Document Viewer Status Overlay for Shared Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems do not allow users to recognize which part of a document file another user is viewing or editing without opening the document file, as this information is not displayed on a representative image.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that displays a representative image of a shared document file, including information about the user and the part of the document being viewed or edited, directly on the user's terminal screen, without requiring the document to be opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the document file is opened to recognize the part being viewed or edited by another user, then the information about the viewed/editing part can be obtained, but the operation time and frequency of opening documents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing and storing information about which parts of the document are being viewed or edited by other users before the current user needs to check this information. This allows the information to be ready and available when needed, eliminating the need to open the document to gather this information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the document's relevant information (specifically, metadata about which parts are being viewed or edited) and displays this copy alongside the representative image. This copying approach allows users to access the information without needing to open the actual document file.
2Loss of information
If the document file is opened to recognize the part being viewed or edited by another user, then the information about the viewed/editing part can be obtained, but the workflow efficiency decreases due to frequent document opening
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the document's relevant information (specifically, metadata about which parts are being viewed or edited) and displays this copy alongside the representative image. This copying approach allows users to access the information without needing to open the actual document file.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically gathering, processing, and displaying information about document viewing and editing status without requiring user intervention to open the document. The information is presented proactively, allowing users to make decisions about document access based on pre-acquired information.
3Ease of operation
If only a representative image is displayed without additional information, then the display is simple and clear, but the user cannot recognize which part of the document another user is viewing or editing
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the information display into two distinct parts: the representative image (which maintains visual simplicity) and the viewed/editing part information (which provides necessary details). This segmentation allows both simplicity and information completeness to coexist by separating visual representation from informational content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds information about viewed/editing parts in another dimension - specifically, as text or metadata alongside the representative image rather than within the image itself. This dimensional separation maintains the visual simplicity of the representative image while providing additional information in a complementary format.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: display a representative image representing a document file shared by plural users on a screen of a terminal apparatus of a user, a single representative image being prepared for a single document file; and in a case where another user is viewing or editing the document file, display information indicative of the other user and information indicative of a part of the document file which the other user is viewing or editing while displaying the representative image.