Dual Path Messaging System for Attachment Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless packet data service networks face challenges in efficiently forwarding large message attachments over low-bandwidth communication paths, which can lead to delayed or inconvenient delivery of attachments to mobile communication devices.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a dual wireless data path approach, where a primary low-cost, low-bandwidth path is used for standard communication, and a secondary high-bandwidth path, potentially a virtual private network, is established only when necessary for transmitting large attachments, allowing for secure and efficient delivery of attachments directly to mobile communication devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If message attachments are transmitted over the primary low-bandwidth wireless data path, then network infrastructure costs are reduced, but transmission speed and delivery time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork infrastructure costVSAvoidattachment transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between two wireless data paths based on attachment size thresholds. For small attachments, the primary low-bandwidth path is used to save costs. For large attachments exceeding the threshold, the system automatically establishes a secondary high-bandwidth path, making the transmission path adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the bandwidth parameter of the transmission path based on the attachment size parameter. By monitoring attachment size and comparing it against a predetermined threshold, the system transitions between different transmission modes (primary path vs. secondary path), effectively using parameter changes to resolve the contradiction between cost and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a secondary high-bandwidth wireless data path is established for large attachments, then transmission efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment transmission efficiencyVSAvoiddual path system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The message relay server acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of dual path coordination. It receives messages, determines attachment size, decides which path to use, and coordinates between the primary and secondary paths. This centralizes the complexity management and prevents the mobile device from bearing the full burden of path management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system is segmented into two independent paths with distinct functions. The primary path handles control signaling and small attachments, while the secondary path is dedicated to large attachment transfers. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall management by clearly defining responsibilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If the secondary data path is established only when needed, then network resource utilization optimizes, but path establishment time is added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource utilizationVSAvoidpath establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of attachment size before transmission begins. By evaluating the attachment size threshold condition in advance, the system can proactively establish the secondary path before actual data transfer starts, preventing delays during the transmission process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

For large attachments that require the secondary path, the system rushes through the path establishment process by prioritizing the setup of high-bandwidth connection when needed. The predetermined threshold triggers immediate activation of the secondary path mechanism, skipping unnecessary delays in path selection and establishment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP1931090B1Method and system for communicating a message attachment
Publication Date: 2010.01.20 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP1931090B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1931090B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1931090B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system for transmitting electronic messages. The system includes a messaging application executing on a computer. The messaging application is operable to receive from a message sender an electronic message having an attachment associated therewith, operable to communicate the electronic message to the mobile communication device via a first wireless data path and operable to communicate the attachment associated with the electronic message to the mobile communication device via a second wireless data path having a higher bandwidth than the first wireless data path.