Chat-Uploaded File Lists for Faster Print Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in selecting files for printing when multiple files are shared via communication tools like chat or web conferencing, requiring extensive searching and review of chat screens to find the desired file for printing.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system with a management unit to manage accessible files, a display unit to show a list of files based on access time, and an output unit to facilitate printing of user-selected files, enhancing the efficiency of file selection for printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If files are shared via chat function or web conferencing function, then information sharing between users is enabled, but user effort and time required to select a file for printing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file selection process by creating a dedicated print candidate file list that separates printable files from other chat files. This list is displayed in a dedicated area, allowing users to quickly identify and select files for printing without searching through the entire chat history or message list.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating and displaying a list of print candidate files before the user needs to print. The file list is prepared in advance with print buttons attached to each file, so when the user wants to print, the selection work is already done and presented in an organized manner.
2Adaptability or versatility
If files are shared by multiple users via communication tools, then collaboration is enabled, but complexity of file selection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface into distinct functional areas: a chat area for communication and a dedicated print candidate file list area for file selection. This segmentation allows users to focus on file selection in the dedicated area without the visual clutter and complexity of the multi-user chat interface, making the operation simpler despite multi-user collaboration.
Solution Approach 2:
The print candidate file list acts as an intermediary between the chat function and the printing function. It mediates the complex multi-user file sharing by presenting a simplified, curated list of printable files with direct print buttons, bridging the gap between collaborative file sharing and individual printing needs.
3Ease of operation
If chat screen is reviewed to find file for printing, then file selection is possible, but operation time and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-processing chat files to identify printable files and organizing them into a dedicated print candidate list before the user needs to print. This eliminates the need for users to manually review the chat screen, as the selection work is already completed by the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the interface by creating a separate spatial area for the print candidate file list, distinct from the chat area. This dimensional separation allows users to access file selection functionality without navigating through or reviewing the chat screen, significantly reducing the time and effort required for file selection.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system includes a management unit configured to manage files which are accessible to a user of at least one information processing apparatus from among a plurality of information processing apparatuses that communicate with each other via a network that enable users to perform communication, a display unit configured to display, on a screen, a list of files including a file included in the files managed by the management unit and identified based on access time of the file, and an output unit configured to output information for printing a file selected by a user from among the list of files displayed by the display unit.