Unified Data List for Portable Devices and Host Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data management solutions fail to provide a unified view of data stored on both local and remote devices, requiring users to access different views for each location and necessitating specific software on the host machine, which limits portability and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that create a unified list of data from both local and remote storage, transmitted to the host machine, allowing access to all data through a single list without requiring additional software on the host machine, using a portable electronic device connected to a remote server, and enabling access control and synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a unified view of distributed data is implemented in the host machine using dedicated software, then data accessibility is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to software installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of implementing the unified view functionality in the host machine (traditional approach), the patent inverts the architecture by implementing it in the portable device. The portable device generates the unified list of data from multiple sources and transmits it to the host machine, which then displays it using its existing file explorer without requiring additional software installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable device acts as an intermediary between the multiple data sources and the host machine. It consolidates data from local storage, remote servers, and other sources into a unified list, then transmits this consolidated view to the host machine for display, eliminating the need for dedicated software on the host.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate views are used for local and remote data, then data organization is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to the need to switch between views

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata organizationVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate data views (local data, remote server data, and other data sources) into a single unified list. This unified list is generated by the portable device and transmitted to the host machine, allowing users to access all data from a single view without switching between multiple windows or applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a unified data view is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases due to data synchronization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddata synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable device performs self-service by automatically generating the unified list of data from multiple sources and maintaining its own data structure. It independently manages the consolidation of data from local storage, remote servers, and other sources, then transmits the unified view to the host machine without requiring complex synchronization infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2102768A1Method and device for managing data in a distributed environment
Publication Date: 2009.09.23 THALES DIS FRANCE SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for managing the data of a portable electronic device connected to a host machine, said device containing first data, and the host machine being connected to a remote data server containing second data. The method includes the steps of: creating in the device a unique list indicating the first and second data, transmitting said unique list from said device to the host machine.