Content Collections With Granular Permissions and File References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing online storage systems face inflexibilities in permission and sharing settings, leading to inefficient use of storage space and inaccurate access control, and their graphical user interfaces are cumbersome for viewing and sharing multiple files.
Innovation Solution
A content management system generates and manages collection content items that include references to multiple content items, allowing granular permission settings and version control, enabling flexible sharing and efficient access across users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If folder level permission settings are used in existing storage systems, then permission management is simplified, but permission accuracy deteriorates (users cannot access specific files within folders with granular control)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments permission control from the folder level to the individual content item level. Each content item can have its own permission settings independent of the folder containing it, allowing users to grant access to specific files while keeping other files in the same folder restricted. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both simplified management (through individual item control) and high accuracy (through granular permissions).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of permission control by adding content-level permissions as a separate layer from folder-level permissions. This multi-dimensional approach allows simultaneous application of both folder-level and content-level permission settings, enabling users to manage permissions at multiple granularities without sacrificing simplicity or accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual duplicative folders are created to share specific files, then permission accuracy improves, but storage efficiency deteriorates (multiple copies of files consume excessive space)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copying through references rather than physical duplication. Content items are stored once in their original location, and multiple users can access them through reference links without creating actual copies. This virtual copying mechanism provides permission accuracy (by controlling access to references) while maintaining storage efficiency (by avoiding redundant file storage).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference mechanism as an intermediary between users and content items. Instead of directly sharing files or creating copies, the system uses reference objects that point to the actual content. This intermediary layer enables precise permission control at the reference level while the actual content remains stored once, resolving both permission accuracy and storage efficiency requirements.
3Device complexity
If traditional file hierarchy interfaces are used, then system complexity is reduced, but user interface efficiency deteriorates (cumbersome to view and present multiple files)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal content collection interface that can present multiple content items from different folders in a single unified view. This collection interface serves multiple functions: it can display content previews, allow selective viewing of specific files, and present content in various formats without requiring users to navigate through multiple folder hierarchies. This multi-functional interface improves productivity while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a content collection as an intermediary layer between the traditional file hierarchy and the user interface. This collection acts as a virtual container that can aggregate references to content items from various locations without physically moving or duplicating files. The intermediary collection interface enables efficient viewing and presentation of multiple files while the underlying file system maintains its simple hierarchical structure.
4Ease of operation
If folder level sharing is applied, then sharing operation simplicity improves, but sharing flexibility deteriorates (cannot share specific files within folders selectively)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments sharing control to the individual content item level, allowing users to share specific files independently of other files in the same folder. Each content item can have its own sharing settings, enabling selective sharing while maintaining simple operations through the user interface. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both operational simplicity (through unified sharing interface) and flexibility (through granular control).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic sharing permissions that can be adjusted at any time for individual content items. Users can start with broad sharing permissions and then selectively restrict access to specific files, or vice versa. The system dynamically updates permissions without requiring structural changes to folders or file hierarchies, enabling flexible sharing operations that adapt to changing requirements while maintaining ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed toward systems and methods that efficiently and effectively generate and utilize collections of content items. For example, systems and methods described herein generate a collection content item including one or more content item references. In one or more embodiments, the collection content item can include content item references for content items located internally or externally, with granular levels of permissions settings and version controls. Additionally, in response to a detected selection of a content item reference, systems and methods described herein generate a rendering of the associated content item that can be viewed regardless of any third party software installed on the viewing client computing device.