Peer-to-Peer Content Sharing via Segmented Control and Data Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face challenges in peer-to-peer content sharing due to network uncertainty, security concerns, limited power and bandwidth, and complex graphical user interfaces, making it difficult for users to discover and authenticate peers and transfer content efficiently over wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves establishing a secure, authenticated communication between peers using a persistent control path for control information and on-demand data paths for content transfer, enabling intuitive content sharing through avatars in the GUI, and eliminating the need for a central certificate provisioning server or backend infrastructure, allowing connections over greater distances with faster communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If peer-to-peer sharing is implemented without centralized server infrastructure, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but device discovery and peer authentication become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator component that facilitates peer discovery and authentication in the P2P network. This mediator enables devices to find and verify each other without requiring complex manual configuration or centralized infrastructure, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If secure authentication between peers is implemented without central certificate authority, then system dependency is reduced, but authentication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication mechanisms where peers can authenticate each other autonomously without relying on central certificate authorities. This self-service approach enables system independence while managing authentication complexity through automated peer verification processes.
3Device complexity
If control information and data are transmitted through the same path, then system structure is simplified, but transmission efficiency decreases due to head-of-queue blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission path into separate control information path and data transmission path. This segmentation prevents head-of-queue blocking by allowing control and data to flow independently, thereby improving transmission efficiency while maintaining manageable system structure through dedicated pathways.
4Manufacturing precision
If graphical user interface requires navigation of file trees for content sharing, then file management precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a drag-and-drop interface that copies the familiar desktop file sharing experience to mobile devices. This copying of the intuitive desktop metaphor allows users to share content through simple drag-and-drop gestures rather than navigating complex file trees, thereby maintaining file management precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment includes peer-to-peer (P2P) pairing protocols that mutually authenticate both end points and do not rely upon a backend server or a central certificate provisioning server. An embodiment provides a persistent control path for sending inter-peer control information (e.g., synchronization messages). Another inter-peer path includes an "on-demand" data path enabled when a unit determines content is ready for sharing. After the content is shared, the data path may be deconstructed, which saves resources on both sides and makes the framework more scalable. Also, embodiments include graphical user avatars to whereby a first peer shares content with a second peer by dragging content over the avatar.