Docking Station Auto-Sync Cloud File Pointers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems lack efficient methods for automatically storing and synchronizing device content across multiple devices, leading to challenges in file management and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a docking station to identify and pair with devices, detect files, upload them to a cloud services system, and create pointers for storage and access, allowing seamless synchronization and file access across connected devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual file transfer methods are used, then file accessibility across devices is limited, but system complexity and manual effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile accessibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic file detection, upload, and pointer creation without requiring user intervention. The docking station autonomously identifies files on connected devices, uploads them to the cloud services system, and generates access pointers, enabling self-service file synchronization that improves accessibility while maintaining simplicity for end users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station acts as an intermediary between user devices and the cloud services system. It mediates the file transfer process by detecting files on connected devices, automatically uploading them to the cloud, and creating pointers that enable cross-device access, thereby simplifying the user experience while managing the complexity of cloud synchronization in the background

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If automatic file synchronization is implemented, then file accessibility improves, but processing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile synchronizationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by creating pointers to cloud-stored files in advance. When a device connects to the docking station, the file is already uploaded to the cloud and a pointer is ready for immediate access, eliminating the need for real-time synchronization delays and enabling instant file accessibility across devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates pointer copies that reference the original cloud-stored files. These pointers act as lightweight references that enable multiple devices to access the same file content without duplicating the actual file data, significantly reducing processing time and energy consumption compared to traditional file copying methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Quantity of substance

If cloud storage pointers are used, then storage efficiency improves, but system setup complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The docking station automatically performs the entire setup process: detecting connected devices, uploading files to the cloud services system, creating pointers, and storing them locally. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually configure cloud storage settings or understand pointer mechanisms, maintaining simplicity despite the sophisticated underlying technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station serves as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of cloud storage management from users. It handles device pairing, file detection, cloud upload, and pointer creation in the background, presenting a simple interface to users while managing the complex interactions between devices and cloud services

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9779089B2Auto-storing and synchronizing device content from an information handling system
Publication Date: 2017.10.03 DELL PROD LP
  • US9779089B2 patent drawing
  • US9779089B2 patent drawing
  • US9779089B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for auto-storing and synchronizing device content from an information handling system is disclosed. The method includes identifying a first device within a pre-determined range of a docking station, the first device operable to communicate with the docking station. The method further includes pairing with the first device. The method includes detecting a file on the first device. The method further includes uploading the file to a cloud services system. The method further includes creating a pointer, the pointer pointing to the file's location on the cloud services system. The method further includes storing the pointer to the file.