Virtual Conference File Transfer Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual conference systems face inefficiencies in file transfer processes, particularly in utilizing network bandwidth and storage resources, as they either overwhelm the sender's connection by transferring full files to each receiver or fail to optimally utilize underutilized connections.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dividing a file into segments, establishing peer-to-peer connections with receivers, and having them request segments from devices that already possess them, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage and reducing unnecessary data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If full files are transferred to each receiver, then file delivery is ensured, but sender's connection is overwhelmed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile deliveryVSAvoidconnection overload

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the file into multiple segments and distributes them to different receivers. Each receiver receives only the segments it needs, preventing the sender's connection from being overwhelmed by complete file transfers to all receivers simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary file segments and transmits them selectively to receivers based on their needs, rather than transferring complete files. This reduces the data load on the sender's connection while ensuring reliable delivery of required content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If full files are transferred to each receiver, then file delivery is ensured, but network bandwidth is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile deliveryVSAvoidbandwidth utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments files into smaller units and selectively transmits only necessary segments to each receiver. This prevents redundant transmission of complete files across the network, optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining reliable delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent customizes the file transfer process for each receiver based on its specific needs, transmitting only the segments required by each individual receiver. This localized approach eliminates unnecessary data transmission and optimizes network resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If peer-to-peer connections are established, then bandwidth utilization is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidconnection management

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a conference server as an intermediary that manages peer-to-peer connections between senders and receivers. The server handles connection establishment, segment routing, and coordination, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling optimized bandwidth utilization through peer-to-peer data transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9894117B2File transfers for virtual conferences

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In an example embodiment, a virtual conference is established with a server and a plurality of endpoint devices. One endpoint device, acting as a sender, may transfer a file to N other endpoint devices, acting as receivers. The sender divides the file in at least N segments and delivers one segment to each receiver. Receivers then request the next desired segment from one or more devices containing that segment. If devices hold the segment, the segment may be divided into parts, and one part may be requested from each device.