Portal Navigation via Object Metadata Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems in computer systems are inflexible, especially when the address of an object changes over time or is unknown, limiting the ability to create navigation links effectively, and can be cumbersome to set up.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product that identifies an object's name in content, obtains associated metadata from a repository, and creates an input control to navigate to a portal page, allowing users to activate the link and forward metadata to the portal for displaying relevant information without requiring explicit object addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If explicit object addresses are used for navigation links, then navigation can be established, but the system becomes inflexible when addresses change or are unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the portal system with object type and identifier) that mediates between the navigation link and the actual object location. Instead of directly linking to object addresses, the system uses object type and identifier as intermediate keys that the portal resolves to the current object location, thereby decoupling the link from the specific address and enabling flexibility while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the object reference (object type and identifier) that suffices for navigation purposes without requiring the complete object address. This copy contains just enough information for the portal to locate the object, reducing the complexity and increasing the flexibility of navigation links while maintaining their validity
2Adaptability or versatility
If object type and identifier are used for portal navigation, then navigation flexibility improves, but the procedure to create links becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the portal to automatically extract object type and identifier information from the content itself. When the portal encounters an object reference in the content, it automatically retrieves the necessary navigation information without requiring manual configuration, thereby maintaining navigation flexibility while simplifying the link creation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the portal pre-extract and store object type and identifier information from content during the content processing phase. This preliminary extraction eliminates the need for manual link creation later, as the navigation information is already prepared and available when needed
3Extent of automation
If metadata is stored in association with navigation links, then automatic navigation information is preserved, but the content structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metadata (object type and identifier) as separate, standardized elements that are taken out from the main content flow and stored in a structured manner. This extraction allows the navigation information to be preserved for automatic navigation while keeping the content structure organized and manageable by separating navigation data from presentation data
Data Source
AI summary
Navigation from content to a portal page is provided by identifying a name of a first object in content to be displayed in a computer system. A first portal page is configured to present information about the first object. Metadata of a kind that, when received by the portal, causes the first portal page to be displayed, is obtained. An input control associated with the name of the first object is created in the content, the metadata to be forwarded to the portal upon a user activating the input control. A GUI comprises a portal area for displaying a first portal page associated with a first object upon the portal receiving metadata for the first object, and a content presentation area including an input control that is associated with a name of the first object. Upon a user activating the input control the metadata is forwarded to the portal.