Mobile File Preview via Segmented Conversion Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with limited bandwidth and processing power face challenges in providing universal file preview functionality due to incompatible or large preview formats generated by existing online file storage systems.
Innovation Solution
The system generates special previews for mobile client devices using intermediate file segments as byproducts of file conversion from source to target formats, allowing mobile devices to display and modify these segments through special swiping actions based on the original file type, using a conversion engine that converts files into formats like PDF or SWF for efficient preview.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing online file storage systems generate preview formats for files, then file preview functionality is provided, but the preview formats are incompatible with mobile devices or too large to be efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file conversion process into multiple intermediate formats (including PDF and SWF) that are specifically optimized for mobile device display. Instead of generating a single universal preview format, the system divides the conversion into stage-1 and stage-2 processing, creating progressively optimized intermediate representations that reduce file size while maintaining compatibility across different mobile platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the preview generation parameters specifically for mobile devices. The conversion engine adjusts compression ratios, resolution settings, and format selection based on mobile device constraints. Intermediate formats are generated with modified parameters (such as reduced resolution and optimized compression) that enable efficient display on mobile screens while significantly reducing file size compared to standard preview formats
2Ease of operation
If mobile devices download and process large preview files, then file preview is achieved, but bandwidth and processing power are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion engine that acts as a mediator between the source file and the mobile device display. This conversion engine generates intermediate formats (PDF, SWF) that serve as optimized intermediaries, reducing the processing burden on mobile devices. The intermediary formats are pre-processed on the server side, eliminating the need for mobile devices to perform intensive conversion operations locally
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing file conversion and optimization before the preview is delivered to the mobile device. The conversion engine pre-processes files into mobile-optimized intermediate formats, including compression and format conversion, before transmission. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for mobile devices to download and process large, unoptimized files, significantly reducing bandwidth consumption and local processing energy requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing previews to mobile client devices of files stored in a web-based collaboration platform are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system sends a request to preview a file uploaded to the web-based collaboration platform. The system receives preview information for accessing and manipulating preview of the uploaded file. The preview information includes a scheme for accessing file segments of the preview of the uploaded file. The file segments are byproducts of a conversion of the file from the source format to a target format and have a requested preview format. The system further includes a viewer to access the file segments of the uploaded file using the scheme. The viewer displays the accessed file segments on a touch screen responsive to swiping actions on the touch screen, the swiping actions determined based on the source format.