Instant Messaging Data Sharing via Server Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data-sharing methods among multiple devices in local area networks are cumbersome and inefficient, often requiring physical connections or manual copying, and lack flexible access control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method where instant messaging terminals upload gateway device information to a messaging server to determine direct connectivity, allowing data-sharing requests to be routed through the server if necessary, enabling secure and flexible data sharing between devices connected to the same or different networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical connection methods (USB cables, mobile storage) are used for data sharing, then data transfer reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connection methods (USB cables, physical storage devices) with a wireless communication-based data sharing system. Terminals communicate through network protocols via a messaging server, eliminating the need for physical connections while maintaining reliable data transfer through structured request-response mechanisms and authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a messaging server as an intermediary between terminal devices for data sharing. The server mediates communication by receiving data sharing requests from one terminal, validating permissions, and forwarding data to the target terminal. This intermediary approach enables reliable data transfer without direct physical connections between devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual copying methods are used for data sharing, then data transfer control is improved, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer controlVSAvoiddata sharing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback-based data sharing mechanism where the messaging server receives data sharing requests, processes authentication and permission checks, and returns control information to the initiating terminal. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual copying operations while maintaining secure data transfer control through permission verification and status monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables terminals to perform data sharing operations autonomously through automated protocols. The messaging server automatically handles request routing, permission validation, and data transmission without requiring manual intervention. Users simply initiate sharing through the interface, and the system self-manages the complex data transfer process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If direct peer-to-peer data sharing is implemented, then data sharing speed is improved, but network complexity and connection management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sharing speedVSAvoidconnection management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a messaging server as an intermediary to manage peer-to-peer data sharing connections. The server handles connection establishment, authentication, and data routing between terminals, simplifying the complexity of direct connection management while maintaining fast data transfer speeds through efficient server-mediated communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The messaging server provides multi-functional capabilities including connection management, authentication verification, permission control, and data routing. This universal service approach consolidates multiple complex functions into a single system component, reducing overall connection management complexity while enabling rapid data sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If access control lists are implemented for data sharing, then data security is improved, but system complexity and operation overhead deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidaccess control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The messaging server acts as an intermediary that centralizes access control management. Instead of implementing complex access control lists on each terminal, the server handles permission verification by receiving data sharing requests, checking authorized users, and validating permissions before allowing data transfer. This centralized approach simplifies security management while maintaining robust data protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2898420B1A data-sharing method, terminal, server, and system
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP2898420B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2898420B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2898420B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, terminals, servers, and systems for sharing data are disclosed. The data-sharing method can include: a first instant messaging terminal transmitting a data-sharing request to a second instant messaging terminal; the second instant messaging terminal responding to the data-sharing request by transmitting a reply permitting data sharing to the first instant messaging terminal, the reply including an identifier (ID) collection of the shareable data resources; the first instant messaging terminal transmitting a data-reading request to the second instant messaging terminal, the data- reading request including at least one data resource ID; the second instant messaging terminal transmitting a data resource corresponding to the data resource ID in the data- reading request to the first instant messaging terminal. This allows simple and fast data- sharing among multiple terminals.