Data Synchronization via Version Information Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data synchronization methods for network-connected devices require a synchronization server, leading to increased comparison complexity and difficulty in synchronizing data across multiple devices, especially when devices cannot maintain connection with the server.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable connected devices to detect and perform synchronization processes without a synchronization server by using metadata and version information to determine data requiring synchronization, allowing devices to exchange version information and synchronize data directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a synchronization server is used to manage data synchronization between connected devices, then data can be synchronized across multiple devices, but the system complexity increases and devices cannot synchronize when disconnected from the server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data structure (including version information, metadata, and data identifiers) as an intermediary mechanism to enable direct peer-to-peer synchronization between devices. This eliminates the need for a centralized synchronization server while maintaining reliable data sync across multiple devices through structured data exchange protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Devices are equipped with the capability to autonomously perform synchronization operations by comparing version information and metadata stored locally. Each device can independently determine what data needs synchronization and execute the sync process without requiring continuous connection to or management by a central server
2Manufacturing precision
If data synchronization is performed by comparing specific codes of data between portable terminal and data storage server, then data integrity can be maintained, but the number of comparisons increases with the number of data stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data comparison process into two levels: first comparing version information (a condensed representation) to identify potential changes, then comparing only the specific data codes for items that actually changed. This hierarchical approach maintains data integrity verification while dramatically reducing the total number of comparisons needed
Solution Approach 2:
Version information and metadata are maintained as preliminary indicators of data changes. Before performing detailed data code comparisons, the system first checks these preliminary indicators to identify which specific data items require synchronization, thereby avoiding unnecessary comparisons of unchanged data
3Reliability
If devices maintain connection with data storage server for synchronization, then data can be synchronized across devices, but synchronization cannot occur when devices are disconnected from the server
Solution Approach 1:
Devices are equipped with complete synchronization capability including version information storage, metadata management, and data comparison functions that operate autonomously without server connection. This enables devices to perform synchronization operations independently whether connected or disconnected from the data storage server
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains local copies of version information, metadata, and data structures on each device. These local copies enable the device to determine synchronization needs and perform data exchanges without requiring real-time connection to the central data storage server
Data Source
AI summary
A network-connectable terminal can synchronize data in connected devices. The network-connectable terminal includes a memory unit and a synchronization unit. The memory unit stores metadata updated according to update of data. The synchronization unit updates the metadata, creates version information indicating whether the metadata are updated, and exchanges version information with peripheral devices to determine a peripheral device and data requiring synchronization.