Web-Based Document Generation System for Remote Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document generation systems are limited by their local hosting, requiring constant maintenance and unable to integrate with remote systems or provide 'software as a service', making them inflexible and inefficient for use with front-end and back-end systems over networks like the Internet.
Innovation Solution
A document generation system that allows access via the Internet, utilizing XML data representation, data validation, and web-based applications to assemble and merge documents, enabling integration with remote systems and automatic or manual document generation and printing, with features like e-signature functionality and centralized content repositories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If document generation systems are hosted locally on end-user computers, then documents can be generated and printed locally, but the systems require constant maintenance and cannot be accessed from remote systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between remote systems and the document generation system. The web server receives requests from remote systems via XML data, processes them through the document generation system, and returns results. This intermediary enables remote access while maintaining the core document generation functionality, resolving the contradiction between local operation and remote accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the document generation system from a single-dimension local desktop application to a multi-dimensional web-based architecture. By adding the web server dimension and XML communication layer, the system can simultaneously serve local users and remote systems through networks like the Internet, expanding its operational dimensions without sacrificing core functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If document systems are captive to local/host systems with local storage and printing, then implementation is straightforward, but integration with remote front-end systems and back-end systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the document generation system universal by implementing it as a web service that can be accessed from any system with network connectivity. The system maintains its core document generation function while adding the capability to integrate with various remote front-end systems and back-end systems through standard web protocols and XML data exchange, enabling multi-functional operation across different platforms and networks.
3Reliability
If boilerplate documents and rule sets are stored locally, then document generation can proceed without network dependency, but updates and changes require local installation and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service update mechanism where the web-based document generation system can automatically retrieve updated boilerplate documents and rule sets from the web server. Instead of requiring manual local installation and configuration, the system automatically fetches updates through web requests, reducing maintenance complexity while ensuring documents remain current and reliable.
4Extent of automation
If document systems process all rules and clauses locally, then document generation is self-contained, but integration with remote systems for software as a service is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses XML data as an intermediary format to bridge automatic local processing with remote web-based access. The system automatically evaluates rules and selects clauses locally, then communicates results and receives updates through XML data exchange with the web server. This maintains automation while enabling software as a service delivery through the web interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A system that may be used to generate documents, where the system is accessible from and integratable with remote systems is provided. A document generation system that may be provided as a service, in the sense that the system may be accessed via, e.g., the Internet, from remote systems such as credit aggregators. The system takes in information regarding the requirements (e.g., type of transaction, number of parties, amount of loan, price, governing law, etc.) of the document needed (e.g., a loan application, construction contract, etc.) and produces an appropriate form based on the input information. It should be noted that access to the document generation system is effectuated by an Internet/network connection via, e.g., a partner provider system such as a DMS, a traditional credit aggregator, a credit aggregator portal, etc. Electronic signature and secure archiving may be provided for generated documents.