Application Backup History Timeline Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in reverting changes made to files and applications, as existing undo features are limited and may not function when files are saved and closed, making it hard to restore previous versions accurately.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for storing and restoring backup data, allowing users to access previous states of applications through a history view, where users can select and restore specific elements or entire views to previous versions, using a timeline interface for navigation and restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional undo features are used, then recent edits can be reverted, but the capability is limited and may not function when files are saved and closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveundo capabilityVSAvoidundo reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically creating backup copies of files and application states at multiple points in time. These backups are stored and organized in a timeline interface, enabling users to revert to any previous state regardless of whether the file was saved or closed, thus resolving the limitation of traditional undo features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a comprehensive backup system is implemented, then previous versions can be restored, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestoration capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a dynamic timeline interface that adapts to user needs. The timeline displays previous versions chronologically and allows users to interactively select and restore specific elements or entire views. The interface dynamically adjusts based on user actions, providing a user-friendly experience while maintaining comprehensive backup and restoration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple previous versions are stored, then accurate restoration is possible, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversion accuracyVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments backup storage by organizing versions in a timeline structure, allowing users to select and restore only specific elements or views from previous versions rather than requiring complete copies of all data. This segmentation approach maintains version accuracy while optimizing storage space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7860839B2Application-based backup-restore of electronic information

Publication Date: 2010.12.28 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for storing and restoring backup data. One method includes receiving, while a current view of an application is displayed in a user interface, a first user input requesting a history view associated with the current view of the application. The history view is displayed in response to the first user input, the history view including at least a first visual representation of an earlier version of the current view of the application, the earlier version including a first element. A second user input is received while the history view is displayed. The second user input requesting that the current view of the application be modified according to the earlier version, at least with regard to the first element. The current view of the application is modified in response to the second user input according to the earlier version, at least with regard to the first element.