QR Code File Transfer via Optical Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transferring files from a file server to a mobile device are hindered by the need for specialized hardware or software, security risks when using bridge devices, and limitations in accessing files stored on internal networks without direct permissions or available cables.

Innovation Solution

The system enables file transfer by scanning a stream of quick response (QR) code images displayed on a target device, where the file is encoded into a long string, divided into portions, and converted into QR code images, allowing the mobile device to interpret and reconstruct the file without direct access to the file server, using either controlled or easy mode operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a physical wired connection is used to transfer the file, then file transfer can be achieved, but specialized drivers or operating system support are required which may not be available on mobile devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile transfer capabilityVSAvoiddriver installation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an optical display system. Instead of using physical cables and connectors that require driver support, the system displays QR code images on a screen that can be scanned by mobile device cameras, eliminating the need for specialized drivers or operating system support while maintaining reliable file transfer capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces QR codes as an intermediary medium between the file source and mobile device. The QR codes encode file information and transfer it through optical display and camera scanning, serving as a universal intermediary that works across different platforms without requiring platform-specific drivers or software support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a bridge device is used to access the file server on internal network, then file access is enabled, but security risk increases as the file is physically stored at the bridge device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoidsecurity risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the file data from the bridge device storage and transfers it directly to the mobile device through QR code scanning. By removing the intermediate storage step at the bridge device, the system eliminates the security vulnerability while maintaining the ability to access files on internal networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses QR codes as temporary copies of file information that are displayed and scanned rather than physically stored. These optical copies exist only during the transfer process and are not retained on the bridge device, eliminating security risks associated with persistent storage while enabling network file access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If QR code stream is used to transfer the file, then no specialized hardware or software is needed, but the file must be divided into multiple portions and reconstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidfile reconstruction process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the file into multiple portions, each encoded into separate QR codes. This segmentation allows the file to be transferred through standard mobile device components (camera and processor) without requiring specialized hardware, while the segmentation itself is managed through systematic encoding and sequential scanning processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3665894B1Mobile-optimized file transfer mechanism based on QR code
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 CITRIX SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3665894B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3665894B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3665894B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D

AI summary

Described embodiments may provide transferring a file to a mobile device via scanning quick response codes displayed via a display output device. A media device in communication with a server may receive a request to access a file on the server. A file converter of the media device may encode the file obtained from the server into a plurality of quick response (QR) codes. The media device may display the plurality of QR codes via a display output device. A mobile device may scan each of the plurality of QR codes displayed on the display output device. A file downloader of the mobile device may interpret each of the scanned plurality of QR codes to form a file on the mobile device.