On-demand file transfers for mass P2P file sharing
US7613770B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L67/1093
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A “Mass File Sharer” (MFS) provides a mass P2P file sharing protocol with optional on-demand file access across a P2P network. Unlike conventional P2P file sharing, the MFS simultaneously asynchronously shares large numbers of files, while providing optional on-demand (synchronous) access to shared files. The MFS uses a unique metadata structure in combination with an inter-peer file/folder version analysis and an inter-peer file/folder availability analysis to share complex directory structures that may include any number of folders, sub-folders, and files. Sharing may be asynchronous and/or synchronous. Specifically, file sharing is generally accomplished as an asynchronous distribution across the network. However, when a particular peer wants direct access particular files, an on-demand access mode is used to enable synchronous delivery of shared files. This combination of asynchronous and synchronous file distribution enables the MFS to support a number of applications, such as on-demand movie viewing, file/folder browsing, etc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.