Embedding Report Metadata in Two-Dimensional Barcodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users cannot obtain report characterization information for data visualizations or reports without a 'smart' report viewer, limiting accessibility, especially when viewing printed or exported reports.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating report characterization information into reports using two-dimensional barcodes, such as QR Codes, which can be scanned and decoded by mobile devices to provide metadata and other relevant details, allowing users to access this information without relying on a 'smart' report viewer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If section drill-down technique is used to provide report characterization information, then the information can be displayed to users, but it requires a smart report viewer which limits accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts report characterization information from the report content and embeds it into a two-dimensional barcode. This separation allows the information to be accessible independently of the smart report viewer, enabling users to scan and retrieve information using any mobile device with a barcode scanner.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-dimensional barcode serves as an intermediary carrier that bridges the gap between the report and the user. Instead of requiring direct interaction with a smart report viewer, the barcode acts as a universal interface that can be scanned by any mobile device, thus improving adaptability while preserving information access.
2Loss of information
If a smart report viewer is required to access report characterization information, then the information can be obtained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex smart report viewer with a simple two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned by any standard mobile device. The barcode is a lightweight, universal object that eliminates the need for specialized software or hardware, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining information accessibility.
3Loss of information
If report characterization information is embedded in the report, then users can access it, but the report size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from embedding report characterization information directly within the report content (one dimension) to encoding it in a two-dimensional barcode (another dimension). This dimensional change allows the information to be stored compactly outside the main report body, reducing the report's data volume while preserving full access to characterization information.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of systems and methods for including report characterization information in a report are described herein. A report designer may request insertion of a two dimensional barcode, in the report, which encodes the report characterization information. Based on the request, a report characterization information retrieval formula may be executed to retrieve the report characterization information. The retrieved report characterization information may then be encoded to obtain a two dimensional barcode. The obtained two dimensional barcode may finally be inserted into the report. Once the report is printed, the two dimensional barcode in the report may be scanned by any device with a bar code reader, such as a smart phone to retrieve the additional information related to the report.