Animated Document Base State Control for Static Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for animated documents fail to control the structure independently of executable code, leading to issues with search engine indexing and display in browsers that do not support animation rendering, as they cannot execute programmatic components and may miss dynamic modifications made by animations.
Innovation Solution
The system allows designers to select and manipulate the base state of an animated document, enabling control over its static structure through a graphical user interface and timeline data structure, allowing the same animation to be rendered from different base states, and providing visual cues for editing operations affecting the document's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If JavaScript code is used to manipulate HTML and CSS elements to animate the document structure, then the document can be dynamically altered over time, but the static structure becomes unpredictable and cannot be controlled independently of the executable code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the document into two independent representations: the static document structure (HTML/CSS) and the dynamic animation code (JavaScript). The static structure defines the base state and natural document hierarchy, while the animation code operates separately to manipulate elements. This segmentation allows search engines and non-animated browsers to reliably parse the static structure without needing to execute or understand the animation logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that bridges the static document structure and the dynamic animation. This intermediary allows the animation code to reference and manipulate elements defined in the static structure without creating a tightly coupled relationship. The static structure serves as a mediator that provides a predictable base state while allowing dynamic modifications during animation execution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the document structure is dynamically altered by executable code, then animation effects are achieved, but search engines cannot properly index the document as they cannot execute the programmatic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the complete static document structure before any animation execution occurs. The HTML and CSS elements are fully defined in their base state, creating a complete and indexable document structure that search engines can crawl and understand without needing to execute JavaScript. The animation elements are pre-defined in the static structure, ensuring that even without animation execution, the document contains all necessary content for proper indexing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If animation code is used to modify document structure, then dynamic content is achieved, but browsers that do not support animation rendering cannot display the document as intended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the document structure that exists independently of the animation code. The static HTML/CSS representation serves as a complete copy of the document that can be rendered by any browser without requiring JavaScript execution. This copy contains all the essential content and structure, ensuring that users with non-animated browsers can access and understand the document content even though they cannot view the animation effects.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling the structure of animated documents are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes displaying, via a graphical user interface, a representation of a document, where the document includes a programmatic component configured to create an animation by manipulating a structure of the document, a static structure of the document corresponds to the structure of the document when the animation is not performed, and the animation, upon execution, is rendered starting from an original base state that at least partially defines the static structure. The method also includes, in response to receiving a selection corresponding to a state of the animation, designating the selected state as a new base state, wherein the new base state is different from the original base state. The method further includes altering the static structure of the document to correspond to the new base state.