Cloud Tab Synchronization for Cross-Device Browsing State

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cloud computing services do not provide satisfactory synchronization of internet browsing data among multiple devices, lacking features that enhance user experience and facilitate efficient use of various devices.

Innovation Solution

Techniques for synchronizing website information, such as URLs, device association, reader mode, magnification, history, scroll position, and autocomplete data, are implemented across linked devices via a cloud computing service, allowing users to access and share website information in a user-friendly manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cloud computing services are used to store and access data on the Internet, then data accessibility across multiple devices is improved, but satisfactory synchronization of internet browsing data among multiple devices is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidbrowsing data synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments browsing data into distinct categories (bookmarks, history, open tabs, reader mode settings, magnification levels, scroll positions) and synchronizes each type separately through cloud services. This segmentation allows comprehensive browsing state synchronization across devices while maintaining organizational structure and enabling selective synchronization of different data types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If manual synchronization routines are performed between devices, then data synchronization is achieved, but user action and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata synchronizationVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic synchronization routines that operate without user intervention. The system automatically detects changes in browsing data across devices and synchronizes them through cloud services, eliminating the need for users to manually initiate synchronization processes. This self-service approach maintains reliable data synchronization while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where devices continuously report their browsing state to cloud services, which then distribute updates to other connected devices. This real-time feedback loop ensures that synchronization occurs automatically when changes are detected, maintaining data consistency without requiring manual user action or significant time investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If devices are used independently without synchronization, then device autonomy is maintained, but browsing state consistency across devices is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice autonomyVSAvoidbrowsing state consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cloud services as an intermediary between devices. This intermediary automatically collects browsing data from each device, stores it centrally, and distributes it to other devices in the user's ecosystem. This approach maintains device autonomy during local operations while ensuring browsing state consistency across all devices through the mediating cloud infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2672385B1Cloud tabs
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 APPLE INC
  • EP2672385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2672385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2672385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The presently disclosed techniques related to data transfer and synchronization between multiple electronic devices (10A, 10B, 10C). The multiple electronic devices (10A, 10B, 10C) may be logged onto a user's account with a cloud computing service (40) so that they may transfer data relating to websites that they have accessed to the cloud computing service (40) so that such data may be synchronized amongst the multiple electronic devices (10A, 10B, 10C). A tab screen (54A, 54B, 54C) on each electronic device (10A, 10B, 10C) may allow a user to view the other linked devices as well as the websites that they have accessed so that the user may select such websites if so desired.