Cloud File Synchronization via Watcher-Worker Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and synchronizing electronically stored files across multiple computers and devices is challenging due to difficulties in tracking the latest version and accessing files simultaneously used or changed by different users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where files are initially generated in Cloud entities, replicated, and synchronized with client computing systems, using a client determination to decide whether to download files or create local links, with Local and Cloud WATCHERS monitoring changes and generating work items for concurrent processing, ensuring automatic sharing and synchronization across devices and systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If files are replicated and synchronized across multiple computers and devices, then file accessibility and collaboration are improved, but tracking the latest version and managing file consistency becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based file synchronization system that acts as an intermediary between multiple client devices. The cloud server stores master copies of files and automatically synchronizes them across all connected devices, eliminating the need for users to manually track versions or manage consistency across multiple local copies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic detection and synchronization mechanisms that monitor file changes across devices and trigger updates accordingly. When a file is modified on any device, the system detects the change, updates the master copy in the cloud, and propagates the updated version to all other devices, providing continuous feedback to maintain consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If files are downloaded to local storage for offline access, then offline availability is improved, but storage space requirements and synchronization overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates local copies of files only when necessary for offline access, rather than maintaining full local storage of all files. These copies are automatically synchronized with the cloud-based master copies, allowing users to access files offline while minimizing local storage requirements through selective copying.
Solution Approach 2:
The file synchronization system dynamically determines what files to download based on user needs and device capabilities. Files are downloaded to local storage only when offline access is anticipated or required, and the system automatically manages which files remain local versus which are accessed remotely, adapting to changing usage patterns.
3Productivity
If multiple users can simultaneously access and modify files, then collaboration efficiency is improved, but file version control and conflict resolution become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system continuously monitors file access and modification patterns across multiple users, providing real-time feedback about file states. When conflicts are detected, the system automatically resolves them using predefined rules or user preferences, and notifies users of any resolution actions taken, maintaining version control without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic conflict resolution mechanisms that resolve file version conflicts without requiring user intervention. Based on synchronization timestamps and user-defined preferences, the system automatically determines which version to retain and propagates the correct version to all devices, allowing collaborative work to continue seamlessly.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to architectures, methods and systems and structures that facilitate the sharing and synchronization of electronically stored files among and between cloud entities and a number of computers, systems, devices and/or users. One particular exemplary architectural aspect includes the concurrent determination of file system changes within a cloud file system and a client file system, the serial ordering of necessary file system operations in response to the determined file system changes, and the concurrent execution of file system operations such that the cloud file system and the client computer file system are synchronized.