Wireless Device Swap via Server-Authorized Peer-to-Peer Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transferring data and settings from one user equipment (UE) to another often require an intermediary computer, which may not be desirable or feasible in all situations.

Innovation Solution

A method for wirelessly transferring an archive file or other information directly from one UE to another UE without using an intermediary computer, utilizing a swap application that verifies memory space, communicates with a server for permission, and facilitates the transfer via wireless communication, peer-to-peer networks, or physical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an intermediary computer is used to transfer data between UEs, then data transfer reliability is improved, but device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the intermediary computer from the data transfer system, enabling direct peer-to-peer communication between UEs. The source UE and target UE establish direct wireless connections (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or cellular data connection) to transfer the archive file, eliminating the need for a desktop or laptop computer as an intermediate host.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server as a new intermediary that provides authorization and coordination services. The source UE communicates with the server to obtain permission for the swap operation, and the server facilitates the connection between source and target UEs. This server-mediated approach maintains reliability through centralized control while reducing client-side complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If an intermediary computer is used for data transfer, then data storage capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional client-server model by making the UEs themselves the primary data storage and transfer entities. Instead of relying on a computer's hard drive for archive storage, the source UE stores the archive in its internal memory or removable storage, and the target UE receives and stores it directly. This inversion eliminates the need for users to physically connect devices to a computer and manually transfer files.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables UEs to perform data transfer operations autonomously without requiring a desktop manager or computer-based software. The source UE automatically creates the archive, establishes wireless connections, and initiates the transfer. The target UE automatically receives and installs the transferred data. This self-service capability allows users to switch devices conveniently without needing access to a computer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If direct wireless transfer between UEs is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational convenienceVSAvoiddata transfer reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions to ensure reliable data transfer before the actual transfer begins. The source UE and target UE establish wireless connections in advance (Bluetooth pairing, Wi-Fi Direct connection, or cellular data connection setup). The server provides prior authorization by verifying the swap operation request and providing necessary permissions. The source UE prepares the archive file and verifies the target UE's memory capacity before initiating the transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and ensure successful data transfer. The server provides feedback by authorizing or denying the swap operation based on policy checks. During transfer, the system monitors connection status and data integrity. The target UE provides feedback by confirming successful receipt and installation of the archive. This multi-layer feedback system maintains reliability while enabling direct wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2398213B1Wireless device swap
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2398213B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2398213B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2398213B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of performing a swap operation. Communication is established between a first UE and a server. Communication is established between the first UE and a second UE. Permission is received at the first UE from the server to perform the swap operation. A swap application is executed to facilitate transfer of an archive file from the first UE to the second UE.