Cloud-Based File Sharing System for Ownership Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional file sharing systems face issues such as multiple copies of media being stored on various devices, difficulty in controlling and tracking changes to media files, inability to visualize files regardless of storage location, and loss of ownership rights by the original media owner.
Innovation Solution
A file sharing system that allows users to share digital media while maintaining control and ownership, using a cloud-based operating system to manage permissions, store historical data, and enable direct sharing between users without requiring multiple copies, with features like 'time to live' for shared content and instant messaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional file sharing systems store multiple copies of media on various devices, then users can access media locally, but the original media owner loses control and ownership rights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based file sharing system as an intermediary between the media owner and users. The system stores a single master copy of media files in the cloud and provides controlled access to users without creating local copies. This intermediary architecture maintains the owner's control through centralized permission management while enabling user access, resolving the contradiction between local access convenience and ownership control.
2Speed
If multiple copies of media are distributed to users, then access speed is improved, but tracking changes and updates becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the cloud-based system continuously monitors and tracks all access, downloads, and modifications of media files. The system maintains a centralized record of file versions and access history, providing real-time feedback to the media owner about who accessed what and when. This eliminates the information loss problem of distributed copies while maintaining fast access through cloud-based streaming and downloading capabilities.
3Reliability
If media is stored in cloud locations, then security and control are improved, but users cannot visualize files without downloading them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a selective copying approach where the system creates and provides access to copies of media files only when explicitly requested by users with proper permissions. The cloud-based system stores the master copy securely and generates accessible copies on-demand through the controlled sharing mechanism. This allows users to visualize and access files in the cloud without permanently storing them locally, maintaining security while enabling visualization through controlled copy distribution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If unlimited copies of media are distributed, then sharing capability is improved, but permission management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal permission management system at the cloud level that handles all sharing operations through a single centralized interface. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including setting view permissions, download permissions, expiration dates, and access codes for multiple users simultaneously. This universal approach simplifies permission management by consolidating what would otherwise be complex individual file operations into a single centralized sharing mechanism that handles unlimited distribution scenarios uniformly.
Data Source
AI summary
A file sharing system and methods therefor share one or more files without requiring the files be sent to or stored on a server. The file sharing system enables files to be shared from a user device allowing users to maintain control of the files by storing and sharing files off the cloud. Sharing and file access is typically effectuated via a server and one or more links provided by the server. File access is limited to selected file access types.