Image Data Importer Automates Cross-Application Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems require a multi-step process for copying images between applications, involving selection, temporary storage in a clipboard, and manual management, with limitations such as overwriting previously stored information and requiring the target application to be selected before copying.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to automatically import image data from a selected object in one application to a predetermined target application, eliminating the need for manual selection and temporary storage, using a selector and image data importer to streamline the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If image data is temporarily stored in a clipboard before copying to target application, then the copy operation can be performed, but the process becomes multi-step and requires manual management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temporary storage function from the traditional clipboard mechanism and replaces it with direct image data transfer. The system captures image data directly from the source application and transfers it to the target application without requiring intermediate storage in a clipboard, thereby eliminating manual clipboard management steps while maintaining the copy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing and preparing image data for transfer before the user initiates the copy operation. The image data is pre-processed and ready for immediate transfer to the target application, eliminating the need for manual selection and temporary storage steps that characterize traditional copy operations.
2Device complexity
If only one location in the clipboard is available, then memory management is simplified, but previously stored information is overwritten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the clipboard intermediate storage mechanism entirely from the image copy process. By extracting this function and replacing it with direct data transfer, the system eliminates the problem of information overwriting while also avoiding the complexity of managing multiple clipboard locations or preserving historical clipboard contents.
3Productivity
If the user must select the target application before copying, then the copy operation can be performed, but the process requires multiple manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically identifying and preparing the target application for image reception before the user initiates the copy operation. This pre-positioning of the target application eliminates the need for manual selection steps, allowing the user to simply perform the copy action while the system handles target application selection automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically managing the target application selection and image data transfer process without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously identifies the appropriate target application and executes the image copy operation, freeing the user from multiple manual steps while maintaining operational control.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for copying image data between computer applications running under at least one operating system, the apparatus comprising: a selector, operable by a user, for selecting an object from a computer application, and an image data importer, associated with the selector, and configured to automatically import image data of the selected object into a predetermined target computer application, upon the selecting.