Electronic Document Server Description Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for collaborative creation and management of semi-structured electronic documents are hindered by lack of integration, proprietary vendor-specific solutions, limited interoperability, and inadequate navigation of complex business processes, particularly in handling structured and unstructured content.
Innovation Solution
Embedding server descriptions, process logic, and content into electronic documents to enable seamless communication between client and server systems, supporting structured and unstructured content, and allowing digital signatures for security, while using web services for enhanced functionality and workflow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If server software for collaboration is used to provide a common repository for shared documents, then users can collaborate on shared documents, but users get locked into the system solution with limited interoperability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collaboration system into two independent parts: a vendor-specific server component for collaboration and a standardized document component with embedded server description for portability. The electronic document is divided into structured content, unstructured content, and a server description that can be independently transferred between systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the server description from the proprietary server system and embeds it directly into the electronic document. This extraction allows the document to carry its own routing information independently of the original server, enabling portability across different vendor systems.
2Reliability
If vendor-specific collaboration systems are used, then collaboration features are provided, but important features like digital signatures and business process integration are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal document format that can function both as a collaborative document within vendor-specific systems and as a portable document across different systems. The embedded server description enables the same document to be submitted to different servers, supporting multiple functions and systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The server description acts as an intermediary element that bridges between vendor-specific collaboration systems and arbitrary target servers. It carries the necessary routing and submission information, enabling integration with external systems like digital signature services and business process management systems.
3Ease of operation
If generic user interfaces are used in current systems, then simplicity is maintained, but users cannot navigate complex sections of electronically drafted contracts effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing specialized navigation aids specifically for complex document sections while maintaining the generic interface elsewhere. The system can insert section-specific guidance, bookmarks, or navigation hints in complex areas without changing the overall simplicity of the user interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Business process enablement of electronic documents is provided. A method includes populating an electronic document supporting structured and unstructured content. The electronic document includes a description identifying a server and the content. The method further includes notifying a document processor of a submission event. The method also includes serializing a portion of the electronic document containing some of the unstructured content. The method additionally includes submitting the electronic document to the server in response to the submission event.