File Transfer Protocol for USB Concurrent Sessions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for data synchronization and exchange between mobile devices and host devices, such as USB interfaces, face limitations in supporting multiple concurrent sessions, dynamic session changes, and are not designed for network protocols like IP addresses, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in file transfer processes.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a file transfer protocol that uses non-network interfaces like USB or BLUETOOTH, with TCP-like headers and checksum validation, allowing multiple concurrent sessions and dynamic session management, enabling efficient data transfer and synchronization of files and structured data across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If USB interface is used for data transfer between host and mobile device, then data exchange functionality is achieved, but the interface cannot support multiple concurrent independent sessions for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of concurrent sessionsVSAvoidinterface protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transfer functionality by introducing virtual channels within the USB interface framework. Each virtual channel represents an independent session that can be allocated to different applications, allowing multiple concurrent transfers without requiring separate physical interfaces. This segmentation enables the interface to handle multiple sessions simultaneously while maintaining the simplicity of the underlying USB protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the USB interface protocol universal by designing it to accommodate multiple types of data transfers and applications through a common framework. The enhanced protocol structure allows the same interface to support file transfers, synchronization, and other data exchange operations concurrently through virtual channels, eliminating the need for application-specific interface configurations.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional file transfer protocols are used over USB, then simple point-to-point transfer is achieved, but dynamic session management and arbitrary connection changes are not supported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession management flexibilityVSAvoiddata transfer reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic session management capabilities that allow connections to be established, modified, and terminated flexibly during data transfer operations. The protocol supports arbitrary connection changes and dynamic allocation of virtual channels to different applications based on runtime requirements, while maintaining reliable data transfer through structured acknowledgment and error handling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary protocol layer between the USB physical interface and application-level data transfer requirements. This intermediary layer provides structured session management, virtual channel allocation, and reliability mechanisms, bridging the gap between the simple USB interface capabilities and the complex requirements for dynamic, reliable multi-session data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If USB interface allows arbitrary device attachment and disconnection, then device portability is improved, but data integrity and protocol compliance become difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice connectabilityVSAvoiddata transfer integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares for potential connection disruptions by implementing proactive data integrity checks, structured packet formatting with checksums, and state tracking mechanisms before data transfer begins. These preventive measures ensure that even if arbitrary attachment and disconnection occur, data integrity can be verified and protocol compliance maintained through pre-established error handling frameworks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms including acknowledgment packets, error detection and correction protocols, and connection state monitoring. These feedback systems allow the protocol to detect and respond to arbitrary connection changes, maintaining data integrity by verifying received data and coordinating reconnections when devices are reattached, thus preserving reliability despite ease of connect/disconnect operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2001198B1File protocol for transaction based communication
Publication Date: 2010.07.21 APPLE INC
  • EP2001198B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2001198B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2001198B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

File protocols for transaction based communication are described. In one embodiment, a method to provide a file transfer protocol includes receiving packets containing headers, the packets being received at a first network stack software through an interface, and extracting data from the packets and reconstructing a file from data in the packets. The extracting may be performed by a first network stack software, and the interface is not designed to use lntemet Protocol (IP) addresses, and the headers contain data for flow control and sequencing and are associated with a port for a file transfer application, and the headers allow multiple applications to maintain multiple concurrent sessions through the interface, which may be a USB compliant or BLUETOOTH compliant interface. Systems, computer readable media, software architectures and other methods are also described.