Widget Synchronization via Segmented Software Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data synchronization systems between handheld and desktop computers lack comprehensive synchronization of various data classes, including widgets, and do not allow for concurrent operation of synchronization and non-synchronization tasks, leading to limitations in data management and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A software architecture that includes separate components for data retrieval and storage, allowing for peer-to-peer synchronization of widgets between devices, with version identifier comparison to ensure compatibility and automatic updating, and enabling concurrent execution of synchronization and non-synchronization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional synchronization systems are used, then data synchronization between devices is achieved, but comprehensive synchronization of multiple data classes including widgets is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system is divided into separate synchronization agents on each device and a synchronization server, with each component responsible for specific data classes. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple data classes (contacts, calendar, widgets, etc.) independently while maintaining overall data consistency through coordinated synchronization operations.
2Device complexity
If synchronization software runs on host computer only, then synchronization control is centralized, but active participation from handheld computer is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization server acts as an intermediary between the host computer and handheld device, receiving synchronization requests from either device, coordinating the synchronization process, and managing data exchange. This intermediary enables bidirectional active participation while maintaining centralized control logic.
3Reliability
If synchronization process is performed, then data consistency is maintained, but concurrent access and editing of data is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system dynamically manages data access by implementing version control and conflict resolution mechanisms. During synchronization, the system can temporarily lock specific data classes being synchronized while allowing access to other data classes, and automatically resolves conflicts when both devices have made changes, enabling concurrent operations without compromising data consistency.
4Reliability
If version identifier comparison is implemented, then software compatibility is ensured, but additional synchronization checks are required
Solution Approach 1:
Version identifier comparison is performed as a preliminary check before initiating the actual synchronization data transfer. The synchronization agents exchange version information first, and only proceed with full synchronization if version compatibility is confirmed or appropriate upgrade/downgrade procedures are triggered, preventing incompatible data exchanges.
Data Source
AI summary
Widget synchronization architectures, methods, systems, and computer readable media are described. One exemplary embodiment includes a first software component which is configured to cause retrieval and storage of data for a first data class for one or more widgets from a first store of the data on a device, such as a first data processing system, and is configured to synchronize data for the first data class in the first store with data of the first data class in a second store on at least one of a host or another device, such as a second data processing system. The first software component is separate from a widget application software which provides a user interface to allow a user to use the data. The first software component synchronizes the structured data through a second software component which interfaces with the host and the device.