Xerox Corporation

Laurence Hubert

Nicolas Guerin

James G Shanahan

Gregory T Grefenstette

Christer E Fernstrom

Michel Gastaldo

A system for enriching document content using enrichment themes includes a directed search service and an import-export service. The directed search service allows users to author documents while querying information providers using the directed searches that are inserted as part of the authored documents. The import-export service enables meta-document exchanges between systems that provide document enrichment by binding imported meta-documents to identical or similar information providers.

System with user directed enrichment

System with user directed enrichment and import/export control

A meta-document includes an object conveying document information, processing information pertaining to processing of the meta-document and metadata for indexing and retrieving the processing information. The processing information is recorded on the meta-document each time the meta-document is processed in some manner. Each time processing information is recorded on the document, appropriate metadata for indexing and retrieving the processing information is also stored on the meta-document. Creation and recording of the processing information and associated metadata on the meta-document may be accomplished externally by the particular source or environment to which the meta-document may be residing. Alternatively, each meta-document may include a tool (e.g., a software program or macro) embedded on the object. Whenever the meta-document is accessed or processed, the embedded tool creates the appropriate processing information and associated metadata.

Meta-document and method of managing

A system operates using meta-documents which include document content associated with one or more personalities. Each personality is associated with a set of document service requests. Users are provided different techniques for creating personalities and modifying existing personalities. These techniques include: the use of an algebra to tailor existing personalities, the use of a list of links or documents to create a personality, the use of predefined personalities and knowledge levels in a field to create new personalities, the use of question answering techniques, and the use of learning personalities. Specified personalities are then used to enrich document content by integrating into corresponding meta-documents the results received from their document service requests.

Growing community of inventors

St. Bernard du Touvet, France

Laurence Hubert