Distributed Variable Data Publication Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for creating variable data publications require significant effort from template designers to configure Web-based platforms for customizing templates, limiting their ability to specify the structure and organization of HTML forms, and necessitate repeated access to upload and configure templates for personalized document generation.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating printable document files that involves receiving layout and form definition information for a template, generating a Web form based on this information, and transmitting field content data over a network connection to compose the final document, allowing for distributed design and customization of variable data documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If template designers manually configure Web-based platforms to create HTML forms after template upload, then the system can generate personalized documents, but the design process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating the HTML form definition file at the moment of template upload, rather than requiring delayed manual configuration. The form definition is created based on pre-configured mapping rules that associate template fields with form elements, eliminating the need for designers to access the Web platform later for form configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the template upload process itself to trigger automatic form definition generation. The template designer simply uploads the template file, and the system automatically creates the corresponding HTML form structure without requiring the designer to manually configure form elements or access additional configuration interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If template designers must access the Web-based platform after template upload to configure forms, then forms can be customized, but repeated access and significant effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the form definition generation action preliminarily during the template upload process itself. The form definition file is created automatically at this stage based on the template structure and pre-configured mapping rules, eliminating the need for subsequent platform access for form configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the template upload process with the form definition generation process into a single integrated operation. Rather than treating these as separate sequential steps requiring multiple platform accesses, the system combines them so that form definition is generated as part of the upload workflow itself.
3Ease of operation
If the system dynamically builds HTML forms after template upload, then forms can be generated, but designers cannot specify the structure and organization of the HTML form
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by establishing mapping rules between template fields and form elements before the template upload occurs. These pre-configured rules enable the automatic generation of HTML forms with specific structures and organizations that reflect the template designer's intentions, rather than requiring dynamic post-upload configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for collecting information useable in creating a Web form through which data for variable portions of a printable document is entered is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving layout information relating to a template document having one or more fields. The method further includes receiving form definition information relating to a design of a Web form for the template document, wherein the Web form includes one or more entries corresponding to the one or more fields. The layout information and the form definition information are then collected for storage within a file, and the file is transmitted to a server capable of generating the Web form using the file.