Document Interoperability via EMF Intermediate Format
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software applications with different file formats face challenges in interoperability, particularly in embedding and editing subdocuments, as existing solutions like Enhanced MetaFiles (EMFs) do not support specific features of individual formats, limiting cross-exportation and live editing between applications like Visio and PowerPoint.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary programming system using APIs to handle templates, document creation, and intermediate file formats like EMF, allowing for the creation of a unified document structure that can be exported and imported between applications, enabling cross-editing and formatting adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Enhanced MetaFiles (EMFs) are used as intermediate format for cross-exportation between Visio and PowerPoint, then interoperability between applications is improved, but feature support and functionality are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs Enhanced MetaFiles (EMFs) as an intermediary format that both Visio and PowerPoint can import and export. This mediator enables cross-exportation between the two applications while maintaining a standardized interface, resolving the contradiction by providing universal compatibility without requiring full feature support in the intermediate format
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of documents in EMF format from their native formats (Visio or PowerPoint) and imports these copies into the target application. This copying mechanism allows interoperability while accepting that some format-specific features may not be perfectly preserved in the copied intermediate format
2Reliability
If native format documents are used in each application, then format-specific features are preserved, but cross-exportation and live editing between applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the document exchange process into distinct stages: export to EMF format, import from EMF format, and live editing in native format. This segmentation allows each application to maintain its native format features while enabling cross-exportation through the EMF intermediate stage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the format parameter of documents when exporting to EMF, allowing them to be imported by the other application. This parameter change enables cross-exportation while the document can be converted back to its original native format parameter set, preserving feature support
3Ease of manufacture
If templates define slots for subdocument embedding, then document structure and layout are standardized, but flexibility in handling different file formats is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The template system with defined slots is designed to be universal, accepting subdocuments from different native formats (Visio and PowerPoint) through the common EMF intermediate format. The slots can accommodate various document types while maintaining standardized layout and structure, achieving both ease of manufacture and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are presented for interoperability of computer software applications. Subdocuments are located within slots of a main document along with a fully-qualified file identifier. Subdocuments can be saved in the main document in an intermediate format. Editing a slot triggers the opening of the original document in its native application. An intermediate format file is then created and reimported into its original slot. A document containing subdocuments can be exported in its entirety from one program to another. An auxiliary program identifies a target template format and converts the original document to the target template in its native application using the original subdocuments. Page image exports are used to transfer all content in the original application document to a destination document in a different format.