Virtual Client Image for Multi-Device Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining equivalent client information across multiple computing devices of a single user is challenging, as updates on one device are not efficiently propagated to others, leading to duplicate requests and potential conflicts, especially when devices operate offline or online in different locations.
Innovation Solution
A centralized always-on network location hosts a single virtual client image, providing services like ownership arbitration, notification, encryption, and roaming to manage client information, ensuring that changes are propagated efficiently and securely across all devices, avoiding duplicate requests and conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple computing devices are used to access data and programs, then user accessibility and convenience are improved, but maintaining equivalent client information across all devices becomes problematic and complex
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual client server is introduced as an intermediary between multiple client devices and the data source. This server maintains a single virtual client image that mediates all client requests, automatically propagating changes across devices without requiring direct peer-to-peer communication or manual synchronization between clients.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining separate client images on each device, the system creates a single virtual client image that is copied to all devices on demand. This virtual image contains all client information and is dynamically updated, allowing any device to access the most current state without maintaining its own independent copy.
2Loss of information
If client information is propagated to all devices, then information equivalency is improved, but duplicate requests and potential conflicts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual client server acts as a centralized mediator that receives all client requests, determines which clients need updated information, and selectively propagates changes only to those clients. This intermediary approach prevents duplicate requests by filtering and routing updates through a single point of coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where clients indicate their synchronization status and update requirements. The server uses this feedback information to intelligently determine which clients need updated virtual images, avoiding unnecessary propagation to clients that already have current information or are offline.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual data transfer techniques are used between devices, then device independence is maintained, but time consumption and user resource expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service synchronization where clients automatically receive updated virtual images without manual intervention. When a client needs to access data, it automatically retrieves the current virtual client image from the server, eliminating the need for users to manually transfer files or configure synchronization settings between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual client image is continuously updated and maintained on the server, ensuring that information is always current when a client needs it. This continuous update mechanism eliminates interruptions in data availability and removes the need for users to wait for manual synchronization processes to complete.
Data Source
AI summary
A single virtual image of client information centrally located at an always-on network location for maintaining equivalency among multiple user devices. The image can be accessed by the user devices when coming online to upload and receive changes in the client information. A mid-tier system can be employed as the always-on central location with which the user client machines can communicate to maintain the same set of client information. Services in support thereof include an ownership service for dynamic selection of a designated client machine to take ownership for performing the actions on one client machine and arbitration of duplicate requests, a notification service for allowing data sources to publish cache update instructions to a central place, a roaming service for allowing clients machines to share state with each other, and an encryption service for secure storage and communications of client information.