Attachment Manager Link Insertion Reduces Mailbox Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for sending files via electronic messages result in multiple copies of attachments being created and stored in various locations, leading to inefficiencies and redundancy, especially when recipients reply with changes, creating additional copies.
Innovation Solution
An attachment manager is integrated into messaging applications that allows users to automatically upload attachments to a shared location with permission settings, replacing the attachment in the message with a link, thus reducing redundant storage and simplifying sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If attachments are included directly in electronic messages, then recipients can access files easily, but multiple redundant copies are created across mailboxes and local devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment from the electronic message itself and stores it in a shared network location instead. The message body contains only a link to the attachment, separating the message content from the file storage. This eliminates redundant copies across mailboxes while maintaining easy access through the link.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shared network location as an intermediary between the sender and recipients. Instead of attaching files directly to messages, the system uses a centralized storage location that all users can access, reducing duplicate storage while maintaining accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If users manually manage attachment copies across multiple locations, then file access is maintained, but time and effort are wasted on manual copying and permission management
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages attachment uploads, storage, and permission settings without requiring manual user intervention. When a user composes a message with an attachment, the system automatically uploads it to the shared location, generates the appropriate link, and sets permissions based on recipient information, eliminating manual copying tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically uploading attachments to the shared location before the message is sent. Permissions are pre-configured based on recipient data, and links are generated in advance, so users don't need to manually manage files when recipients request access.
3Speed
If attachments are stored locally or in mailboxes, then immediate access is available, but storage space is consumed across multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The shared network location serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores attachments centrally, provides access to all users, manages permissions, and reduces overall storage requirements. This single location replaces multiple local copies across different devices and mailboxes.
4Ease of operation
If automatic permission setting is implemented, then access control is simplified, but permission management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different permission levels to different recipient groups automatically. Based on the message recipients listed in To:/Cc:/Bcc: lines, the system assigns appropriate read or read/write permissions to each user or group, creating localized permission settings without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An option is presented with an electronic message to automatically upload and permission an attachment to the electronic message. A single click may be received to upload the attachment to a shared location (e.g. network share, online service, and the like). Permissions may be automatically set for the message recipients of the electronic message. For example, a default set of permissions and/or custom permissions may be set for each of the recipients listed on the To:/Cc:/Bcc: lines. A link to the shared location may also be automatically inserted into the electronic message along with or in place of the attachment.