AFP Meta-Data Objects Architecture for Cross-Application Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current final form presentation datastream standards, such as AFP, lack standardized meta-data formats, making it difficult for non-presentation applications to process and utilize meta-data effectively, leading to limited usability and potential exposure of sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
A standardized architecture is introduced for associating meta-data with AFP documents, defining common types of meta-data and enabling their structured utilization, using XML structures and meta-data objects to provide a framework for embedding and processing meta-data within AFP files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If free-form ad-hoc annotations are embedded in AFP files, then limited usability for that particular application is provided, but standardized meta-data formats are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments meta-data into distinct standardized fields (title, description, author, date, etc.) within the AFP file structure. This segmentation allows each field to serve its specific purpose while maintaining overall standardization, enabling multiple applications to process the meta-data consistently without requiring complex custom parsing for each application type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal meta-data format that serves multiple functions and applications simultaneously. The standardized fields can be used by different application systems for various purposes such as document management, search, indexing, and processing, eliminating the need for application-specific custom formats and improving cross-application versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ad-hoc meta-data is embedded in AFP files, then specific application needs are met, but non-presentation applications cannot readily utilize the meta-data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the parameter structure of meta-data from free-form text to standardized structured fields with defined types and formats. This parameter change enables non-presentation applications to process the meta-data easily by relying on the standardized structure rather than requiring complex interpretation of ad-hoc annotations.
3Manufacturing precision
If standardized meta-data architecture is implemented, then data processing fidelity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the standardized meta-data structure within the existing AFP file format, nesting the meta-data fields within the document structure. This nesting approach allows the standardized meta-data to be processed with the existing AFP parsing mechanisms, improving data processing fidelity without requiring entirely separate processing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for generating and associating meta-data with a final form presentation datastream document where the meta-data is structured in accordance with the datastream component architectures. Meta-data objects (“MDOs”) are architected as components of a presentation document and thus are well defined to allow applications to reliably access and process the meta-data contained therein. The MDOs may be associated with other components of the document and are architected to be extensible and flexible while still adhering to an architectural structure. The MDOs may be descriptive (no affect in document presentation) or operational (affects document presentation if processed). Standard types of MDOs may include XML standard information, JDF standard information, PWG standard information, and digital signature information. A variety of standard categories further define typical meta-data forms and applications thereof.