Restriction Tags for Content-Editable Document Formatting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the creation and maintenance of multi-formatted documents, such as web sites, the separation of technical formatting and content expertise leads to high costs and inefficiencies, as non-technical subject matter experts (SMEs) cannot make small textual changes without risking damage to the formatting, requiring collaboration with expensive Web developers.
Innovation Solution
The use of meta information and restriction tags in tag-delimited documents allows SMEs to edit content without affecting the design or formatting, by parsing the document to identify editable sections and inserting invisible restriction tags that deactivate editing features for non-technical personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If SMEs are given access to edit Web files directly, then content updates become easier and less costly, but the formatting and design may be inadvertently damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Web file into distinct editable and non-editable portions using restriction tags. The parser identifies and tags formatting elements (images, videos, audio, etc.) with restriction tags that prevent their editing, while leaving text content editable. This allows SMEs to edit content safely without affecting formatting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a parser and restriction tags that mediates between the SME's editing actions and the Web file. The parser automatically identifies formatting elements and inserts restriction tags, acting as a protective intermediary that filters out potentially harmful edits while allowing beneficial content updates.
2Reliability
If Web developers are involved in every small content change, then formatting integrity is maintained, but costs and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service content editing by SMEs through the automated restriction tag system. The parser automatically protects formatting elements, eliminating the need for Web developer intervention in routine content updates. This allows organizations to maintain formatting integrity while significantly improving editing productivity.
3Reliability
If restriction tags are inserted to protect formatting, then formatting integrity is preserved, but the document structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of formatting protection into separate restriction tags that are inserted by the parser. These tags encapsulate the protection logic, keeping the main document structure clean and readable. The restriction tags are metadata elements that do not interfere with the visual presentation or the editing workflow.
4Ease of operation
If SMEs edit content without technical expertise, then operational simplicity is maintained, but the risk of destroying formatting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively inserting restriction tags before any editing occurs. The parser scans the Web file and places protective tags around formatting elements in advance, preventing SMEs from accidentally damaging them. This preemptive protection allows SMEs to edit confidently without technical expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed to restrict editing in a tag-delimited, multi-formatted document comprising parsing the multi-formatted document, identifying a plurality of tags responsive to the parsing, generating a revised document based on the multi-formatted document, inserting one or more restriction tags into the revised document delimiting non-editable content defined by one or more of the plurality of tags, and restricting edit functions of a page editor responsive to the page editor reading the one or more restriction tags.