Document Reformatting via Marked-Up XML and XSL Stylesheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for distributing reading materials, such as books, typically offer only one format and require physical shipping, which is inefficient and costly, especially for libraries that need multiple formats for different readerships.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a server site with a repository for marked-up documents, a document format store, and a document production processor to generate user-requested documents in various formats, considering the printing capabilities of the target site, allowing for electronic distribution and printing at multiple locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If documents are distributed in a single fixed format through traditional bookstores, then storage and distribution are simplified, but accessibility for diverse reading needs and adaptability to different formats is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The document is segmented into two independent parts: a structured marked-up source (XML) containing the content and structural information, and separate format definitions (XSL stylesheets) containing the presentation rules. This segmentation allows the same source to be transformed into multiple formats without increasing source complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The marked-up document format serves as a universal source that can generate multiple different output formats (print, large print, braille, audio, etc.) through application of different format definitions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling format adaptability while keeping the source document simple and standardized.
2Productivity
If physical books are shipped to customers, then format consistency is maintained, but distribution time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shipping physical books, the system creates digital copies of the marked-up source document and transmits them electronically. These digital copies can be instantly delivered to multiple locations simultaneously, dramatically increasing distribution speed and eliminating physical shipping delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system of physical book shipping is replaced with an electronic digital transmission system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical logistics, warehousing, and manual handling, thereby reducing distribution time and costs while maintaining format consistency through digital replication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If documents are marked up with explicit structural information, then format flexibility and accessibility are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The document is pre-marked up with explicit structural information (XML tags, attributes, and hierarchy) before any formatting is applied. This preliminary structuring enables automated transformation to multiple formats without requiring complex real-time processing decisions, as all structural relationships are already defined in the source.
Solution Approach 2:
The marked-up source document acts as an intermediary representation between the original content and various output formats. It contains explicit structural information that serves as a bridge, allowing automated translation to different formats through XSL stylesheets without requiring complex processing at the output stage.
4Ease of operation
If a single format is offered for all readers, then production and distribution are simplified, but accessibility for readers with diverse needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic format selection where the document format adapts to the reader's needs. Instead of producing multiple static format versions, the marked-up source can be transformed on-demand into the appropriate format (standard, large print, braille, audio) based on individual reader requirements, enabling accessibility without proportionally increasing the quantity of formats produced.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for producing documents in a specialized format adapted to aid readability, such as word-recognition and word-processing capabilities. Marked-up documents stored in a repository are created by marking up previously unmarked-up documents according to one or more schemas, to include explicit structural information that corresponds to implicit structural information originally contained in the unmarked-up documents. A user may request a specially formatted document by selecting one of a number of available stored document formats including formatting rules or parameters to be applied to a selected one of the marked-up documents.