Slider Interface for Multi-File Selection on Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Selecting multiple files for attachment to an electronic message on portable electronic devices is a time-consuming and cumbersome process, particularly when dealing with large collections of files like digital pictures.
Innovation Solution
A slider user interface is implemented on portable electronic devices, allowing users to select files based on file parameters such as type and date, with visual indication of selected files, enabling efficient attachment of multiple files to messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional individual file selection method is used, then each file can be selected accurately, but the time and effort required to select multiple files increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from individual file identification to range-based selection using sliders. Users can select files by specifying date ranges, time ranges, or other parameter ranges, which automatically identifies all files within those ranges. This transforms the selection process from manually clicking each file to setting parameter boundaries, dramatically reducing selection time while maintaining accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If a simple selection interface is used, then the interface is easy to understand, but it cannot efficiently handle large collections of files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file selection process into independent dimensional sliders (e.g., date slider, time slider, file type slider). Each slider handles one dimension of file identification, allowing users to combine multiple simple controls to achieve complex selection criteria. This segmentation maintains interface simplicity while enabling efficient handling of large file collections through multi-dimensional filtering.
3Measurement precision
If manual individual selection is required, then precise control over each file is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome for bulk selections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sliders as intermediary controls between the user and the file collection. Instead of directly selecting individual files, users interact with slider intermediaries that represent file attributes (date, time, type). These intermediaries automatically translate slider positions into precise file identification, maintaining selection precision while reducing process complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of selecting files and a portable electronic device configured to perform the method are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method of selecting one or more files on a portable electronic device, comprising: displaying a file selection user interface screen on a display of the portable electronic device, the file selection user interface screen comprising a slider comprising a reference bar and an indicator moveable within the reference bar; selecting one or more files in accordance with a position of the indicator; and attaching the selected files to an electronic message.