Browser Plug-in for Email Content Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in organizing and managing email attachments, particularly with the proliferation of email, as they often require uploading and storing files, which can consume valuable storage space and complicate file management.
Innovation Solution
A browser plug-in alters email composition and display webpages to provide activatable references to online content management services, allowing users to link content items instead of attaching files, and enables storage of attachments directly in the online content management service, thereby reducing the need for local storage and enhancing file organization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users attach files to emails, then content can be shared, but local storage space is consumed and file management becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an online content management service as an intermediary between the email client and file storage. Instead of storing files locally on the user's device, the system uses a cloud-based content management service to store attachments and provide links to them. This mediator handles the storage function, freeing up local storage space while maintaining file accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical file attachments with digital copies in the form of links and references. Instead of transferring actual file data to the email, the system creates a reference copy (link) that points to the original file stored in the cloud. This allows multiple users to access the same file without duplicating it locally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users upload files as email attachments, then content sharing is enabled, but storage space and file organization challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the email system multi-functional by integrating content management capabilities. The email client not only sends messages but also provides access to a unified content library stored in the cloud. Users can attach content, manage files, and organize information all through the email interface, eliminating the need for separate file management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the email function with content management functions into a single integrated system. The email client combines message sending with file storage, retrieval, and organization capabilities. This consolidation reduces the complexity of managing files separately from email communication.
3Speed
If files are stored locally for email attachments, then immediate access is possible, but storage space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from local storage (two-dimensional: device + file) to cloud-based storage (three-dimensional: device + file + cloud service). By adding the cloud service dimension, the system maintains fast access through network connections while eliminating the storage space constraints of local devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A client service, such as a plug-in to a browser, can alter a document retrieved from a compatible service to augment the document with services from an online content management service. When an application retrieves a compatible document, the client service can detect a document element within the document and alter the document to provide an activatable reference to the online content management service. For example, a client service can recognize an email composition webpage or an email display webpage and insert activatable references provide services from the online content management service. In email composition webpages, a reference can be a button that allows an email author to insert a link to a content item from the online content management service. In email display webpages, references can be added that allow attachments to be sent to the online content management service for storage.