paper-engineering

# Paper Engineering Assistant ## 1. Skill Description This skill automates a structured academic writing workflow based on a three-layer architecture: **Framework Layer**, **Summary Layer**, and **Body Layer**. It maintains data consistency across all layers through automatic synchronization mechanisms. The skill operates within a user-designated project directory (default: `./PaperProject/`). ## 2. When to Use Use this skill when the user needs systematic assistance with academic writing, especially for long-form documents like theses or dissertations. - User says: "Start working on my thesis." - User says: "Read and structure all literature in the `references` folder." - User says: "Generate a preliminary framework based on my research proposal." - User says: "I've modified Section 2.1, please sync the framework and summaries." - User says: "Find and download recent literature about 'performance management'." ## 3. Core Concepts & Workflow This skill strictly follows the three-layer architecture: ### **A. Core Three-Layer Structure** 1. **Framework Layer (`structs.json`)**: The blueprint/map of the entire paper. A JSON array describing the hierarchical structure of chapters, sections, and paragraphs with IDs, titles, abstracts, keywords, and key points. 2. **Summary Layer (`summaries.json`)**: The content database. Provides detailed summaries for each framework node and records related node IDs for content traceability. 3. **Body Layer (`./document_body/` directory)**: The actual written content. A directory and Markdown file collection that exactly mirrors the framework layer structure, with each file corresponding to a writing unit. ### **B. Workflow Stages** **Stage 1: Literature Review & Processing** 1. **Initialization**: Create necessary subdirectories in the project directory (e.g., `./document_body/`, `./processed_references/`). 2. **Process References**: - Iterate through each reference in the `references` directory. - Create a dedicated folder for each reference (named after the reference) and initialize an `information.md` file with metadata (title, author, abstract, keywords, download link). - If the reference file (e.g., PDF) is available, parse it using the same three-layer architecture, generating corresponding `structs.json`, `summaries.json`, and body files stored within that reference's folder. This creates a "knowledge base" for each reference. - If the original text cannot be downloaded, only save the `information.md`. 3. **Read Other Materials**: Review non-reference materials like research proposals, institutional guidelines, etc., to understand requirements and existing foundations. **Stage 2: Document Writing** 1. **Generate Framework Layer**: Create the initial `structs.json` based on the research topic, proposal, and processed references. If an exemplary reference paper exists, its structure can be emulated. 2. **Generate Summary Layer**: Write detailed summaries for each framework node, forming `summaries.json`. 3. **Write Body Layer**: Based on the framework structure and summary content, write detailed content for each part in the `./document_body/` directory, following the format `Chapter_X/Section_X.X_Title.md`. If a section becomes too long, split it into multiple files (e.g., `Section_X.X_Title_trunc_1.md`). **Stage 3: Assembly & Synchronization** 1. **Assemble Final Document**: Run a concatenation script that reads all Markdown files in `./document_body/` and merges them in the order defined by the framework layer into a complete `thesis_final.md` file. This is a programmatic process, not reliant on AI. 2. **Critical: Synchronization Mechanism**: - **Top-down Modification**: When the user or AI modifies the **Framework Layer (`structs.json`)** or **Summary Layer (`summaries.json`)**, the corresponding **Body Layer** files must be rewritten or updated. - **Bottom-up Modification**: When the user or AI modifies a **Body Layer** file, extract its core information to update the corresponding **Summary Layer** entry and **Framework Layer** abstract. - This synchronization is crucial for maintaining logical consistency and preventing fragmentation, and must be executed after each modification. ## 4. How to Use (Operating Steps) When the user triggers the skill, I will work according to the following logic: 1. **Confirm Working Directory**: I will first establish the project root directory. If not specified, I will use the default `./PaperProject/` in the current working directory. All generated files will be placed within this directory or its subdirectories. 2. **Execute the Requested Task**: - **If the request is "start" or "process references"**: a. Check the directory structure and list all items in the `references` folder. b. Execute the "Literature Review & Processing" workflow for each item. c. Generate a `literature_review_report.md` summarizing key findings and interconnections. - **If the request is "generate framework"**: a. Comprehensively analyze the research proposal, core insights from processed references, and institutional guidelines. b. Generate or update `structs.json` (Framework Layer) in the project root. - **If the request is "write body"**: a. Read `structs.json` and `summaries.json`. b. Create corresponding folders and files in the `./document_body/` directory and begin writing content. Existing files in this directory may be overwritten. c. While writing each section, query `summaries.json` and the associated reference knowledge bases. - **If the request is "sync modification"**: a. The user indicates which file was modified (e.g., `./document_body/Chapter_3/3.1_Current_Analysis.md`). b. I first read the modified file content, extract a new abstract and key points. c. Update the `section_summary` for the corresponding `section_id` in `summaries.json`. d. Update the `abstract` and `key_points` for the corresponding `section_id` in `structs.json`. - **If the request is "find literature"**: a. Perform a network search based on the user-provided keywords. b. Attempt to download PDFs to the `references` directory. c. Create a folder and `information.md` for each, regardless of download success. If downloaded successfully, proceed with structured parsing. 3. **Output & Confirmation**: After each operation, I will clearly state which files were generated, their paths, and briefly describe their content. ## 5. Edge Cases - **Directory Doesn't Exist**: If the project directory doesn't exist, I will ask the user if they want to create it. - **References Folder Empty**: If the `references` folder is empty, I will notify the user and ask if they want to proceed directly to framework design or start a network search for literature. - **Research Proposal Missing**: If no research proposal is found, I will generate a very basic initial framework based on the paper title and general academic structure, noting that it will require significant revision. - **Sync Conflict**: If major, irreconcilable discrepancies are detected between the Framework, Summary, and Body layers for the same section, I will list the conflicts and **pause automatic synchronization**, requesting manual user judgment and instruction.