Cross-Device File Sharing Through Application Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cross-device file sharing methods only support the display of media files like pictures, videos, or audio on another electronic device, and fail to directly open files such as documents or compressed packages on different devices without installing compatible applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for cross-device file sharing that allows a first electronic device to send an identifier of a file and its associated application to a second device, enabling the second device to open the file using the same application without requiring identical projection protocols on both devices, and utilizing a distributed file system with mapping files for efficient sharing and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If file sharing is performed using projection protocol, then media files can be displayed on another electronic device, but files such as documents or compressed packages cannot be directly opened on the another electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping file as an intermediary between the shared file and the target application. The mapping file contains the association relationship between the file and the application, enabling the target electronic device to open the file using the corresponding application without requiring the source application to be installed on the target device. This resolves the contradiction by mediating the file-opening process through the mapping file.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mapping file that copies the file association information from the source electronic device to the target electronic device. Instead of transferring the actual file content or requiring the source application to be present, the mapping file replicates the necessary opening information, allowing the target device to open the file independently.
2Reliability
If the entire file is transmitted for sharing, then the file can be opened on the another electronic device, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential file association information from the complete file and stores it in a compact mapping file. Instead of transmitting or storing the entire file content on the target device, only the necessary metadata (file identifier and application identifier association) is copied to the mapping file, significantly reducing network resource consumption while maintaining file opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping file creates a lightweight copy of the file association relationship rather than copying the actual file content. This allows the target electronic device to open and access the original file on the source device without requiring the heavy file data to be transmitted over the network.
3Ease of operation
If applications supporting the same projection protocol are installed on both devices, then cross-device file sharing can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mapping file a universal intermediary that works across different applications and electronic devices. The mapping file format and mechanism are designed to be application-agnostic, allowing any file type and corresponding application to be shared through the same mapping file structure. This eliminates the need for each device to have identical applications installed, reducing device complexity while maintaining cross-device file sharing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A file sharing method and an electronic device are disclosed. In the method, a first electronic device displays, in response to a first operation, an application associated with a first file in a first device set. The application includes a first application on a second electronic device. The first electronic device sends an identifier of the first file and an identifier of the first application to the second electronic device in response to an operation that a user selects the first application, so that the second electronic device opens the first file by using the first application. According to the method, more types of files are quickly and conveniently shared with another electronic device in a cross-device manner and are opened by using an associated application.