File System Interface Segmentation for Rapid Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file management systems require numerous clicks and manipulations to access specific folders and files, leading to inefficiency and increased usage of input devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic device that present folders and files in a compact visual representation, allowing users to select them within two clicks or less, with optional additional information display based on click type, and adaptive visual arrangements according to hierarchical levels, subfolders, and user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional file manager interfaces display folders and files in hierarchical views, then users can see the folder structure, but users require numerous clicks and manipulations to access specific files
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional areas: a navigation area for folder structure and a display area for file content. This segmentation allows users to access files quickly in the display area while the navigation area maintains the hierarchical folder structure visibility, resolving the contradiction between fast access and structure visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by placing the navigation area and display area side-by-side rather than nesting one within the other. This dimensional change allows simultaneous access to both folder hierarchy and file content without requiring deep navigation through multiple clicks, solving the contradiction between structure visibility and access speed.
2Productivity
If file manager displays detailed folder contents, then users can see available files, but the interface becomes complex and requires more manipulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the folder navigation function from the file display area and places it in a separate navigation area. This extraction simplifies the display area to show only file contents without the complexity of nested folder structures, while the navigation area handles the hierarchical navigation, thereby reducing overall interface complexity and improving file access efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation area pre-organizes folder paths and structures, allowing users to quickly locate and navigate to parent folders before accessing specific files. This preliminary organization of navigation paths reduces the manipulations needed to access files and simplifies the interface by providing structured navigation options.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method, comprising at an electronic device which is in communication with a graphical user interface (1) and one or more file systems: displaying, on the graphical user interface (1), a visual representation (11) for each one of a plurality of folders of the one or more file systems while suppressing displaying of a visual representation of files stored in the folders; receiving, via the graphical user interface (1), a user command defining the selection of a first folder; displaying, on the graphical user interface (1), a visual representation (12) for each one of one or more files stored in the first folder while suppressing displaying of a visual representation of folders stored in the first folder; and receiving, via the graphical user interface, a user command defining the selection of a first file.