Database Synchronization Using Hash Comparison and Selective Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data synchronization over radio communication channels is bandwidth consumptive, leading to prolonged transfer times and increased costs, especially when dealing with large or numerous data records, and poses challenges in memory management due to limited memory in portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating hash functions to compare data records between portable electronic devices and synchronization servers, transmitting only necessary data, including representative samples or full records based on update types, and implementing memory management by replacing full data records with representative samples to optimize storage and transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data synchronization is performed over radio communication channels using conventional methods, then data can be transmitted between portable electronic devices and computing stations, but bandwidth consumption increases and transfer time becomes extensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the essential elements needed for synchronization - specifically hash values and selective data records - rather than transmitting entire databases. This extraction principle reduces the volume of transmitted data significantly, thereby reducing transfer time and bandwidth consumption while maintaining the reliability of data synchronization between portable devices and computing stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization process is segmented into multiple phases: initial full synchronization, subsequent incremental synchronization using hash comparisons, and selective data transfer. This segmentation allows the system to perform quick hash value comparisons first, then only transfer actual data records when necessary, rather than continuously transmitting all data, thus reducing overall transfer time.
2Reliability
If complete data records are transmitted during synchronization, then data integrity is maintained, but bandwidth consumption increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts hash values from complete data records and transmits only these compact representations for comparison purposes. When synchronization is needed, only specific data records are transmitted rather than complete datasets. This extraction approach maintains data integrity through hash verification while dramatically reducing bandwidth consumption and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data representation from full data records to hash values for comparison purposes. Hash values are compact mathematical representations that allow for efficient comparison with minimal bandwidth consumption. This parameter change enables the system to verify data integrity without transmitting large amounts of data, thus reducing bandwidth usage while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If frequent synchronization is performed to maintain data consistency, then data up-to-date status is improved, but memory consumption increases due to limited memory in portable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and stores only hash values in the portable device's limited memory rather than storing complete data records or extensive synchronization logs. This extraction approach allows frequent synchronization operations to be performed while consuming minimal memory resources, as hash values are compact mathematical representations that require far less storage space than actual data records.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary hash value comparisons before initiating full data transfers. By calculating and comparing hash values first, the system can determine whether synchronization is actually needed, avoiding unnecessary data transfers and memory usage. This preliminary action enables frequent synchronization checks without proportionally increasing memory consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing a database at a portable electronic device with a backup database including backup data records includes receiving information representative of data records of the database at the portable electronic device, determining if the database at the portable electronic device is to be updated with the backup data records, and if the database at the portable electronic device is to be updated, transmitting representative viewable or audible samples of ones of the backup data records.