Auto-flowchart Generator for Online Collaboration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flowchart drafting tools are tedious and time-consuming, lacking innovation and efficiency in generating flowcharts, which leads to inconsistent results.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for online collaboration that includes a user-friendly interface with features like automatic flowchart object insertion, efficient flowchart object connection, and automatic formatting, allowing for streamlined flowchart generation and editing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional flowchart drafting tools are used, then users can create flowcharts, but the process is tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflowchart generation speedVSAvoidtime spent on flowchart creation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-positions flow connection nodes on flowchart objects and automatically establishes connections when nodes are moved, eliminating the need for users to manually select connection tools and configure connection parameters step-by-step

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flow connection node automatically performs connection establishment when moved to a target object, with the system autonomously creating the flow connection without requiring user intervention through complex tool selections or configuration steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional connection insertion tools are used, then flow connections can be created, but the process requires multiple steps and tool selections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of connection creationVSAvoidnumber of steps in connection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection creation functionality is extracted from the complex connection insertion tool and embedded directly as flow connection nodes on the flowchart objects themselves, allowing users to create connections through simple node movement rather than invoking separate tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow connection node serves multiple functions: it acts as a visual indicator on the source object, a draggable element for connection creation, and an automatic connection establisher when moved to a target object, consolidating multiple tool functions into a single universal element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12271573B2Auto-flowchart generator

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 APPLE INC

AI summary

Systems and techniques are provided herein to facilitate efficient and productive online collaboration. In particular, a collaborator follow function provides the ability of one view of a collaborative environment to mimic another collaborator's view. In this manner, collaborators may be apprised of collaboration contributions in wholly different areas of a collaborative environment than they are currently in.