Browser Document Preview Editing with Formula Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing online content management systems fail to enable seamless editing of documents in preview mode, as users typically need a native application to edit documents, and lack synchronization across devices.
Innovation Solution
A document preview system that stores documents in their native format, generates a preview document with preview code, field mapping, and formula listings, allowing users to view and modify documents within a browser, while synchronizing changes across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users view documents in preview mode in a browser, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but editing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the document viewing experience into distinct layers: a static preview layer for viewing and a dynamic editing layer for modifications. The preview document contains separate elements for display (HTML rendering) and editing (editable fields), allowing users to interact with specific editable portions while maintaining the overall preview structure. This segmentation enables browsing in a browser while providing targeted editing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary editing layer between the browser preview and the native document. This layer includes editable fields that act as intermediaries - users edit these fields in the browser, and the changes are then transmitted to update the native document. The intermediary layer bridges the gap between browser-based viewing and native application editing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users edit documents in native applications, then editing capability is improved, but device compatibility and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the browser-based preview system multi-functional by integrating both viewing and editing capabilities in a single interface. The preview document includes editable fields that allow users to perform operations traditionally requiring native applications (editing, formula modification, chart updates) directly within the browser. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate native applications across different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to document interaction by overlaying an editable layer on top of the preview document. Instead of requiring users to switch from browser to native application (a different tool dimension), the system provides editing functionality within the same browser environment through a dimensional overlay of editable fields, formulas, and synchronization mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If users modify documents in preview, then ease of operation is improved, but data synchronization and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms to ensure data synchronization reliability. When users modify editable fields in the preview, the system provides feedback by transmitting changes to update the native document. The system monitors and synchronizes modifications, ensuring that edits made in the browser preview are reliably reflected in the native document stored on the server, maintaining data consistency across different access points.
4Ease of operation
If the system generates updated previews in real-time, then responsiveness and ease of operation are improved, but processing time and energy consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating preview documents with embedded editable fields and formulas before users need to edit them. The preview document is prepared in advance with all necessary editing infrastructure in place, allowing users to immediately begin editing without waiting for real-time generation. This preliminary preparation reduces perceived latency while maintaining the ability to synchronize updates efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A document preview system provides previews of a native document to client devices. To generate the preview of a document, the document preview system generates a preview document that presents the native document in a browser-compatible format including elements that correspond to fields in the native document. The document preview system also identifies a mapping between fields of the native document and the elements of the preview. The document preview system also identifies a formula listing for the elements of the preview code. When a user edits a document, the edits may be committed to the document preview system and in parallel generate a preview to update the user's display. When an updated preview is available, the updated preview is rendered in a hidden frame and the user's input context is captured and reproduced when the updated preview replaces the prior preview.