Embedded Action Card for Real-Time Document Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document editing applications require manual updates to remain current and relevant, and users cannot efficiently access or update information external to the document within the application.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to select and embed 'action cards' into electronic documents, which contain code to communicate with external services, enabling real-time information exchange and updates within the document.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual updates are used to keep documents current, then document relevance is maintained, but user time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The document system automatically retrieves updated information from external services without requiring user intervention. The embedded action cards contain code that autonomously communicates with external services, fetches current data, and updates the document content, making the system self-sufficient for maintaining currency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous feedback loops between the document and external services. Action cards monitor external data sources and automatically trigger updates when information changes, ensuring the document remains current through automated feedback mechanisms rather than manual checking.
2Loss of information
If users leave the application to access external information, then complete information is available, but workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges external service functionality directly into the document application through embedded action cards. These cards contain code that enables the application to communicate with external services, combining the benefits of complete external information with the efficiency of staying within the application environment.
Solution Approach 2:
Action cards serve as intermediaries between the document application and external services. They contain embedded code that mediates communication, allowing the application to access external information without users needing to leave the application interface.
3Ease of operation
If action cards with external service code are embedded, then real-time information access is enabled, but document complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of embedding complex external service interfaces directly into the document structure, the system uses action cards that contain code copies or references to external services. This allows real-time information access while keeping the visible document structure simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods for utilizing an embedded action card in an electronic document editable using an application. The action card comprises code that facilitates communication with an associated service, the associated service can be local to a computer executing the application or on a remote computer. The action card can provide a user with real-time information received from the associated service. The action card can receive information from the user which the action card provides to the associated service.