Browser-Based Real-Time Content Sharing via Networked Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content sharing tools are inefficient for real-time collaboration, as they often require users to physically display small screens, necessitate installation of native applications, and raise security concerns, especially when only selective content sharing is needed.
Innovation Solution
A method for selectively broadcasting information from a sender's computer to recipient computers in real-time using a networked server, allowing users to share specific content items without installation of dedicated applications, through a conventional content browser, enabling instant sharing via a single user input, such as a swipe gesture, and automatic display on recipients' devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If remote desktop software is used for content sharing, then real-time collaboration capability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements content sharing functionality within the existing web browser environment, allowing the browser to serve multiple purposes (web browsing and content sharing) without requiring separate dedicated applications. This is achieved through browser extensions or integrated browser features that enable screen/content sharing, file transfer, and collaboration tools directly within the browser interface, eliminating the need for additional software installations while maintaining real-time collaboration capabilities
2Reliability
If selective content sharing is implemented, then security concerns are reduced, but sharing efficiency decreases due to manual selection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-configured sharing settings and permissions that are established before content sharing occurs. Users can set default visibility levels, define which content types are shareable, and establish recipient groups in advance. When content sharing is initiated, these pre-set configurations automatically apply, allowing users to share selected content efficiently without manual security checks for each sharing action, thus maintaining both security control and sharing efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If native applications are required for content sharing, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation and configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the web browser as a universal platform that can perform both web browsing and content sharing functions. Through browser extensions or integrated features, the system provides screen sharing, file transfer, and collaboration capabilities directly within the browser environment. This approach maintains rich functionality while eliminating installation and configuration steps, as the browser itself is already installed and configured on user devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the web browser as an intermediary platform that mediates content sharing between users. Instead of requiring direct peer-to-peer connections or dedicated sharing applications on each device, the browser acts as a central mediator that facilitates content exchange, screen sharing, and collaboration. This intermediary approach simplifies the user experience by providing a familiar, already-configured interface while maintaining versatile sharing functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for selectively broadcasting information from a sender's computer to one or more recipient computers in real-time. A user connects to a networked content server and browses selected content items which are determined to be of interest to other collaborators. The user activates a content sharing mode and indicates which content is to be shared. A reference to the shared content is sent to the server which in turn pushes the referenced content to identified content recipients. Content recipients can be identified based on a variety of factors, such as by subscription to a listening channel opened by the content sender, by individual selection by the content sender, and/or by geolocation. The shared content can be automatically displayed to each identified content recipient non-intrusively. Content can be pushed to the content recipients via a persistent open communication channel established between the content server and content recipients.