Desktop Image File Retrieval via Visual Memory Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in retrieving files on a computer without remembering their file names or creation dates, as existing methods are inefficient for searching files not registered with a calendar.
Innovation Solution
The system records desktop space images and metadata associated with events on a computer, allowing users to evoke memories of target files by displaying these images and metadata, enabling users to select and run the target files based on recalled information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users search for files using property information such as file name or creation date, then the search can be efficient when users remember this information, but the search becomes difficult when users do not remember the property information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically recording desktop space images and associated metadata (file names, dates, applications) at scheduled intervals or upon specific events. This preparation allows users to later retrieve files through image recognition without needing to remember file properties, as the system has already captured and indexed the visual context of when files were created or accessed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces desktop space images as an intermediary between the user and file property information. Instead of directly querying file metadata, users interact with visual snapshots of their desktop environment. The system acts as a mediator by matching selected image features with stored file information, enabling retrieval without users needing to recall specific file names or dates.
2Reliability
If the system records detailed metadata and desktop space images for every event, then the accuracy of file retrieval is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential and most recognizable features from desktop space images, such as prominent icons, window titles, or distinctive visual elements, rather than processing and storing complete image data. This extraction approach maintains retrieval accuracy by focusing on key identifiers while significantly reducing data storage requirements and processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a balanced recording strategy by capturing desktop images at selective intervals or upon significant events (file creation, application launch) rather than continuously. This partial action approach ensures sufficient data is available for accurate retrieval while avoiding the excessive complexity and resource consumption of continuous full-state monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to support the retrieval of an ambiguous file stored on a computer. Desktop space images are generated at predetermined time intervals, and metadata for each desktop space image is created from internally used data and externally input data existing at the time. The metadata consists of multiple pieces of tag data, and part of tag data is a target file to be searched for. Upon searching for the target file, a user selects a desktop space image that evokes the target file from among the multiple desktop space images initially displayed. The selected desktop space image is displayed and the target file is selected from the metadata associated with the desktop space image displayed. The desktop space image can refresh a user's recollection about the target file, and hence allows the user to narrow down the scope of search.