Multi-Source Restore for Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backup and restore operations for mobile devices are often unreliable, insecure, and user-unfriendly due to the limitations of wireless network connections, which are bandwidth-limited and unpredictable, especially when used in transit.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a multi-phase, multi-source backup and restore system that utilizes cloud storage, dynamically configures backup sources, and employs metadata to identify and manage data chunks, allowing incremental and resumable operations, as well as opportunistic use of local and cloud sources for resource restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional backup/restore operations use wireless network connections, then mobile devices can perform backup operations, but the operations are unreliable and insecure due to bandwidth limitations and network unpredictability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup operation reliabilityVSAvoidbackup operation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The backup operation is divided into multiple phases: metadata collection phase, data transfer phase, and verification phase. This segmentation allows the system to optimize each phase independently, using wireless networks for lightweight metadata operations and switching to wired connections for bulk data transfer, thereby improving both reliability and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A backup server acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and cloud storage. The server manages the backup process, handling metadata collection, coordinating data transfers across multiple sources, and ensuring data integrity. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of multi-source restoration and improves reliability by centralizing control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If backup operations are performed over wireless networks, then mobile devices can access cloud storage, but the operations take lengthy time and require multiple attempts due to bandwidth limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup source flexibilityVSAvoidbackup operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects backup sources based on availability, connection quality, and data type. It can switch between cloud storage, local computer connections, and device storage in real-time, optimizing the backup path and reducing overall operation time while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by collecting metadata and identifying backup sources before actual data transfer. It pre-establishes connection paths and prepares data structures, so that when backup begins, the actual data transfer can proceed efficiently without delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multi-source restore is implemented, then reliable and secure backup operations are achieved, but the system complexity increases with multiple backup sources and coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestore operation reliabilityVSAvoidbackup system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backup server serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multi-source restoration. It maintains metadata about data locations across cloud storage, local computers, and device storage, automatically selecting appropriate sources and coordinating transfers, thereby hiding system complexity from the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the backup server continuously monitors the status of multiple backup sources, adjusts restoration strategies based on available data and connection quality, and provides progress updates. This feedback loop enables reliable multi-source restoration while dynamically adapting to system conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If wireless networks are used for backup operations, then mobile devices can perform operations in transit, but security risks increase due to openness of most wireless networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup operation accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork security risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication and encryption setup before data transfer over wireless networks. Metadata is encrypted and authenticated in advance, and secure channels are established before actual backup operations, reducing security risks while maintaining operational accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9483365B2Methods and apparatus for multi-source restore

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 APPLE INC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus that restore a resource from a first source and a second source to a device are described. Availability of the resource from a second source may be dynamically determined after a portion of the resource has been restored to the device from the first source. If the second source is determined to be more efficiently connected with the device than the first source, a remaining portion of the resource may be restored from the second source to the device after the portion of the resource has been restored to the device.