Segmented Code Structure for Dual-Mode Application Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users attempting to read two-dimensional codes with general-purpose readers without understanding their purpose often fail to perform effective operations, as not all information in the code is readable, leading to ineffective usage.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with both general-purpose and special-purpose applications, featuring a camera function that reads codes and translates them into strings, where the general-purpose application activates basic software functions and the special-purpose application activates specific functions based on the code structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a two-dimensional code includes encrypted or obfuscated information to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the code cannot be read by general-purpose readers, reducing usability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The code string is segmented into multiple parts: a first part that can be read by general-purpose readers and a second part that contains encrypted or obfuscated information. This segmentation allows the code to serve multiple purposes - basic functionality for general users and enhanced security or specialized functionality for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The code structure is designed to be universal by incorporating both readable and encrypted portions, allowing it to function as both a general-purpose identifier and a secure token. The code can be read by any general-purpose reader while also providing secured information to authorized applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a code structure is designed for specific purposes with encrypted information, then security and purpose-specific functionality are improved, but general-purpose readers cannot access all information, reducing versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurpose-specific functionalityVSAvoidreadability by general-purpose readers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the code string have different qualities - the first part is designed to be readable by general-purpose readers while the second part contains encrypted or obfuscated information. This local differentiation allows each part to serve its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If users attempt to read codes without understanding their purpose, then user initiative is improved, but ineffective operations occur when general-purpose readers cannot decode encrypted information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser initiativeVSAvoidinformation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The code is prepared in advance with both readable and encrypted portions, so that when users scan it with general-purpose readers, they immediately receive some useful information. This preliminary structuring prevents complete information loss even when users don't understand the full purpose of the code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9819772B2Information processing apparatus and recording medium
Publication Date: 2017.11.14 RICOH CO LTD
  • US9819772B2 patent drawing
  • US9819772B2 patent drawing
  • US9819772B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A disclosed information processing apparatus is provided with a camera function and has installed a general-purpose application and a special-purpose application. The information processing apparatus includes a reader configured to read a code structure imaged by the camera function to convert the code structure into a string having a first part and a second part, and a translator configured to translate the string. When the code structure is read by the general-purpose application, the first part of the string is translated as a URI via the general-purpose application to activate basic software function, and when the code structure is read by the special-purpose application, the second part of the string is translated via the special-purpose application to activate a function of the special-purpose application.