Client-Server Metadata Conflict Resolution via User Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack effective mechanisms to manage data conflicts that arise when multiple users and devices access and modify the same data files, particularly in enterprise information storage and retrieval systems, leading to synchronization challenges across different computing devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that involves clients and servers exchanging metadata entries to identify conflicts, with users selecting conflict resolutions from predefined options, and performing actions based on user choices to resolve these conflicts during the synchronization process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users and devices access and modify the same data files simultaneously, then data accessibility and collaboration improve, but data conflicts and synchronization complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data object into multiple versions (first version on client, second version on server) and processes conflicts between these segmented versions through a structured two-phase synchronization process. This segmentation allows simultaneous access while managing conflicts systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conflict resolution mechanism that mediates between conflicting versions. The system presents predefined conflict resolution options (keep client version, keep server version, merge) to the user, acting as an intermediary to resolve conflicts without losing data from either source.
2Reliability
If conflict resolution mechanisms are implemented for multi-user access, then data consistency improves, but system complexity and user interaction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by detecting conflicts before final synchronization completes. The two-phase process first identifies conflicts between client and server versions, then presents resolution options to the user before applying the resolution, ensuring data consistency is maintained proactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by presenting conflict resolution options to the user and receiving their selection. The system provides feedback about the conflict (showing both versions) and acts on the user's feedback by applying the chosen resolution, creating a closed-loop conflict management system.
3Productivity
If automatic conflict resolution is implemented, then synchronization speed improves, but risk of data loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service conflict resolution by presenting predefined options to the user and allowing them to select the appropriate resolution. This self-service approach maintains synchronization speed by avoiding complex automated analysis while preventing data loss through user oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial automation by automatically detecting conflicts and presenting standardized resolution options, but requires user action for the final decision. This partial action approach balances automation efficiency with user control, maintaining speed while preventing data loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A client stores client metadata entries corresponding to a plurality of data objects. During a first phase of a synchronization process, the client sends one or more client metadata entries to a server. Each client metadata entry sent corresponds to a data object for which at least one metadata parameter has changed since a prior execution of the synchronization process. During a second phase of the synchronization process, the client receives from the server one or more server metadata entries, each having at least one parameter that has changed since a prior execution of the synchronization process. The client identifies any received server metadata entry that conflicts with a corresponding client metadata entry, requests a user to select from among a predefined set of conflict resolutions to resolve the conflict, and the performs an action in accordance with the conflict resolution selected by the user.