Configurable Attribute Table for Flexible Address Book Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing address book update mechanisms require new file formats and software upgrades every time new attributes are added or old ones become obsolete, consuming significant computing resources and time.

Innovation Solution

A configurable table of attribute property identifications within the address book data structure allows for flexible addition and deletion of attributes without changing the underlying file format, enabling updates without the need for new versions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a new file format is generated every time a new attribute is added, then the address book can accommodate new attributes, but significant computing resources and time are consumed and the underlying file format must be changed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate new attributesVSAvoidtime consumed for generating new file formats

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the attribute list configurable and changeable without altering the fundamental file format. The server can dynamically generate update files that include new attributes while maintaining the same file structure, allowing the system to adapt to new requirements without time-consuming format changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating a single file format that can serve multiple versions of the address book. The configurable attribute table allows the same file format to accommodate both old and new attributes, making the file format universal across different versions rather than requiring separate formats for each version.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a new file format is generated every time a new attribute is added, then the address book can accommodate new attributes, but large amounts of computing resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate new attributesVSAvoidcomputing resources consumed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically configures attribute lists without regenerating the entire file format. This allows new attributes to be added efficiently by modifying only the attribute table configuration rather than creating a completely new file format, significantly reducing computing resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the attribute configuration from the file format itself. By separating the attribute list into a configurable table that can be independently modified, the system avoids the need to regenerate the entire file format when new attributes are added, thereby reducing computing resource requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the file format is changed to accommodate new attributes, then the address book can support new attributes, but the update process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for new attributesVSAvoidcomplexity of update process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal file format that can accommodate multiple versions of the address book. The configurable attribute table allows the same file format to serve both old and new attribute sets, simplifying the update process by eliminating the need for format changes while maintaining support for new attributes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic configuration of attribute lists within the existing file format. This allows the server to generate update files with new attributes by simply modifying the configurable attribute table rather than changing the file format, thereby reducing the complexity of the update process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7584209B2Flexible file format for updating an address book

Publication Date: 2009.09.01 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Mechanisms for updating an address book. A first computing system generates an address book update file format and provides the file to a second computing system. The file format contains several data fields. One of the data fields consists of a configurable list of attribute property identifications. These property identifications represent address book information such as e-mail address, phone number, first name, surname, and the like. A second data field comprises contact data that includes at least some of the properties identified by the configurable list. Changes to the information contained in the address book update may be made by simply adding or deleting attribute property identifications. This has the effect of allowing modifications to the address book file format without having to generate a new file format.