Web-Based Markup System for Real-Time Collaboration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for collaborative markup of marketing materials, particularly interactive and multimedia content like websites, are inefficient and costly, lacking real-time collaboration capabilities and requiring specialized software with steep learning curves, which hinders effective coordination among diverse stakeholders in the financial services industry.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for real-time collaborative markup of webpages, allowing modifications to content and layout through a web browser, with a markup server and database that stores and renders markup data, enabling multiple users to contribute and review changes without requiring coding expertise, and providing audit trails and security features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If proprietary software packages (Adobe Dreamweaver, Microsoft Word) are used for markup, then markup functionality is provided, but software licensing costs increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarkup functionalityVSAvoidsoftware licensing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a web browser as an intermediary tool that enables markup functionality without requiring specialized proprietary software. The browser serves as a universal platform where users can access markup tools through web-based interfaces, eliminating the need for expensive licenses of Adobe Dreamweaver or Microsoft Word while maintaining core markup capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal markup system that can be accessed through any standard web browser, making the tool applicable to multiple users and platforms without requiring specialized software installations. This multi-functional approach allows different users to perform markup operations using a single web-based interface rather than requiring multiple proprietary applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional paper-based markup process is used, then markup capability is achieved, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarkup capabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based markup process with a digital web-based system. Instead of physically printing documents, marking them up with pens, and then digitizing revisions, the system enables direct digital markup through web browsers, automatically capturing changes and facilitating faster collaboration and review cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous markup operations where multiple users can simultaneously access and modify the same document through web browsers. The system maintains continuous updates and real-time collaboration, eliminating the discontinuous nature of paper-based processes where documents must be physically exchanged and reprinted for each revision cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of manufacture

If paper-based markup process is used, then markup functionality is provided, but coordination difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarkup functionalityVSAvoidcoordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where markup changes made by one user are immediately visible to other users through the web browser. The system provides real-time feedback on who has made what changes, when changes occurred, and allows users to respond to or approve modifications, significantly improving coordination compared to manual paper-based processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple markup operations into a single unified web-based interface. Instead of requiring separate processes for viewing documents, marking up changes, tracking revisions, and coordinating among users, the system combines all these functions into one accessible platform that can be viewed and edited simultaneously by multiple users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If specialized markup software is used, then markup precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to steep learning curves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarkup precisionVSAvoidlearning curve

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the familiar interface of standard web browsers as a copying approach, leveraging users' existing skills and comfort with browser operations. Instead of requiring users to learn complex proprietary software interfaces, the system copies the simplicity and familiarity of browser-based navigation and interaction while adding markup capabilities on top of this known interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10650082B2Collaborative virtual markup

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 JPMORGAN CHASE BANK NA

AI summary

A system and computer-implemented method for collaborative markup of digital media such as an Internet website are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple users can collaboratively and create, view, markup, and revise the contents and layout of a retrieved web site or webpage in real-Ume prior to publication or production release.