PDF Web Server HTTP Request Content Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies require complex and costly PDF parser libraries, typically written in low-level languages, making it difficult and expensive for client applications to access and manipulate PDF file content, especially in web browser applications, which limits their capability to perform advanced document operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a PDF web server that receives HTTP requests from clients to extract and modify PDF file content, using a PDF web server module with HTTP parsing and PDF library interface modules to invoke function calls in a PDF parser library, allowing clients to access and manipulate PDF files through simpler HTTP requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If PDF parser libraries are included in client applications, then PDF content extraction and manipulation capability is improved, but device complexity and development cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDF content extraction and manipulation capabilityVSAvoidapplication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the PDF parsing functionality from the client application and places it on the web server. The server hosts a PDF parser library that processes PDF files through HTTP requests, allowing client applications to access PDF manipulation capabilities without including complex parser libraries locally. This separates the heavy processing burden from the client side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between the client application and the PDF parser library. The server receives HTTP requests from clients, invokes the PDF parser library functions, and returns results. This mediator allows clients to access sophisticated PDF processing capabilities through simple web protocols without directly incorporating complex libraries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sophisticated PDF parser libraries are used, then PDF manipulation functions are improved, but ease of deployment to client devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDF processing capabilityVSAvoiddeployment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex PDF parser library from the client deployment package and relocates it to the server environment. Client applications only need to deploy simple HTTP clients, while the sophisticated parsing library remains on the server, dramatically simplifying client deployment while maintaining full PDF processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal server-side solution that can serve multiple client applications simultaneously. The server-hosted PDF parser library provides PDF manipulation capabilities to any client that sends HTTP requests, eliminating the need for each client to independently deploy and maintain parser libraries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If web browser applications use simple HTTP requests, then ease of operation is improved, but PDF processing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of client applicationVSAvoiddocument content manipulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the web server as an intermediary that translates simple HTTP requests from browsers into complex PDF parser library function calls. The server handles the complexity of PDF processing while clients maintain simple HTTP-based interactions, preserving ease of operation while enabling sophisticated PDF manipulation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for complex client-side PDF processing mechanisms with a server-side system. Instead of browsers directly invoking PDF libraries, the system substitutes HTTP request-response mechanisms that automatically trigger server-side PDF processing, maintaining simplicity while achieving capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10506017B2Manipulation of PDF file content through HTTP requests

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 ADOBE INC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for extraction and modification of Portable Document Format (PDF) file content using Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) requests. A PDF web server is configured to receive HTTP requests from a client which identify a PDF document and a type of access or operation (e.g., content or attribute modification, content extraction, etc.). The HTTP requests include Uniform Resource Locator (URL) path to identify components of the identified PDF document upon which the requested operations are to be performed. The PDF web server is further configured to invoke function calls to a PDF parser library to perform the requested operations. These techniques eliminate the need for client software to include relatively complex PDF parser libraries, instead allowing the client to access and manipulate the PDF document in a simpler and more efficient manner. In some cases, the PDF web server may be incorporated in a PDF viewer.