Cloud File Conversion Service for Version Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Content creators face inefficiencies when exchanging files with consumers using different versions of software applications, as newer features in subsequent versions may not be compatible with older versions, leading to incomplete or inaccurate file rendering and increased management burdens.
Innovation Solution
An in-application file conversion service using cloud services determines incompatible features and converts files to compatible formats through a job manager and multiple versions of application server software, allowing seamless compatibility across different application versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content creators use newer versions of the application to access latest features, then functionality and versatility are improved, but compatibility with older versions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based conversion service as an intermediary between content creators using newer application versions and content consumers using older versions. This service automatically converts files from the newer format to the older compatible format, eliminating the need for creators to manually track recipient versions or consumers to request compatible versions, thus resolving the compatibility issue while preserving access to latest features.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary conversion of files before they are accessed by users with older application versions. The conversion service proactively transforms files from the latest application format to compatible formats in advance, so that when files are shared, compatibility is already established without requiring manual intervention from either creator or consumer.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If content creators manually track and create backward-compatible documents for each recipient, then compatibility is improved, but time consumption and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion service operates autonomously without requiring content creators to manually track recipient application versions or create multiple document variants. The system self-manages the conversion process by detecting the target version requirement and automatically generating appropriate file formats, freeing creators from the time-consuming task of version management while maintaining full compatibility.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If recipients contact authors to request compatible document versions, then compatibility is improved, but communication overhead and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud conversion service acts as an automated intermediary that eliminates the need for direct communication between recipients and authors regarding file compatibility. The system automatically detects the recipient's application version, selects the appropriate conversion target, and generates the compatible file without requiring any coordination or communication between the parties involved.
Data Source
AI summary
In-application file conversion using cloud services is described. In one or more embodiments, an application determines that a file includes features inserted by a subsequent version of the application. The application sends a request to a conversion service to convert the file to a format that is compatible the application. The application receives a converted file from the conversion service that is compatible with the application. The conversion service has multiple versions of application server software to convert files, a job queue to store requested conversion jobs, and a job manager that determines which version of application server software to use to convert the file and invokes an instance of the determined version of the application server software to convert the file.