System and method for synchronizing data records between multiple databases

• US 7,496,606 B2
• Filed: 04/10/2001
• Issued: 02/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Malikie Innovations Limited (Key Patent Innovations Limited)
• Original Assignee: Blackberry Limited
• Inventors: Dunk, Craig A., Hind, Hugh
• Primary Examiner(s): To; Baoquoc N.
• Application Number:
  US10/240,795
• Publication Number:
  US 20040024795A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,877 Days
• Field of Search: 707/202, 707/204, 707/203
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/275 Synchronous replication
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99942 Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99952 Coherency, e.g. same view to multiple users
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99953 Recoverability
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99955 Archiving or backup

Abstract

A system and method for synchronizing data records between multiple database is provided. Each database includes data records that are modified to include at least one pair of synchronize parameters. In a two-database system including a first database and a second database, each data record is modified to include synchronization parameters for both the first and second databases. When an update is made to data record at one of the databases, an update message is transmitted to the other database including both synchronization parameters from the database where the update is made, along with the undated data record. An efficient master-slave configuration between the database then enables either database to resolve conflicts without further communications.

Claims

1. A method of replicating data records created in a first database in a second database, comprising the steps of:

creating a new data record in the first database;

associating a pair of synchronization parameters with the new data record in the first database, the pair including a first synchronization parameter associated with the first database, and a second synchronization parameter associated with the second database;

transmitting an add record message from the first database to the second database, the add record message including the first synchronization parameter, the second synchronization parameter, and the new data record from the first database;

receiving the add record message at the second database; and

adding the new data record at the second database using the information from the add record message.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second synchronization parameter in the add record message has a predetermined value.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the add record message further includes an add record command.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

coupling the first database to a host system; and

coupling the second database to a portable data communication device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting the add record message comprises the step of transmitting the add record message over a wireless communication network.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the data record represents a calendar entry associated with an electronic calendar system.

7. The meted of claim 1, further comprising the step of associating a data record identifier with the new data record in the first database, and wherein the add message further includes the data record identifier.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of adding the new data record at the second database comprises the steps of:

storing the new data record in the second database; and

associating the data record identifier with the new data record in the second database.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of, before the step of transmitting the add record message:

preparing the add record message; and

encrypting the add record message to generate an encrypted add record message, wherein

the step of transmitting comprises transmitting the encrypted add record message; and

the step of receiving comprises decrypting the encrypted add record message.

10. A system for replicating data records added to a first database in a second database, comprising:

means for adding a new data record to the first database;

means for associating a pair of synchronization parameters with the new data record stored in the first database, the pair including a first synchronization parameter associated with the first database and a second synchronization parameter associated with the second database;

means for transmitting an add record message from the first database to the second database, the add record message including the first synchronization parameter, the second synchronization parameter, and the new data record from the first database;

means for receiving the add record message at the second database; and

means for storing the new data record at the second database using the information from the add record message.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the means for transmitting comprises a transmitter configured for operation in a wireless communication nerwork.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the means for transmitting comprises a short-range transmitter.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the short-range transmitter comprises an infrared transmitter.

14. The system of claim 10, further comprising means for encrypting the add record message.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the first database, the means for adding, the means for associating and the means for transmitting are implemented in a portable communication device.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the portable communication device is a data communication device.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the portable data communication device is configured for both data and voice communications.