Mobile Data Transfer via Removable Card and Wireless Key Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for switching user data between mobile communication devices are time-consuming and require wired connections or third-party involvement, lacking secure and efficient means for transferring encryption keys and preserving device-specific settings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a removable memory card to transfer user data between devices, establishing a short-range wireless programming session to encrypt and transfer account data, including encryption/decryption keys, allowing seamless data synchronization with a host server without the need for wired connections or third-party assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full backup/restore operation via desktop manager on a computer is performed, then user data can be transferred between devices, but the process is time-consuming and requires wired connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential data transfer functionality from the complex desktop manager backup/restore process. It isolates only the necessary user data and account information that needs to be transferred, eliminating the need for complete system backup and restore operations. This extraction approach enables faster, more efficient device switching while maintaining data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system (desktop manager requiring physical cable connections to computers) with a wireless communication system. The target device communicates directly with the host server via wireless networks, eliminating the need for physical connections to external computers and significantly reducing the time and complexity of the transfer process.
2Reliability
If wired connections to computer or server are used for data transfer, then secure data transmission can be achieved, but user mobility and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical wired connections with wireless communication technologies. The target device establishes wireless communication channels with the host server to receive user data and account information, eliminating the need for cables and physical computer connections while maintaining secure data transmission through encrypted wireless protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The host server acts as an intermediary between the source and target devices. Instead of direct peer-to-peer transfer requiring physical connections, the server mediates the data exchange by securely transmitting user data and account information to the target device through wireless networks, enabling mobile and convenient device switching.
3Reliability
If traditional device switching is performed without automated key transfer, then security can be maintained, but user activation becomes complex requiring out-of-band credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated self-service mechanisms for key and credential transfer. The target device automatically receives encryption/decryption keys and account credentials directly from the host server during the wireless data transfer process. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, out-of-band credential retrieval, and complex activation procedures while maintaining security through server-mediated key distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The host server performs preliminary preparation of security credentials and account information before the target device needs them. Encryption keys, decryption keys, and user credentials are pre-configured and ready for automatic transfer when the target device initiates the data synchronization process, streamlining the activation procedure while maintaining security protocols.
4Productivity
If user data is transferred without preserving device-specific settings, then transfer speed can be improved, but device customization and user experience are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user data into distinct categories: account information (email accounts, passwords, encryption keys) and device-specific settings (display preferences, profile information, owner details). Both segments are transferred simultaneously through the wireless connection, enabling complete user environment migration without compromising transfer speed or setting preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transfer system is designed to handle multiple types of information universally through a single wireless communication interface. It simultaneously transfers account credentials, encryption keys, user data, and device-specific settings, making the system versatile and capable of preserving the complete user environment across different device types without requiring separate transfer mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for use in transferring user data from a first ("source") mobile communication device to a second ("target") mobile communication device using a removable memory card are disclosed. The source and target devices may be possessed and/or owned by the same end user. The source device is initially enabled to maintain data synchronization with a host server over a wireless communication network via a first wireless transceiver (e.g. a cellular transceiver) for user data of an application program (e.g. an e-mail application program) associated with the user account. To enable the target device for the communications associated with the user account, the source device is operative to establish a programming session with the target device via a second wireless transceiver (e.g. a short-range wireless transceiver). During the programming session, the source device causes user account data (e.g. at least one encryption/decryption key for the data-synchronized communications) for the user account to be transmitted to the target device via the second wireless transceiver. Preferably, the user account data is encrypted based on a passkey for the programming session. The user data associated with the application program may then be transferred from the source device to the target device via a removable memory card such as a secure digital (SD) card. With this data, the target device is thereby enabled to maintain data synchronization with the host server for the user data of the application program associated with the user account. Advantageously, most if not all of the account switching steps may be facilitated by the end user "on-the-fly" without third-party involvement.