Document Change Notification via Tracking Agent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users lack awareness about whether their printed documents are the most updated versions, especially in networked computing systems where multiple users can access and modify documents, and mobile print applications further complicate this issue.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that involve a tracking agent, change notification database, and user profile database to monitor changes made to an electronic document and send notifications to users based on their preferences, ensuring they are informed about updates to the document they have printed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users print documents from networked computing systems or mobile print applications, then document accessibility and printing convenience are improved, but users lose awareness of whether their printed documents are the most updated versions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument printing convenienceVSAvoiddocument version awareness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where a tracking agent continuously monitors the electronic document for changes and automatically sends change notifications to the user. This feedback loop restores document version awareness without requiring the user to manually check for updates, thus resolving the information loss while maintaining printing convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking agent autonomously monitors document changes and manages notification delivery without requiring user intervention. The system self-services by automatically detecting when the electronic document is modified and proactively informing the user, eliminating the need for manual version checking while preserving document accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users can access and modify documents on a common server, then document collaboration capability is improved, but the complexity of tracking document versions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument collaboration capabilityVSAvoidversion tracking complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking agent acts as an intermediary between multiple users and the document version tracking system. It consolidates change detection from multiple users into a single monitoring mechanism, simplifying the complexity of tracking document versions while preserving full collaboration capability among multiple users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If users are remote from the electronic version of the document, then mobility and remote access are improved, but the ability to verify document updates is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote document accessVSAvoiddocument update verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automated feedback through change notifications that are sent to users regardless of their location. This allows remote users to verify document updates without needing physical or direct access to the electronic document, maintaining mobility while enabling update verification through automated information delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9804807B2Method and system for automated hardcopy change notification

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 XEROX CORP

AI summary

A method and system for notifying a user are provided. The user prints a document at a printer and registers to have the electronic version of the printed document tracked for changes. The electronic version of the printed document is monitored for changes and in case of an alteration, a notification is sent to the user on the basis of his/her preferences.