Interactive Thumbnails for In-Situ Content Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window presentation schemes require users to undergo numerous transitions between source and destination windows to copy and paste content, which can be time-consuming and disruptive, often requiring users to identify the correct window and open additional applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an in-situ document transfer unit generates a reproduction of an electronic document as an interactive thumbnail, allowing content to be copied and pasted within the same panel without transitioning, using specialized commands that initiate copying, determine the destination, and perform pasting, thereby reducing disruptions and computational overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional window transition schemes are used for copying content, then content can be transferred between documents, but users experience numerous transitions between source and destination windows which is time-consuming and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the source document thumbnail and destination document editing area into a single integrated interface. The thumbnail of the source document is embedded within the destination document's window, allowing users to copy content by simply clicking on the thumbnail without transitioning between separate windows. This combining of source and destination interfaces eliminates the time-consuming window switching process while maintaining content transfer functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple source windows are opened to access different content, then content from multiple sources can be copied, but windows obscure each other and require additional time to open and identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional window switching model to a multi-dimensional interface where multiple source documents are represented as thumbnails within a single destination document window. Instead of opening separate windows for each source document, the system embeds thumbnails of multiple sources within the destination window, allowing users to access content from multiple sources without increasing the number of top-level windows. This dimensional reorganization reduces window complexity while maintaining adaptability to access content from multiple sources.
3Productivity
If traditional copy-paste commands are used, then content can be transferred, but users must identify the correct window and perform multiple commands which increases computational overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the source document thumbnail from its original window context and embeds it directly within the destination document's interface. This extraction allows the copy operation to be performed by simply clicking on the embedded thumbnail within the destination window, eliminating the need to switch to the source window, select content, copy, then switch back to paste. The destination window now contains all necessary elements (thumbnail and paste location) in one view, reducing the command sequence complexity while maintaining content transfer functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to computing devices and systems, software, computer programs, applications, and user interfaces, and more particularly, to generating a reproduction of an electronic document, such as a thumbnail, that includes an input field.