Wireless Presyncing of Partial Emails via Priority Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile electronic devices often store only partial emails due to memory constraints, making it impossible for users to view complete emails when not connected to the network, as they download emails incrementally and lack the capability to automatically sync complete data.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus, system, and method that include a scan module and a download module to automatically download complete emails to mobile devices if the partial emails satisfy a priority policy, which involves scanning the partial emails for specific criteria such as sender, keywords, and attachment types, and downloading the complete version from a server over a wireless network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If mobile electronic devices download partial emails to save memory space, then storage capacity is improved, but the ability to view complete emails deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidcomplete email availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically scanning stored partial emails and proactively downloading complete versions before the user needs them. The scan module identifies partial emails that can be expanded, and the download module retrieves complete versions from the server in advance, ensuring complete emails are available when needed without requiring user-initiated actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through a continuous cycle where the scan module monitors stored partial emails, the download module retrieves complete versions based on scan results, and the updated complete emails are stored for future access. This feedback loop ensures that partial emails are automatically replaced with complete versions, resolving the information loss issue while maintaining storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile electronic devices store only partial emails, then memory constraints are satisfied, but user accessibility to complete emails deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvememory efficiencyVSAvoidemail accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically scanning and downloading complete emails without requiring user intervention. The scan module autonomously identifies partial emails, and the download module automatically retrieves complete versions from the server, eliminating the need for users to manually check or retrieve complete emails while maintaining memory efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively scanning stored partial emails and downloading complete versions before users need them. This advance preparation ensures that complete emails are readily accessible when users open them, eliminating the need for users to wait for manual synchronization or network connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If mobile electronic devices automatically download complete emails, then email completeness is improved, but network dependency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemail completenessVSAvoidnetwork connectivity requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by downloading complete emails during periods when network connectivity is available, before the user needs to access them. The scan module identifies partial emails and the download module retrieves complete versions in advance, so that when users access emails offline, complete versions are already stored locally, eliminating network dependency at the moment of access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system operates autonomously by continuously scanning and downloading complete emails without requiring real-time network dependency during user access. The automatic scanning and downloading processes use available network connections proactively, ensuring that complete emails are stored locally for offline access, thereby reducing reliability concerns related to network connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Extent of automation

If mobile electronic devices scan and process partial emails, then automation capability is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic email syncVSAvoidscan and download module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the email processing function into distinct modules: a scan module that identifies partial emails, a download module that retrieves complete versions, and a storage module that saves updated emails. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement while achieving high automation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scan module serves multiple functions by identifying partial emails, determining their completeness status, and triggering download operations. The download module similarly handles multiple tasks including retrieving complete emails, validating them, and storing them. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7921172B2Apparatus, system, and method for wireless presyncing of data
Publication Date: 2011.04.05 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US7921172B2 patent drawing
  • US7921172B2 patent drawing
  • US7921172B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for wireless presyncing of data. A scan module scans a partial email stored on a mobile electronic device. The partial email comprises subject text, address data, and a specified quantity of message text. A complete version of the partial email resides on a server. The server is in communication with the mobile electronic device over a wireless network. A download module determines if the partial email satisfies a priority policy. In addition, the download module downloads the complete email to the mobile electronic device if the partial email satisfies the priority policy.