Intelligent Synchronization Rules for Selective Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronization methods for mobile devices are inflexible and restrictive, limiting users to a small subset of data due to storage and bandwidth constraints, and do not allow customization of data types and priorities for synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A system that enables users to define and configure intelligent synchronization rules across multiple accounts and data types, allowing for selective synchronization of desired information based on type, content, source, priority, and category, and leveraging existing search queries to filter and transfer specific data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If simple filters are used to synchronize only recent data or certain types of data, then storage space and bandwidth requirements are reduced, but the user loses control over which specific data is synchronized and may miss important information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of data synchronizedVSAvoiduser control over data selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms static, fixed synchronization settings into dynamic, user-configurable rules. Users can create, modify, and delete synchronization rules based on their changing needs. The rules engine dynamically evaluates data against these rules and determines what to synchronize, allowing the system to adapt to user preferences while maintaining control over data selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to independently configure their own synchronization rules without requiring technical assistance or complex setup procedures. Through an intuitive user interface, users can define custom criteria for data synchronization, effectively serving themselves by controlling which data is synchronized according to their specific needs and preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed synchronization settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system lacks adaptability to different user needs and data priorities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of synchronization rulesVSAvoidsynchronization rule configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The synchronization system is segmented into distinct components: rule definition, rule evaluation, and data selection. Each synchronization rule is an independent unit that can be configured, stored, and executed separately. This segmentation allows users to create multiple specialized rules for different data types and priorities without increasing overall system complexity, as each rule operates independently through the modular rules engine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization rules engine serves multiple functions: it evaluates data against various criteria, determines synchronization priorities, selects data for transfer, and adapts to different user needs. This universal component handles diverse synchronization scenarios through a single configurable system, providing adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If all user data is synchronized to mobile devices, then data accessibility is improved, but storage space and bandwidth consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessibility on mobile deviceVSAvoidstorage space and bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary subset of user data for synchronization based on configured rules. Instead of transferring all data, the rules engine evaluates each data item against user-defined criteria and extracts only those items that match the synchronization conditions. This selective extraction reduces the quantity of data transferred and stored on mobile devices while maintaining accessibility to relevant information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Different data items receive different treatment based on their local characteristics and user-defined priorities. High-priority data items that match synchronization rules are selected for transfer, while lower-priority items remain on the server. This local quality approach ensures that mobile devices receive precisely the data they need based on user preferences, optimizing both accessibility and resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7693832B2Rich set of synchronization rules across multiple accounts with multiple folder and consent types

Publication Date: 2010.04.06 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A unique system and method that facilitates synchronizing data across multiple accounts at about the same time is provided. The system and method involve configuring an intelligent set of synchronization rules that can apply to various data types from one or more user accounts or storage locations. In addition, the system or method can leverage off of existing search folders or search queries to configure the synchronization rules.