WO2017111662A1

WO2017111662A1 - Method of using codes for accessing data

Info

Publication number: WO2017111662A1
Application number: PCT/RU2016/000895
Authority: WO
Inventors: Сергей Владиславович АНИСИМОВ
Original assignee: Сергей Владиславович АНИСИМОВ
Priority date: 2015-12-22
Filing date: 2016-12-16
Publication date: 2017-06-29
Also published as: RU2619526C1

Abstract

The invention relates to methods of providing access to data, particularly website addresses and other information accessed via a data transfer network, by assigning codes thereto, and can be used, for example, in advertising. The present method of using codes for accessing data includes inputting into an electronic device a code preassigned to at least one directory entry containing at least one information field, identifying the inputted code with the aid of software, and searching for directory entries with codes which match the identification results. A code is comprised of at least one graphic symbol containing at least one element and is input into an electronic device with a screen by means of the user tracing the code in a designated area of the screen. The code is identified sequentially as its elements are input, and the search results are displayed on the screen in the form of at least one value of an information field of at least one directory entry. The technical result is an increase in the scope of use of the method and an increase in data access speed.

Description

The way to use codes to access data

Technical field

The invention relates to methods for providing access to data, in particular, to the addresses of Internet resources, and other information that is accessed through a data network, by assigning a code to them and can be used, for example, in advertising.

State of the art

From the current level of technology, in touch-sensitive mobile communication devices when accessing the Internet, if a user searches for a specific Internet resource but does not know its address, he is forced to perform several actions: open the browser; open a search engine site in a browser (since the search engine page is not set at all as the initial page); type the name of the resource in the search box; perform a search query; since the results of a search query may not always contain the desired resource in the first positions, the user will have to view several results, and in some cases several pages, or reformulate the search query.

Thus, the desire to watch a specific Internet resource from a mobile device, if its address (URL) is not known, is not so simple to implement. Meanwhile, the addresses of most Internet resources are not convenient for remembering. Moreover, if the address data includes not only the domain name, but also the resource identifier, as well as other information necessary for the unambiguous identification of a particular resource.

The patent US 6023701 is known from the prior art, which describes a method for faster access to Internet resources of interest by expanding the functionality of the Favorites bookmark. The point is that in addition to the address of the resource visited, the user can set the browser mode, thanks to which all (or some) Internet addresses to which the user went from the first page visited will fall into the Favorites folder and grouped into categories. Subsequently, the user can select the “depth” of the search for the desired resource in the “Favorites” tab.

The disadvantage of this method is that to quickly get to the desired site, the user must visit it in advance and add it to the Favorites folder of his browser. Also, there is no way in this way to simplify access to the person interested. resource for other users. That is, each user must first visit this resource and add it to the Favorites folder. At the same time, simplified access to the site is possible only through that terminal (and only through that Internet browser) Internet access, the user of which was previously on this resource and added it to the Favorites folder.

GB 2375195 describes the system as a kind of library data storage, which is formed by assigning each publication in electronic form an individual code, which is compiled according to a strictly defined algorithm and in which data on a paper analogue of the electronic publication is encrypted (author, title, circulation, publication date, ISBN, etc., as well as the number of each specific copy). For example, the book "Don Quixote" should have the code "CSPNLIT 3". This number is used to search the library database for the electronic version of this book.

Moreover, these codes are generated either by publishers of paper versions, or by their distributors who supply these books to libraries. And library employees with access to the code base enter numbers into the database.

This system, in fact, is similar to the well-known universal decimal classification (UDC), with the only difference being that the UDC consists of only numbers and is created using a different algorithm and that you can find a copy of the publication by the code by visiting the library and entering the desired code.

The disadvantage of the invention is that it is not possible for users to add any literary source of information of interest to the library database themselves, if not they are its authors or publishers. The disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of storing a digital membership code for a particular resource.

There is a method of simplifying access to Internet resources (patent) posted on the Internet, links to which are published in print and electronic publications, characterized in that the reader of print and electronic publications gets access to Internet resources by accessing the Internet and entering a code, also characterized by the use of at least one server, which contains a database, which, in turn, consists of a table of links to Internet resources and the individual alphanumeric, alphanumeric Numeric codes or codes using other characters and / or symbols, the server checks the availability of the Internet through a Web-site, either directly or through another server that hosts the Web-site, characterized in that through the interface of the Web site interacts with the user and the database, in which the user passes through the Web site to the database a full link to the Internet resource, using software on the server of the Web site, this address is added to the database and assigned a unique code and they report this code to the user, and the user publishes and / or distributes this code, and the server on which the encoding Web site is located is configured to enter and / or edit the user a comment on the link to Internet resource in the form of additional text or graphic file.

The disadvantage of this method is the difficulty of remembering the alphanumeric code assigned to a specific resource. There is also no option to select a code by the user.

The closest solution is the method of using quick response codes (QR codes) in advertisements placed in the phone book (patent application US 20120280031), which includes determining a long unique resource locator (URL) for use with a product or service. The short URL is created based on the long URL. The resulting short URL is encoded using a QR code. Then the QR code is used in conjunction with the print medium distributed through any trading channel. When scanning the code, the user is redirected, using a long URL, which is formed on the basis of a short URL, to a remote computer system. Subsequently, the advertiser or business owner can determine whether the QR code should be distributed through the same trading channel, based on the frequency of use of the short URL.

When using this method, a QR code is created on a special resource, which then needs to be distributed on printed material and recognized using a camera on a mobile device. However, for this method it is necessary to use a QR code scanner, which is not always possible and convenient to do, for example, if the advertising medium is placed in an inaccessible place or is available for observation for a short time. In addition, the image of the QR code cannot be remembered or associated with anything. The user is also not able to distinguish one QR code from another in terms of content. Therefore, if there are many images with a QR code, the user must make explanations for each of them so as not to get confused and figure out which code refers to what. In addition, the amount of information encoded in the QR code is also limited when this information, you must re-create a unique QR code and distribute it.

The technical result of the claimed invention is to expand the scope of the method and speed up access to data through the use of graphical codes that are entered manually, which allows you to access data, in particular, catalog entries, in the absence of the ability to scan this code.

The specified technical result is achieved due to the fact that in the known method of using codes for accessing data, which includes entering a code previously assigned to at least one directory entry containing at least one information field into an electronic device configured to access data transmission network, identification of the entered code using software, search for directory entries whose codes correspond to the identification results, according to the present invention, as at least one graphic character is used, containing at least one element, the code is entered into an electronic device equipped with a screen by means of a user drawing a code in a selected area of the screen, the code being identified sequentially as its elements are entered, the results are displayed on the screen search in the form of at least one value of the information field of at least one directory entry.

There are options for the development of the main technical solution, which consists in the fact that:

- if the selected value of the information field contains an indication of the possibility of performing the process associated with it, then using software on an electronic device provide the ability to perform this process;

- the user has the ability to edit the input code;

- the user, having not found the necessary record, continues to enter or edit code elements, while the process of identification, search and display of search results is repeated;

- the code is entered in the selected area of the screen of the electronic device by check marks; - a check mark is presented to the user in the form of a geometric figure or pattern;

- using software in the selected area of the screen of the electronic device displays the elements of the most likely variant of the input code with a visual difference of the code elements entered by the user;

- the value of the information field of the record is presented in the form of a graphic element or text;

- to assign a code directory entry, use at least one server on which the database is located, containing the directory entries with the codes assigned to it;

- search results are sorted using software tools taking into account previous requests of a user or group of users;

- search for codes is carried out taking into account the user's personal settings;

- when searching for codes take into account the geographical location of the user performing the search;

- text information is additionally introduced into the electronic device, and then, when searching for catalog entries, a text search is taken into account by the values of text information fields associated with them.

Thus, the claimed technical solution with its entire set of essential features allows you to expand the scope of the method and speed up access to data through the use of graphic codes that are entered manually, which allows you to access data, in particular, catalog entries, in the absence of the ability to scan assigned im code. So, for example, in the absence of the ability to scan a QR code or unwillingness to attract attention, the user is forced to resort to other existing methods of searching for information, for example, text search. Entering text on mobile devices involves the need to use a virtual keyboard and read the entered text, while the method of drawing graphic code on the screen is free from these shortcomings. In conjunction with the identification of code elements that can be traced with errors, the inventive method makes significantly less demands on the correctness of the input compared to text input and search on it, and allows you to overcome the shortcomings of text codes, increasing the speed of access to data. In this case, the user begins to receive the search results after entering at least one code element, which in combination taking into account previous search results from a given user or group of users, formed by a certain attribute, for example, by the proximity of their location at the time of the search to a specific place, increases the relevance of the results. It is worth noting that the user can notice, distinguish and perceive the graphic code from the printed material or from a banner located outside the scanning area, and enter it yourself. Moreover, since it is assumed that graphic codes consist of simple forms, a small area of placement on an information medium is sufficient for distinguishing them and perceiving by a user.

Also, unlike well-known technical solutions, where the user needs to enter the Internet resource address (URL) on his own, the present invention can significantly speed up the process of accessing data, since the number of input operations that the user needs to make to enter a graphic code is less than to enter the address .

In addition, the use of recognition of input elements of graphic code or input of elements using check marks reduces the need for accurate input, which also speeds up the process of accessing data. And the touch area that is used for input does not carry textual information and, accordingly, there is no need to read information from the screen.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a method for using codes to access data.

In FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the process of creating and assigning a directory entry code.

In FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a code search process and a user starting a process.

In FIG. Figure 4 shows an example of recognition of input elements of graphic code when they are searched for as they are input.

In FIG. 5 shows an example of inputting graphic code elements using check marks made in the form of geometric shapes by connecting them in stages. In FIG. Figure 6 shows an example of entering graphic code elements using check marks made in the form of a matrix of geometric shapes by changing their color.

In FIG. Figure 7 shows an example of searching for catalog entries by text information in the header field, as well as an example of entering the graphic code associated with the record.

In FIG. Figure 8 shows an example of starting a process associated with the value of a selected field.

In FIG. 9 shows an example of viewing additional information related to the graphic code and its associated entries.

In FIG. 10 shows examples of execution of graphic code in the form of a stylized image of an object.

The implementation of the invention

The method of using codes for accessing data (Figs. 1-3) generally involves the perception of a code previously placed on information carrier 1 by user 2, entering 3 of a code previously assigned to at least one catalog entry of at least one catalog entry containing at least one information field, into an electronic device 4, configured to access a data network 5, such as the Internet, and provided with a screen 6. In this case, at least one graphic symbol is used as a code (Fig. 4-6), containing at least one element 7, and the input 3 of the code is carried out by drawing the user 2 code in the selected area 8 of the screen 6.

After entering 3 codes using software tools (not shown in the drawing), they are identified 9, search for 10 catalog entries with codes corresponding to the identification results 9 of the entered code. Moreover, the identification 9 of the code is carried out sequentially as you enter its elements 7 and display 11 on the screen 6 the search results 10 in the form of at least one value of the information field of at least one directory entry. At the same time, using software (not shown in the drawing) provide user 2 with the opportunity to select the information value of the recording field of interest from those displayed on screen 6.

The value of the information field of the record may contain various data such as addresses of Internet resources, postal addresses, telephones or any other text, graphic or audiovisual information, and may be presented in the form of a graphic element 12 or text 13. Also, when a record is displayed on the screen 6, it is possible to display 14 of the code associated with it.

If the selected value of the information field contains an indication of the possibility of performing the process associated with it, then using software (not shown) on the electronic device 4 provide the ability to start 15 of this process, for example, making 16 phone calls, opening 17 browser windows, positioning 18 of an electronic card, etc., by activating the corresponding value of the information field by selecting it on screen 6.

To create 19 new records with information fields and associate it with a code (Fig. 2), the creator 20 of the association, through an electronic device 4, using a Web application 21 or a client application 22 having access to the application server 23, enters 3 codes, in the same way as user 2 does. This identifies the entered code 9 and transfers the results of identification 9 to the application server 23 via the data transfer network 5.

Further, on the database server 25 or on another server (not shown), having access to it, for example, application server 23, 26 identification results 9 are received, 10 records are searched by comparing the identification results 9 with the graphic codes assigned to the records located in the database of 25 data. In this case, the database 25 contains records with information fields that are assigned graphic codes. This database 25 is designed to search for records and related information by graphic codes.

Then, the search results 10 are completely or partially transmitted 27 to the Web application 21 or the client application 22 via the data network 5. In turn, the Web application 21 or the client application 22, when they receive 28 search results 10 from the application server 23, display 1 1 them on the screen 6 of the electronic device 4 to the creator 20 of the association.

If the database 25 does not have a record corresponding to the entered code, it is given the opportunity to create 19 new records and associate it with the entered code. In this case, the creator 20 of the association can enter 29 information fields corresponding to the new record, such as a text heading, graphic element (icon), Internet resource addresses (URLs) and others. With one and he can associate several information fields with the same code. Information

0 of the new record, including the graphic code associated with it, and the values of the information fields, is transmitted 30 to the application server 23 via the data transfer network 5. When receiving 31 information about the new record, the application server 23 stores 32 of it in the database 25 of the data.

After successfully associating the code with a record containing one or more information fields and storing 32 of this association in the database 25, the creator of the association 20 can place the code on various information media 1 (for example, advertising banners, printed materials, business style items such as folder, brochure, pen, etc.) and their publication so that it subsequently becomes available to potential consumers (users).

In the general case, it is assumed that the creator of the association 19 is also the author of the code.

When user 2 needs to access data associated with graphic codes located on an information medium

1 (Fig. 3), it is through an electronic device 4, using a Web application 21 or a client application 22, enters 3 code. When this happens, the identification 9 of the entered code and the transfer of 24 identification results to the application server 23 via the data transfer network 5.

Further, on the database server 25 or on another server (not shown), having access to it, for example, the application server 23, 26 identification results 9 are received and 10 records are searched by comparing the identification results 9 with the graphic codes assigned to the records, located in the database 25 data.

Then, the search results 10 are completely or partially transmitted 27 to the Web application 21 or the client application 22 via the data network 5. In turn, the Web application 21 or the client application 22, when they receive 28 search results 10 from the application server 23, display 1 1 them on the screen 6 of the electronic device 4 in the form of a list, allowing user 2 to access the information fields of the records found and If any process is associated with the values of the information fields, start 15 its execution, for example, make 16 telephone calls, open 17 browser windows, position 18 electronic cards, etc., by activating the corresponding value of the information field by selecting it on the screen 6.

To gain access to the necessary data (catalog entries), user 2 draws elements 7 of the graphic code on the touch screen 6 of electronic device 4. In this case, recognition of input elements 7 and their search 10 occurs as they are entered 3 (Fig. 4-6). In addition, user 2 has the ability to edit the input code, for example, redrawing the entered code elements 7 again, thereby deleting them. Moreover, user 2, having not found the necessary record, can continue to enter 3 or edit code elements 7, while the identification process 9, search 10 and display 1 1 of the search results is repeated.

As an electronic device 4, a stationary personal computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a laptop, a communicator, a personal digital assistant, etc. can be used. devices. Enter 3 code by drawing it directly on the screen 6 of the electronic device 4, if it supports touch input or by drawing through any input device (not shown), for example, with a pen or mouse.

As elements 7 of the graphic code, elements are used that user 2 is able to distinguish, memorize and reproduce independently or according to patterns (check marks 33), which are formed for user 2 using software tools (not shown in the drawing). These control marks 33 are displayed through the user interface (on screen 6) in the form, for example, of a rectangular or any other area (shown conventionally in the drawing). Thus, in the general case, this area consists of pixels, the selection of which user 2 draws elements 7 of the graphic code independently. In special cases, the input 3 of the code in the selected area 8 of the screen 6 of the electronic device 4 can be carried out according to the said check marks 33. The check mark 33 can be presented to user 2 in the form of a geometric figure or pattern (Figs. 5 and 6). In this case, using software (not shown) in the selected area 8 of the screen 6 on the electronic device 4, the elements 34 of the most likely variant of the input code are displayed with the visual difference of the code elements 7 entered by the user 2.

In FIG. 4 shows an example when user 2 sequentially draws elements 35 of a graphic code (circle and triangle) by hand on the touch-sensitive area 8 of screen 6 of electronic device 4, and the input elements 35 are recognized as elements 7 of the graphic code (circle and triangle) and are replaced by their geometric styles.

Along with the indicated method, in which the recognition of randomly entered code elements 7 occurs (Fig. 4), it is possible to enter 3 codes using various ready-made templates built on the basis of check marks 33, for example, as shown in FIG. 5. In the case of FIG. 5, the user 2 connects the check marks 33 (simple geometric shapes) as elements of the template and, thereby, gradually depicts the necessary elements 7 of the graphic code. Search 10 among the codes registered in the database 25 of the data occurs as you enter 3 elements 7 of the code, and the search result 10 is displayed 1 1 in the form of a list (conventionally shown in the drawing). In this case, the list is sorted by relevance and, as in the case indicated in FIG. 4, this may take into account the previous requests of this user 2 or group of users, as well as his personal settings and other data that can increase the relevance of the search results. The presence of sorting by relevance, taking into account various data, allows you to get the most likely search result without having to enter the full code, thereby simplifying access to the necessary data (catalog entries). Elements 34 of the code corresponding to the most likely result can be prompted to user 2 in the expanded area 8 of the 6t screen. As you enter 3 code elements, the list is updated and narrowed until user 2 finds the record he needs. Also, user 2 can edit the code, deleting its elements 7, for example, reconnecting already connected check marks 33 and thereby expanding or changing the direction of the search.

In FIG. 6, reference marks 33 are represented as a matrix of 36 squares. In this case, user 2 can fill in the squares by swiping on them or clicking on them, creating code elements 7 from the selected squares. Let us also assume a variant (similar to Fig. 6, but not shown in the drawings) when the matrix is filled not with identical geometrical figures, such as squares (as in Fig. 6), but with different figures, for example mosaic elements (fragments). In this case, user 2 can paint over the mosaic elements, creating the necessary code from the filled elements.

In this case, the desired effect of data access can be achieved using various codes and input methods, or combinations thereof. The given implementations of input options for 3 code, shape and size of elements of 7 code and control labels 33 are not exhaustive and prove that the specific nature of their performance does not affect the achievement of the claimed technical result, since the specified result is achieved by drawing user 2 each element 7, which make up the code as a whole.

Search 10 may occur asynchronously, allowing user 2 to enter 3 new or delete existing code elements 7, or other codes, without waiting for the search results. In this case, the search 10 and sorting the results can be performed using software (not shown in the drawing), taking into account the previous requests of user 2 or a group of users, personal settings of the user and the geographical location of the user 2 searching. The search results, the input sequence of 3 code elements 7, as well as other information related to the search, such as location of user 2, spatial orientation, search time, personal settings of user 2, can also be stored on the server (not shown) for subsequent analysis, increasing the relevance of the results and search optimization.

In the electronic device 4 can additionally enter text information into the text input field 37, intended for text search, and then when searching for catalog entries take into account the search for the associated values of text information fields 13.

When a record corresponding to the code entered by user 2 is displayed, user 2 displays 1 1 at least one value of the fields associated with the record that were previously added by the association creator 20 to the described database 25 (the number of displayed fields depends on the screen area 6 allocated for this ) In this case, the values of information fields can be represented in the form of graphic elements 12 (icons) or text 13, when activated, the corresponding action is performed, for example, making 16 phone calls, opening 17 browser windows, positioning 18 electronic cards, etc.

Thus, any data, such as Internet resource addresses, Email addresses, postal addresses, phone numbers, coordinates, as well as any other textual, graphical, or audiovisual information, can be associated with a graphic code. Actions can also be associated with this information that user 2 can carry out with it. For example, when activating the value of an information field containing a phone number, the user can 16 to dial a number on an access device that supports this action, for example, on a smartphone. When activating the value of the information field containing the Email address, the window for creating an email message with the selected Email address in the mail program (not shown in the drawing) may open. When activating the value of the information field containing the mailing address or geographical coordinates, it is possible to open the electronic map program with positioning 18 at the specified location.

If user 2 is satisfied with the search results and if the selected value of the information field contains an indication of the possibility of performing the process associated with it, then using software (not shown) on the electronic device 4 provide the ability to start 15 of this process.

Otherwise, user 2 can continue to enter 3 or edit code elements 7, while the identification process 9, search 10 is repeated and user 2 is shown a new list of results, taking into account the newly entered elements 7.

In FIG. 7 shows an example of a search in the text information fields 13 of the record. In this case, the input 3 of the code begins with its elements 7. Then, having received the intermediate result in the form of a list of records with the corresponding information fields, continue searching for records using the search by their text fields 13. At the same time, user 2 enters the text into the special text input field 37 intended for text search, as the text is entered, a search is performed on the text fields of 13 records and records corresponding to the new search criteria, which include searching by the entered codes and searching by the entered text, are displayed to the user 2.

In FIG. 8 shows an example of starting process 15, which corresponds to the value of the information field of the record. In this case, user 2 starts by searching for entries by entering, for example, code element 7. Having found the necessary entry in the list of records matching the search criteria, user 2 can perform the action associated with a particular field. For example, by activating the graphic element 12 corresponding to the value of the information field, in this case, an example of opening the browser window 17 when activating by selecting on the screen 6 the value of the information field of the record corresponding to the address of the Internet resource (URL) is given, since with this type of value the information field associated is the process of opening 17 browser windows and navigating to an Internet resource address. User 2 can return to the main search mode for records by entered codes by activating the user interface element “Back” 38.

The client application 22 provides the ability to view detailed information related to the records and the associated information fields (Fig. 9). In order to open a window containing additional information associated with the selected code, user 2 must swipe the list item from left to right and activate the appeared “Information” interface element 39.

At the same time, in the dialog that appears, user 2 gains access to a specific record and the data associated with it. Data can be presented in the form of text, images, as well as in any other way, for example, in the form of animations or video images. As in the search mode, user 2 can perform the action associated with a particular field. For example, by activating the graphic element 12 or text 13 corresponding to the value of the information field.

User 2 can close the dialog with additional information by activating the “Back” user interface element 38.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that as a graphic code, for example, if it is placed on an advertising medium, a stylized image of an object can be used (Fig. 10), which contains information in a catalog entry associated with this code. For example, a combination of elements 7 in the form of a square and a triangle, lying on its base on a square, can symbolize a real estate business; a combination of elements 7 in the form of two squares arranged one after another - a window business; a combination of elements 7 of three lines in the form of an airplane - air transportation. This makes the code more distinguishable, the code is associated with the subject of advertising, which increases the memorability of the code and the likelihood of its use by the client, leading, ultimately, to increase the effectiveness of advertising.

Claims

CLAIM

1. A method of using codes to access data, which includes entering a code previously assigned to at least one directory entry containing at least one information field into an electronic device configured to access a data network, identifying the entered code using software tools, search for catalog entries whose codes correspond to the identification results, characterized in that at least one graphic character containing at least one is used as a code n element, the code is entered into an electronic device equipped with a screen by means of a user drawing a code in a selected area of the screen, and the code is identified sequentially as its elements are entered, the search results are displayed on the screen in the form of at least one information field value of at least one directory entry.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that if the selected value of the information field contains an indication of the possibility of performing the process associated with it, then using software on an electronic device provide the ability to perform this process;

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the user has the ability to edit the input code.

4. The method according to p. 1 and 3, characterized in that. that the user, having not found the necessary record, continues to enter or edit code elements, while the process of identification, search and display of search results is repeated.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the code is entered in the selected area of the screen of the electronic device according to the control marks.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the control mark is presented to the user in the form of a geometric figure or pattern.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that using software in the selected area on the electronic device displays the elements of the most likely variant of the input code with a visual difference of the code elements entered by the user.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the value of the information field of the record is presented in the form of a graphic element or text.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that for assigning the code directory entry, at least one server is used on which the database containing Directory entries with their assigned codes.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the search results are sorted using software tools taking into account previous requests of a user or group of users.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the search for codes is carried out taking into account the user's personal settings.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that when searching for codes take into account the geographical position of the user performing the search.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that text information is additionally introduced into the electronic device, and then, when searching for catalog entries, a text search by the associated values of text information fields is taken into account.