Patent US5745360A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5745360A
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Dynamic hypertext link converter system and process
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1995-08-14
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Granted: 1998-04-28
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Expires: 2015-08-14
Abstract
Abstract The methodology used converts non-HTML softcopy documents to HTML formatted documents based on examination of hypertext link entry points. To resolve these links, the invention interrogates the non-HTML formatted texts for hypertext links, verifies that the links are still valid (determines whether the to-be-linked-to topic, document or reference still exists) and constructs HTML link anchors. After all non-HTML links are resolved (i.e., converted to HTML, verified, and HTML anchors constructed), the entire topic or accessed portion of a requested document or topic text is formatted into HTML text and hypertext links. The most common entry point for beginning he conversion process is the table of contents. This usually provides numerous hypertext entry points to other topics contained in the work. Links can exists at any spot in the work. They are not limited to topic links only.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul Thomas Leone
- 👤 Mark Williams Lumsden
- 👤 Victor Edward Pulizzi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:40
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/20; G06F16/25; G06F16/258; G06F16/90; G06F16/93; G06F16/94; G06F40/00; G06F40/10; G06F40/103; G06F40/117; G06F40/12; G06F40/14; G06F40/143; G06F40/151
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for converting input source file materials containing non-HTML formatted hypertext links to output file HTML formatted hypertext links, comprising steps in a computer having a processor, memory, input/output and communication interfaces for: accessing a user requested topic segment in said input source file material; identifying any hypertext links included in said topic segment; verifying that any referenced material contained in each said hypertext link exists; recording the location in the referenced work where said referenced material may be found; constructing HTML formatted anchor reference tags for each said verified hypertext link; and formatting an output file that includes said HTML formatted anchor reference tags in place of any said hypertext links included in said accessed topic segment.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
119 words
A method for converting input source file materials containing non-HTML formatted hypertext links to output file HTML formatted hypertext links, comprising steps in a computer having a processor, memory, input/output and communication interfaces for: accessing a user requested topic segment in said input source file material; identifying any hypertext links included in said topic segment; verifying that any referenced material contained in each said hypertext link exists; recording the location in the referenced work where said referenced material may be found; constructing HTML formatted anchor reference tags for each said verified hypertext link; and formatting an output file that includes said HTML formatted anchor reference tags in place of any said hypertext links included in said accessed topic segment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method as described in claim 1, wherein: said identifying of any hypertext links includes searching said user requested topic segment of said non-HTML formatted source file for any control records including the designation CSELECT; and analyzing any said control records found in said search to determine the hypertext link target location information therefrom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as described in claim 1, wherein: said step of constructing said HTML formatted anchor reference tags includes concatenating a formatted HTML hypertext link reference of the format <a HREF="url"> text <a >, wherein said "url" portion thereof corresponds to said hypertext link target location.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
33 words
A method as described in any one of claims 1-3, further including steps for: converting all non-HTML formatted text in said user requested topic segment of said source file to HTML formatted text.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
120 words
A hypertext link converter for converting input source file materials containing non-HTML formatted hypertext links to output file HTML formatted hypertext links, comprising steps executable in a computer, and effective for: accessing a user requested topic segment in said input source file material; identifying any hypertext links included in said topic segment; verifying that any referenced material contained in each hypertext link exists; recording the location in a referenced work where said referenced material may be found; constructing HTML formatted anchor reference tags for each said hypertext link identified in said topic segment; and formatting an output file text that includes said HTML formatted anchor reference tags in place of any said hypertext links included in said accessed topic segment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
120 words
A hypertext link converter for converting input source file materials containing non-HTML formatted hypertext links to output file HTML formatted hypertext links, comprising steps executable in a computer, and effective for: accessing a user requested topic segment in said input source file material; identifying any hypertext links included in said topic segment; verifying that any referenced material contained in each hypertext link exists; recording the location in a referenced work where said referenced material may be found; constructing HTML formatted anchor reference tags for each said hypertext link identified in said topic segment; and formatting an output file text that includes said HTML formatted anchor reference tags in place of any said hypertext links included in said accessed topic segment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
A converter as described in claim 5, further including steps for: searching said user requested topic segment of said non-HTML formatted source file for any control records including the designation CSELECT; and analyzing any said control records found in said search to determine the hypertext link target location information therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
A converter as described in claim 6, wherein: an executable step for concatenating a formatted HTML hypertext link reference of the format <a HREF="url"> text <a>, wherein said "url" portion thereof corresponds to said hypertext link target location.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
A converter as described in any one of claims 5-7, further including executable steps effective for: converting all non-HTML formatted text in said user requested topic segment of said source file to HTML formatted text.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-04-27 | 2001-10-27 | 2002-04-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-04-27 | 2005-10-27 | 2006-04-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-04-27 | 2009-10-27 | 2010-04-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |