File Grouping Apparatus with Spatial Position Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current file management systems lack efficient methods for visually organizing and managing multiple files, particularly in forming and displaying relationships between files, which hinders user interaction and file arrangement.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a display controller, accepting unit, grouping unit, and memory controller that allows users to select and group files, display relationships, and manage groups, including file-based grouping, relationship display, group arrangement, and coordination with binders, while storing information about display positions and relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If files are organized using traditional folder-based systems, then file storage is achieved, but visual organization and relationship display between files are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional hierarchical folder structures to a spatial arrangement system where files are positioned in two-dimensional space. This allows files to be visually organized and relationships to be displayed through their relative positions, adding a spatial dimension to file organization that preserves relationship information while improving visual accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual representations (thumbnails or icons) of files that can be arranged in space, separate from the actual file storage structure. These visual copies allow users to organize and view relationships without altering the underlying file system, enabling intuitive visual organization while maintaining the original file hierarchy.
2Productivity
If multiple files are selected and grouped, then file arrangement is improved, but maintaining display positions during grouping becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple selected files into a single group object that inherits the spatial coordinates of the selected files. When files are grouped, their relative positional relationships are preserved within the group, and the group itself can be moved as a unit. This merging approach simplifies position management by treating the group as a cohesive entity while maintaining internal spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent calculates and stores the relative positional relationships between files before grouping occurs. This preliminary calculation of coordinate offsets allows the system to maintain display positions during grouping operations, as the relative positions are predetermined and preserved when files are combined into a group.
3Ease of operation
If files are rearranged in spatial groups, then visual organization is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a group object as an intermediary between individual files and the display system. The group stores spatial coordinates and manages the positional relationships of its member files, acting as a mediator that simplifies the complexity of managing multiple individual file positions. This intermediary structure allows visual organization without requiring direct management of each file's coordinates.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a first display controller, an accepting unit, a grouping unit, and a memory controller. The first display controller controls a display to display plural images representing respective files. The accepting unit accepts an operation for selecting at least two or more images from among the plural images. The grouping unit forms a group by associating plural files represented by the at least two or more images with one another with the at least two or more images kept displayed on the display in a case where the accepting unit has accepted the operation. The memory controller controls a memory to store information indicating display positions of the at least two or more images on a screen in association with the group that has been formed by the grouping unit.