Remote Document Conversion Server for Cloud File Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud-based networks, client devices face a time-consuming process to display remotely stored files, requiring file download, navigation, and software installation, and may not display files if the software is not supported.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based network system with a conversion server that converts files into a supported format for display on client devices, allowing files to be viewed without local software installation, by communicating with client devices and converting files into a rasterized representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If files are stored remotely in cloud-based networks, then storage capabilities are extended and accessibility is improved, but the process to display file contents becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conversion of files into supported formats and stores the converted versions in advance. When a user requests to view a file, the system checks if a converted version is already available and serves it immediately, eliminating the need for real-time conversion and reducing display time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a format conversion server as an intermediary component between the cloud storage system and client devices. This mediator automatically handles format conversions, allowing client devices to view files in supported formats without requiring local conversion software or manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If client devices download files locally to display contents, then file viewing is enabled, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires local software installation
Solution Approach 1:
The format conversion server acts as an intermediary that handles format compatibility issues centrally. Instead of requiring client devices to have specialized software installed, the conversion server transforms files into universally supported formats, simplifying the client device requirements to only need a standard web browser or file viewer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of installing local software with a network-based conversion service. The conversion functionality is moved from the client device (mechanical installation) to the server (network service), allowing file viewing through standard web protocols without local software installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If files are converted to supported formats, then file display compatibility is improved, but additional conversion processing time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs format conversions in advance and stores pre-converted files in the cloud. When files are uploaded or made accessible, the conversion server proactively converts them to supported formats and stores both the original and converted versions, so that subsequent file views can be served immediately without conversion delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains multiple versions of files (original and converted formats) in the cloud storage. When a user requests a file, the system recovers and serves the appropriate pre-converted version without needing to reconvert, effectively discarding the conversion step for subsequent accesses and improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system may include a conversion server device and a computing system disposed within a remote network management platform. The computing system may be configured to: receive, from a client device of a managed network, a view request for a file that is associated with a file identifier and stored in the computing system; in response to receiving the view request, determine that the file is in a first format; based on the determining that the file is in the first format, transmit, to the conversion server device, a conversion request so that the conversion server device then converts the file from the first format into a second format that is based on a rasterized representation of the file; receive the file in the second format from the conversion server device; and transmit the file in the second format to the client device.