Thin Client Markup Synchronization Using Cross-Compatible Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Collaborative document editing on thin client computing devices is challenging due to the lack of processing and storage capabilities to handle native PDF markup objects, which are complex and resource-intensive, limiting real-time collaboration across diverse computing platforms.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing cross-compatible markup objects, such as JSON objects, that are more consumable by thin clients, enabling real-time synchronization and collaboration by extracting and transmitting these objects between thin client applications through a server-based infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If native PDF markup objects are used for document editing, then markup functionality is complete, but processing load and resource consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarkup functionalityVSAvoidprocessing load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the markup object into two distinct parts: a lightweight cross-compatible representation (JSON-based) for thin client devices, and a complete native PDF markup object for full functionality. This segmentation allows thin clients to use the simplified representation for basic operations without bearing the full processing burden of native PDF objects, thereby reducing local processing load while preserving essential markup functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server-based intermediary that mediates between thin client devices and native PDF markup processing. The server handles the resource-intensive tasks of native PDF markup object processing, while thin clients communicate through the server using lightweight cross-compatible representations. This intermediary approach allows thin clients to access complete markup functionality without directly承担ing the high processing costs of native PDF objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If native PDF markup objects are processed on thin clients, then full markup capabilities are available, but device resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarkup capabilitiesVSAvoiddevice resource requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the markup system into a lightweight client-facing layer (JSON representations) and a server-side layer (native PDF processing). This segmentation enables thin clients with limited resources to participate in document markup operations without requiring the computational power needed for native PDF object processing, thus maintaining markup capabilities while reducing device resource requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the native PDF markup object in cross-compatible JSON format. This copy contains the essential markup information needed for thin client operations but uses a less resource-intensive data structure. The JSON representation serves as a lightweight substitute that maintains adaptability across diverse thin client platforms without requiring the complex processing capabilities needed for native PDF objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Use of energy by moving object

If cross-compatible markup objects are used, then processing load is reduced, but synchronization complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing loadVSAvoidsynchronization complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server-based intermediary that manages the conversion and synchronization between cross-compatible JSON markup objects and native PDF markup objects. This intermediary handles the complexity of maintaining consistency across different representations, absorbing the synchronization complexity away from thin clients. The server acts as a central coordination point that translates between formats and ensures data consistency, thereby reducing the synchronization burden on resource-constrained thin client devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic conversion and synchronization mechanisms where the server automatically translates between JSON and native PDF markup representations without requiring manual intervention from thin clients. The server autonomously manages the complexity of keeping multiple representations synchronized, allowing thin clients to simply use the lightweight JSON format while the background synchronization processes handle the complexity transparently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4058923B1Systems and methods for synchronizing graphical displays across thin client devices

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 BLUEBEAM INC

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AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing a document markup modification across a plurality of devices. One method comprises subscribing to one or more events occurring in a first document markup application, the first document markup application being a first thin client application, and receiving a notification indicating a modification to a document markup in the first document markup application. A cross-compatible markup object associated with the modified document markup may be extracted and transmitted to a second document markup application, the second document markup application being a second thin client application.