Parallel Document Editing via Role-Based Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collaborative document editing systems restrict parallel editing by users, as only one user can exclusively edit a document element until the previous editor checks it back in, hindering simultaneous revisions.
Innovation Solution
A data processing apparatus with a specifying unit, change information obtaining unit, and updating unit that allows main editors to update document pages and subeditors to add new content without altering existing pages, based on predefined editing rights, enabling parallel editing by multiple users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exclusive control is implemented for document editing, then data consistency is maintained, but parallel editing by multiple users is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments document editing rights into two distinct types: main editor rights and subeditor rights. Main editors can update existing document elements while subeditors can only add new elements. This segmentation allows multiple users to work simultaneously on the same document without conflicts, resolving the contradiction between data consistency and parallel editing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different editing permissions to different user roles within the same document system. Main editors have full update permissions for specific document elements, while subeditors have restricted permissions limited to adding new elements. This local differentiation of rights enables parallel editing while maintaining data consistency through role-based access control.
2Reliability
If one user exclusively edits a document element, then editing conflicts are avoided, but workflow efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic permission assignment where users can be designated as main editors or subeditors based on their specific tasks. This dynamic role assignment allows the system to adapt to different collaboration scenarios, enabling multiple users to work simultaneously on different aspects of the same document without conflicts, thereby improving workflow efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes editing rights in advance by designating main editors and subeditors before collaborative work begins. This preliminary assignment of roles and permissions prevents editing conflicts from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for sequential locking mechanisms and thereby improving workflow efficiency without sacrificing data consistency.
3Productivity
If update permissions are granted to all users, then collaboration is enhanced, but data integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different permission levels to different user roles: main editors have update permissions for existing document elements while subeditors have only add permissions. This local differentiation allows enhanced collaboration within safe boundaries, enabling multiple users to work simultaneously while maintaining data integrity through role-based access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the permission parameter from a uniform all-or-nothing approach to a differentiated approach with two distinct permission levels. By introducing this parameter variation, the system enables broader collaboration while maintaining data integrity through controlled access rights assigned to different user roles.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing apparatus includes a central processing unit that receives user operations for changing a portion of a document, and edits the document by a first user and a second user in parallel. The first user and the second user each have an editing right and, in response to the editing rights, an editing page is displayed differently depending on the user.