Short Range Wireless File Sharing via Consolidated Catalog
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file sharing methods between remote computing devices require prior knowledge of available files and are impractical for geographically distant peers, lacking efficient mechanisms for direct, secure, and proximity-based data exchange.
Innovation Solution
Implementing short-range wireless peer-to-peer file sharing using local computing devices that generate a consolidated catalog of files, enabling temporary authentication credentials for remote file access and delivery over short-range wireless links, such as NFC or Bluetooth, allowing direct retrieval and transfer of selected files between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote peers share files through electronic exchanges (FTP, message attachments), then file sharing between geographically distant devices is enabled, but prior knowledge of available files is required and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating and transmitting a consolidated catalog of available files from remote devices to the local device before the actual file sharing occurs. This preliminary catalog transmission eliminates the need for users to have prior knowledge of available files, as the catalog is prepared and delivered in advance, making the subsequent file selection and sharing process straightforward and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a consolidated catalog that mediates between remote file sources and the user. This catalog acts as an intermediate representation of available files, allowing users to browse and select files without needing direct knowledge of remote device contents or complex FTP protocols, thereby simplifying the file sharing operation.
2Ease of operation
If physical removable storage is used for file sharing, then direct file access between proximate devices is achieved, but geographical remoteness makes this impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical removable storage with an electronic wireless transmission system. Instead of requiring physical contact between devices through removable media, the system uses wireless communication to transmit file catalogs and enable file sharing, thereby maintaining the convenience of direct access while extending capability to geographically remote devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the remote file catalog and transmits it to the local device. This catalog copy contains information about available files on remote devices, allowing users to browse and select files as if they were physically present at the remote device, thereby replicating the direct access experience over wireless distances.
3Ease of operation
If a consolidated catalog of remote files is transmitted to local devices, then users can browse and select files without prior knowledge, but additional transmission steps and authentication are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the consolidated catalog transmission process: the catalog serves simultaneously as a file inventory, a browsing interface, and a basis for authentication credential generation. By combining these functions into a single integrated mechanism, the system improves file discovery capability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same data structure supports multiple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The consolidated catalog is designed as a universal data structure that serves multiple purposes: it informs users of available files, enables browsing and selection, and provides the basis for generating authentication credentials. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, thereby improving ease of use while keeping the added complexity manageable through reuse of the same fundamental structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, for example, a method of short range wireless peer-to-peer file sharing is provided. The method includes establishing a short range wireless communications link between a local computing device and a peer computing device and transmitting to the peer computing device over the short range wireless communications link a consolidated catalog of accessible files stored locally in the local computing device, remotely in a remote computing device, or both. The method further includes receiving from over the short range wireless communications link a request by the peer computing device to retrieve a selected one of the files. The method includes responding to a determination that the selected one of the files is stored remotely in the remote computing device by facilitating the retrieval by the peer computing device of the selected one of the files from the remote computing device for delivery to the peer computing device.