Browser Extension Drag-and-Drop for Hierarchical Document Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document management systems using web browsers cannot perform drag-and-drop operations to upload files to specific folders within a hierarchical structure or download content displayed by Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) like Adobe Flash, as they either restrict uploads to single storage areas or lack the capability to handle RIA content.
Innovation Solution
A document management program with two extension programs operating on a web browser, one to acquire and display content, and another to monitor drag events, generate drag objects, and initiate download processing when content is dropped outside the browser, allowing for seamless drag-and-drop operations within the hierarchical folder structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a file is uploaded to only one storage area specified by the upload path associated with the HTML object, then the upload operation is simple, but the user cannot upload a file to a desired folder in the displayed hierarchical folder structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the extension program acting as a mediator between the HTML object and the RIA) that enables the drag-and-drop operation to work with hierarchical folder structures. When a user drags a file onto the HTML object, the extension program intercepts this event and processes it to allow upload to any folder within the hierarchical structure displayed by the RIA, rather than being restricted to a single predetermined path.
2Ease of operation
If the download target is an HTML object displayed by the web browser, then the download operation can be performed through D&D, but it is not possible to download a content displayed by an RIA through the D&D operation
Solution Approach 1:
The extension program is designed to be universal, handling both HTML objects and RIA content through the same drag-and-drop interface. The program monitors drag events and determines the type of content being dragged, then processes the drop operation appropriately regardless of whether the target is an HTML element or an RIA display area, thereby enabling downloads from multiple content types through a unified mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple extension programs are used to achieve drag-and-drop operations for both uploading and downloading, then the functionality is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (upload handling, download handling, event monitoring, and coordinate processing) into a single integrated extension program. This unified approach eliminates the need for separate extension programs for different operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full drag-and-drop functionality for both uploading files to hierarchical folders and downloading content from RIAs.
Data Source
AI summary
A first extension program and a second extension program operate on a web browser. The first extension program displays a content managed by a document management server in a display area, and when the content has been dragged outside the display area, writes information of the dragged content in a bridge data storage unit. The second extension program generates a drag object including the content information written in the bridge data storage unit and monitors whether the drag object has been dropped outside the web browser. When the drag object is dropped outside the web browser, the second extension program executes download processing by using the content information included in the drag object.