Document Link Validation in Multi-Domain Hierarchies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing linked or bookmarked documents across a multi-domain document hierarchy is challenging due to file format differences and the need for efficient cross-document linking, especially in dispersed teams and regulatory submissions like FDA and EPA requirements.
Innovation Solution
A file format agnostic document link creation, management, and viewing system that converts source documents into linked PDFs, using a database of links and bookmarks, allowing users to edit and validate links through a web browser interface, independent of file storage hierarchy, and predicting link locations based on document similarities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hyperlinks are used to facilitate cross-document navigation in multi-user multi-domain environments, then document linking capability is improved, but link reliability deteriorates due to disconnected users editing, deleting, and replacing files
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation of hyperlinks during the document assembly process before submission. The validation system checks link integrity, resolves relative paths to absolute paths, and verifies that target documents exist and are accessible. This preliminary action ensures links remain reliable even as documents are edited by multiple users across different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms by monitoring document changes and automatically updating hyperlink references. When documents are edited, deleted, or replaced, the system detects these changes and notifies affected users about broken links, enabling them to update their references accordingly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple file formats are supported for document creation and editing, then user flexibility is improved, but link management complexity increases due to file format differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer that sits between various file formats and the hyperlink management system. This intermediary translates hyperlink references into a universal format that works across different document types (Word, PDF, plain text, etc.), eliminating the need for format-specific link management logic and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hyperlink validation and management system is designed to be universal, handling multiple file formats through a single unified interface. The system can process hyperlinks in Word documents, PDF files, and other formats using the same validation rules and resolution mechanisms, simplifying the link management architecture.
3Reliability
If documents are converted to PDF format for regulatory submission, then submission compliance is improved, but link editing flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hyperlink validation and resolution before converting documents to PDF format for regulatory submission. All hyperlinks are checked, paths are resolved to absolute references, and target documents are verified to exist. This ensures that the final PDF submission contains reliable, compliant hyperlinks while the original editable documents can still be modified afterward without affecting the submitted version.
Data Source
AI summary
Linking within and among documents may include detecting at least one of intra-document and inter-document links present in a document; determining a document management project-specific document ID for the document; configuring a link resolution database with an entry for each detected link, each entry comprising link status, link direction, link type, source document link location information associated with the position of the link, and destination document link location information associated with a target viewing location in the destination document; and presenting the source document content in a user interface that overlays link annotations in a link annotation presentation layer over the presented source document content while associating the link annotations with a location of a link in the source document.