Mobile File Attachment via QR Code Upload Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing email attachment methods require cumbersome multi-step processes, such as local connections between devices, to attach files from mobile devices to email clients, often necessitating device-dependent hardware and software utilities.
Innovation Solution
Generating a machine-readable label, like a QR code, on the client device with upload webpage and authentication details, allowing mobile devices to scan and upload files directly to an upload server, which then attaches them to the email server, eliminating the need for local device connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If files are attached by browsing and selecting from local storage or network drives, then files readily accessible via the client device can be attached easily, but files on mobile devices cannot be attached without local connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an upload server as an intermediary between the mobile device and email client. The mobile device uploads files to the upload server, which then makes them available to the email client for attachment. This mediator enables file sharing across devices without requiring direct connections between the mobile device and client device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a direct peer-to-peer file access model to a cloud-based indirect access model. Instead of accessing files directly from mobile device storage through local connections, the system uses a dimensional shift to a networked cloud storage architecture where files are uploaded to and retrieved from a remote server.
2Adaptability or versatility
If local connection is established between mobile device and client device, then files can be copied and attached, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires device-dependent hardware/software
Solution Approach 1:
The upload server acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct local connections between devices. Files are uploaded to the server from the mobile device and then accessed by the email client through network connections, removing the complexity of device-specific connection protocols and hardware requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides a universal file sharing mechanism that works across different device types and platforms. By using standard web protocols for upload and download operations, the system achieves multi-functionality and broad compatibility without requiring device-dependent utilities or specialized hardware.
3Ease of operation
If files are copied from mobile device to client device hard drive, then files can be attached to email, but time is lost in the copying process
Solution Approach 1:
The upload server enables direct file attachment to emails without requiring intermediate copying to the client device's hard drive. The server holds the uploaded files and provides them directly to the email client for attachment, eliminating the time-consuming copy operation and reducing the overall file transfer duration.
Data Source
AI summary
Computing systems configured to efficiently attach files to emails are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a mobile device can include a processor, a camera, and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The memory contains instructions executable by the processor to cause the computing device to capture, via the camera, an image of a machine-readable label shown on a display of a client device used to compose a draft email and decode the captured image of the machine-readable label to derive a network address of a webpage, an authentication token, and an email identification identifying the draft email. The mobile device can also load the webpage in a web browser, and upon receiving an input to upload a file, transmit the digital file to an upload server along with the decoded authentication token and the email identification for attaching the file to the draft email.