P2P Session Synchronization via Server-Mediated Terminal Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network technologies for peer-to-peer (P2P) sessions suffer from user experience disruptions when the synchronizing terminal withdraws, leading to forced termination of P2P programs and unsatisfactory user experience.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that detects communication status changes in the synchronizing terminal, requests and calculates operating status information from participating terminals, transmits data differences to ensure synchronization, and selects a new synchronizing terminal based on predetermined rules to maintain continuous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single synchronizing terminal is used to coordinate P2P sessions, then operation simplicity and synchronization efficiency are improved, but system reliability deteriorates when the synchronizing terminal withdraws

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization coordinationVSAvoidsession continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes a list of candidate synchronizing terminals before the actual synchronization process begins. When the current synchronizing terminal withdraws, the system can immediately select from the pre-prepared candidates without interruption, ensuring continuous operation. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by having backup options ready in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary that detects communication status of synchronizing terminals and manages the selection of backup terminals. The server monitors the system state, requests operating status information from participating terminals, and coordinates the transition to a new synchronizing terminal, thereby maintaining session reliability without disrupting the synchronization process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the synchronizing terminal withdraws intentionally or accidentally, then user freedom of choice is improved, but P2P program termination is forced making user experience unsatisfying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal withdrawal flexibilityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares backup synchronizing terminals in advance and establishes the capability to switch between terminals. When a terminal withdraws, the pre-prepared backup takes over seamlessly, cushioning against the disruption and maintaining continuous user experience without forced termination. This beforehand cushioning allows flexible withdrawal while preserving user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the system continuously monitors communication status and selects backup terminals, then reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession continuityVSAvoidstatus detection and selection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The participating terminals automatically provide their own operating status information to the server when requested. The system uses this self-provided information to calculate data differences and determine synchronization status, reducing the need for complex active monitoring mechanisms. Terminals serve themselves by reporting their state, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2896187B1Information management method and device
Publication Date: 2016.08.03 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP2896187B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2896187B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2896187B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The current invention discloses methods and devices that may be used to maintain continued synchronization during a P2P session when a synchronizing terminal withdraws from synchronizing the operations of one or more participating terminals. A server may temporarily replace the synchronizing terminal and request operating status information from the participating terminals. After calculating data differences between the participating terminals using the operating status information, the server may transmit the data differences to the participating terminals so that each participating terminal is configured to synchronize itself with the other participating terminals. A new synchronizing terminal is selected from the participating terminals so that the new synchronizing terminal is configured to synchronize the operations of the remaining participating terminals. The current invention prevents termination of network applications due to the withdrawal of the synchronizing terminal, maintaining synchronization and improving the quality of the network applications.