Variable Information Document System Using Namespace Schema Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The creation of variable information documents is complex, requiring authors to be familiar with variable information languages and tools, and is limited by predetermined data sources, which restricts access to dynamic content and output formatting options.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that integrates standard desktop publishing tools with server-side components and various data sources, allowing authors to create dynamic content references without knowledge of the data sources, using a namespace and schema for data communication, and a processor to resolve these references into usable content for output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If predetermined data sources are used for resolving dynamic fields, then the document template creation process is simplified, but the access to dynamic content and data sources is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument template creationVSAvoidaccess to data sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that mediates between the document template and data sources. The server receives the template with dynamic field references, resolves them by querying multiple data sources, and returns resolved content. This intermediary approach allows authors to create templates without knowing the underlying data sources while still accessing diverse data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the document creation process from data retrieval operations. The template authoring phase is segmented from the data resolution phase, allowing independent development of templates and data sources. The server handles the complex data retrieval and resolution operations separately from template processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If authors are required to be familiar with variable information languages and tools, then the document creation process is controlled, but the ease of use is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument creation controlVSAvoidauthoring process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs self-service by automatically resolving dynamic field references without requiring author intervention in the data retrieval process. The server independently queries data sources, handles authentication, manages data formats, and resolves references, freeing authors from technical complexity while maintaining document quality control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If data sources are integrated into the document template, then the data access is direct, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as a centralized intermediary that handles all data source connections and communications. This centralizes complexity in a dedicated component while keeping the template and authoring tools simple. The server manages the complexity of multiple data source protocols, authentication mechanisms, and data format conversions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If dynamic content references are resolved using predetermined data sources, then the processing is straightforward, but the adaptability to new data sources is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoiddata source flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to new data sources through the server's ability to query and resolve references from any available data source. The server can dynamically determine which data sources to query based on the template requirements and current data availability, maintaining processing simplicity while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7765469B2System and method for producing variable information documents using undetermined data sources

Publication Date: 2010.07.27 XEROX CORP

AI summary

A system and method is provided for printing variable information documents including processing a VI request which has a dynamic reference and uses a namespace and schema, wherein the dynamic reference specifies information to be integrated into a resolved document. The processing includes mapping between respective namespaces and schemas used by a plurality of data sources and the namespace and schema used by the VI request, and generating at least one query in accordance with the dynamic reference and the mapping. The data sources are queried using the generated at least one query. The resolved document is generated and printed, including integrating data received in response to the querying into the resolved document. The data source(s) to be queried may be selected based on a comparison of a type of information available from the plurality of data sources and a type of information requested via the dynamic references.