Peer-to-Peer Application Data Transfer for Offline Device Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating applications on user devices require frequent connections to third-party servers, which can be slow, unreliable, and costly in terms of network traffic, especially for devices without direct network access.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization service enables direct wireless transfer of application data between user devices, allowing them to share updates and content without relying on network connections, using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other direct communication methods, and includes features like gesture-based authentication and encryption for secure data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications are updated by connecting to third-party servers, then application data can be obtained, but the process is slow and unreliable especially for devices without direct network access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peer device as an intermediary to transfer application data. Instead of directly connecting to third-party servers, a device receives application data from another peer device that has already obtained the data, enabling indirect but reliable data transfer especially for devices without direct network access
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having at least one peer device obtain application data from third-party servers in advance. This pre-obtained data is then available for rapid transfer to other peer devices, eliminating the need for each device to connect to servers separately and reducing overall update time
2Reliability
If devices connect to networks frequently to obtain application data, then applications can be kept updated, but network traffic costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data acquisition functions of multiple peer devices into a coordinated system. One or more devices obtain application data from third-party servers, while other devices receive the same data through direct peer-to-peer transfer, consolidating network traffic to a single or few devices rather than each device making separate connections
Solution Approach 2:
Peer devices act as intermediaries to share application data locally. Instead of every device consuming network resources to fetch updates, data is routed through intermediary peer devices that already have the updates, eliminating redundant network traffic while maintaining update capability across all devices
3Loss of energy
If direct wireless transfer between devices is implemented, then network traffic is reduced, but secure data transfer requires additional authentication mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service authentication where peer devices automatically perform mutual verification using pre-configured credentials or device identifiers. The authentication process is handled automatically by the devices themselves without requiring manual user intervention or complex external authentication systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal authentication mechanisms that work across different device types and communication scenarios. The same authentication protocol handles both initial device pairing and ongoing data transfer authorization, providing a unified security approach that reduces overall system complexity despite the added security requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus are described for transferring application data. In one aspect, a method includes causing, by a first component on a first device to establish a wireless connection with a second device; receiving, by the first component, first application data from the first application; receiving, by the first component, an indication that a user of the second device has approved a data transfer; and causing, by the first component, the first device to send the first application data to the second component running on the second device using the wireless connection.