File Queuing Mechanism for Multi-Directory Import
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional file handling in computer systems, such as Microsoft Windows, is inefficient as it requires users to select and send files one at a time from a single directory, lacks the ability to select files from multiple directories simultaneously, and requires complex key strokes and mouse interactions to select multiple files for importation.
Innovation Solution
The enhancement of the operating system with 'Queue It', 'Queue Edit', and 'Queue Send To' functions allows users to mark and queue files for later importation, enabling the selection of files from multiple directories and sending them to an application with a single operation, without the need for complex key strokes or mouse interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users select and send files one at a time from a single directory using conventional methods, then the file handling process is simple to implement, but it requires multiple separate operations and increases the time consumed by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to pre-select and queue multiple files from different directories before initiating the send operation. The file selection and queuing actions are performed in advance, allowing the actual sending to occur in a single operation, thereby reducing the time required for file handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of selecting multiple files from different directories, queuing them, and sending them to an application into a single integrated operation. This combines what would traditionally require multiple separate steps (selecting files individually, navigating between directories, queuing each file) into one unified process that handles multiple files simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If users use conventional Send To function without queuing capability, then the system implementation is simple, but it requires complex key strokes and mouse interactions to select multiple files
Solution Approach 1:
The queueing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's file selection actions and the final send operation. Instead of requiring users to directly manage complex selection combinations, the queueing system mediates by accepting individual file selections and automatically managing them in a queue structure, simplifying the user interaction while enabling multi-file operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the file selection process into discrete steps where users can select files individually and add them to a queue using simple, consistent operations (such as right-clicking and selecting 'Queue It'). This segmentation breaks down the complex task of selecting multiple files from different directories into multiple simple, identical operations, reducing the cognitive load on the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conventional Send To function is used without queuing, then the system structure remains simple, but it cannot select files from multiple directories simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The queueing system provides multi-functionality by enabling users to perform multiple operations (selecting files from different directories, queuing them, managing the queue) through a single integrated mechanism. The same queueing interface works regardless of which directories or files are involved, making the system universally applicable to various file selection scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms for each case.
4Productivity
If users manually select and send each file individually using conventional methods, then the system implementation is straightforward, but it reduces productivity and increases the time required for file importation
Solution Approach 1:
The queueing mechanism enables continuous accumulation of files in the queue while the user navigates between directories and selects files. Once files are queued, they remain in the queue ready for immediate sending, creating a continuous flow from file selection to importation without interruption or waiting time between individual file operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated system that enable files in a file directory to be queued or marked prior to sending the files to a common application. A first selectable function is provided to queue a selected file within a first queue, wherein only selected files are queued, and wherein files from different folders may be queued. A selection of an application with which to open the queued and selected files is received. A second selectable function is provided to automatically open all of the queued and/or selected files with the application, wherein files across different folders can be opened with a single operation of the second function.