Patent ID: 8032482
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for providing a document preview on a computer, the method comprising: calling a preview handler by an electronic mail client application running on the computer; receiving a request at the preview handler from the electronic mail client application to generate a visual preview of an attached document of an electronic mail message; in response to receiving the request, the preview handler transmitting a query including a file extension of the attached document to the electronic mail client application, receiving a response to the query from the electronic mail client application, and identifying a previewer for a document type of the attached document for generating the visual preview of the attached document from a plurality of separately executable previewers based on a response to the query received from the electronic mail client application, wherein: in response to identifying the word processor application or the spreadsheet application as the previewer for the document type of the attached document, the preview handler loading the word processor application or the spreadsheet application as the previewer for the document type of the attached document for providing the visual preview of the attached document; in response to the preview handler loading the word processor application or the spreadsheet application as the previewer for the document type of the attached document, the electronic mail client application designating the word processor application or the spreadsheet application as a loaded previewer for generating visual previews of other documents of the document type of the attached document; and transmitting a request from the preview handler to the loaded previewer instructing the loaded previewer to load the attached document and to generate the visual preview of the attached document, wherein the loaded previewer provides one or more interfaces for receiving user input and allowing the visual preview of the attached document to be paged through and navigated.