Recurring Event Synchronization via Pattern Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for synchronizing recurring time-scheduled data objects between systems with disparate processing capabilities often result in incompatibilities, leading to incomplete or inefficient data exchange due to unsupported recurrence patterns.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze recurring time-scheduled data records to determine if they are supported by the target calendaring application, selecting a closest supported pattern and applying recurrence exceptions to convert the data record into a format compatible with the application, ensuring seamless transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If recurring time-scheduled data objects are exchanged between systems with disproportionate processing capabilities, then data exchange functionality is enabled, but incompatibilities arise that complicate the exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the recurrence pattern parameters of the data object to match the capabilities of the target system. When a recurring event with a complex pattern (e.g., monthly on the 15th) needs to be synchronized to a system that only supports simple patterns (e.g., weekly), the system transforms the pattern parameters into an equivalent simple pattern that achieves the same functional result while being compatible with the target system's limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronizer acts as an intermediary between systems with different processing capabilities. It receives recurring data objects from one system, analyzes their recurrence patterns, and converts them into compatible formats for the target system. This intermediary layer absorbs the complexity of pattern conversion and exception handling, allowing seamless data exchange between incompatible systems
2Loss of information
If complex recurrence patterns are used to represent recurring events, then data integrity is maintained, but compatibility with systems having limited processing capabilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms complex recurrence pattern parameters into simpler equivalent parameters that maintain data integrity while ensuring compatibility. For example, a monthly recurrence on the 15th is converted to a weekly pattern with appropriate exceptions, preserving the semantic meaning while reducing the complexity of the pattern parameters to match the target system's capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The complex recurrence pattern is segmented into a base pattern and a set of exceptions. The base pattern represents the general recurrence rule in a simple form, while exceptions handle the specific cases where the pattern doesn't apply. This segmentation allows the system to maintain data integrity through precise exception handling while using simple pattern parameters for compatibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If recurrence patterns are converted to match target system capabilities, then compatibility is improved, but the complexity of the conversion process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronizer performs self-service by automatically analyzing the source system's recurrence patterns, determining the appropriate target system patterns, and executing the conversion without external intervention. The system autonomously handles pattern analysis, selection of equivalent patterns, application of exceptions, and validation, eliminating the need for manual configuration or external tools
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the source recurrence pattern before conversion to determine the best matching target pattern. It pre-calculates the equivalent pattern and exceptions based on the source pattern's characteristics, so that when actual synchronization occurs, the conversion can be executed efficiently without complex real-time calculations
4Reliability
If recurring events are synchronized between systems, then data consistency is achieved, but processing overhead and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential recurrence pattern information and applies it to generate individual event instances. Rather than storing every possible recurrence detail for each event, the system stores the pattern once and uses it to generate multiple instances, significantly reducing storage requirements while maintaining data consistency across the system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus and computer program products for storing a recurring time-scheduled data record in a calendaring application that does not support a pattern of recurrence of the record are described herein. The method includes the steps of: 1) receiving from a server, the recurring time-scheduled data record having a first recurrence pattern; 2) determining whether the first recurrence pattern is supported by the calendaring application; 3) if the pattern is not supported, then selecting a closest recurrence pattern supported by the calendaring application; 4) modifying the selected closest recurrence pattern by applying recurrence exceptions to create a second recurrence pattern; 5) modifying the recurring time-scheduled data record based on the second recurrence pattern to create a supported record; and 6) transferring the supported record to the calendaring application.