FORMS HANDLING

We are creating platform independent document presentation component that is implemented in JavaScript and works in modern web browsers without additional plug-ins. The HTML5 capabilities are used to present documents on web with same quality as was possible in the recent past only using add-ons technologies like Flash etc.
The document can be edited in desktop design application. The documents is not limited to the web only. One can reuse the layouts for printing, archiving, generating PDF documents and other background tasks. Open XML based format defines graphics using generic 2D model, suitable also for high-end printing.
Our tools can be used to extend information processing systems with presentable documents that work in web browser. It can also be used to build entirely new business application to collect from and present data to the users.
There is no scripting needed to create simple business application. We support various back-ends through REST API

The document content is represented as vector graphics, using objects as lines, curves, text and images. The textual content is stored as Unicode. Colors in vector graphics can be defined in different formats (grayscale, RGB, CMYK, spot colors). Field objects define editable areas in document with additional rules for evaluating user input on client side.

The document is divided into fragments. Simple document would define one fragment for each page making it similar to printed sheet of paper. It is however possible to define more complex layout of document template. The template document contains multiple fragments – building blocks out of which composite documents can be built.

The variable data and the form template are merged by the layout process that runs in the client-side web application. The web application will receive template and variable data from backend and present these to user as a document instance. By loading in new set of data and re-applying layout, new instance is created on the fly.

The validation rules can be applied to user-entered data on the client side. The client-side validation does not replace the final integrity check done in back-end, but it helps users to get the input correct and reduces need for server roundtrips. Client side scripting can be used to extend the form data validation.

The components of the system are built from ground up to enable user interaction in the web browser. Same document format can be used both for background processing and for web presentation. This approach enables layouts designed for printing and archiving to be reused in the
interactive web solution.

The form definition format is based on XML and has open specification. The XML format itself serves as an additional API for integrating with other systems.

Client-side component is implemented as HTML5 and JavaScript based application. The web application does not install any plugins and does not require any platform specific frameworks on the client computer. This helps to keep client-side deployment and support costs low
Communication of the web application with the back-end is done through the REST APIs. The REST API serves as means for integrating the
software with different back-end systems. The back-end needs to implement API-s for publishing documents and exchanging data
with web application.

Main use case for our document format is the implementation of interactive forms. The forms can be displayed on the web to
collect data from users, to show reports or act as a part of dynamic workflow. Document may include sections that are
enabled or disabled according to workflow state.

Documents can be created and edited using Windows desktop application. We are also working on input filters to convert documents from other formats (like SVG, PDF) and output drivers to render documents into common formats that can be edited and viewed using third party software.