Handheld Data Synchronization via Timestamp Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices face challenges in providing users with timely and accessible data due to the time-consuming nature of data transmission between servers and clients, especially when out of communication range.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a server periodically pushes relevant data to a handheld device, stored in the background, allowing for ready access by the user, even when out of communication range, using a unique identifier and profile-based data configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is transmitted between server and handheld device using traditional pull or push methods, then data can be updated, but transmission time and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the handheld device send a data request signature (containing identification information and timestamp) before actual data transmission. The server processes this signature and prepares data in advance, allowing for optimized transmission timing and reduced waiting time when the device reconnects to the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential identification information and timestamp from the device, creating a compact data request signature. This extracted signature allows the server to identify what data needs updating without requiring complete data transmission during the initial connection phase.
2Reliability
If data is transmitted between server and handheld device, then data can be updated, but transmission bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and transmits only the minimal necessary information (identification and timestamp) in the data request signature. This dramatically reduces the bandwidth and power required for the initial communication between device and server, while still enabling complete data synchronization when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial action by sending only a signature rather than complete data requests. This partial transmission consumes minimal bandwidth and power, while the server uses this signature to determine what data actually needs to be transmitted, avoiding unnecessary data transfer.
3Speed
If handheld device stores data locally for ready access, then user access speed improves, but data may become outdated
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the timestamp mechanism in the data request signature. When the device reconnects, it sends its last update timestamp, and the server compares this with current data timestamps to determine what needs updating. This feedback loop ensures locally stored data remains current without requiring continuous synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action through timestamp-based triggers. Instead of continuous synchronization, the device periodically checks for updates by sending its timestamp signature, and the server periodically pushes updates based on these timestamps. This periodic mechanism maintains data currency while minimizing unnecessary transmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system and method for managing data on a handheld electronic device includes a server that periodically pushes data to a particular handheld electronic device, with the data being stored on the handheld electronic device by way of a routine running in the background whereby such reception and storage is generally transparent to a user. The data can be any type of data and may be data that is desired by the user or that fits a profile or preference of the user. The profile can, for instance, be predetermined and/or can be customized by the user and/or can reflect a preference of the user. The data pushed to the handheld electronic device can also be related in some fashion to a geographic disposition of the handheld electronic device. Such pushing of data and storage is managed by a routine running in the background of the handheld electronic device. The routine enables current data to be maintained on the handheld electronic device for ready access by a user.