Share Bar Interface for Simplified File Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional file system interfaces face challenges in content sharing due to the complexity of context menus, making it difficult for users to share content items, especially when switching between file systems and email applications, and users struggle with sharing multiple files at once.

Innovation Solution

A file system interface with a share bar graphical element is displayed, allowing users to select and share content items directly within the file system interface, providing a simplified and intuitive method for sharing files and folders, including options for multiple selections, recipient identification, and access privileges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If context menu is used for content sharing, then sharing functionality is provided, but user complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of content sharingVSAvoidcontext menu complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sharing functionality from the general context menu by creating a dedicated share bar that appears only when content is selected. This separates the sharing operation from other file operations, making the share bar simpler and more focused while reducing the complexity of the overall interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The share bar is automatically displayed and prepared in advance when content is selected, before the user needs to perform the sharing action. This preliminary display of sharing options eliminates the need for users to navigate through complex context menus and reduces the steps required to share content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If context menu is used for content sharing, then sharing functionality is provided, but user time is lost due to context switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for content sharingVSAvoidworkflow continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the content selection interface and sharing interface into a single unified view within the file manager. The share bar is displayed directly in the file manager window, combining file browsing and sharing operations in one location, eliminating the need to switch to separate email or messaging applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The share bar acts as an intermediary component between the file manager and external communication applications. It provides a centralized interface that handles the sharing process within the file manager context, mediating between the user's selection and the actual sharing action without requiring context switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If context menu is used for content sharing, then sharing functionality is provided, but difficulty increases when sharing multiple files

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-file sharing capabilityVSAvoiddifficulty of sharing multiple files

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The share bar is designed to be universal and automatically adapts to handle any number of selected files or folders. When multiple items are selected, the share bar displays updated information reflecting all selected items, providing a single unified sharing interface that works for both single and multiple file scenarios without requiring different operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11789590B2User interface for content sharing client in a desktop file system context

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 DROPBOX INC

AI summary

Described embodiments enable device users to share content items directly from the context of a desktop file system user interface. A share bar is displayed in the file system user interface, where the share bar includes one or more graphical control elements that provide additional functionality with respect to one or more selected content items in the user interface. The additional functionality can include sharing the selected item, moving the item, downloading the item, and viewing sharing status, version history, completion status, comments, or other information about the item.