Cloud File Upload Widget Bypasses Local Storage Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current file upload processes are time-consuming, especially for large files, and require local storage, which can be impractical for devices with limited memory, such as smartphones, and is inefficient for uploading content to websites.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and file upload widget that allows users to select and upload files directly from a synced online content management system to a website, enabling file transfer without the need for local storage and allowing users to complete the upload process even after logging off or powering down their device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If files are uploaded from local computing device, then upload process can be completed, but upload process is extremely time consuming and requires local storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cloud storage system (Dropbox) that mediates between the user's local device and the target website. Instead of directly uploading from local device to website (slow and memory-consuming), files are first stored in the cloud intermediary, then retrieved and uploaded to the website, significantly reducing upload time and local storage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the upload process from a two-point direct connection (local device to website) to a three-point indirect connection (local device to cloud storage to website). This dimensional change in the data flow path enables parallel operations and eliminates the bottleneck of local storage capacity and direct upload speed
2Ease of operation
If files are stored locally before upload, then upload can be initiated, but impractical for large amounts of content and devices with limited local memory
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud storage system serves as an intermediary that absorbs the burden of storing large amounts of content. Users can access and upload files from the cloud without needing sufficient local storage capacity, making the system practical for devices with limited memory while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the storage function between local device and cloud system. The local device only needs to store small metadata or initiate the upload, while the bulk of content storage is segmented off to the cloud, eliminating the practical limitation of local storage capacity
3Reliability
If traditional upload method is used, then file transfer is achieved, but user must keep device powered on and connected throughout upload process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-authenticating the user with the cloud storage system and pre-establishing the upload pipeline. Once the user initiates the upload, the system can complete the transfer in the background without requiring continuous user presence or device connectivity, improving both reliability and convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud storage system performs self-service by automatically handling file authentication, retrieval, and upload to the target website without requiring continuous user intervention. The system manages the entire upload process autonomously once initiated, allowing users to log off or power down their devices
Data Source
AI summary
A file upload widget is provided on a website to enable the upload of files to a website from an account within a content management system. The file upload widget may be used to: (1) allow a user to select files from a content management system, such as a synced online content management system; and (2) initiate the upload of the files directly from the content management system to the website. In various embodiments, this may: (1) allow the user to upload files that are not stored locally on the computing device being used to access the file upload widget; and (2) allow the user to complete the upload of files by initiating the transfer of files and then logging off of the website (and/or powering down their computing device) before the transfer of files is complete, which may result in a more convenient and enjoyable upload process.