Content Object Segmentation for Metadata-Based Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in locating and managing digital content across disparate locations and containers due to inconsistent user experiences and limitations in searching, grouping, and filtering based on content-specific metadata.
Innovation Solution
A user interface and navigation system that allows users to search, view, filter, and group content objects independently of their containers, using search providers and direct storage providers to retrieve and display content outside of its storage context, with filtering and grouping capabilities based on unique metadata properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If content is stored within documents or content containers, then content organization and storage are improved, but content locatability and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content container (document) from the content objects stored within it. The search interface presents content objects independently of their container context, allowing users to search for and access content objects without needing to navigate through or open the containing documents. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining the organizational structure while improving accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple application programs with unique user interfaces are used to search for content, then content coverage across different sources is improved, but user experience consistency and operational simplicity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal search interface that can search for content objects across multiple different sources and container types (local files, network locations, email attachments, web pages) through a single consistent interface. This multi-functional interface eliminates the need for users to switch between multiple application programs, thereby maintaining broad content coverage while ensuring user experience consistency.
3Loss of information
If content is presented in the context of its container, then content source information is preserved, but manual content extraction and processing time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts content objects from their container context for presentation in the search interface. Content objects are displayed with their source information preserved (showing which document or location they come from), but users can directly select and use the content objects without manually locating and extracting them from the containing documents. This extraction approach preserves source information while eliminating manual extraction time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If grouping and filtering are based only on common properties, then compatibility across all content types is improved, but utilization of content-specific metadata and provider-specific properties is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different grouping and filtering options based on the type of content and its metadata properties. For content with available metadata (such as author, date, subject, or provider-specific properties), the interface enables grouping and filtering by these specific properties. For content without such properties, fallback to common properties (filename, size, date) is provided. This approach maintains compatibility while utilizing content-specific metadata when available.
Data Source
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AI summary
Technologies are described herein for presenting and navigating content having varying properties. One or more local or networked providers are searched for content objects. Content objects include associated metadata and may be stored within a content container. Each content object is displayed separately from its associated content container. Displayed content objects may be grouped and filtered based upon the associated metadata. Displayed content objects may also be grouped and filtered based upon the provider from which they were retrieved. Selection of a content object causes the content container associated with the selected content object to be displayed. Alternately, selection of a content object may cause a preview of the selected content object and the metadata associated with the selected content object to be displayed.