Intermediary Server for Automated File Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transferring digital files across multiple computing devices require significant user interaction and repetitive steps, especially when transferring files to multiple destinations, as they often necessitate physical connections and manual operations on each device.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing intermediary devices to automatically push files from a source device to one or more destination devices over a network, allowing temporary storage and notification of files without requiring the destination devices to be available at the same time as the source device, and using attributes or versions of files to determine which devices receive the files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If email or physical connection methods are used to transfer files, then files can be transferred between devices, but significant user interaction and repetitive steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an online account server as an intermediary between source and destination devices. The server receives files from the source device, stores them, and automatically distributes them to multiple destination devices. This intermediary eliminates the need for direct user intervention in each transfer operation, as the server handles file distribution automatically based on device associations stored in its database.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing associations between devices and online accounts before file transfer is needed. Users configure device associations in advance, and the server maintains this information in its database. When a file is uploaded to the online account, the server automatically identifies associated destination devices and transfers files to them without requiring real-time user input or device availability.
2Productivity
If files are transferred to multiple destination devices, then comprehensive file distribution is achieved, but repetitive steps and manual operations on each device are required
Solution Approach 1:
The online account server acts as a central intermediary that manages file distribution to multiple destination devices simultaneously. Instead of requiring separate manual transfer operations to each device, the server receives the file once from the source device, stores it in its database, and automatically distributes copies to all associated destination devices, dramatically improving productivity while eliminating repetitive user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple file transfer operations into a single upload action. By combining the destination devices through their association with the same online account, the system allows one file upload to the server to trigger automatic distribution to multiple devices. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate transfer operations to each device, reducing time loss and improving overall file distribution efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical connections are used for file transfer, then direct file access is achieved, but user portability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection system (USB cables, direct device-to-device links) with an electronic network-based system. Files are transferred over network connections through the online account server, eliminating the need for physical cables or direct device proximity. This substitution enhances device portability and flexibility, as users can transfer files from any location without physical connection constraints, while the server manages the complexity of network communications.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques are provided for causing a file to be sent from a source device (110) over a network (120) to one or more destination devices (150A-C). An intermediary (130) receives a notification of a file and determines which destination device(s) are to retrieve the file. The intermediary (130) may determine the destination device(s) (150A-C) based on one or more attributes of the file. The intermediary may cause the file to be stored in persistent storage that is maintained by a separate storage service (140). The intermediary (130) may cause the file to be deleted after a particular period of time. The source device (110) may send multiple versions of a file to the intermediary (130), which determines which destination device (150A-C) is to receive which version. The file may be a digital image and a destination device (150A-C) may be a device that displays a slideshow of digital images while the destination device receives the digital image over a network.