Collaborative Platform Back Room Environment for Secure Data Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current internet collaboration services are inefficient and costly for large or sensitive information exchange, require technical expertise, and lack sufficient security, making them impractical for non-technical users and vulnerable to data breaches.

Innovation Solution

A collaborative platform that allows non-technical users to create a secure, configurable 'back room' environment on a server for information exchange between multiple computers, using SSL and WebDAV protocols, with user-friendly setup forms and drag-and-drop file sharing, enabling secure collaboration without IT professionals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electronic transfer devices (email, fax) are used for information exchange, then transfer speed and cost efficiency improve, but security and reliability deteriorate when dealing with large or sensitive information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a secure server as an intermediary between information senders and receivers. This server acts as a trusted mediator that handles sensitive information transfer, eliminating the need for direct email/fax exchanges that compromise security. The server provides encrypted storage and controlled access mechanisms while maintaining efficient electronic transfer capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables non-technical users to independently create secure information exchange environments through user-friendly setup forms and automated server configuration. Users can self-manage their private Internet portals without requiring IT professional intervention, making security management accessible to all users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If specialized Internet collaboration services are used, then information security and collaboration capability improve, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to required technical expertise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation securityVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where non-technical users can independently set up secure collaboration environments using simplified web-based forms. The system automatically handles complex server configuration, security settings, and portal creation without requiring users to understand underlying technical infrastructure or hire IT professionals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual IT configuration processes with automated web-based interfaces. Instead of requiring users to manually configure servers, install specialized software, or manage technical settings, the system provides graphical user interfaces that abstract away technical complexity while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If specialized software is required for Internet collaboration, then information security and collaboration capability improve, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsoftware requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal server platform that can serve multiple collaboration purposes through a single system. The secure server provides information exchange, storage, retrieval, and collaboration capabilities across different user needs and scenarios, eliminating the requirement for multiple specialized software applications while maintaining comprehensive security functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for specialized collaboration software with a web-based access model. Users interact with the secure server through standard web browsers rather than requiring installation of proprietary software, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security and collaboration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If IT professionals are involved in setting up collaboration services, then information security and system configuration improve, but loss of time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity configurationVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables complete self-service for setting up secure collaboration environments. Non-technical users can independently complete portal creation, security configuration, and information exchange setup through automated web interfaces, eliminating the time and cost associated with hiring IT professionals while maintaining proper security configurations through system automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration actions automatically during the user setup process. Security settings, server configurations, and access controls are pre-programmed into the system, allowing users to simply select options rather than configure complex parameters, thereby reducing setup time while ensuring proper security implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7634735B2Collaborative platform
Publication Date: 2009.12.15 MCCARY DAVID W
  • US7634735B2 patent drawing
  • US7634735B2 patent drawing
  • US7634735B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for providing a collaborative platform, the system including a server configured to create a collaborative back room folder environment on the server in response to a request from a renter, wherein the collaborative back room folder environment includes at least one parameter configurable by the renter, and wherein the collaborative back room folder environment is capable of supporting an exchange of information between a plurality of computers wherein the information is configurable by the renter.