Trace Identifier Management for Document Copy History
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to accurately trace and manage the content change history or copy creation history of objects, such as electronic document files, due to the lack of distinct identifiers for original and copied documents.
Innovation Solution
A method using a trace-identifier (T-ID) that is updated when an object is changed or saved, allowing for the management and tracing of object relationships based on metadata transmitted to a server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a unique identifier is assigned to a document to trace content change history, then document identification is improved, but it cannot distinguish between original and copied documents
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier system is segmented into two distinct parts: a Content Identifier (C-ID) that remains constant for all versions of a document, and a Trace Identifier (T-ID) that changes with each copy or modification event. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously track document identity and version history, resolving the contradiction between maintaining document identification accuracy and preserving copy creation history.
Solution Approach 2:
A metadata structure is introduced as an intermediary between the document content and the identifier system. This metadata contains both the C-ID and T-ID, along with additional information about copy operations. The metadata acts as a mediator that preserves complete traceability information without interfering with the core document identification function.
2Ease of operation
If file size comparison is used to estimate content changes, then change detection is simplified, but it cannot determine which document is a copy of which
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the T-ID in the metadata provides explicit information about the source document and copy relationship. Instead of relying on indirect inference through file size comparison, the metadata directly feedbacks the provenance information, enabling both simple change detection and precise copy relationship determination.
3Reliability
If metadata including T-ID information is transmitted to a server for each save operation, then object traceability is improved, but data transmission frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits metadata to the server selectively rather than for every possible operation. Specifically, metadata is transmitted when the document is saved or when copy operations occur. This partial action approach maintains reliable traceability by capturing all necessary T-ID changes while avoiding excessive data transmission during routine operations that don't affect the traceability chain.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for managing an object, an apparatus for the same, a computer program for the same, and a recording medium storing computer program thereof. A method for managing an object using a trace-identifier (T-ID) according to the present disclosure may comprise: updating T-ID information for the object at a timepoint at which the object is saved after the object is opened at an endpoint; writing the updated T-ID information as metadata of the object; and transmitting the metadata including the T-ID information to a server.