Linear Code Inline Text Formatting Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content access methods, such as QR-codes, are not well-suited for presentation in text documents as they disrupt formatting and cannot efficiently encode information that changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using linear codes that are 1-dimensional, allowing them to be presented inline with text without disrupting formatting, and can encode dynamic information by using a processor and memory-based content server to identify and communicate content data associated with a reference code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If QR-codes are used to encode hyperlinks in text documents, then users can easily access content without entering complex data, but the 2-dimensional format disrupts text formatting and line spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2-dimensional QR codes to 1-dimensional linear codes that can be embedded within text lines. This dimensional reduction allows the code to fit horizontally within the text flow without causing line breaks or formatting disruptions, while still encoding sufficient information through the linear arrangement of code characters
Solution Approach 2:
The code is divided into multiple code characters arranged linearly, where each code character represents a segment of the encoded information. This segmentation allows the code to be distributed across multiple words or spaces in the text while maintaining readability and formatting integrity
2Ease of operation
If QR-codes directly encode hyperlinks, then content access is simplified, but they cannot encode information that changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The linear code acts as an intermediary between the printed text and the content database. Instead of directly encoding the full hyperlink or content, the code encodes a reference key that points to the content database, where the actual content or updated information is stored. This allows the code to remain static in print while the referenced content can be dynamically updated
3Shape
If linear codes are used instead of QR-codes, then text formatting is preserved, but the code must be 1-dimensional which limits encoding capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a nested structure where the linear code in the text documents a reference to a content database, which in turn contains the actual content or expanded information. This nested approach allows the 1-dimensional code to access much larger amounts of information indirectly through the database reference, effectively overcoming the encoding capacity limitation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing content data to a user device, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a reference code from the user device, the reference code corresponding to a printed or displayed linear code; identifying a reference within a content database corresponding to the reference code; identifying content data associated with the reference; and communicating the content data to the user device. Also disclosed is a content server for providing content, and a method for generating unique reference codes.