Application State Transfer Across Client Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sharing information, such as documents and media content, between devices require manual transfer and restoration of file states, lacking seamless continuity across platforms.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for transferring the state information of a running application from one client device to another, enabling real-time or near real-time continuation of the application's operation across platforms, using encryption and a server to establish secure private domains and communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual file transfer methods are used between devices, then file sharing is achieved, but user time and operational continuity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between client devices, receiving state information from one device and delivering it to another. This mediator enables automatic state transfer without requiring manual file operations, resolving the contradiction by automating the process through a central coordinating service
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transferring entire files manually, the system creates and transfers a copy of the application state information (a data structure containing essential state parameters) between devices. This lightweight copy enables rapid state restoration without the time-consuming process of manual file transfer and reconstruction
2Adaptability or versatility
If application state is transferred between devices, then operational continuity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The application state is segmented into discrete parameters and data structures that can be independently serialized and transmitted. This segmentation allows the complex state information to be broken down into manageable components that can be efficiently processed and transferred through the network infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The state information data structure and transfer protocol are designed to be universal across different devices and application types. This universal framework enables the same mechanism to handle diverse application states without requiring device-specific or application-specific customizations, thereby managing complexity through standardization
3Reliability
If state information is sent between devices, then session continuity is maintained, but data security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a secure intermediary that receives, validates, and relays state information between devices. This mediator implements security controls including authentication, authorization, and encrypted communication channels, ensuring that only authorized devices can transfer state information while maintaining session continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct peer-to-peer state transfer with a server-mediated communication architecture. This substitution introduces layered security mechanisms including protocol-level encryption, digital signatures for state information integrity verification, and server-side access control policies that protect against unauthorized state injection and manipulation
Data Source
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AI summary
system for application usage continuum across client devices and platforms includes a first client device configured to execute a first instance of an application and a second client device configured to execute a second instance of the application. The first client device is configured to receive an indication to transfer operation of the first instance of the application running on the first client device to the second instance of the application on the second client device. The first client device is further configured to generate state information and data associated with execution of the first instance of the application on the first client device and cause the state information to be sent to the second client device to enable the second instance of the application on the second client device to continue operation of the application on the second client device using the state information from the first client device.