PDA Data Transfer via Network Portal Voice Call Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infrared (IR) communication between portable electronic devices is limited to a three-meter line-of-sight range, restricting data transfer between devices that cannot be positioned within this range of each other.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a voice call over a voice communication network to create a signal path for file transfer between PDAs, using network portals to facilitate data exchange without the need for a central address management resource, allowing files to be 'beamed' between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If IrDA interface is used for communication between PDAs, then data transfer is enabled, but communication range is limited to three meters with line-of-sight requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidcommunication range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a network portal as an intermediary device that mediates communication between two PDAs. Instead of direct IrDA connection, the PDA communicates with the network portal through voice call infrastructure, which then facilitates file transfer. This intermediary approach eliminates the line-of-sight and distance constraints of direct IrDA communication while maintaining data transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If voice call path is used for file transfer, then communication range is extended beyond three meters, but processing resources may be consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidprocessing resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network portal serves multiple functions: it handles voice call establishment, manages data exchange, and facilitates file transfer between PDAs. By making the network portal multi-functional, the system avoids requiring separate dedicated resources for each function, thereby optimizing processing resource utilization while enabling extended communication range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing voice call infrastructure and network portal resources to facilitate data transfer, rather than requiring separate dedicated communication infrastructure. The network portal leverages its existing capabilities to handle both voice and data communication, reducing the need for additional processing resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If central resource manages addresses for communication, then communication coordination is simplified, but processing resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication coordinationVSAvoidaddress management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the address management function from a centralized resource and distributes it to the network portal and PDAs themselves. The network portal handles address resolution and routing locally, while PDAs manage their own communication addresses. This extraction eliminates the need for a centralized address management resource while maintaining communication coordination capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7529227B2System and method for PDA to PDA communication using a network portal

Publication Date: 2009.05.05 MITEL CORP

AI summary

A system and method of transferring data over a network from a first portable electronic device to a second portable electronic device, each device including an infrared interface. The method comprises sending the data from the first portable electronic device to a first network portal via infrared communication, sending the data from the first network portal to a second network portal via the network, and sending the data from the second network portal to the second portable electronic device via infrared communication.