CA2508703A1 - System and method for pim data management and asynchronous synchronization - Google Patents
System and method for pim data management and asynchronous synchronization Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
Provided below is a PIM (Personal Information Management) data asynchronous synchronization and management system and method. The system and method asynchronously synchronize Central PIM storage with various PIM devices and services.
The Central PIM storage stores the synchronized PIM data from the PIM devices and services. A user interface is provided to manage and present PIM data in the Central PIM
storage.
The Central PIM storage stores the synchronized PIM data from the PIM devices and services. A user interface is provided to manage and present PIM data in the Central PIM
storage.
Description
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PIM DATA MANAGEMENT AND
ASYNCHRONOUS SYNCHRONIZATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The invention relates to the transfer of the PIM (Personal Information Management) data between the multiple PIM devices and services, independent of the form by which the data is stored on the respective devices and services, particularly to provide an efficient means of communicating PIM data between devices and services.
Definitions:
Converged PIM data: The PIM data in the central storage represents the latest synchronized converged PIM data from all the PIM devices or services that are corresponding to the user account. The Converged PIM data may be updated when any related PIM devices or services under the user account are synchronized with the central storage. A Converged PIM data is mapped to one user account, but not mapped to one specific PIM device or service under the user account.
Interactive PIM data: The PIM data in the central storage represents the latest synchronized PIM data in the corresponding PIM device or service when the last synchronization of the PIM device or service is accomplished. The Interactive PIM data may only be updated when the corresponding PIM device or service is synchronized with the central storage. One Interactive PIM data is mapped to one specific PIM
device or service.
Description of the Related Art The PIM-related devices and services keep growing. PIM data includes contacts, calendar, tasks, emails, etc. People use Email systems such as Microsoft Outlook, IBM
Louts Notes or hand-held devices such as Palm, Pocket PC or Blackberry to process and store their PIM information. More and more Internet users use online services such as Yahoo, MSN and AOL to process and store their PIM data. As cellular phones are getting more functional, people begin to use them to keep and process more PIM data.
Other than the aforementioned mainstream PIM devices and services, there are more and more computer applications with embedded PIM functions, such as Avaya IP Softphone.
With many different device and service options on the market, synchronizing the information that are kept on different devices and services has increasingly become problematic. For example, if one keeps a phone directory on a Palm device, he/she would generally like to have the same information available in his or her cellular phone, Microsoft Outlook, Yahoo or other online account, and perhaps other PIM enabled applications. If a corporation sets up a common contact book in their Lotus Notes system, they would like to have their staff have the contact information on their PIM enabled devices.
Synchronization between PIM devices are accomplished through direct connection between the devices, or the applications such as a personal information manager in one device and a personal information manager in another or done by using an intermediary sync-mapping program.
One example of this is the prevalent use of the 3com Palm OS-based organizer, such as 3Com Palm series of computing devices which uses its own calendaring system, yet lets its users synchronize the data therein with a variety of different personal information manager software packages, such as Symantec's ACT!, Microsoft's Outlook, and other systems. In this case, an intermediary synchronization program such as Puma Technology, Inc.'s Intellisync is required. Intellisync is an application program which runs on both the hand-held device and the computer which stores the information data and maps data systems between non-uniform data records. In other cases, direct transfer is possible between applications such as transfer between Microsoft Outlook computer-based client and Microsoft's Windows CE "Pocket Outlook" application. Nevertheless, in all these cases, synchronization occurs through direct connection between a personal computer and the personal computing device. The synchronization application copies the data from one side to the other directly. The application is a peer-to-peer structure, but not a client-server structure.
These synchronization systems only support the PIM-enabled devices and computers, but not the PIM enabled online services. The synchronization application doesn't synchronize the PIM data between the PIM-enabled devices and online services, such as Yahoo, MSN and AOL online. Users have to repeatedly input data to the devices and online services, which limits users' access to their PIM data.
w The synchronization in this manner is generally accomplished by copying the records between the PIM-enabled devices. The synchronization application doesn't have its own permanent storage to store the PIM data and further to offer more process capabilities other than the synchronization. Users need more functions other than synchronization when they process their PIM data. But without its own storage of the PIM
data, the synchronization application can't offer the functions, such as PIM
data access, data-recovery, filtered synchronization or different accounts data transfer.
The synchronization application generally runs on the devices and computers that involve into the synchronization. It doesn't provide Internet-based or WEB-based user interfaces for users to access the PIM data. It normally uses direct cable connection to transfer data, not through the Internet. Therefore, users cannot access their synchronized PIM data through the Internet.
The existing synchronization applications normally use the timestamp that is a time type field to record the time of change to determine the latest data during the synchronization. The party that has the latest time in the timestamp has the latest PIM
data. The latest PIM data is used to update the other party. The method works well when all the parties that are involved in the synchronization are able to offer their accurate timestamp. But when a synchronization application is to support as many as possible PIM
devices and services, some of which cannot offer their timestamps or accurate timestamps, comparing the timestamps between the PIM devices or services isn't workable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention implements centralized asynchronous PIM synchronizing and management systems and methods by which users can synchronize their PIM
devices or services with a central PIM data management and storage system. The PIM data transfer between the devices or services through the central system asynchronously.
Various devices with proper client applications can synchronize with the central system which makes it finally synchronize with other devices or services and back up the data in them.
The present invention comprises a method for updating a PIM data source in a system. The method may include the steps of receiving PIM data from a PIM
device or service, comparing said PIM data with the existing data in a central PIM
storage to determine the latest PIM data, storing said latest PIM data to said central PIM storage or said PIM device or service.
The method may also comprise the step of presenting said PIM data through a user interface.
The method may also comprise the step of retrieving the latest Converged PIM
data from said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of retrieving the latest Interactive PIM
data from said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of comparing said PIM data with said latest Converged PIM data and said latest Interactive PIM data.
The method may also comprise the step of storing the latest Converged PIM data in said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of storing the latest Interactive PIM
data in said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of interacting with said PIM device through a client application that is installed in said PIM device.
The method may also comprise the step of interacting with said PIM service through a web service.
The method may also comprise the step of setting up an account for a user to access his /her PIM data in said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of transferring PIM data between different user accounts.
The method may also comprise the step of assigning a priority level to said PIM
device or service.
The method may also comprise the step of assigning privileges to said user account to access different PIM data set in said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of backing up the data in said central storage periodically.
The method may also comprise the step of inputting data in said central storage through said user interface.
Said central storage may be a server-based storage. The receiving and storing may be implemented through the Internet. Said user interface may be a web interface.
The present invention also provides a computer system of updating PIM data source in a system. The computer system comprises means for receiving PIM data from a PIM device or service, for comparing said PIM data with the existing data in a central PIM
storage to determine the latest PIM data, for storing said latest PIM data to said central PIM storage or said PIM device or service.
The computer system may also comprise the means for presenting said PIM data through a user interface.
The computer system may also comprise the means for retrieving the latest Converged PIM data from said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for retrieving the latest Interactive PIM data from said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for comparing said PIM data with said latest Converged PIM data and said latest Interactive PIM data.
The computer system may also comprise the means for storing the latest Converged PIM data in said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for storing the latest Interactive PIM data in said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for interacting with said PIM
device through a client application that is installed in said PIM device.
The computer system may also comprise the means for interacting with said PIM
service through a web service.
The computer system may also comprise the means for setting up an account for a user to access his /her PIM data in said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for transferring PIM data between different user accounts.
The computer system may also comprise the means for assigning a priority level to said PIM device or service.
The computer system may also comprise the means for assigning privileges to said user account to access different PIM data set in said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for backing up the data in said central storage periodically.
The computer system may also comprise the means for inputting data in said central storage through said user interface.
Said central storage may be a server-based storage. The receiving and storing may be implemented through the Internet. Said user interface may be a web interface.
These and other improvements are set forth in the following detailed description. For better understanding of the present invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described with respect to the particular embodiments thereof.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent with reference to the specifications and drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an overview of one embodiment of the system architecture in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the central PIM storage.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM
data in a central PIM storage interacting with different PIM devices and services.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating synchronization between a handheld device and a central PIM storage.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of comparing the received data from a PIM device or service with corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM
data.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating, in greater detail, one embodiment of the system architecture over the Internet in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an asynchronous synchronization method according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a PIM data management user interface in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating different privilege access to a central PIM
storage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Described below is a method and system for PIM data synchronizing and management on a centralized and asynchronous platform. For the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one who is skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
In accordance with the discussion herein, the "PIM" is defined as personal information management. PIM data means all type of data such as contacts, calendar, appointments, tasks and emails that the PDA (Personal data assistant) devices normally store. Aspects of the invention enable PIM devices or services to synchronize their data with a central PIM data storage asynchronously. Aspects of the invention enable the latest PIM data from PIM devices or services saved in the central PIM data storage.
Aspects of the invention enable the data in the central PIM data storage to be presented and managed through a user interface. Aspects of the invention also enable comparing the data in the PIM devices or services with corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM data to determine the latest PIM data.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a central PIM data storage 100 asynchronously synchronizing with various PIM devices and services and the latest PIM data from the devices and services being stored in the central PIM data storage 100. As shown, the PIM
devices could be handheld devices 101 (Palm based devices, Pocket PCs, Blackberry etc), cellular phones 102 and personal computers 104 that are installed with Microsoft Outlook, IBM Lotus Notes PIM applications. The PIM services 103 could be Microsoft MSN
PIM
Web service, Yahoo PIM Web service or AOL PIM Web service.
The PIM devices and services initiate asynchronously synchronizing with the central PIM data storage 100 according to synchronization trigger events. A trigger event could be a synchronization schedule a user sets up, a connection activated between the central PIM
data storage and a PIM device or service, or an update made to the PIM data in the central PIM data storage or a PIM device or service.
A connection between the central PIM data storage and a PIM device and service could be a physical direct connection such as a direct cable connection, a network connection which could be wire or wireless, or even an Internet connection.
A central PIM data storage stores the latest PIM data from related PIM devices or services. It comprises the PIM data users want to synchronize with, not only the data modification made to the PIM devices or services.
FIG. 2 shows an example structure of the central PIM data storage 100. The central PIM data storage comprises the Converged PIM data 200 and the Interactive PIM
data 201. The Converged PIM data 200 represents the latest synchronized Converged PIM data g from all the PIM devices or services that are corresponding to the user account. The Converged PIM data 200 may be updated when any related PIM devices or services under the user account are synchronized with the central storage. A Converged PIM
data 200 is mapped to one user account, not to one specific PIM device or service under the user account. A converged data structure is created for a user account to support the storing of the corresponding Converged PIM data 200. The converged data structure is built by converging the data structures of all related PIM devices or services for the user account.
When any PIM devices or services under a user account synchronize with its central PIM
storage 100, corresponding Converged PIM data may be updated with the change made in the PIM devices or services. The Interactive PIM data 201 represents the latest synchronized PIM data in the corresponding PIM device or service when the last synchronization of the PIM device or service is accomplished. The Interactive PIM data 201 may only be updated when the corresponding PIM device or service is synchronized with the central storage. One Interactive PIM data 201 is mapped to one specific PIM device or service. An Interactive data structure is created for a specific PIM device or service to support the storing of the corresponding' Interactive PIM data 201. The interactive data structure is built by duplicating the data structure of the corresponding PIM
device or service. The Interactive data corresponding to a PIM device or service is a clone of the PIM
data in the PIM device or service when its latest synchronization is accomplished.
FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of the system of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the Converged PIM data 200 and Interactive PIM data 201 in a central PIM storage 100 interacting with different PIM devices and services. One Interactive PIM
data 201 only has one corresponding PIM device or service, and only interact with its corresponding PIM
device or service. One Converged PIM data may interact with various PIM
devices or services. One Converged PIM data may be generated through converging corresponding PIM data from various PIM devices or services.
FIG. 4 shows an example of synchronization between a handheld device 101 and a central PIM storage 100. In the central PIM storage 100, an Interactive PIM
data 201 is corresponding to the handheld device 101. The Interactive PIM data 201 represents the latest PIM data that is stored in the handheld device 101 when the last synchronization of the device 101 is accomplished. When the handheld device 101 initiates synchronization with the central PIM storage 100, the system of the present invention will receive the PIM
data from the handheld device 101. Then the system will compare the PIM data from the handheld device 101 with the corresponding Interactive PIM data 201 and Converged PIM
data 200 to determine which data is the latest. When the system cannot make a decision through comparing, the user will be presented to make a choice of the latest data. After the latest PIM data is determined, the system of the invention will update the old data that could be the data in the handheld device 101, the Converged PIM data 200 or the Interactive PIM data 201 with the latest PIM data. The synchronization is accomplished at this point. The PIM data in the handheld device 101, the Converged PIM data 200 and the Interactive PIM data 201 are consistent. The corresponding Interactive PIM
data 201 in the central PIM storage 100 is identical to the PIM data in the handheld device 101 until the PIM data in the handheld is changed later.
FIG. 5 shows yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
First of all, if accurate timestamp of the received PIM data 501 from a PIM device or service 500 is available, the system will compare the timestamp of the received PIM data 501 with the timestamp of the corresponding Converged PIM data 200 to determine which PIM
data is the latest. If the timestamp of the received PIM data 501 isn't available or isn't accurate, the system of the present invention will compare received PIM data 501 from a PIM
device or service 500 with corresponding Converged PIM data 200 and Interactive PIM data 201 to determine the latest PIM data. There's five possible existing scenarios.
First, if none of the received PIM data 501, the Converged PIM data 200 and the Interactive PIM data 201 is the same as each other, it may mean both of the received PIM data 501 in the PIM device or service 500 and the Converged PIM data 200 have been changed since last synchronization of the PIM device or service 500. The user will be asked to make a decision on which data is the latest. Second, if the received PIM data 501 from the PIM
device or service 500 is the same as the Interactive PIM data 201 and the Converged PIM
data 200 is different, it may mean the Converged PIM data 200 has been changed since last synchronization of the PIM device or service. Then the Converged PIM data 200 is the latest. Third, if the Converged PIM data 200 is the same as the Interactive PIM data 201 and the received PIM data 501 is different, it may mean the received PIM data 501 from the PIM device or service 500 has been changed since last synchronization of the PIM
device or service 500. Then the received PIM data 501 is the latest. Fourth, if the Converged PIM data 200 is the same as the received PIM data 501 and the Interactive PIM
data 201 is different, it may mean both the Converged PIM data 200 and the received PIM
data 501 have been changed since last synchronization of the PIM device or service 500.
Then both the Converged PIM data 200 and the received PIM data 501 are the latest.
Finally, if the Converged PIM data 200, the Interactive PIM data 201 and the received PIM
data 501 are all the same, it may mean none of the data has been changed.
Then, they are all the latest data. After the latest PIM data is determined, any parties without the latest PIM data is updated with the latest PIM data.
FIG. 6 shows in greater detail one embodiment of the system architecture over the Internet in accordance with the present invention. The system architecture of the present invention may be the Client/Server architecture. The server side is primarily comprised of the central PIM storage 100, PIM Synchronization and Management Web service 600 and Web Services 601. A client may be a client application that is installed in a PIM device or a Web Services that is provided by the service provider of a PIM service. The PIM
Synchronization and Management Web service 600 may be comprised of Web servers and other related application servers. The PIM Synchronization and Management Web service 600 receives the PIM data from a client through corresponding Web services 601. The PIM
Synchronization and Management Web service 600 accesses the corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM data in the Central PIM storage 100.
The PIM
Synchronization and Management Web service 600 compares the PIM data from the client with the corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM data to determine the latest PIM data. The PIM Synchronization and Management Web service 600 uses the latest PIM data to update the parties that don't have the latest data.
A client application installed in a handheld device 101 or a cellular phone 102 may interact with another client application installed in a PC 604 through a wire or wireless connection. The client application in the PC 604 interacts with corresponding Web services 601 through the Internet 603.
If a handheld device 101 or a cellular phone 102 is able to access the Internet 603 directly through a wire or wireless connection, a client application installed in it may interact with corresponding Web services 601 directly through the Internet 603.
A PIM PC application such as Microsoft Outlook or IBM Lotus Notes in the PC
may interact with a client application installed in the PC 104 to interact with corresponding Web services 601 through the Internet 603.
The PIM Synchronization and Management Web service 600 may interact with the Web services 602 through the Web services 601 and Internet 603 to access the PIM data in the PIM services 103 such as MSN, Yahoo and AOL PIM services.
FIG. 7 shows an asynchronous synchronization method according to an embodiment of the invention. An asynchronous synchronization system according to an embodiment of the invention receives a PIM data from a PIM device or service 701. The system checks if the received PIM data has an accurate timestamp 702. If the received PIM data has an accurate timestamp, the system will compare the timestamp of the received PIM data with the timestamp of corresponding Converged PIM data 706 to determine the latest PIM data 708. If the received PIM data doesn't have an accurate timestamp, the system will retrieve corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM
data 703. Then the system will compare the received PIM data with corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM data 704. If the system can make a decision on which data is the latest PIM data 705, then the latest PIM data is determined 708.
Otherwise, the user will be asked to decide the latest PIM data 707. After the latest PIM
data is determined 708, the system will store the latest PIM data to the party that doesn't have the latest PIM data.
FIG. 8 shows a PIM data management user interface 800 in accordance with the present invention. A user may be able to use a PIM data management user interface 800 to access his/her central PIM storage 100 through the Internet. The user interface 800 may be a Web user interface. The user may be able to use the user interface 800 to change his/her PIM data in the central PIM storage 100 directly. The user may be able to use the user interface to manage his/her PIM data management features such as adding a new PIM device or service, setting a synchronization schedule, backing up data or recovering data.
FIG. 9 shows different privilege access to a central PIM storage. User account A
900 only has read access privilege to a central PIM storage 100. User account B 901 has the ownership of the central PIM storage 100. User account B 901 has read/write access privilege to the central PIM storage 100. The owner or administrator of a central PIM
storage may share the PIM data in the central PIM storage to other users by assigning different privilege to users.
While the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a degree of latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure, and it will be appreciated that in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without corresponding use of other features without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.
ASYNCHRONOUS SYNCHRONIZATION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The invention relates to the transfer of the PIM (Personal Information Management) data between the multiple PIM devices and services, independent of the form by which the data is stored on the respective devices and services, particularly to provide an efficient means of communicating PIM data between devices and services.
Definitions:
Converged PIM data: The PIM data in the central storage represents the latest synchronized converged PIM data from all the PIM devices or services that are corresponding to the user account. The Converged PIM data may be updated when any related PIM devices or services under the user account are synchronized with the central storage. A Converged PIM data is mapped to one user account, but not mapped to one specific PIM device or service under the user account.
Interactive PIM data: The PIM data in the central storage represents the latest synchronized PIM data in the corresponding PIM device or service when the last synchronization of the PIM device or service is accomplished. The Interactive PIM data may only be updated when the corresponding PIM device or service is synchronized with the central storage. One Interactive PIM data is mapped to one specific PIM
device or service.
Description of the Related Art The PIM-related devices and services keep growing. PIM data includes contacts, calendar, tasks, emails, etc. People use Email systems such as Microsoft Outlook, IBM
Louts Notes or hand-held devices such as Palm, Pocket PC or Blackberry to process and store their PIM information. More and more Internet users use online services such as Yahoo, MSN and AOL to process and store their PIM data. As cellular phones are getting more functional, people begin to use them to keep and process more PIM data.
Other than the aforementioned mainstream PIM devices and services, there are more and more computer applications with embedded PIM functions, such as Avaya IP Softphone.
With many different device and service options on the market, synchronizing the information that are kept on different devices and services has increasingly become problematic. For example, if one keeps a phone directory on a Palm device, he/she would generally like to have the same information available in his or her cellular phone, Microsoft Outlook, Yahoo or other online account, and perhaps other PIM enabled applications. If a corporation sets up a common contact book in their Lotus Notes system, they would like to have their staff have the contact information on their PIM enabled devices.
Synchronization between PIM devices are accomplished through direct connection between the devices, or the applications such as a personal information manager in one device and a personal information manager in another or done by using an intermediary sync-mapping program.
One example of this is the prevalent use of the 3com Palm OS-based organizer, such as 3Com Palm series of computing devices which uses its own calendaring system, yet lets its users synchronize the data therein with a variety of different personal information manager software packages, such as Symantec's ACT!, Microsoft's Outlook, and other systems. In this case, an intermediary synchronization program such as Puma Technology, Inc.'s Intellisync is required. Intellisync is an application program which runs on both the hand-held device and the computer which stores the information data and maps data systems between non-uniform data records. In other cases, direct transfer is possible between applications such as transfer between Microsoft Outlook computer-based client and Microsoft's Windows CE "Pocket Outlook" application. Nevertheless, in all these cases, synchronization occurs through direct connection between a personal computer and the personal computing device. The synchronization application copies the data from one side to the other directly. The application is a peer-to-peer structure, but not a client-server structure.
These synchronization systems only support the PIM-enabled devices and computers, but not the PIM enabled online services. The synchronization application doesn't synchronize the PIM data between the PIM-enabled devices and online services, such as Yahoo, MSN and AOL online. Users have to repeatedly input data to the devices and online services, which limits users' access to their PIM data.
w The synchronization in this manner is generally accomplished by copying the records between the PIM-enabled devices. The synchronization application doesn't have its own permanent storage to store the PIM data and further to offer more process capabilities other than the synchronization. Users need more functions other than synchronization when they process their PIM data. But without its own storage of the PIM
data, the synchronization application can't offer the functions, such as PIM
data access, data-recovery, filtered synchronization or different accounts data transfer.
The synchronization application generally runs on the devices and computers that involve into the synchronization. It doesn't provide Internet-based or WEB-based user interfaces for users to access the PIM data. It normally uses direct cable connection to transfer data, not through the Internet. Therefore, users cannot access their synchronized PIM data through the Internet.
The existing synchronization applications normally use the timestamp that is a time type field to record the time of change to determine the latest data during the synchronization. The party that has the latest time in the timestamp has the latest PIM
data. The latest PIM data is used to update the other party. The method works well when all the parties that are involved in the synchronization are able to offer their accurate timestamp. But when a synchronization application is to support as many as possible PIM
devices and services, some of which cannot offer their timestamps or accurate timestamps, comparing the timestamps between the PIM devices or services isn't workable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention implements centralized asynchronous PIM synchronizing and management systems and methods by which users can synchronize their PIM
devices or services with a central PIM data management and storage system. The PIM data transfer between the devices or services through the central system asynchronously.
Various devices with proper client applications can synchronize with the central system which makes it finally synchronize with other devices or services and back up the data in them.
The present invention comprises a method for updating a PIM data source in a system. The method may include the steps of receiving PIM data from a PIM
device or service, comparing said PIM data with the existing data in a central PIM
storage to determine the latest PIM data, storing said latest PIM data to said central PIM storage or said PIM device or service.
The method may also comprise the step of presenting said PIM data through a user interface.
The method may also comprise the step of retrieving the latest Converged PIM
data from said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of retrieving the latest Interactive PIM
data from said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of comparing said PIM data with said latest Converged PIM data and said latest Interactive PIM data.
The method may also comprise the step of storing the latest Converged PIM data in said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of storing the latest Interactive PIM
data in said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of interacting with said PIM device through a client application that is installed in said PIM device.
The method may also comprise the step of interacting with said PIM service through a web service.
The method may also comprise the step of setting up an account for a user to access his /her PIM data in said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of transferring PIM data between different user accounts.
The method may also comprise the step of assigning a priority level to said PIM
device or service.
The method may also comprise the step of assigning privileges to said user account to access different PIM data set in said central storage.
The method may also comprise the step of backing up the data in said central storage periodically.
The method may also comprise the step of inputting data in said central storage through said user interface.
Said central storage may be a server-based storage. The receiving and storing may be implemented through the Internet. Said user interface may be a web interface.
The present invention also provides a computer system of updating PIM data source in a system. The computer system comprises means for receiving PIM data from a PIM device or service, for comparing said PIM data with the existing data in a central PIM
storage to determine the latest PIM data, for storing said latest PIM data to said central PIM storage or said PIM device or service.
The computer system may also comprise the means for presenting said PIM data through a user interface.
The computer system may also comprise the means for retrieving the latest Converged PIM data from said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for retrieving the latest Interactive PIM data from said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for comparing said PIM data with said latest Converged PIM data and said latest Interactive PIM data.
The computer system may also comprise the means for storing the latest Converged PIM data in said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for storing the latest Interactive PIM data in said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for interacting with said PIM
device through a client application that is installed in said PIM device.
The computer system may also comprise the means for interacting with said PIM
service through a web service.
The computer system may also comprise the means for setting up an account for a user to access his /her PIM data in said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for transferring PIM data between different user accounts.
The computer system may also comprise the means for assigning a priority level to said PIM device or service.
The computer system may also comprise the means for assigning privileges to said user account to access different PIM data set in said central storage.
The computer system may also comprise the means for backing up the data in said central storage periodically.
The computer system may also comprise the means for inputting data in said central storage through said user interface.
Said central storage may be a server-based storage. The receiving and storing may be implemented through the Internet. Said user interface may be a web interface.
These and other improvements are set forth in the following detailed description. For better understanding of the present invention with advantages and features, refer to the description and to the drawings below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described with respect to the particular embodiments thereof.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent with reference to the specifications and drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an overview of one embodiment of the system architecture in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the central PIM storage.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM
data in a central PIM storage interacting with different PIM devices and services.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating synchronization between a handheld device and a central PIM storage.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of comparing the received data from a PIM device or service with corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM
data.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating, in greater detail, one embodiment of the system architecture over the Internet in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an asynchronous synchronization method according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a PIM data management user interface in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating different privilege access to a central PIM
storage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Described below is a method and system for PIM data synchronizing and management on a centralized and asynchronous platform. For the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one who is skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
In accordance with the discussion herein, the "PIM" is defined as personal information management. PIM data means all type of data such as contacts, calendar, appointments, tasks and emails that the PDA (Personal data assistant) devices normally store. Aspects of the invention enable PIM devices or services to synchronize their data with a central PIM data storage asynchronously. Aspects of the invention enable the latest PIM data from PIM devices or services saved in the central PIM data storage.
Aspects of the invention enable the data in the central PIM data storage to be presented and managed through a user interface. Aspects of the invention also enable comparing the data in the PIM devices or services with corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM data to determine the latest PIM data.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a central PIM data storage 100 asynchronously synchronizing with various PIM devices and services and the latest PIM data from the devices and services being stored in the central PIM data storage 100. As shown, the PIM
devices could be handheld devices 101 (Palm based devices, Pocket PCs, Blackberry etc), cellular phones 102 and personal computers 104 that are installed with Microsoft Outlook, IBM Lotus Notes PIM applications. The PIM services 103 could be Microsoft MSN
PIM
Web service, Yahoo PIM Web service or AOL PIM Web service.
The PIM devices and services initiate asynchronously synchronizing with the central PIM data storage 100 according to synchronization trigger events. A trigger event could be a synchronization schedule a user sets up, a connection activated between the central PIM
data storage and a PIM device or service, or an update made to the PIM data in the central PIM data storage or a PIM device or service.
A connection between the central PIM data storage and a PIM device and service could be a physical direct connection such as a direct cable connection, a network connection which could be wire or wireless, or even an Internet connection.
A central PIM data storage stores the latest PIM data from related PIM devices or services. It comprises the PIM data users want to synchronize with, not only the data modification made to the PIM devices or services.
FIG. 2 shows an example structure of the central PIM data storage 100. The central PIM data storage comprises the Converged PIM data 200 and the Interactive PIM
data 201. The Converged PIM data 200 represents the latest synchronized Converged PIM data g from all the PIM devices or services that are corresponding to the user account. The Converged PIM data 200 may be updated when any related PIM devices or services under the user account are synchronized with the central storage. A Converged PIM
data 200 is mapped to one user account, not to one specific PIM device or service under the user account. A converged data structure is created for a user account to support the storing of the corresponding Converged PIM data 200. The converged data structure is built by converging the data structures of all related PIM devices or services for the user account.
When any PIM devices or services under a user account synchronize with its central PIM
storage 100, corresponding Converged PIM data may be updated with the change made in the PIM devices or services. The Interactive PIM data 201 represents the latest synchronized PIM data in the corresponding PIM device or service when the last synchronization of the PIM device or service is accomplished. The Interactive PIM data 201 may only be updated when the corresponding PIM device or service is synchronized with the central storage. One Interactive PIM data 201 is mapped to one specific PIM device or service. An Interactive data structure is created for a specific PIM device or service to support the storing of the corresponding' Interactive PIM data 201. The interactive data structure is built by duplicating the data structure of the corresponding PIM
device or service. The Interactive data corresponding to a PIM device or service is a clone of the PIM
data in the PIM device or service when its latest synchronization is accomplished.
FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of the system of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the Converged PIM data 200 and Interactive PIM data 201 in a central PIM storage 100 interacting with different PIM devices and services. One Interactive PIM
data 201 only has one corresponding PIM device or service, and only interact with its corresponding PIM
device or service. One Converged PIM data may interact with various PIM
devices or services. One Converged PIM data may be generated through converging corresponding PIM data from various PIM devices or services.
FIG. 4 shows an example of synchronization between a handheld device 101 and a central PIM storage 100. In the central PIM storage 100, an Interactive PIM
data 201 is corresponding to the handheld device 101. The Interactive PIM data 201 represents the latest PIM data that is stored in the handheld device 101 when the last synchronization of the device 101 is accomplished. When the handheld device 101 initiates synchronization with the central PIM storage 100, the system of the present invention will receive the PIM
data from the handheld device 101. Then the system will compare the PIM data from the handheld device 101 with the corresponding Interactive PIM data 201 and Converged PIM
data 200 to determine which data is the latest. When the system cannot make a decision through comparing, the user will be presented to make a choice of the latest data. After the latest PIM data is determined, the system of the invention will update the old data that could be the data in the handheld device 101, the Converged PIM data 200 or the Interactive PIM data 201 with the latest PIM data. The synchronization is accomplished at this point. The PIM data in the handheld device 101, the Converged PIM data 200 and the Interactive PIM data 201 are consistent. The corresponding Interactive PIM
data 201 in the central PIM storage 100 is identical to the PIM data in the handheld device 101 until the PIM data in the handheld is changed later.
FIG. 5 shows yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
First of all, if accurate timestamp of the received PIM data 501 from a PIM device or service 500 is available, the system will compare the timestamp of the received PIM data 501 with the timestamp of the corresponding Converged PIM data 200 to determine which PIM
data is the latest. If the timestamp of the received PIM data 501 isn't available or isn't accurate, the system of the present invention will compare received PIM data 501 from a PIM
device or service 500 with corresponding Converged PIM data 200 and Interactive PIM data 201 to determine the latest PIM data. There's five possible existing scenarios.
First, if none of the received PIM data 501, the Converged PIM data 200 and the Interactive PIM data 201 is the same as each other, it may mean both of the received PIM data 501 in the PIM device or service 500 and the Converged PIM data 200 have been changed since last synchronization of the PIM device or service 500. The user will be asked to make a decision on which data is the latest. Second, if the received PIM data 501 from the PIM
device or service 500 is the same as the Interactive PIM data 201 and the Converged PIM
data 200 is different, it may mean the Converged PIM data 200 has been changed since last synchronization of the PIM device or service. Then the Converged PIM data 200 is the latest. Third, if the Converged PIM data 200 is the same as the Interactive PIM data 201 and the received PIM data 501 is different, it may mean the received PIM data 501 from the PIM device or service 500 has been changed since last synchronization of the PIM
device or service 500. Then the received PIM data 501 is the latest. Fourth, if the Converged PIM data 200 is the same as the received PIM data 501 and the Interactive PIM
data 201 is different, it may mean both the Converged PIM data 200 and the received PIM
data 501 have been changed since last synchronization of the PIM device or service 500.
Then both the Converged PIM data 200 and the received PIM data 501 are the latest.
Finally, if the Converged PIM data 200, the Interactive PIM data 201 and the received PIM
data 501 are all the same, it may mean none of the data has been changed.
Then, they are all the latest data. After the latest PIM data is determined, any parties without the latest PIM data is updated with the latest PIM data.
FIG. 6 shows in greater detail one embodiment of the system architecture over the Internet in accordance with the present invention. The system architecture of the present invention may be the Client/Server architecture. The server side is primarily comprised of the central PIM storage 100, PIM Synchronization and Management Web service 600 and Web Services 601. A client may be a client application that is installed in a PIM device or a Web Services that is provided by the service provider of a PIM service. The PIM
Synchronization and Management Web service 600 may be comprised of Web servers and other related application servers. The PIM Synchronization and Management Web service 600 receives the PIM data from a client through corresponding Web services 601. The PIM
Synchronization and Management Web service 600 accesses the corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM data in the Central PIM storage 100.
The PIM
Synchronization and Management Web service 600 compares the PIM data from the client with the corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM data to determine the latest PIM data. The PIM Synchronization and Management Web service 600 uses the latest PIM data to update the parties that don't have the latest data.
A client application installed in a handheld device 101 or a cellular phone 102 may interact with another client application installed in a PC 604 through a wire or wireless connection. The client application in the PC 604 interacts with corresponding Web services 601 through the Internet 603.
If a handheld device 101 or a cellular phone 102 is able to access the Internet 603 directly through a wire or wireless connection, a client application installed in it may interact with corresponding Web services 601 directly through the Internet 603.
A PIM PC application such as Microsoft Outlook or IBM Lotus Notes in the PC
may interact with a client application installed in the PC 104 to interact with corresponding Web services 601 through the Internet 603.
The PIM Synchronization and Management Web service 600 may interact with the Web services 602 through the Web services 601 and Internet 603 to access the PIM data in the PIM services 103 such as MSN, Yahoo and AOL PIM services.
FIG. 7 shows an asynchronous synchronization method according to an embodiment of the invention. An asynchronous synchronization system according to an embodiment of the invention receives a PIM data from a PIM device or service 701. The system checks if the received PIM data has an accurate timestamp 702. If the received PIM data has an accurate timestamp, the system will compare the timestamp of the received PIM data with the timestamp of corresponding Converged PIM data 706 to determine the latest PIM data 708. If the received PIM data doesn't have an accurate timestamp, the system will retrieve corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM
data 703. Then the system will compare the received PIM data with corresponding Converged PIM data and Interactive PIM data 704. If the system can make a decision on which data is the latest PIM data 705, then the latest PIM data is determined 708.
Otherwise, the user will be asked to decide the latest PIM data 707. After the latest PIM
data is determined 708, the system will store the latest PIM data to the party that doesn't have the latest PIM data.
FIG. 8 shows a PIM data management user interface 800 in accordance with the present invention. A user may be able to use a PIM data management user interface 800 to access his/her central PIM storage 100 through the Internet. The user interface 800 may be a Web user interface. The user may be able to use the user interface 800 to change his/her PIM data in the central PIM storage 100 directly. The user may be able to use the user interface to manage his/her PIM data management features such as adding a new PIM device or service, setting a synchronization schedule, backing up data or recovering data.
FIG. 9 shows different privilege access to a central PIM storage. User account A
900 only has read access privilege to a central PIM storage 100. User account B 901 has the ownership of the central PIM storage 100. User account B 901 has read/write access privilege to the central PIM storage 100. The owner or administrator of a central PIM
storage may share the PIM data in the central PIM storage to other users by assigning different privilege to users.
While the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a degree of latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure, and it will be appreciated that in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without corresponding use of other features without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth.
Claims (18)
1 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PIM DATA MANAGEMENT AND
ASYNCHRONOUS SYNCHRONIZATION
Claims:
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A method of facilitating personal information management (PIM) between the multiple devices and services, comprising the steps of:
.cndot. Receiving PIM data from a PIM device or service;
.cndot. Comparing said PIM data with the existing data in a central PIM
storage to determine the latest PIM data; and .cndot. Storing said latest PIM data to said central PIM storage or said PIM
device or service.
ASYNCHRONOUS SYNCHRONIZATION
Claims:
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A method of facilitating personal information management (PIM) between the multiple devices and services, comprising the steps of:
.cndot. Receiving PIM data from a PIM device or service;
.cndot. Comparing said PIM data with the existing data in a central PIM
storage to determine the latest PIM data; and .cndot. Storing said latest PIM data to said central PIM storage or said PIM
device or service.
2. A method according to claim1 further comprising the step of presenting said PIM
data through a user interface.
data through a user interface.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 further composing the step of retrieving the latest Converged PIM data from said central storage.
4. A method of according to claim 1, 2 or 3 further composing the step of retrieving the latest Interactive PIM data from said central storage.
5. A method of according to 3 or 4 further comprising the step of comparing said PIM
data with said latest Converged PIM data and said latest Interactive PIM data.
data with said latest Converged PIM data and said latest Interactive PIM data.
6. A method according to claim 1 to 5 further comprising the step of storing the latest Converged PIM data in said central storage.
7. A method according to claim 1 to 6 further comprising the step of storing the latest Interactive PIM data in said central storage.
8. A method according to claim 1 to 7 wherein said central storage is a server-based storage.
9. A method according to claim 1 to 8 wherein the receiving and storing are implemented through the Internet.
10. A method according to claim 3 to 9 wherein said user interface is a web interface.
11.A method according to claim 1 to 10 further comprising the step of interacting with said PIM devices through a client application that is installed in said PIM
devices.
devices.
12.A method according to claim 1 to 11 further comprising the step of interacting with said PIM services through Web services.
13.A method according to claim 1 to 12 further comprising the step of setting up an account for a user to access his/her PIM data in said central storage.
14.A method according to claim 1 to 13 further comprising the step of transferring PIM
data between the different accounts.
data between the different accounts.
15.A method according to claim 1 to 14 further comprising the step of assigning a priority level to said PIM devices or services.
16.A method according to claim 1 to 15 further comprising the step of assigning access permissions to said user account corresponding to different PIM data in said central storage.
17.A method according to claim 1 to 16 further comprising the step of backing up said central storage periodically.
18.A method according to claim 1 to 17 further comprise the step of changing data in said central storage through said user interface.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002508703A CA2508703A1 (en) | 2005-06-10 | 2005-06-10 | System and method for pim data management and asynchronous synchronization |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002508703A CA2508703A1 (en) | 2005-06-10 | 2005-06-10 | System and method for pim data management and asynchronous synchronization |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2508703A1 true CA2508703A1 (en) | 2006-12-10 |
Family
ID=37545734
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002508703A Abandoned CA2508703A1 (en) | 2005-06-10 | 2005-06-10 | System and method for pim data management and asynchronous synchronization |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2508703A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009039609A1 (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2009-04-02 | Research In Motion Limited | Electronic device and method for managing storage of data |
-
2005
- 2005-06-10 CA CA002508703A patent/CA2508703A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009039609A1 (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2009-04-02 | Research In Motion Limited | Electronic device and method for managing storage of data |
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