US 6,446,098 B1 · Method for converting two-dimensional data into a canonical representation

Abstract

A method is provided for converting two-dimensional data, particularly information in HTML format, into a canonical representation for rendering in aural or other visual forms wherein each element of interest is selected based on it being part of a mathematically regular expression, namely any expression that can be parsed in a tree. To perform the selection, the container of the element is located, and then the local route of the element within the parsed tree is followed, such that a signature of the element built upon this identification can be constructed and stored for later use in retrieving and rendering the value of the element of interest. The element of interest can thereafter be rendered through an appropriate language translator of interest to the querier. As a further refinement of the invention. the method searches for repeated elements and then stores only one of the selected repeated elements, such as the first repeated element.

Claims10

Dependent claims

In a computer network system having storage means tor source data and means for identification of said source data, a method for converting said source data of an element of interest conventionally presented in a first visual format and which is part of a mathematically regular expression into a canonical representation for rendering said source data in alternative formats, including aural formats and a second visual format, said converting method comprising:

retrieving from a source said source data as two-dimensional data of mathematically regular expression form into said storage means;
locating a unique container of the element of interest within a parsed tree of the mathematically regular expression;
thereafter
following a unique local route of the element of interest within the parsed tree to obtain a signature of the element interest, said signature being said canonical representation, said signature comprising said unique container and said unique local route;
and
storing said signature in said storage means for later use in retrieving and rendering a value of the element of interest.

3 more elements

In a computer network system having storage means for source data and means for identification of said source data, a method for converting said source data of an element of interest conventionally presented in a first visual format and which is part of a mathematically regular expression into a canonical representation for rendering said source data in alternative formats, including aural formats and a second visual format, said converting method comprising:

creating a target language component for a source language component as selected by a designer;
obtaining values for attributes of said target language component;
testing said target language attributes to determine if target language attributes uniquely specify said target component in its parent container:
if not, selecting a sequence of “left” sibling components such that said sequence followed by said target language component has a unique signature in the context of said parent container;
including said sequence in a specification of said target language component
testing other target language components at the current level to determine if said other components need to be specified at the current level:
if so,
obtaining specifications of said other components of interest at the current level;
testing for uniqueness of specification at the current level;
and
upon establishing uniqueness of specification, outputting a script of said target language.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for converting two-dimensional data into a canonical representation

Life of this patent

Method for converting two-dimensional data into a canonical representation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10