Hierarchical Document Cross-Reference Auto-Update

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing hierarchical structures in documents during editing is complex due to changes such as adding or removing elements, which can impact other parts of the document, necessitating updates to cross-references.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method identifies cross-reference targets within hierarchically structured documents, determines components based on their location, and creates or updates cross-references automatically, utilizing a processor to handle changes in the document's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hierarchical structure is used in documents to improve comprehension and cross-referencing, then document organization and readability are improved, but managing hierarchical structure during editing becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument organizationVSAvoidhierarchical structure management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting hierarchical elements and generating cross-reference identifiers before editing operations occur. When elements are added, removed, or moved in the hierarchical structure, the system proactively updates cross-references without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining document organization while reducing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring changes in the hierarchical structure and automatically updating cross-references based on detected modifications. This closed-loop approach ensures that cross-references remain accurate despite structural changes, resolving the contradiction between maintaining organization and reducing management burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If elements are added or removed in hierarchical document structure, then document content is updated and improved, but cross-references become outdated and require manual updating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument editing efficiencyVSAvoidcross-reference accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system assigns unique identifiers to hierarchical elements in advance and establishes cross-reference relationships before editing occurs. When elements are added or removed, the pre-established identification system enables automatic detection and updating of affected cross-references, maintaining accuracy while supporting efficient editing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-reference update process is automated through self-service mechanisms. The system independently detects changes in hierarchical structure, identifies affected cross-references, and updates them without human intervention. This eliminates manual updating requirements while preserving cross-reference accuracy, thus improving productivity without causing information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If manual cross-reference updates are performed to maintain accuracy, then cross-reference precision is maintained, but editing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-reference accuracyVSAvoidediting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time feedback by monitoring hierarchical structure changes and automatically triggering cross-reference updates. This continuous monitoring and automatic response mechanism maintains cross-reference accuracy without requiring manual intervention, thus preserving precision while eliminating time loss associated with manual updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical manual process of tracking and updating cross-references with an automated computational system. The processor-based system detects structural changes and updates cross-references algorithmically, maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10762276B2Cross-references within a hierarchically structured document
Publication Date: 2020.09.01 PAPER SOFTWARE
  • US10762276B2 patent drawing
  • US10762276B2 patent drawing
  • US10762276B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system is provided for creating and managing internal cross-references within a hierarchically structured document. In an implementation, a method may include identifying a cross-reference target within a hierarchically structured document. The method may also include determining one or more components of the cross-reference based upon, at least in part, a hierarchical location of the cross-reference target within the hierarchically structured document. The method may further include creating a cross-reference based upon, at least in part, the components of the cross-reference.