Scannable Code Encoding Context for Offline Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack efficient methods for directly sharing content between devices without relying on internet or cloud connections, and do not effectively facilitate copy and paste functionality using scannable codes while maintaining context information.

Innovation Solution

Implementing scannable codes that encode copied data along with context information, allowing direct peer-to-peer transfer and decoding for accurate pasting on destination devices, including methods for encryption, redaction, and compression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If scannable codes are used to share content between devices, then direct peer-to-peer transfer is enabled without internet or cloud connections, but the codes must encode both copied data and context information within limited storage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcode storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transfer process into two distinct phases: first, encoding only essential context information (data type, format, application context) into the scannable code; second, transferring the actual data content through alternative channels or direct device-to-device communication. This segmentation allows the scannable code to remain within storage limits while still enabling reliable data transfer by carrying the metadata necessary for proper data reconstruction and interpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where the scannable code contains encoded context information that references or points to the actual data content. The code acts as a container for metadata that describes the data structure, format, and application context, while the actual data content may be stored locally on the source device or transmitted through direct peer-to-peer channels. This nesting allows the limited-capacity scannable code to enable transfer of much larger data sets by carrying only the essential descriptive information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If context information is encoded into the scannable code, then accurate pasting with proper formatting is achieved, but the code size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata paste precisionVSAvoidcode data volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by encoding only the specific context information necessary for the particular data type being transferred. Rather than encoding all possible metadata, the system selectively encodes only the relevant attributes needed for accurate pasting (e.g., text format, image dimensions, spreadsheet column structure). This selective encoding maintains data paste precision while minimizing the information volume within the scannable code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the level of detail in encoded context information based on the specific data type and transfer requirements. The system changes parameters such as the granularity of formatting information, the specificity of application context, and the level of compression applied to the encoded data. This allows optimization of the balance between code size and paste accuracy for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If encryption and compression are applied to content in the scannable code, then data security and efficiency are improved, but decoding complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoiddecoding process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring encryption keys, compression algorithms, and decoding parameters within the scannable code itself or in associated configuration data. The source device prepares and embeds the necessary decryption keys and algorithm identifiers before encoding the data, so that the destination device can perform decryption and decompression using pre-specified methods. This eliminates the need for complex real-time negotiation or configuration during the decoding process, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by embedding simplified proxy representations of the encryption and compression parameters within the scannable code, rather than encoding the full cryptographic protocols or compression algorithms. The actual data can be encrypted using standard algorithms with keys referenced in the code, while the code itself contains only lightweight metadata about the encryption scheme. This copying approach maintains security through proper cryptographic implementation while keeping the scannable code and its decoding requirements simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9953254B2Copy and paste with scannable code
Publication Date: 2018.04.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US9953254B2 patent drawing
  • US9953254B2 patent drawing
  • US9953254B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A scannable code is used to facilitate copy and paste of content, wherein context information associated with the content is serialized and encoded directly into the scannable code. When the scannable code is decoded, the content is pasted into a desired location in a manner that is consistent with the context information.