Activity-Based File Sorting in Collaborative Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for collaborative document management are inefficient as they only allow for sorting documents in one way at a time, making it cumbersome for users to stay updated on changes and interact with shared files.
Innovation Solution
An activity-based sorting system that receives and processes activity signals from a substrate to determine a dynamic sort order for files, allowing users to prioritize and re-sort files based on relevance, missed activities, and other criteria, enabling efficient navigation and collaboration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current single-criteria sorting is used for documents, then the sorting system is simple, but users cannot efficiently identify relevant file activities and collaboration becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sorting functionality into multiple independent sort criteria (e.g., activity-based sorting, recent changes, name, date modified). Each criterion can be independently selected and applied, allowing users to break down the complex task of finding relevant files into manageable sorting operations based on different dimensions of file activity and metadata.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic sorting where the sort order and criteria can change based on user selection and file activity. The system dynamically adjusts the sorting behavior by receiving sort criteria from users and re-sorting files accordingly, making the sorting system adaptable rather than static. This allows the system to respond to changing user needs and file activity patterns in real-time.
2Loss of time
If users manually sort documents to find recent changes, then the sorting method is simple, but users spend excessive time navigating and cannot stay updated on document changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and maintaining sort criteria for files based on their activity and metadata. The system proactively organizes files according to multiple criteria (activity-based, recent changes, name, date) so that when users need to find specific files, the sorting is already prepared and optimized, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate through unsorted lists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors file activity and user interactions, then uses this feedback to automatically adjust and maintain optimal sort orders. The system receives feedback about file changes and user sorting preferences, and dynamically updates the sorting to reflect recent changes, keeping users informed without requiring manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sort criteria are implemented, then users can efficiently identify relevant activities, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a sorting system that handles multiple sort criteria (activity-based, recent changes, name, date modified) through a unified interface and common processing logic. The same sorting mechanism can apply different criteria based on user selection, making the system versatile without requiring separate complex subsystems for each sorting method. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different user needs while maintaining a consistent and manageable architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for sorting one or more files hosted by a collaborative application. In one aspect, one or more activity signals associated with one or more files hosted by the collaborative application may be received from a substrate. An activity-based sort order may be determined using at least a combination of the one or more activity signals. The activity-based sort order may be applied to sort the one or more files hosted by the collaborative application for display in a user interface to an activity object of the collaborative application.