UPnP to SMB Mapping for File Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current UPnP implementations do not provide users with file access or write control over content items discovered on other UPnP devices connected to a network, limiting users to read-only consumption.

Innovation Solution

A UPnP device exposes a service for mapping discovered content items to a server message block (SMB) location, allowing users to access and control files via the SMB protocol, with optional authentication for authorization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If UPnP protocol is used for network discovery and content sharing, then ease of operation and automatic discovery are improved, but file access control and write operations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic discoveryVSAvoidfile access control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines UPnP discovery capabilities with SMB file access protocols, merging the automatic discovery strength of UPnP with the file control strength of SMB. The media server exposes content items through both UPnP content directory service and SMB shares, allowing clients to discover content via UPnP and then access it with full control via SMB.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The media server is designed to support multiple protocols simultaneously - it functions both as a UPnP media server exposing content directory services and as an SMB server exposing file shares. This multi-functionality allows the same system to provide both automatic discovery and full file control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If read-only access is provided through UPnP content directory service, then network security and stability are improved, but user productivity and file control capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidfile control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the access control into two layers: UPnP protocol layer for discovery and read-only access, and SMB protocol layer for authenticated write access. Each protocol handles the operations it is best suited for, with the SMB share providing enhanced control for users who need to modify files.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If SMB share location is exposed to all users, then file access capability is improved, but network security and authentication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile access capabilityVSAvoidauthentication mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different access qualities to different users based on their authentication status. Unauthenticated users or basic UPnP clients receive limited read-only access through content directory service, while authenticated SMB users receive full access rights including write operations. Each user receives the appropriate level of access for their needs and security clearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10225320B2Mapping universal plug and play discovered items to an SMB location

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

An arrangement is provided in which a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) device exposes a service for mapping a UPnP discovered content item to a server message block (SMB) location. The service is arranged to expose an SMB share path to a user at a remote client using a UPnP protocol. The user is then enabled with access to the share via SMB to gain file access, write changes or exercise file level control of the discovered content item. Authentication is optionally utilized to verify that the user is authorized to receive the SMB share location from the service or to verify that the user is authorized to access the SMB share.