Address Book with Multiple Entry Options for Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current email software user interfaces for attaching files and addressing messages are overly complicated and error-prone, leading to incomplete filenames or addresses, and limitations in handling multiple file uploads and diverse recipient options.
Innovation Solution
The interface is simplified by renaming the 'Browse' button to 'Find File to Attach', removing the text box, and automatically uploading files, while the address book is enhanced to include multiple entry options for recipients, allowing easy selection and upload of multiple files and addresses, including various messaging receipt options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the traditional email interface with text boxes and multiple buttons is used, then users can attach files and address messages, but the interface becomes overly complicated and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the text box element from the interface and extracts the file selection functionality directly into the button itself. The 'Browse' button now directly opens the file browser and selects files for attachment without requiring users to manually type filenames or use separate text input fields, thereby simplifying the interface while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate interface elements (text box, browse button, upload button) into a more integrated structure where the browse button encompasses both file selection and attachment functionality. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the same operational goals.
2Reliability
If users manually type filenames and addresses, then they can control the input, but many users type incomplete filenames or addresses leading to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the system automatically retrieves and populates file names and addresses without requiring user typing. When users select files through the integrated browse button, the system automatically extracts and inserts the correct file paths. Similarly, the address book functionality automatically retrieves and populates recipient addresses, eliminating manual typing errors while maintaining ease of use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the interface allows multiple file uploads and multiple recipient options, then communication versatility is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the integrated browse button to handle both single and multiple file selections, and the address book to support multiple recipient types (email, phone, fax). The same interface components serve multiple purposes: the browse button can attach any number of files, and the address book can add recipients through various communication channels, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for message addressing and address storage are disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include an address menu having an identification field with more than one associated address fields. Each of the address fields may be maintaining addresses for different messaging receipt options. For example, if an intended recipient of a message has an email account and a facsimile machine, a first address field may maintain an email address for the recipient, and a second address field may maintain a facsimile number for the recipient.