Object-Mediated Data Transfer Between Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transferring data between electronic devices are cumbersome, requiring multiple steps and often necessitating proximity or shared network access, which can be inefficient and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing an object with a unique identifier to mediate data transfer between devices, allowing for direct or indirect communication, including through an intermediary server, enabling seamless copying and pasting of data across devices regardless of location or network compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If e-mail is used to transfer data between electronic devices, then data can be shared between devices, but the process becomes cumbersome requiring multiple steps including login, composing email, attaching data, and receiving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sharing capabilityVSAvoidtransfer process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential data transfer function from complex email protocols and network sharing mechanisms, isolating the core copy-paste operation. The system removes unnecessary intermediate steps (login, composition, attachment) by directly transferring data packets between devices through a simplified protocol that operates at the application layer without requiring full email client interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the sender to initiate and configure the transfer through multiple steps, the system inverts the approach by enabling the receiver to request data directly. The transfer is initiated by the receiving device requesting specific data packets, which the sending device then provides automatically, reversing the traditional sender-initiated model and eliminating the need for complex sender-side configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If network storage location is used as clipboard, then transfer between devices is enabled, but multiple steps are required to initiate and complete the transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-device transfer capabilityVSAvoidtransfer process steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a lightweight data transfer service as an intermediary that operates between devices without requiring full network storage infrastructure. This mediator service manages data packets and transfer state locally on each device, eliminating the need for centralized cloud storage while providing similar cross-device functionality. The intermediary handles packet routing, acknowledgment, and retransmission automatically without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring data transfer capabilities on each device before actual transfer occurs. Devices pre-establish transfer protocols, data formats, and communication channels in advance, so when transfer is needed, the process begins immediately without configuration steps. The preliminary setup includes caching data packets and preparing transfer queues that can be activated instantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If direct connection is used between local devices, then data transfer is possible, but devices must be within proximity and multiple steps are required to identify and implement connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidconnection setup simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data transfer protocol that can operate through multiple communication channels (direct wireless, network, cloud intermediary) without requiring different procedures for each channel. The same simplified user interface and data format work across all connection types, eliminating the need for users to identify or configure specific connection methods. The system automatically selects and adapts to the available communication path.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables devices to self-configure connection parameters and automatically establish communication channels without user intervention. Devices autonomously discover available transfer paths, negotiate protocols, and initiate connections based on their current state and capabilities. This self-service approach eliminates manual connection identification and configuration steps while maintaining direct connection performance when available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2637098B1Object mediated data transfer between electronic devices
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2637098B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1
  • EP2637098B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2
  • EP2637098B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3

AI summary

Systems, devices and methods for transferring data between two or more different electronic devices are described further herein. The data transfer is mediated by an object, such as a stylus, having a unique identifier. The same object is used when copying the data from a first electronic device and when pasting the data at a second electronic device.