Database Schema Synchronization via Portable Device Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current database schema updates result in the invalidation and permanent deletion of data records when changes are made, especially over wireless networks, leading to inefficient and costly backup synchronization processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically updating database schemas by comparing new and old schemas at a portable electronic device, generating update commands, and transmitting these commands to a synchronization server to update records and backup databases, allowing for field additions, modifications, or deletions without invalidating existing data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If database schema is changed to add, modify or delete fields, then database structure adapts to new requirements, but all existing data records become invalid and must be deleted
Solution Approach 1:
The schema update process is segmented into two independent parts: schema definition changes and data record updates. The patent applies segmentation by separating the schema update (adding/modifying/deleting fields) from the data records, allowing schema changes without forcing data deletion. Each data record is independently updated to reflect schema changes while preserving the record itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a data dictionary that pre-defines all possible fields and their properties. When schema changes occur, the data dictionary is updated in advance, and then data records are subsequently updated to match. This preliminary preparation allows schema evolution without data loss.
2Reliability
If all data records are re-backup after schema changes, then backup database remains synchronized with portable device, but synchronization time and wireless communication costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information for synchronization - specifically, the data dictionary definition and the list of changed fields - rather than transferring entire data records. By taking out only the schema change information and applying it selectively to affected records, the system achieves synchronization with minimal data transmission over wireless connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete backup of all data records, the system applies partial action by updating only those data records that contain the changed fields identified in the schema update. This selective approach reduces synchronization time and wireless communication costs while maintaining database consistency.
3Reliability
If complete database backup is performed over wireless interface, then backup database is updated, but communication costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses copying by transferring only the schema definition from the data dictionary rather than copying entire data records. The schema definition serves as a template that is then applied to update data records locally at the portable device and backup database server, eliminating the need for expensive wireless transmission of large amounts of data.
Solution Approach 2:
The data dictionary is prepared in advance with complete field definitions and relationships. This preliminary preparation allows the system to perform incremental updates by referencing the pre-defined schema rather than transmitting complete data sets over the wireless interface, reducing communication costs while maintaining data integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of updating a database, including data records, to accord with an updated schema. The method includes obtaining, at a portable electronic device, the updated schema associated with the database. If a field is deleted in the updated schema, the data records are updated by deleting the field from each of the data records. An update command is transmitted from the portable electronic device for updating the database schema for a corresponding backup database at a server.