PDF Form to Editable SVG Conversion via JSON Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems that convert form documents from PDF to SVG format for editing on a WWW browser lose layout and format information, making manual adjustments necessary for text alignment and formatting, which is inefficient for editing operations.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes a document generation server capable of generating form documents by overlaying field data with form information, storing field attribute information, and converting the documents into an editable SVG format that retains layout and format details, allowing easy editing on a WWW browser screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a form document page in PDF format is converted into SVG format for editing on a WWW browser, then the document becomes editable on the browser screen, but layout information and format information are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeditability on WWW browserVSAvoidlayout information and format information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary data structure (JSON object) that serves as a mediator between the SVG format and the original PDF layout information. This JSON object stores layout and format information separately, allowing the SVG to be displayed and edited in the browser while the original formatting information is preserved in the intermediary structure, thus resolving the contradiction between editability and information retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the document into two independent parts: the SVG format for visual display and editing, and a separate JSON object for storing layout and format information. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function without compromising the other, enabling the SVG to be editable while the JSON preserves the original document's layout and format characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If layout information is lost in the converted SVG format, then the conversion process is simplified, but manual adjustment of text position and format becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion process simplicityVSAvoidmanual adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and storing layout and format information during the document generation phase before conversion to SVG. The JSON object is created in advance to preserve this information, so that when editing is needed, the information is already available and no manual adjustment is required, thus resolving the contradiction between conversion simplicity and editing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If field attribute information is not preserved during conversion, then the conversion to editable format is achieved, but editing operations require manual reconfiguration of alignment and format

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformat convertibilityVSAvoidediting operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the system universal by creating a multi-functional JSON object that serves multiple purposes: it stores layout information, format information, and field attribute information simultaneously. This universal data structure can be applied to any form document conversion, making the system adaptable to different document types while maintaining editing efficiency through preserved attribute information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3065062B1Converting PDF forms into browser-editable forms
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 CANON KK
  • EP3065062B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3065062B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3065062B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An information processing system is provided that includes a document generation unit configured to generate a form document page by performing overlay process for form information and field data; an acquisition unit configured to acquire attribute information indicating a field attribute of the document when the overlay process is performed; a conversion unit configured to convert the generated form document page into an editable form document page; and a browsing screen generation unit configured to generate data for displaying a browsing screen for browsing and editing the editable form document page, the generated data including at least the attribute information and the editable form document page.