Document-Based Conferencing via Embedded Connectivity and View Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network-based conferencing applications require standalone client software and server synchronization, limiting collaboration and imposing compatibility and security constraints, while also necessitating specific software on each participant's device, which can restrict flexibility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows a local copy of a document to serve as a conferencing tool by synchronizing views and edits across participants, using a collaboration server to manage permissions and enable document-based conferencing without sharing the document's image, instead transmitting and recreating modifications, allowing diverse client applications to participate with embedded collaboration services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standalone client software is used for conferencing, then server synchronization and control are achieved, but device compatibility and user flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables document viewing applications to serve multiple purposes: both as standard document viewers and as conferencing clients. The same application that users already have for viewing documents can now also participate in network-based conferences, eliminating the need for separate conferencing software and improving device compatibility while maintaining server synchronization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the document viewing application acts as a bridge between the user's local device and the conferencing server. The application extracts conference connectivity data from embedded documents and uses it to establish connections, serving as a mediator that enables conferencing functionality without requiring dedicated conferencing software
2Ease of operation
If conferencing-specific software is installed on each device, then conference participation is enabled, but software distribution and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of distributing separate conferencing software, the patent makes existing document viewing applications multi-functional by enabling them to also serve as conferencing clients. This eliminates the need for additional software distribution and installation while maintaining ease of conference participation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service conferencing by embedding conference connectivity data directly in documents. Users can participate in conferences by simply opening documents with embedded connectivity information in their existing applications, without needing to install additional software or manually configure conference settings
3Loss of information
If document images are shared across the network, then collaboration visibility is improved, but security and permissions management become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential collaboration data (edits, modifications, and notations) from documents and transmits this extracted information over the network, rather than sharing entire document images. This maintains collaboration visibility by synchronizing viewable portions and changes while reducing security risks associated with transmitting complete document copies
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple client applications are supported, then system flexibility increases, but synchronization precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a homogeneous communication framework where diverse client applications interact with the server through standardized protocols and data formats. By defining uniform methods for extracting conference connectivity data, synchronizing views, and exchanging modification information, the system maintains synchronization precision across different client applications while supporting application diversity
Data Source
AI summary
Although current conferencing applications provide many abilities, some of these abilities are limited. Various embodiments described herein provide one or more of systems, methods, software, and data structures that allow a document, or other file type, to be used to connect to a network-based conference, such as over the Internet, where a view of a local copy of the document is synchronized between participants. Participation abilities of certain network-based conference participants may be limited in such embodiments. Such limits may be enforced locally for each participant, on a server by preventing data representative of certain actions from being broadcast to other participants, or in other ways as described and would be readily apparent herein.