Cloud Previewer for Unsupported File Editing and Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in seamlessly and securely editing and sharing various file types across different devices without pre-installed applications, as well as managing storage space and subscriptions for cloud services.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates an instant preview of unsupported files, allowing editing and sharing through a cloud service, where the client application detects the lack of a local previewer and sends the file to a cloud server for rendering, with editing and sharing functionalities based on user subscription status, enabling file editing and sharing without requiring specific applications or subscriptions on user devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users install local applications to edit and share files, then file editing and sharing functionality is improved, but device storage space and application maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based service as an intermediary between the user's computing device and the file editing/sharing functionality. Instead of installing applications locally, the system provides preview and editing capabilities through a cloud service that users can access via a web browser or lightweight client, eliminating the need to store large application binaries locally while maintaining full file editing and sharing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based preview service provides universal access to multiple file types through a single platform. The service supports various file formats (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, images, videos) without requiring separate local applications for each format, allowing users to edit and share diverse file types through one unified access point that works across different devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If users subscribe to cloud services for file access, then file accessibility across devices is improved, but subscription management complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where users can access their files and use editing capabilities without requiring complex subscription management. The service automatically handles authentication, file synchronization, and access permissions, allowing users to simply log in and work with their files across devices without managing separate subscriptions for each device or service
3Ease of operation
If users share files through traditional means (email attachment, USB drive), then file sharing is achieved, but security and seamless sharing across devices are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms for file sharing and synchronization. When a user shares a file or makes edits, the system automatically notifies relevant parties, synchronizes changes across devices, and updates access permissions. This continuous feedback loop ensures security is maintained while enabling seamless sharing, as the system automatically handles authentication and permission verification without requiring manual security management
Data Source
AI summary
As users increasingly shift to cloud services, devices are less likely to be pre-loaded with applications that support the multitudes of different file types that exist today and are continuing to be created. Thus, embodiments are directed to editing and sharing unsupported files through an instantly generated preview without having to install applications that support each file type and/or subscribe to services. For example, in response to detecting a user's request to access a file that is stored locally and determining a lack of a local application or previewer associated with the file, a preview that includes a presentation of the file using a registered previewer may be instantly generated. The preview may be rendered such that the file can be edited and/or shared through the previewer based on a level of editing and/or sharing functionality, respectively, where the levels of functionality are based on the user's subscription status.