Collaborative Document Offline Editing via Segmented Working Copies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Server-based collaborative word processing systems face challenges in managing multiple versions of documents when users work offline, leading to version proliferation and confusion.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative document processing system that allows users to access and edit documents both online and offline, with a server-based architecture that stores the current version and maintains a revision log, enabling users to switch between collaborative and portable document views, and synchronizes changes between the two states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users work offline on server-based collaborative documents, then offline editing capability is improved, but version control deteriorates leading to multiple document versions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the document into a stable master copy stored on the server and allows creation of independent working copies for offline editing. Each working copy is a segmented instance that can be edited offline without affecting the master document, thus enabling offline capability while preventing version proliferation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (working copy with link information) between the user and the master document. This intermediary allows offline editing while maintaining connection to the master document through embedded link information, enabling synchronization when online without creating permanent version duplicates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of documents are stored, then offline work flexibility is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates temporary working copies of the master document for offline editing. These copies contain embedded link information pointing to the master document, allowing offline work flexibility while avoiding the complexity of managing multiple permanent document versions in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows working copies to be discarded after synchronization with the master document. Offline work flexibility is provided through temporary copies, but system complexity is reduced by discarding these copies once their purpose is fulfilled, rather than maintaining them as permanent versions.
3Measurement precision
If document updates are synchronized in real-time, then collaboration accuracy is improved, but network dependency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by embedding link information and master document identification data into working copies before offline use. This preliminary setup enables accurate synchronization when online without requiring continuous network connection during editing, reducing network dependency while maintaining collaboration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection state between working copies and the master document. During offline editing, the working copy operates independently; when online, it dynamically synchronizes with the master document. This dynamic behavior provides real-time collaboration accuracy when needed while allowing offline operation when network is unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for processing collaborative documents providing a portable document version which may be processed when not connected to the collaborative document. The collaborative document is accessible to users through a network. Updates to the collaborative document are provided to the portable document, which may be modified to include the updates or replaced with an updated version of the collaborative document.