Virtual File Embedding via URI References
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Solution Overview
Problem
As page description language documents embed additional files, their size increases, hindering distribution, especially via email, due to size limitations on email servers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing virtual packaging by adding metadata with Universal Resource Identifiers (URIs) to reference external locations for embedded files, allowing files to be downloaded on demand, reducing the document size and enabling easier transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If files are packaged within a page description language document, then the document can contain multiple files and maintain their appearance across platforms, but the file size of the document grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actual file content from the document structure and replaces it with external references (URIs). The document no longer contains the embedded files directly but instead points to their locations on the World Wide Web, thereby removing the weight while preserving the embedding capability through virtual references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces URIs as an intermediary between the document and the actual files. Instead of directly embedding files, the document uses URIs as mediators that reference external file locations, allowing the document to maintain file embedding functionality without containing the actual file data.
2Quantity of substance
If the document size grows due to embedded files, then more content can be included, but the ability to distribute the document is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts large file content from the document and stores it externally, keeping only lightweight URI references in the document. This extraction enables the document to include references to substantial content while maintaining a small size suitable for email distribution and other transmission channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses URI references as lightweight copies or representations of the actual files. Instead of distributing the full file content, the document distributes references that point to the files' locations, enabling easy distribution while providing access to the complete content when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If files are embedded in the document, then they can be shared together, but updating the files becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the file references dynamic by using URIs that can point to files on the World Wide Web. This allows the referenced files to be updated at their source location, and the updates automatically become accessible to anyone viewing the document, eliminating the need to redistribute the entire document for file updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses URIs as intermediaries that decouple the document from the actual file versions. The URI acts as a stable reference point that can resolve to different file versions over time, allowing files to be updated independently while maintaining the document's ability to share files together through the same reference mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments herein include one or more of systems, methods, software, and data structures that provide for virtual packaging, or embedding, of electronic files in other files. For example, rather than packaging an electronic file directly in a document file, metadata may be added to the document file including a Universal resource Identifier (URI), such as a Universal Resource Locator (URL), referencing a location where the electronic file may be downloaded from. Other embodiments are described and illustrated herein for creating, viewing, storing, and transmitting such document files with virtually packaged electronic files.