Manual Conflict Resolution for Background Synchronization

• US 20080046437A1
• Filed: 07/26/2007
• Published: 02/21/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Newsilike Media Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Newsilike Media Group, Inc.
• Inventors: Wood, Charles
• Application Number:
  US11/828,928
• Publication Number:
  US 20080046437A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/10
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/273 Asynchronous replication or reconciliation

Abstract

A background data synchronization process employs human-readable communication channels to contact a user and request resolution of synchronization conflicts as they arise.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

performing a background data synchronization process across at least two data sets;

identifying a conflict among the at least two data sets requiring manual resolution;

creating a human-readable message requesting resolution of the conflict;

communicating the human-readable message over a human-readable communication channel;

receiving a response to the human readable-message resolving the conflict over the human-readable communication channel; and

applying the response in the background data synchronization process.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the human-readable communication channel carries cellular phone text messages.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the human-readable communication channel carries instant messages.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the human-readable communication channel carries electronic mail.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the human-readable communication channel carries telephonic communications.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the background data synchronization process synchronizes data for one or more of a calendar, a contacts database, and a mailing list.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein performing the background data synchronization process includes synchronizing data for two or more web applications.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein performing the background data synchronization process includes synchronizing data between a web application and a client-based application.

9. A method comprising:

performing a background data synchronization process across at least two data sets;

identifying a conflict among the at least two data sets requiring manual resolution;

creating a human-readable message requesting resolution of the conflict;

communicating the human-readable message over a first human-readable communication channel;

receiving a response to the human readable-message resolving the conflict over a second human-readable communication channel, the second human-readable communication channel being different from the first human-readable communication channel; and

applying the response in the background data synchronization process.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein at least one of the first human-readable communication channel and the second human-readable communication channel carries cellular phone text messages.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein at least one of the first human-readable communication channel and the second human-readable communication channel carries instant messages.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein at least one of the first human-readable communication channel and the second human-readable communication channel carries electronic mail.

13. A computer program product comprising computer executable code that when executing on one or more computer devices performs the steps of:

performing a background data synchronization process across at least two data sets;

identifying a conflict among the at least two data sets requiring manual resolution;

creating a human-readable message requesting resolution of the conflict;

communicating the human-readable message over a human-readable communication channel;

receiving a response to the human readable-message resolving the conflict over the human-readable communication channel; and

applying the response in the background data synchronization process.

14. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein the human-readable communication channel carries cellular phone text messages.

15. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein the human-readable communication channel carries instant messages.

16. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein the human-readable communication channel carries electronic mail.

17. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein the human-readable communication channel carries voice traffic.

18. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein the background data synchronization process synchronizes data for one or more of a calendar, a contacts database, and a mailing list.

19. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein performing a background data synchronization process includes synchronizing data for two or more web applications.

20. The computer program product of claim 13 wherein performing a background data synchronization process includes synchronizing data between a web application and a client-based application.