Document Comparison Object Footprint Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional document comparison applications fail to effectively display changes in document revisions, particularly in terms of layout, as they lack the ability to preserve the original position and size of objects relative to the page boundary, making it difficult for users to visualize how changes affect the layout of the comparison document.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for comparing document revisions that determines the footprint of objects in a document, allowing comparison objects to be displayed either in their original footprint or expanded if necessary, with the option to add scroll bars to accommodate all content, and the ability to customize the display to show mark-ups in a user-friendly manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional document comparison applications display all mark-ups or compared content in objects, then the comparison information is complete, but the original layout of objects cannot be preserved and users cannot see how changes affect the layout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display of comparison content by separating the original object layout from the comparison mark-ups. The original object is displayed in its original footprint and position, while comparison mark-ups are overlaid as separate elements. This segmentation allows users to see both the original layout context and the changes independently, resolving the contradiction between preserving layout information and displaying complete comparison data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing comparison mark-ups inside or overlaid on the original object footprint. The mark-ups are nested within the context of the original layout, allowing users to view changes in relation to the original structure. This nested arrangement preserves the original layout while incorporating comparison information, making the system both layout-aware and comparison-complete.
2Quantity of substance
If comparison objects are displayed with all compared content, then the content is complete, but the objects may exceed original boundaries making it difficult to visualize layout changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comparison object into two distinct parts: the original object footprint (maintaining original shape and boundaries) and the comparison content (displayed as mark-ups within or overlaying the footprint). This segmentation allows the object to maintain its original shape while containing all comparison content, resolving the contradiction between completeness and shape preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by transitioning to a multi-dimensional display approach. Instead of trying to fit all comparison content within the original 2D footprint, the system uses overlaying and layering techniques that operate in multiple visual dimensions. Comparison mark-ups are displayed in the same 2D space as the original object but in a different visual layer, allowing both to coexist without altering the original footprint shape.
Data Source
AI summary
A document comparison system compares revisions of a document by comparing content of a first revision of an object with content of a second revision of the object to produce a comparison object in a comparison document. The system then determines a footprint of the second revision of the object, where the footprint is a dimensional length and width of the object and its position relative to a page boundary of the document. Next, the system determines whether the entire compared content fits within the footprint of the second revision of the object. If the system determines that the entire compared content fits within the footprint of the second revision of the object, the system displays the comparison object having the same footprint as the second revision of the object. If the system determines that the entire compared content does not fit within the footprint of the second revision of the object, the system then displays the comparison object in a second manner.