Floating File Collection Interface for Hierarchical Storage Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interfaces for file management on devices with limited screen space are inefficient, requiring multiple steps and disrupting the user experience due to the need for separate dialog boxes for selecting files and destination folders.
Innovation Solution
A floating file collection interface element that remains visible during view transitions, allowing users to navigate and move files between folders with gestures, eliminating the need for separate dialog boxes and simplifying the file management process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate dialog box interface is used for selecting destination folders, then file management operations can be completed, but the number of interface actions increases and user experience is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the file selection interface and destination folder selection interface into a single unified interface. The selected files are displayed as floating icons overlaid on the folder browser, eliminating the need to switch to a separate dialog box. Users can directly drag and drop files onto destination folders within the same view, reducing the number of interface transitions and actions required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the interface by displaying selected files as floating icons positioned over the folder browser. This overlay layer adds a visual dimension that shows file selection status and enables direct drag-and-drop operations without leaving the current view, thereby maintaining context and reducing navigation steps.
2Productivity
If traditional file selection interface is used, then files can be selected for moving, but multiple separate interface steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the file selection mechanism with the destination selection mechanism into a single integrated interface. Instead of requiring users to complete file selection in one dialog and then navigate to a separate destination selection dialog, both operations occur simultaneously in one unified view with floating file icons overlaid on the folder browser.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the folder hierarchy, shows selected files as floating icons, allows users to navigate folders, and enables drag-and-drop operations all within the same screen. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized dialogs for each operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes outputting for display a first view representing a first plurality of objects stored in a first folder of a hierarchical storage system and receiving one or more selection inputs that designate one or more objects from the plurality of objects as selected objects. The method also includes outputting for display a floating interface element representing the selected objects and receiving a navigation input identifying a second folder of the hierarchical storage system. The method also includes executing, in response to the navigation input, a view transition that removes the first view from display and outputs, for display, a second view representing a second plurality of objects stored in the second folder, wherein the floating interface element representing the selected objects remains displayed during the view transition.