COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR COLLABORATIVE EDITING OF DOCUMENTS

摘要

For collaborative editing, a document is stored in a database (34) as a plurality of linked character objects. Each character object represents one particular character of the document and includes a unique object identifier and a character code. The character object representing the particular character is linked to a first character object representing the character preceding directly the particular character and to a second character object representing the character following directly the particular character. Editing commands for inserting or deleting characters are mapped (S9) by a control module (32) onto database transactions for inserting or deleting character objects and for re­linking the character objects representing characters preceding directly or following inserted or deleted characters. Character objects inserted or deleted in the database (34) are propagated (S20) by a propagation module (31) to workstations editing the document. Insertion or deletion of characters can be reflected easily and efficiently in the database (34). Document access and editing workflow control can be applied at the character level.