Contact Information Distribution via Server Mediation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems are inadequate for efficiently sharing contact information across multiple users and applications, as they primarily focus on transferring data between devices controlled by a single user and lack simplicity and efficiency in sharing information between multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a server on a computer network to identify and provision contact information, store it in a database, and transmit authorized data to other users, incorporating a middleware toolkit for mobile devices to manage network interfaces and APIs for seamless communication and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional systems use reciprocal authorization for sharing contact information, then security and privacy are improved, but system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that centralizes the authorization and sharing of contact information. Instead of requiring direct reciprocal authorization between users, the server mediates all access requests, simplifying the authorization model while maintaining security. The server stores contact information in a database and controls access based on predefined rules, eliminating the need for complex peer-to-peer authorization protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contact information is shared across multiple applications and users, then information accessibility and utility are improved, but risk of public disclosure and privacy violations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different levels of access control for different contact information records. Each contact entry can have customized sharing permissions that specify which users or applications can access that particular piece of information. This granular control enables selective sharing where sensitive information is restricted to authorized parties while less sensitive information can be more widely accessible, thus balancing utility with privacy protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as a secure intermediary that manages all contact information storage and access. Rather than allowing direct access between applications or users, all requests must go through the server which enforces access control policies. This centralized mediation prevents unauthorized disclosure while enabling legitimate sharing across multiple applications and users according to predefined authorization rules.
3Ease of operation
If contact information is transferred between devices controlled by a single user, then data portability is improved, but efficiency of multi-user sharing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal contact information sharing system that serves multiple functions: it enables single-user device portability, multi-user sharing, and cross-application access through a single centralized platform. The server-based architecture allows the same contact database to be accessed by multiple users and applications simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate transfer mechanisms for different sharing scenarios and significantly improving multi-user sharing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for distributing contacting information between applications is provided. The system preferably uses an ENUM-type protocol and a middleware tool kit to associate telephone numbers to other identifying information, such as e-mail addresses or URLs for web sites. The system enables the associated contacting information to be shared across multiple applications that may be implemented on a computer or a mobile telephony device. Information is shared only after verification that a requester is authorized to receive the requested contacting information.