Template Document Address Replacement for Access Log Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems fail to effectively manage and collect usage information for documents created from templates, such as PDF files, after they are distributed, which limits the ability to track access logs and update or retire templates accordingly.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that creates documents using templates, replaces embedded user-provided addresses with addresses that allow access log acquisition, and generates information associating template identification with these addresses, enabling the tracking of access logs and usage metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user-provided addresses are embedded directly into documents, then document functionality is maintained, but access log collection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary address (second address) that mediates between the user-provided address (first address) and the access log collection system. When a document contains a link to the first address, the system automatically replaces it with the second address that routes through the access log collection server. This intermediary mechanism allows both document functionality (the link still works) and access log collection (requests pass through the server) to coexist without conflict.
2Adaptability or versatility
If templates are updated after distribution, then template improvements are implemented, but distributed documents require modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the template management system into two independent parts: the template definition (stored on the server with unique identifiers) and the distributed document (containing only references to the template). When a template needs updating, only the template definition on the server is modified, while distributed documents remain unchanged but automatically reflect updates through their template references. This segmentation allows template updates without document modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where templates are associated with unique identifiers and version information. When templates are updated on the server, the system can track which distributed documents use which template versions. This feedback loop enables the system to manage template updates centrally while maintaining awareness of document-template relationships, allowing updates to propagate without modifying distributed documents.
3Measurement precision
If access logs are collected centrally, then template usage analysis is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access log collection server performs multiple functions: it collects access logs, manages template definitions, stores template-version mappings, and provides the intermediary address resolution service. By consolidating these functions into a single universal system rather than separate specialized components, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise template usage analysis capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device includes a creation unit, a replacement unit, and a generation unit. The creation unit creates a document using a template. The replacement unit replaces a first address embedded into a document created by the creation unit with a second address that is an address at which an access log is acquirable. The generation unit generates information associating template identification information that identifies a template used in a document created by the creation unit, the first address, and the second address.