Proxy Data Distribution in Ad Hoc Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data exchange methods in computer networks, particularly in ad hoc networks, are limited in flexibility and efficiency, as they require direct communication between devices and often rely on access to fixed networks, which may not be available to all users, especially those without Internet subscriptions.

Innovation Solution

A data exchange technique that allows data to be sent from an originating device to a receiving device through a communication device, using an ad hoc network to proxy the data onto a fixed network without the originating device ever connecting to the fixed network, enabling data transfer even when the originating device is offline, using validation and authentication processes to ensure data integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct communication between devices is required for data exchange, then data transfer reliability is improved, but network accessibility and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives data from a first device and forwards it to a second device. This mediator enables indirect data exchange, allowing devices to communicate without establishing direct connections. The server acts as a relay point that maintains data transfer reliability while eliminating the requirement for direct device-to-device communication pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The data exchange process is segmented into distinct phases: data reception by the server from the first device, data storage on the server, and subsequent data forwarding to the second device. This segmentation allows each communication hop to be independently managed and validated, maintaining reliability while enabling flexible routing through the server intermediary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If all devices must be online for real-time communication, then communication speed is improved, but system availability and offline data exchange deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidsystem availability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The server performs preliminary actions by receiving and storing data from the first device before the second device needs it. This advance data preparation allows the second device to retrieve data at its convenience without requiring simultaneous online presence with the first device. The server proactively manages data availability, enabling asynchronous communication patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The server intermediary decouples the timing requirements between data sending and data receiving operations. By acting as a persistent storage and forwarding point, the server allows the first device to upload data when online, while the second device can download data when it becomes available, eliminating the need for synchronized online periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If fixed network infrastructure is required for data exchange, then network stability is improved, but device mobility and ad hoc connectivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoiddevice mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The server provides universal access points for both fixed network devices and mobile ad hoc devices. It handles diverse communication scenarios including direct connections, offline data uploads, and relayed transmissions. This multi-functional platform unifies the network experience across different device types and connectivity modes, allowing stable server-mediated communication regardless of client device mobility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as a stable intermediary anchor point that mobile devices can connect to when available. Mobile devices can upload data to the server during moments of connectivity, and the server maintains this data for later retrieval. This intermediary approach provides network stability through the server while accommodating device mobility through asynchronous, store-and-forward communication patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If validation and authentication processes are implemented, then data security is improved, but processing time and system complexity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server intermediary centralizes validation and authentication functions, performing these security checks once during data reception from the first device and again during data forwarding to the second device. This centralized approach consolidates security processing in a single location rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer authentication protocols between multiple devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9942894B2Data distribution by proxy
Publication Date: 2018.04.10 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US9942894B2 patent drawing
  • US9942894B2 patent drawing
  • US9942894B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication device communicates with an originating device during an originating session and receives originating data from the originating device over a wireless communication link and then communicates with a receiving device during a receiving session and sends the originating data to the receiving device over a wireless communication link, such that the originating session and the receiving session occur at different times, and at least one of the sessions is an ad hoc communication session.