Predictive Device-to-Device File Transfer via Local Cloud Copies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cloud storage services often face accessibility issues due to unreliable internet connections and limited bandwidth, making it difficult to quickly access and transfer files, especially when large files need to be downloaded.

Innovation Solution

A data transfer system with a data transfer manager that identifies and tracks local copies of files on mobile devices, predicting their availability for direct transfer between co-located devices without relying on network connections, using methods like Bluetooth or peer-to-peer wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cloud storage services are accessed through network connection, then file accessibility is improved, but transfer speed and reliability deteriorate due to internet connection issues and bandwidth limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile accessibilityVSAvoidtransfer speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates local copies of cloud-stored files on mobile devices. When a file is downloaded from cloud storage service 102 to a mobile device 108, a local copy is generated that can be accessed and transferred without requiring network connection, thus resolving the contradiction between file accessibility and transfer speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (local copy on mobile device) between the cloud storage service and the file transfer process. This intermediary allows devices to transfer files directly peer-to-peer without relying on network infrastructure, eliminating bandwidth limitations and connection reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If local copies of files are stored on mobile devices, then transfer speed is improved through direct device-to-device transfer, but network dependency and bandwidth requirements worsen for initial file downloads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer speedVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by downloading files to mobile devices in advance when network connection is available. Once the local copy is created on the mobile device, subsequent transfers can occur without network connection, thus reducing overall network bandwidth consumption while maintaining high transfer speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the file access method based on network availability. When network connection is reliable, files are downloaded to local devices for future offline transfers. When network connection is unavailable, the system switches to using existing local copies, thus optimizing network bandwidth usage while maintaining transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If direct device-to-device transfer is implemented, then offline file transfer capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to location tracking and availability reporting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffline transfer capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service mechanisms where mobile devices automatically perform location tracking and availability reporting without requiring complex centralized coordination. Each device independently manages its own file availability status and location information, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable offline transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses universal components already present in mobile devices (GPS for location tracking, file system for availability reporting) to enable offline transfers. By leveraging existing multi-functional device capabilities rather than adding specialized hardware or complex software, the system achieves reliable offline transfer with minimal increase in complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10264054B2Predictive device to device file transfer system for local cloud storage files
Publication Date: 2019.04.16 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10264054B2 patent drawing
  • US10264054B2 patent drawing
  • US10264054B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, system, and computer program product for transferring files. The system provides for a data transfer system comprising a processor unit and a data transfer manager. The method identifies a group of local copies of files, in a cloud storage system, that are stored in a group of mobile devices. The method then tracks a location of the group of mobile devices and provides a report of availability of the group of local copies of files on the cloud storage service based on an identification of the group of local copies of files on the cloud storage service that are stored in the group of mobile devices and the location of the group of mobile devices.