Hierarchical Data Sync Mechanism for Mobile Multi-Tenant Databases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Efficient synchronization of hierarchical data between mobile devices and server databases is hindered by the need for multiple synchronization calls, which is inefficient due to limited wireless bandwidth, especially when dealing with graphs or related objects that include numerous objects.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization mechanism is implemented on mobile devices that includes a data store and a synchronization engine to facilitate synchronization of hierarchical data with a multi-tenant database system, allowing for a single call to update the server database and receive changes, using a sync up manager and sync down manager to manage data updates and downloads efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple synchronization calls are used to sync hierarchical data, then data consistency is maintained, but bandwidth consumption increases and synchronization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual synchronization calls into a single batch synchronization call that can handle multiple hierarchical objects simultaneously. The sync mechanism groups related objects and their dependencies into one consolidated request, reducing the number of network round trips while maintaining data consistency through proper conflict detection and resolution protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the synchronization process into distinct phases: identifying changed objects, grouping them by relationship type, determining dependency hierarchies, and executing batch updates. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently process large numbers of objects by breaking them into manageable groups that can be synchronized in organized batches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple synchronization calls are used to sync hierarchical data, then individual object updates are precise, but synchronization time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate precisionVSAvoidsynchronization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying all objects that need synchronization before initiating the actual data transfer. The system analyzes local changes, determines which hierarchical objects are affected, and prepares a comprehensive synchronization plan that includes dependency resolution strategies, minimizing the actual synchronization time while ensuring precise updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous useful action by maintaining a persistent synchronization state between the mobile device and server. Instead of discrete interruptive calls, the system establishes a continuous synchronization context that allows multiple objects to be updated in an unbroken sequence, eliminating idle time between individual update operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple synchronization calls are used, then each object can be synced individually, but the complexity of the synchronization mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual object handlingVSAvoidsync mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal synchronization mechanism that can handle both individual object updates and batch updates through a single unified interface. The sync engine automatically detects whether one or multiple objects need synchronization and adjusts its behavior accordingly, providing multi-functionality that simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining adaptability to different synchronization scenarios.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11586593B2Mechanism for synchronization of hierarchical data between a mobile device and multi tenant database
Publication Date: 2023.02.21 SALESFORCE INC
  • US11586593B2 patent drawing
  • US11586593B2 patent drawing
  • US11586593B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques and structures to synchronize hierarchical data, comprising. A conflict between data stored at a computing device and data stored at a service provider database is detected. A synchronization operation is performed to synchronize a plurality of objects within the hierarchical entity data stored at the computing device with hierarchical entity data stored at the service provider database.