Embedded Content Code for Document Traceability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for tracking document printing information on a separate cover sheet are prone to separation from the document, rendering the information useless in case of document loss or theft, and can compromise security by providing sensitive information to unauthorized users.

Innovation Solution

A content rendering process that embeds a content code within the document, visible to the user, which includes historical printing characteristics such as user identity, timestamp, and document path, allowing tracing of the document's origin and usage, even if the cover sheet is lost or stolen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If printing information on a separate cover sheet along with the document, then the information is easily readable and accessible to users, but the cover sheet can be easily separated from the document, rendering the information useless for tracing document origin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of printing informationVSAvoidtraceability of document origin

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the printing information directly into the document content by embedding a visible content code within the rendered document pages. This eliminates the separate cover sheet approach and ensures the tracing information remains permanently associated with the document content, resolving the separation issue while maintaining user accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The content code is nested within the document content itself, embedded as part of the rendered pages. This nesting ensures the tracing information travels with the document content wherever it goes, preventing separation while keeping the information accessible to users who view or print the document.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Loss of information

If printing detailed information on the cover sheet, then comprehensive document metadata is available, but sensitive information may fall into wrong hands and aid hackers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of document metadataVSAvoidsecurity risk from unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the content code visible to end users (for tracing purposes) while maintaining the ability for administrators to control and manage the information. The content code contains comprehensive metadata but is presented in a controlled manner that balances accessibility with security, reducing the risk of sensitive information being misused.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If using a separate cover sheet for document information, then the system is simple to implement, but the information can be lost or swapped to cover up security breaches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of information systemVSAvoidintegrity of tracing information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the tracing information directly into the document content through embedded content codes, the system eliminates the physical separation that allows for loss or swapping of cover sheets. The information integrity is maintained because the content code becomes an inseparable part of the document rendering process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7472821B1Methods and apparatus for identifying a source of content

Publication Date: 2009.01.06 ADOBE INC

AI summary

A system renders content by detecting a command to render content. The system determines if a policy associated with the content indicates that a rendition of the content requires a content code. The system then communicates with a policy server to allow production of the content code for inclusion within the rendition of the content. The content code is decipherable to identify historical characteristics of the rendition of the content. The system produces a rendition of the content that includes the content code.