode image in the container object before the print operation. This feedback mechanism ensures current metadata is always encoded without requiring manual intervention or excessive processing time, as updates only occur when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8925822B2Encoding, updating, and decoding barcodes in a document

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Method for inserting a barcode image in a document including receiving a request to encode one or more properties about the document as a barcode image in the document, the request being received through a document editor, generating the barcode image based on the properties, wrapping the barcode image inside a container object, and inserting the container object into the document.