Proxy Server Email Attachment Transmission Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for downloading email attachments on mobile devices are inefficient in terms of network resource usage, particularly due to memory and bandwidth limitations in mobile computing environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows for the efficient control and transmission of email attachments across multiple computers, utilizing a proxy application to manage attachment downloads between a mobile device and a client machine, enabling better network resource management and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If attachment data is downloaded directly on mobile devices, then user can access attachment content, but network bandwidth and memory resources are consumed inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component between the mobile device and the attachment storage. The server receives attachment data from the email server, stores it temporarily, and then transfers it to the mobile device only when needed. This intermediary approach allows the mobile device to avoid direct large-bandwidth consumption during email reception, while still enabling efficient attachment access when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment data transmission process is segmented into distinct phases: (1) email reception phase where only metadata is transferred, (2) attachment download phase where actual file data is transferred only when needed. This segmentation separates the routine email receiving operation from the optional attachment access operation, optimizing network resource usage by avoiding unnecessary large data transfers during normal communication.
2Ease of operation
If attachment data is stored on mobile device, then attachment can be accessed locally, but memory limitations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary actions by receiving and storing attachment data before the mobile device needs it. The email server pre-loads attachment metadata and prepares the attachment data on the server side, so when the mobile device requests access, the data is already available for quick transfer. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for the mobile device to have permanent storage capacity for all possible attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary storage layer between the email system and the mobile device. Instead of the mobile device storing all attachment data permanently, the server maintains a buffer that can be accessed on-demand. This intermediary storage resolves the memory limitation of mobile devices while maintaining convenient local access capability through the server-mediated transfer mechanism.
3Productivity
If attachment is transmitted to mobile device, then user can view attachment, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary retrieval and preparation of attachment data before the mobile device initiates download. By pre-fetching the attachment from the email server and storing it in the server's buffer, the system eliminates the sequential delay where the mobile device would need to wait for the entire attachment to be transmitted before processing begins. This preliminary action enables faster subsequent transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The server maintains continuous availability of attachment data in its buffer, allowing the mobile device to access attachments without interruption or waiting time. Once the attachment is retrieved by the server, it remains available for immediate transfer to the mobile device, eliminating gaps in the transmission process and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the data exchange operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus and system for controlling transmission of an attachment to an email using a plurality of computers is provided. In one aspect, a client machine and a mobile computing device are provided. The client machine is configured to execute a browser application. The mobile computing device is configured to host a web server application. When the client machine and the mobile computing device are connected, functions on the mobile computing device become available on the client machine via the interaction between the web server and the browser, specifically e-mail functionality and control of transmission of attachments. Further, updates on attachment download at the mobile computing device are sent to the client machine in response to periodic requests from the client machine.