Character Data Transfer via Gesture-Based Drag and Drop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Moving files and sharing content between devices is time-consuming and involves multiple steps, especially when navigating unknown file systems, and users want a more streamlined process for transferring information beyond files, such as message content.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows character data to be received from a remote device and supplied to compatible components on a processor, enabling efficient transfer and processing of data types like dates, addresses, URLs, and plain text through gestures such as dragging and dropping, with prompts for updating the target's appearance and prioritizing compatible components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional file transfer methods are used between devices, then files can be moved between devices, but the process is time-consuming and involves multiple steps including navigating unknown file systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile transfer speedVSAvoidtime required for file transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing device pairs and preparing character data for transfer before the user actually needs to share content. The device monitors for character data and prepares it for immediate transfer, eliminating the need to navigate file systems during the actual transfer moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts character data from messages and other content directly, separating it from the file system navigation process. By pulling out just the essential character data needed for sharing, the system bypasses the complex file system navigation that traditionally slows down transfers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional content sharing methods are used, then content can be shared between devices, but users must go through multiple steps to achieve this

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent sharing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of steps required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides universal content sharing capability that works across different device types and communication scenarios. A single gesture-based interface handles multiple content types (messages, contacts, media) and multiple sharing scenarios, eliminating the need for different procedures for different content types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically monitors for character data, identifies when sharing is desired, and initiates the transfer process without requiring users to navigate through multiple menus or steps. The system serves itself by automatically detecting and handling the sharing workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If character data is received from remote device, then data can be transferred efficiently, but the system must identify compatible components to process the data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent identification process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary character data object that mediates between the remote device and local applications. This character data serves as a universal intermediary format that can be processed by multiple compatible components, simplifying the identification process while maintaining efficient transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2796978B1Device, system and method for processing character data
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2796978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2796978B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2796978B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method is described. The method comprising: receiving character data from the remote device in response to a user applying the character data to a displayed target; and supplying the character data to one of a plurality of components executable on a processor of a device based on one or more characters in the character data. A device is also described.