Clipboard Object Sharing in Instant Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instant messaging systems lack the ability to seamlessly transfer complex data as clipboard objects, as existing methods either lose the native format or allow only viewing without editing, and do not preserve context during file sharing.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for clipboard object sharing in instant messaging that checks the target client's format support, transfers the object as a background task with a placeholder, and replaces it with a representative image upon completion, optionally selecting from a saved transcript and allowing peer-to-peer transfer to bypass the instant messaging server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If clipboard objects are transferred as text representations or image snapshots in instant messaging, then the transfer can be achieved, but the native format is lost and editing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion mechanism that transforms clipboard objects into a universal intermediate format (such as XML or JSON representation) that preserves the original object structure, format information, and context metadata. This intermediate representation serves as a bridge between the source application's native format and the instant messaging system, enabling both format preservation and transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of clipboard objects by encoding them with metadata tags that preserve format information (e.g., <clipboard object type="spreadsheet" format="xls" context="financial data">). This parameter enrichment allows the receiving system to recognize and reconstruct the original object type while maintaining editability through the messaging interface.
2Quantity of substance
If file attachments are used to transfer complex data in instant messaging, then robust information transfer is achieved, but the entire file must be transferred instead of a subset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary subset of data from the source file by implementing clipboard-based selection mechanisms within the instant messaging context. Users can select specific ranges, tables, or elements from a file and transfer only those portions as clipboard objects, rather than attaching and transferring the entire file. This extraction approach reduces bandwidth consumption while maintaining data completeness for the intended purpose.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cut and paste mechanisms are implemented in instant messaging, then productivity application functionality is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal clipboard object framework that can handle multiple data types (text, images, spreadsheets, documents, code) through a common interface and representation mechanism. The system provides multi-functional support for various clipboard object types using standardized encoding formats and metadata structures, enabling broad compatibility without requiring separate handling mechanisms for each data type. This universal approach enhances adaptability while controlling system complexity through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to cut and paste object processing for instant messaging and provide a method, system and computer program product for clipboard object sharing for instant messaging. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for clipboard object sharing in an instant messaging session can include requesting transfer of a clipboard object from a source instant messaging client to a target instant messaging client in an instant messaging session, determining whether or not the target instant messaging client supports a format of the clipboard object, and transferring the clipboard object to the target instant messaging client only if the target instant messaging client supports the format of the clipboard object.