Database Synchronization Timer Mechanism for Idle Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data synchronization over radio communication channels leads to prolonged idle times for portable electronic devices, negatively impacting productivity and performance due to the waiting period for responses from remote computing stations, especially when multiple records need to be retrieved or synchronized.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization server method that initiates a timer during data record retrieval; if records are not received within the timer's expiration, the synchronization session is temporarily disconnected, allowing other data transfers, and the session is restarted upon receipt of records, enabling continuous data flow and reducing idle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data synchronization is performed over radio communication channels, then data can be communicated remotely over large distances, but the portable electronic device remains idle for several minutes while awaiting a response from the remote computing station
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device performs preliminary actions by sending all necessary data and commands to the remote computing station before initiating synchronization. The device includes a timer that is set before the synchronization process starts, allowing it to prepare and queue data transfers in advance, so that when the remote station responds, the device is already ready to receive and process the data without idle waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system maintains continuous useful action by establishing a persistent communication channel and pre-loading data buffers. The portable device continues to perform other operations in the background while the synchronization process is underway, and the timer mechanism ensures that data retrieval and processing operations overlap in time, eliminating idle periods and maintaining continuous productive activity.
2Reliability
If the portable electronic device sends information to the remote computing station and then waits for a response, then data flow from the portable electronic device is blocked, but the remote computing station retrieves records from databases and determines what records are to be updated
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating data requirements, setting timers, and queuing data transfer operations before the synchronization process begins. This allows the device to maintain operational readiness and avoid blocking, while the remote computing station can retrieve and process records in advance without waiting for device responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The timer mechanism acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the portable device and remote computing station. It manages the timing and sequencing of data requests and responses, ensuring that the device does not block data flow while still allowing the remote station to retrieve and process records accurately. The timer mediates the synchronization process, balancing reliability requirements with productivity needs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for synchronizing a first database including first data records with a second database including second data records. The method includes starting a synchronization session between an electronic device on which the second database resides and a synchronization server, requesting by the synchronization server the first data records from the first database, temporarily disconnecting by the synchronization server the synchronization session while awaiting receipt of the first data records, receiving the first data records by the synchronization server, and restarting by the synchronization server and completing the synchronization session.