Float Window Loader for Electronic Document Visual Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viewing applications lack functionality to conveniently link tables or figures in electronic documents to the text referencing these illustrative objects, disrupting the reading flow as users need to navigate back and forth between pages.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a float window feature that allows users to access illustrative objects by positioning the cursor over referencing text, with a float window loader rendering the object in a display area and removing it when the cursor is moved away, implemented in a computer system with a viewing application and associated modules for document preparation and cursor presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users navigate back and forth between pages to access illustrative objects, then they can view the detailed information, but the reading flow is disrupted and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a float window that displays illustrative objects in a separate dimensional space overlaying the document, rather than requiring navigation to the object's original position in the document's linear structure. This allows users to view figures and tables while remaining on the current page, maintaining reading flow while accessing visual information.
Solution Approach 2:
The float window acts as an intermediary between the text referencing an illustrative object and the object itself. When users hover over reference text, the float window mediates by displaying the referenced object without requiring page navigation, thus preserving reading continuity while providing access to visual details.
2Ease of operation
If illustrative objects are displayed in float windows, then reading flow is maintained, but the system complexity increases due to additional modules required
Solution Approach 1:
The float window module serves multiple functions: it detects user hover over reference text, retrieves the corresponding illustrative object, displays it in a floating window, and automatically closes when the user moves the cursor. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated module, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reading flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The float window system is nested within the existing document viewing application architecture. The float window loader module, reference detector module, and cursor presentation module are integrated as components of the viewing application, allowing the system to add float window functionality without creating a entirely separate complex system.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for visualizing content referenced in an electronic document are provided. Example system includes an access module, a reference detector, and a float window loader. The access module can open electronic documents. An electronic document may include descriptive textual content and one or more illustrative objects. The reference detector detects that a cursor is positioned over text in the descriptive content that refers to an illustrative object. In response, the float window loader presents the illustrative object in a float window.