Embedded Local Server Intermediary for Offline Data Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile computing applications face unpredictable behavior and data inconsistencies due to lack of network connectivity, as existing methods for off-line data management require separate data models and access methods, leading to increased development time and processing overhead.

Innovation Solution

An intermediary intercepts requests from applications, relays them to an embedded server for local processing, and synchronizes data using an interception key registry and embedded server registry, enabling transparent data management and access even without network connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is stored locally with backup on server, then off-line access is enabled, but development time and processing overhead increase due to synchronization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoff-line data access reliabilityVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data model that serves both on-line and off-line operations through the same interface. The intermediary component provides multi-functionality by handling both remote server communication and local embedded server operations using identical HTTP request/response protocols, eliminating the need for separate access methods for different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary component that mediates between the application and both the remote server and embedded server. This intermediary transparently handles request routing, response caching, and synchronization, allowing the application to use a single access method regardless of whether data is retrieved from remote or local storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate data models are used for local cache and server store, then off-line operation is supported, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoff-line operation capabilityVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal data model where the same HTTP request/response interface is used for both remote server communication and local embedded server operations. This eliminates the need for separate data models and access methods, reducing processing overhead while maintaining full off-line operation capability through the embedded server.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If network connectivity is not ubiquitous, then mobile application reliability decreases, but local data storage increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication behavior predictabilityVSAvoidlocal storage implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of local storage implementation from the application. The intermediary handles all interactions with the embedded server using standard HTTP protocols, making the local storage system appear as simple as a remote server to the application, thereby reducing perceived device complexity while ensuring reliable off-line operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a local copy of the server environment through the embedded server, which replicates remote server behavior locally. This copying approach allows the application to interact with identical data structures and protocols whether accessing remote or local data, reducing implementation complexity while improving reliability during network outages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If applications switch between on-line and off-line access methods, then network unavailability is handled, but additional development time is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork unavailability handlingVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal access method where the same HTTP request/response interface is used regardless of network availability. The intermediary automatically routes requests to the embedded server when the remote server is unavailable, eliminating the need for application code to switch between different access methods while maintaining reliable operation during network outages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8549101B2Portable embedded local server for write-through cache
Publication Date: 2013.10.01 ORACLE INT CORP
  • US8549101B2 patent drawing
  • US8549101B2 patent drawing
  • US8549101B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of facilitating, via an embedded local server, dynamic responses to requests originating from an application and directed to a server is disclosed. An intermediary intercepts requests responds to the requests with locally stored data. The intermediary may also forward requests to an embedded local server for processing based on local data.