Unified File Manager Interface for Cross-Application Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in managing and transferring files across multiple applications on their devices, leading to a cluttered user experience due to the need to navigate through various interfaces for different operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a 'remora' system, which allows users to set up a unified interface that includes icons for associated applications, enabling file management and transfer operations by dragging files to specific icons, automatically opening the corresponding application for further actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users open multiple applications to perform complex file management tasks, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and user interface clutter increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile management functionalityVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple application interfaces into a unified file manager interface. The file manager integrates file browsing, transfer, and operation capabilities from multiple applications (email, messaging, social media) into a single consolidated interface, allowing users to perform all file management tasks without switching between different application windows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The file manager is designed as a universal interface that performs multiple functions normally distributed across different applications. It can transfer files to various destinations (email, messaging apps, social media platforms), browse files from different sources, and execute operations on diverse file types, making it a multi-functional replacement for several specialized applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users navigate through multiple application interfaces to perform operations on files, then the operational versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoiduser operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the operational workflows of multiple applications into a single file manager interface. Users can initiate file transfers, open files, and perform operations in one consolidated interface rather than switching between multiple application windows, significantly simplifying the user interaction flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The file manager acts as an intermediary layer between the user and multiple applications. Instead of users directly interacting with each application's interface, the file manager mediates by providing a unified interface that abstracts away the complexity of multiple application-specific workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If users open various applications to manage different file types, then the adaptability to different file operations is improved, but the time required to perform tasks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile type handling capabilityVSAvoidtask completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The file manager pre-establishes connections and configurations for multiple file transfer destinations and operations within the unified interface. Users can quickly access pre-configured transfer options and file operations without needing to navigate through multiple application menus, reducing the time required to perform common file management tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By combining file transfer operations to various destinations, file browsing from different sources, and file type-specific operations into a single interface, the patent eliminates the time users would otherwise spend switching between multiple applications. All file management tasks can be initiated and completed within one consolidated workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9164657B2File management and transfer using user interface icons associated with applications

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A method performed by a user device includes receiving a request to open a first application associated with a selected file; retrieving, in response to the request, information regarding a user interface (UI) associated with the first application via which multiple operations on the selected file are automatically performed, and a set of second applications automatically associated with the first application based on a frequency of use of each of the second applications in performing respective ones of the multiple operations with respect to other files via the user device, the information regarding the UI including: information associated with a UI icon corresponding to the first application, and information identifying a set of icons, that each correspond to a respective different one of the set of second applications; presenting, via a display, the UI icon and the identified set of icons, based on the information regarding the UI; receiving, via the UI icon, an instruction to move the selected file to one of the identified set of icons; and performing a selected operation on the selected file using an identified application, of the set of second applications, that corresponds to the one of the identified set of icons.