Dual-Format PDF ZIP Structure for Compression Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and size of machine-readable documents lead to longer transmission and download times, necessitating compression methods like ZIP files, but compatibility issues arise when trying to create compressed files that are also compatible with page descriptor language applications like Adobe's Acrobat and Reader.

Innovation Solution

A system and method are developed to create ZIP files that are recognized as valid PDF files by both current and previous versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, by inserting a ZIP file header before the PDF file, appending additional files, and including a PDF cross-reference table and ZIP content index, ensuring compatibility and efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If documents are compressed into ZIP files to reduce storage and transmission size, then storage space and transmission time are improved, but compatibility with page descriptor language applications like Adobe Acrobat and Reader deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument sizeVSAvoidcompatibility with PDF readers

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges ZIP file format structure with PDF file structure by embedding a valid PDF header, PDF cross-reference table, and PDF trailer within the ZIP file. This combination allows the single file to be recognized as both a valid ZIP archive by compression utilities and a valid PDF document by Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications, thereby resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining compression benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invented file format serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a compressed archive that can be extracted by ZIP utilities and as a renderable PDF document that can be opened by PDF readers. The dual-structure design enables the file to perform both compression storage and direct PDF viewing functions without requiring separate file formats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If document complexity increases to include images, video, sound, and multiple renditions, then document functionality is improved, but document size and processing time worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument functionalityVSAvoiddocument size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the PDF document structure within the ZIP file structure, creating a nested arrangement where PDF elements (header, cross-reference table, trailer) are contained inside the ZIP format. This nesting allows the document to maintain rich multimedia functionality while benefiting from the compression capabilities of the outer ZIP structure, effectively reducing the overall document size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS7594169B2Compressing, and extracting a value from, a page descriptor format file

Publication Date: 2009.09.22 ADOBE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods provide mechanisms to create documents in page descriptor formats using file utilities that create compressed file formats. The resulting files may be rendered with a compressed file utility as well as a reader for the documents in page descriptor format.