Cloud-Linked Email Attachments for Single-Version File Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file sharing and editing processes through electronic communications result in inefficient use of computing and storage resources due to repeated downloading, uploading, and versioning of files, with users often relying on outdated versions stored in their mailbox.
Innovation Solution
Establish a persistent connection between file attachments uploaded to cloud storage and associated electronic communications, enabling one-click editing and maintaining a link to the cloud-stored file, allowing users to access the latest version and collaborate efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If files are downloaded and saved to local storage for editing, then users can edit files offline, but computing and storage resources are consumed repeatedly for each edit cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cloud storage as an intermediary between the electronic communication system and local storage. Files are uploaded to cloud storage and accessed via links, eliminating the need for repeated local downloads and uploads. The cloud storage server acts as a mediator that maintains file versions and provides access to all users without consuming their local computing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a link (copy reference) to the file in cloud storage rather than copying the actual file content to local storage for editing. This allows users to access and edit files without consuming local storage resources, while the original file remains centrally stored in the cloud.
2Productivity
If edited files are saved to local storage, then users have direct access to edited versions, but mailbox storage is wasted and outdated versions remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the file storage function from the electronic communication mailbox system and relocates it to a dedicated cloud storage system. This separation allows the mailbox to store only communication metadata while files are stored externally in the cloud, eliminating wasted mailbox storage space and allowing efficient access to latest file versions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple file versions are exchanged through electronic communications, then collaboration between users is enabled, but the number of file copies increases and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all file versions into a single centralized location in cloud storage rather than distributing multiple copies across different user mailboxes. Users collaborate by accessing and editing the same file in the cloud, with changes automatically saved to the cloud storage location. This eliminates duplicate file copies while maintaining full collaboration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for establishing a persistent connection between file attachments uploaded to cloud storage and associated electronic communications. An electronic communication including an attached file may be stored and presented in a communication application user interface that includes interactive functions, such as edit and save functions. Upon selection of an interactive function, a copy of the file may be uploaded to a cloud storage location and, in some examples, opened in a productivity application. A link to the file at the cloud storage location may be stored as a property of the file that is stored with the electronic communication. Resultantly, a connection may be maintained between the file at the cloud storage location and the electronic communication. Based on this connection, the copy of the file at the cloud storage location may be opened upon a subsequent selection of an interactive function.