Layered Document Collaboration System for Concurrent Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current document collaboration tools are inefficient and non-concurrent, requiring sequential user input and file version management, leading to delays and confusion, especially when multiple users need to edit the same document simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A document collaboration system that allows multiple users to concurrently view and edit a shared document in real-time, with user-specific data layers for annotations and meta-data tracking, enabling simultaneous input and dynamic presentation of edits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple users sequentially edit document versions with tracking, then each user's edits are preserved, but collaboration efficiency deteriorates due to delays and confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the document into multiple independent layers (base layer and annotation layers), where each layer can be independently edited and managed. This allows multiple users to work simultaneously on different layers without conflicts, resolving the contradiction between preserving edits and maintaining collaboration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by implementing real-time collaborative editing with version control, allowing users to see changes as they happen rather than sequentially. This transforms the traditional linear editing process into a multi-dimensional space where multiple versions and user contributions coexist, enabling both edit preservation and efficient collaboration.
2Loss of information
If separate document files are created for each user's edits, then individual contributions are tracked, but system complexity increases due to multiple file management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple user contributions and version histories into a single unified document structure with layered annotations. Instead of managing separate files for each user's edits, all contributions are integrated into the same document through the layering system, reducing file management complexity while preserving contribution tracking through metadata and layer attribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where annotation layers are contained within the base document layer, and each annotation layer can contain multiple user contributions. This nested organization allows complex multi-user editing histories to be stored within a single document file, eliminating the need for multiple separate files while maintaining full contribution tracking.
3Productivity
If real-time concurrent editing is enabled, then collaboration efficiency improves, but data consistency challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where users can see each other's edits as they occur through the layered annotation system. This immediate feedback allows users to coordinate their editing actions and maintain data consistency while working concurrently, resolving the contradiction between collaboration efficiency and data consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a predefined layer structure and editing protocol before users begin collaborative work. By setting up the base layer and annotation layers in advance with clear rules for interaction, the system enables real-time concurrent editing while maintaining data consistency through predetermined structural constraints and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlled collaboration among a plurality of users, each at one of a plurality of computing appliances having a display apparatus and an input apparatus. An initial video presentation is displayed on at least two of the display apparatus. At least a part of the initial presentation is captured and stored and used to provide a presentation of a background image. Each of at least two users provide via the input apparatus a User Input having an associated presentation relative to the background image presentation, said User Input being stored as associated with the computing appliance/user providing the input. Data for the User Input is stored in a non-transient memory as associatively mapped to the user/computing appliance providing the User Input. An updated presentation is generated comprised of the at least a part of the presentation of the background image and displayed with the associated presentations for a least some of the input data in the memory that is associatively mapped to at least two of the users/computing appliances. The updated presentation is displayed on the display apparatus of at least one of the computing appliances.