Folder Synchronization via Personal Information Management Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices currently support only a single folder for each application type, limiting the ability to synchronize and manage data from multiple folders across different databases, which is inadequate for scenarios like accessing shared calendar data from multiple users.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow synchronization and storage of data records from multiple folders across different databases, enabling multiple Calendar, Messages, Address Book, Tasks, and Memo Pad folders to be synchronized, while maintaining separate and distinct folders on the device, with permission-based access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only a single folder is supported for each application type, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to synchronize and manage data from multiple folders across different databases is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single folder structure into multiple distinct folders for different databases (e.g., multiple Calendar folders, multiple Address Book folders). Each folder is independently identifiable and synchronizable, allowing users to access data from multiple sources while maintaining clear organizational separation. This segmentation enables the device to handle multiple data sources without creating a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by adding database source identification to the folder structure. Instead of merely organizing by application type, folders are now distinguished by their source database, creating a two-dimensional organization system (application type × database source). This dimensional addition enables multi-folder support while maintaining structural clarity through the personal information management connector that tracks folder-source relationships.
2Productivity
If multiple folders from different databases are synchronized, then data access capability is improved, but the synchronization process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The personal information management connector acts as an intermediary between multiple databases and the device's folder structure. It manages the complexity of synchronizing data from multiple sources by providing a unified interface that handles folder identification, data mapping, and synchronization coordination. This intermediary absorbs the synchronization complexity, allowing users to benefit from multi-folder data access without directly managing the complex synchronization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing folder structures and relationships with their corresponding database sources before synchronization occurs. The personal information management connector pre-configures the folder hierarchy, identifies data sources, and prepares synchronization paths in advance. This preliminary organization reduces the complexity during actual synchronization operations, as the system already has a established framework for handling multiple folders.
3Reliability
If permission-based access control is implemented for multiple folders, then data security is improved, but the management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The personal information management connector implements self-service permission management by automatically managing access rights based on folder-source relationships. The system autonomously handles permission verification and access control for multiple folders, reducing the manual burden on users. Users benefit from enhanced security through automated permission management without directly managing complex access control settings.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of sharing data accessible by a server, with a portable electronic device of a first entity includes receiving permission at the server to share with the first entity, data associated with a second entity, the data for use with an application. The server retrieves the data associated with the second entity and transmits the data from the server to the portable electronic device of the first entity. The data associated with the second entity is received at the portable electronic device of the first entity and stored in association with a second entity identifier, thereby distinguishing the data from other data for use with the application.