Inline Content Preview via Escape Sequence Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of online synchronized content management systems face inconvenience when trying to insert content into applications like email clients or web browsers, as they often need to download and upload files or manually enter share links, which can be error-prone and cumbersome, especially when dealing with large files or complex folder structures.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to type the identifier of the content item they want to insert, preceded by a predefined escape sequence, to automatically retrieve and insert a link or preview of the content into the application, reducing the need for manual file management and providing inline previews.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually download and upload files or enter share links to insert content into applications, then content can be inserted into the application, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating share links and storing them in the content management system before the user needs to insert content. When a user types a content identifier, the system has already prepared the share link, eliminating the need for manual download/upload operations and reducing both time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a special character or keyword that acts as a bridge between the user's text input and the content management system. This intermediary triggers the automatic insertion of share links without requiring users to manually handle files or navigate complex interfaces, thereby simplifying the operation.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If users navigate complex hierarchical folder structures to locate content items, then the desired content can be found, but the process becomes inconvenient and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential identifying information (content identifier) from the complex folder structure and hierarchical organization. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple folders and levels, the system allows direct reference to content items using simple identifiers, effectively taking out the navigation complexity while preserving content accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy or reference representation of the content item's identity (the identifier) that can be used independently of the original complex folder structure. This copy allows users to reference content without needing to understand or navigate the underlying hierarchical organization, making the process much more convenient.
3Reliability
If users manually type share links into email composition windows, then links can be inserted, but typographical errors render the link inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating and inserting the correct share link format without requiring manual typing by the user. The system handles the complexity of link construction, encoding, and formatting automatically, ensuring accuracy while eliminating the need for users to understand link structures or risk typographical errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual link typing with an automated computational system. Instead of users physically typing characters that could be erroneous, the system computationally generates the correct link through programmatic processes, substituting human manual operation with automated machinery that eliminates typing errors.
4Productivity
If recipients download attachments before accessing content, then content can be viewed, but the process takes several steps and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating share links that provide direct access to content without requiring download steps. The link is prepared in advance with all necessary authentication and routing information embedded, allowing recipients to access content immediately through a single click rather than performing multiple sequential operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for inserting content into an application from an online synchronized content management system are disclosed. The system can receive text input into an application at a client device associated with the content management system. The text input can be, for example, keystrokes performed at the client device by a user, and the application can be, for example, an email client. The system can identify, within the text input, a predefined text string, such as an escape sequence, that is followed by a partial or full string that represents an identifier. The identifier may be associated with a content item that is stored in the online synchronized content management system. The system can then insert inside the application a link that points to the content item. The system can also insert code that is designed to render the content item as a dynamically updated preview.