PDF FTP Processor for HTML Authoring Tool Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HTML authoring tools lack the capability to edit and manipulate Portable Document Format (PDF) files effectively due to the complexity and cost of sophisticated PDF parser libraries required for accessing internal PDF components, which inhibits broad adoption and usage.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a PDF FTP processor that enables client applications to access and manipulate PDF files using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) commands, allowing for extraction and modification of PDF content and attributes, thereby eliminating the need for complex parser libraries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sophisticated PDF parser libraries are used to access and edit PDF file components, then the capability to manipulate PDF content is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to manipulate PDF contentVSAvoidcomplexity of parser libraries

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the server system with PDF processing capabilities) that mediates between the simple FTP client and the complex PDF parser library. The client application uses standard FTP commands to communicate with the server, which then invokes the PDF parser library functions to perform the actual PDF manipulation. This intermediary approach allows the client to remain simple while still achieving sophisticated PDF editing capabilities through the server's processing power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of embedding complex PDF parser libraries directly into client applications with a network-based system architecture. Instead of each client application needing to include sophisticated parsing capabilities, the system substitutes a centralized server that handles all PDF processing operations, accessible through simple FTP protocols. This substitution reduces client-side complexity while maintaining full PDF manipulation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If PDF parser libraries are included in HTML authoring tools, then the ability to edit PDF files is improved, but the cost and development complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to edit PDF filesVSAvoiddevelopment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal server system that provides PDF processing capabilities to multiple different client applications simultaneously. Rather than each HTML authoring tool needing to include its own PDF parser library, the multi-functional server system handles PDF manipulation requests from any FTP client, making the expensive parsing capability available to all applications at minimal additional cost. This universal approach allows diverse applications to benefit from PDF editing without each bearing the full cost of implementing parser libraries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex parser libraries are required for PDF manipulation, then the functionality to access internal PDF components is improved, but the ease of operation and broad adoption decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality to access internal PDF componentsVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual file system copy of the PDF document's internal structure that can be accessed through standard FTP commands. Instead of requiring users to understand and navigate the complex internal PDF format directly, the system presents a simplified copied representation of the PDF's components (pages, images, text, fonts) as if they were regular files in a directory structure. This copying approach allows users to access and manipulate internal PDF components using familiar FTP operations without needing to understand PDF's complex binary format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10567472B2Manipulation of PDF files using HTML authoring tools

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 ADOBE INC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for extraction and modification of Portable Document Format (PDF) file content using Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) based authoring tools on File Transfer Protocol (FTP) clients. A PDF FTP processor is configured to map components of stored PDF files to a hierarchical directory structure, and to receive FTP commands from a client application which identifies a PDF document and a type of access or operation (e.g., content or attribute modification, content extraction, etc.). The FTP commands also identify components of the PDF document upon which the requested operations are to be performed. The PDF FTP processor is further configured to invoke function calls to a PDF parser library to perform the requested operations. These techniques enable client software to access and manipulate the PDF document in a relatively simple and efficient manner, for example through HTML authoring tools that communicate to the server through FTP commands.