Embodiments of a method for providing documents, which may be performed by a system, are described. During operation, the system determines presentation information for content in a first document. Note that the content may include characters, and that the presentation information may specify relative positions of the characters in a framework of the first document. Then, the system generates a second document that includes the presentation information. Next, the system outputs a third document that includes the characters in the first document, where the characters can be presented in the framework based solely on the third document using an interpreter program.

Here's Apple's background and summary of the invention: "On-line networks, such as the Internet or World Wide Web (WWW), are increasingly popular forums for exchanging information and communicating with individuals and organizations. For example, many users publish their own web pages to keep in contact with their friends, colleagues and family members.

"Moreover, word-processing programs are also widely used to generate documents, which can include a wide variety of content, including text and images. Additionally, these programs provide advanced features, such as tools for integrating text with embedded images in a complicated framework or layout.

"Unfortunately, it is currently difficult to use a word-processing program to generate a web page that includes such advanced features because the word-processing program (or a related interpreter program) is typically needed to interpret the framework information in output files from the word-processing program, and this functionality is typically not included in web browsers.

"Additionally, it is often difficult for users to interact with a web page to provide comments or feedback on the web-page content. Hence what is needed is a method and an apparatus that facilitates publishing documents without the above-described problems.

"One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for providing documents, which may be implemented by a system (such as computer system). During operation, the system determines presentation information for content in a first document. Note that the content may include characters, and the presentation information may specify relative positions of the characters in a framework of the first document. Then, the system generates a second document that includes the presentation information. Next, the system outputs a third document that includes the characters in the first document, where the characters can be presented in the framework based solely on the third document using an interpreter program.

The inventor is Martin J. Murrett. The graphic below is a block diagram illustrating a document in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

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