File Message Indicators for Faster Received File Review

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing file transmission systems do not effectively allow recipients to identify whether a message is attached to a file among multiple received files, making it difficult to quickly determine which files require attention.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that displays a first image of the file and a second image indicating message attachment, allowing recipients to view messages upon selecting the second image, with common display modes across multiple screens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a message is attached to a transmitted file, then the work contents for the file are clearly indicated, but it becomes difficult for the recipient to quickly identify which files have messages attached among multiple received files

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage attachment status visibilityVSAvoidfile identification efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by displaying an icon with different visual states (e.g., colored indicators) to represent whether a message is attached to a file. This allows recipients to quickly identify files with messages through visual cues without losing the message attachment status information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an icon as an intermediary element that mediates between the file and the message attachment status. The icon serves as a visual indicator that provides information about the message attachment without requiring the recipient to open each file, thus improving file identification efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If multiple messages are attached to a file, then more comprehensive work instructions are provided, but it becomes harder to manage and display all messages efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage content completenessVSAvoidmessage management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the message display into manageable units. Each message can be individually accessed through the icon interface, allowing multiple messages to be organized and displayed in a structured manner rather than as a single complex block, thus reducing management complexity while preserving completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display constraint to utilizing additional display dimensions or layers. Messages can be displayed in an expanded view or through multi-level interaction, allowing comprehensive message content to be presented without overwhelming the primary interface, thus managing complexity while maintaining information completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4064669B1Information processing apparatus, information processing program, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4064669B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4064669B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4064669B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: in a case where a message is attached to a file transmitted by one user to another user, display a first image showing the file and a second image showing that the message is attached to the file in association with each other; and in a case where a selection of the second image is received, display the message.