Cross-Device API for Secure Peer-to-Peer Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in managing data across multiple devices and maintaining privacy and security when using cloud computing, as well as difficulties in facilitating data access and management within peer-to-peer networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing data across devices within a device group using a cross-device application programming interface (API) that enables peer-to-peer communications, file storage, and permission management, allowing devices to access and share files while adhering to device-group-specific permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is stored on remote cloud servers, then data accessibility from any device is improved, but user privacy and security control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peer-to-peer network as an intermediary layer between users and data storage. Instead of direct cloud server access, data flows through decentralized peer nodes that maintain user-controlled access permissions. This intermediary structure enables remote accessibility while preserving user control over privacy and security through cryptographic authentication and permission-based access protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the centralized cloud storage system into distributed peer-to-peer data segments stored across multiple user devices. Each peer device holds portions of data with encrypted access controls, eliminating the single-point control of traditional cloud servers. This segmentation allows users to access data from any device in the network while maintaining distributed security control at each peer node.
2Reliability
If data is stored locally on personal devices, then privacy and security control is improved, but data accessibility across devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal peer-to-peer network protocol that enables user devices to serve multiple functions: acting as both data storage nodes and access points for other users. Each peer device maintains local data with security controls while simultaneously providing networked access to authorized users. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making locally-stored data universally accessible through the decentralized network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where peer devices continuously broadcast their data availability, storage capacity, and access permissions throughout the network. When a user requests data, the network provides feedback about available sources and routing information. This feedback loop enables automatic discovery and access to locally-stored data across the distributed network without compromising security controls.
3Ease of operation
If a peer-to-peer network is established for data sharing, then data accessibility among peers is improved, but network complexity and permission management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms complex permission management into simplified parameter-based access control. Instead of intricate permission hierarchies, the system uses cryptographic parameters such as public keys, access tokens, and permission flags that can be programmatically set and enforced. This parameterization approach maintains fine-grained control over peer access while simplifying the user interface and management operations through automated authentication protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments are described for systems and methods for managing data. The system may include a device group configured for peer-to-peer communications, the device group including a computing device and one or more peer computing devices. The system includes a cross device application programming interface (API) that is implemented as a device group API client executed on the computing device and each of the peer computing devices. Each device group API client includes a permissions module that is configured to determine whether a request satisfies a device-group-specific permission for access to data stored on any device associated with the device group. Upon authorization of the request, a file storage module is configured to retrieve and output the requested file.