NFC Bluetooth Content Sharing via Trust Broker

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sharing content during in-person meetings, such as presentations and business cards, are inefficient and insecure, especially without network connections, as they rely on manual entry or USB devices and can pose security risks when accessing corporate networks.

Innovation Solution

A system combining Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth interfaces allows devices to securely share content by packaging it with security settings and using a thin client to manage acceptance based on user settings and trust levels, with a centralized broker or direct device interaction for content distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If corporate networks are accessed to share content, then content sharing capability is improved, but security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent sharing capabilityVSAvoidsecurity risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a broker server as an intermediary that mediates content sharing between devices. The broker receives content from one device, packages it with security settings and metadata, and distributes it to authorized receiving devices. This intermediary architecture enables content sharing capability while maintaining security by controlling access through the broker, preventing direct unauthorized access to corporate networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual entry or USB devices are used for content sharing, then security is maintained, but efficiency and time consumption deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual entry methods and physical USB device transfers with an automated wireless communication system. Devices communicate content through wireless interfaces (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC) with automated packaging, security verification, and distribution managed by the broker. This substitution eliminates manual operations while maintaining security through automated security settings and trust level verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables devices to autonomously handle content sharing operations. Devices automatically package content with security metadata, verify trust levels of receiving devices, and complete transfers without manual intervention. The broker autonomously manages distribution decisions based on pre-configured security policies, eliminating the need for manual security checks while maintaining security standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If IRDA port synchronization is used for content transfer, then one-to-one secure transfer is achieved, but broadcasting capability and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer securityVSAvoidbroadcasting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal content sharing system that can perform multiple functions: one-to-one transfers, one-to-many broadcasting, and many-to-many distribution. The broker architecture supports different transfer modes (open, invite/response, buffer, reject) and works with multiple wireless interfaces (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC). This multi-functional system maintains the security of one-to-one transfers while adding broadcasting and group distribution capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If centralized broker architecture is used for content distribution, then security control and trust management are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple security control functions into a single broker entity. The broker integrates content packaging, security verification, trust level assessment, and distribution decision-making in one centralized component. This merging approach improves security control by providing unified management while reducing overall system complexity compared to distributing these functions across multiple devices. The broker handles all security-critical operations, simplifying the architecture by centralizing complexity rather than distributing it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10476554B2Method and system for proximity-based content sharing

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 SIGNAL POINT NETWORKS LLC

AI summary

A system includes a combined NFC and Bluetooth interface that can interact with one or more other devices that also include the combined NFC and Bluetooth interface. A processor in the device executes an application that includes a thin client and a security wrapper. The thin client can package content in a packet with security settings and send the packet to the other device. Further, the thin client can accept packets from other devices. Based on one or more user settings and/or a level of trust between the devices, the thin client can determine if the packet should be accepted or rejected. If accepted, the thin client can store the content, located within the packet, for the user.