Annotated Document Processing for Automated Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated document generation techniques face limitations due to embedded processing instructions within the document text, leading to errors and separation of roles between developers and content experts, as well as difficulties in visualizing the final layout and managing executable code.
Innovation Solution
The use of annotated template documents with metadata that separates processing instructions from content, allowing for conditional processing using structured data feeds to generate finished documents, thereby reducing the risk of user errors and improving data efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If processing instructions are embedded within document text, then document generation can be automated, but errors increase and separation of roles between developers and content experts becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the document into distinct components: content elements (visible text) and processing instructions (annotations). This separation allows content experts to work with visible text while developers work with annotations, reducing errors and improving reliability while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
Processing instructions are extracted from the visible document text and placed in annotations that are not directly visible to users. This extraction maintains automation capabilities while preventing users from accidentally modifying instructions, thereby improving reliability.
2Extent of automation
If processing instructions are embedded within document text, then automated document generation is enabled, but management of executable code becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting instructions into separate annotations with unique identifiers, the system makes code management easier. Each annotation can be independently managed, referenced, and modified without affecting the visible document structure, reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Annotations serve as an intermediary layer between the visible document content and the processing instructions. This intermediary structure simplifies code management by providing a clear separation and organized reference system for executable instructions.
3Ease of operation
If annotations are visible in user interface, then users can see processing instructions, but user interface complexity increases and readability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Processing instructions are extracted from the visible user interface and placed in non-visible annotations. This allows the user interface to remain clean and readable while still supporting automated processing, avoiding interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The visibility of annotations is controlled locally - they are invisible to end users during normal document viewing but can be accessed and modified by developers. This local quality control maintains interface simplicity while enabling instruction management.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system conditionally processes a template document to produce one or more finished documents. Annotations in the template document are identified, each annotation indicating an instruction name and a portion of the template document to which the annotation is applied. The template document is processed using one or more structured data feeds that indicate, for each annotation, instructions for transforming the portion of the template document associated with the annotation, wherein the instructions are indicated by the instruction name of the annotation. Finished documents are generated by executing the instructions to transform the template document into each finished document, wherein transforming includes: replacing data in the template document, adding data to the template document, and removing data from the template document. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and program product for conditionally processing content in an annotated document in substantially the same manner described above.