Conference Server File Modification Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for updating shared files during collaboration events over a network require frequent and extensive communication of entire files, leading to inefficient use of system resources, especially when multiple users are involved and updates occur frequently.

Innovation Solution

A method where a conference server communicates only the modifications made to a shared file to participants, using a 'conditioned request' mechanism that notifies users of changes only when the file has been modified, reducing unnecessary communication and resource consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire file is communicated between computers every time it is updated, then all users receive complete file information, but extensive bandwidth and network resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile update completenessVSAvoidbandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the file update communication into two parts: file identification information (sent to all users) and file modification data (sent only to requesting users). This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable file updates while reducing overall bandwidth consumption by avoiding redundant transmission of complete file contents to all participants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and transmits only the essential file identification information to all users, while leaving the detailed modification data to be retrieved on-demand by individual users. This extraction approach ensures that all users receive necessary file update notifications without forcing all users to download complete file contents, thereby reducing network resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of information

If the entire file is communicated between computers every time it is updated, then all users have access to complete file data, but numerous users and frequent updates create excessive resource requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile data availabilityVSAvoiddata transmission volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments file update communication into identification information (transmitted to all users) and modification data (transmitted on-demand). This ensures that file data availability is maintained for all users through identification information, while the actual data transmission volume is significantly reduced by only sending complete modification data to users who specifically request it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by sending only file identification information to all users initially, and then providing complete modification data only to those users who need it. This approach prevents excessive data transmission to all users while ensuring that any individual user can obtain complete file information if required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the entire file is communicated between computers every time it is updated, then file updates are comprehensive, but the communication process becomes cumbersome for large files

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate completenessVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the update process into an initial identification information transmission phase and a subsequent on-demand modification data retrieval phase. This segmentation makes the communication process more efficient by avoiding the need to transmit large complete files to all users, while still ensuring update completeness for those who need it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by sending file identification information to all users before they need the complete modification data. This preliminary transmission of identification information allows users to know that updates are available without forcing them to download complete large files, thereby improving communication efficiency while maintaining update reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8458283B1Methods and program products for efficient communication of shared file modifications during a collaboration event

Publication Date: 2013.06.04 IOCOM UK LTD

AI summary

A method for communicating modification data for a shared file stored on a network during a video conference wherein a plurality of users modify the shared file, the method comprising a first video conference participant communicating modifications to make to a first version of a shared file to a conference server, the conference server using the modifications to modify the first version of the shared file stored on a network to thereby create a current version of the shared file, a shared file property changing with the modification to a current property. At least a second video conference participant communicating a shared file property that corresponds to the first version of the shared file to the conference server together with a request to be notified of modifications to the shared file and the conference server communicating the modifications made to the first version of the shared file to the at least a second conference participant.