Document View Management via Layer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and storing multiple versions or renditions of documents in software-assisted document design consumes significant data storage resources and is inefficient due to the difficulty in tracking and comparing these versions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to store and render multiple 'views' of a document by utilizing view attributes, which are data elements affecting the document's appearance, allowing users to create, edit, and manage document views within the document itself, using a view repository to store and retrieve different attribute values for rendering various document states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple copies of documents are saved to preserve different versions or renditions, then the ability to revert to previous versions and compare layouts is improved, but data storage resources are substantially consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a document into multiple layers, where each layer represents a distinct component (e.g., background, foreground elements, text). Instead of storing complete document copies for each version, the system stores multiple renditions by varying the composition and arrangement of these layered segments. This allows efficient storage because only the layer configurations need to be preserved, not entire document copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple document renditions are contained within a single document file. The document includes a repository of layer definitions and multiple sets of layer arrangement instructions, effectively nesting multiple version representations inside one container. This eliminates the need for separate file storage for each version.
2Reliability
If multiple copies of documents are saved to preserve different versions or renditions, then the ability to compare layouts is improved, but the complexity of managing and tracking versions increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting documents into layers with distinct functions and properties, the patent creates a structured framework that simplifies version management. Each layer can be independently configured and tracked, making it easier to compare and revert between versions by examining layer arrangements rather than managing complete document copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal document structure that can represent multiple versions and renditions through a single file format. This multi-functional approach allows the same document to serve as both the master template and multiple versioned outputs, eliminating the need for separate management systems for different versions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple copies of documents with similar content but different layouts are stored, then document design flexibility is improved, but storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a document into multiple layers that can be independently arranged and configured. This segmentation allows the same set of layers to be reorganized into different layouts and renditions without creating separate document copies. The layer-based structure enables flexible document design while maintaining storage efficiency through shared layer definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to document storage by introducing layer stacking and composition dimensions. Instead of storing documents as flat, complete copies, the system represents documents in terms of layered dimensions that can be composed differently to create multiple renditions. This dimensional approach enables layout flexibility without proportional increases in storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of methods to store document views, methods to display document views, computer-readable media, user interfaces, and systems are generally described herein.