N-way synchronization of computer databases

• US 7,139,748 B1
• Filed: 05/31/2002
• Issued: 11/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Access Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Palmsource Incorporated (Access Company Limited)
• Inventors: Mills, William Leonard, Pivowar, Alvin I., Butler, Tom, McKenzie, Robert G.
• Primary Examiner(s): LE, UYEN T
• Application Number:
  US10/159,688
• Time in Patent Office: 1,635 Days
• Field of Search: 707/3, 709/248
• US Class Current: 707/612
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/273 Asynchronous replication or reconciliation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99931 Database or file accessing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 Query processing, i.e. searching

Abstract

A method and system for N-way synchronization of computer databases. Synchronization of computer databases is structured into three rounds, namely an agenda round, a query round and a report round. In the agenda round, a synchronization agent software module inquires of a common synchronization engine for updates to the agent'"'"'s database and provides information as to the level of information in the agent'"'"'s database. During a query round, a common synchronization engine may request information from databases with new information and distribute that database information to databases needing the new information during a report round. Multiple agents, each representing an associated database may participate a synchronization. In addition, various special purpose agents may also receive, provide and otherwise operate on synchronization information.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method of synchronizing database information comprising:

performing an agenda round operation wherein a plurality of agent software modules indicate coverage of an associated database;

performing a query round operation wherein a first set of said plurality of agent software modules provide database information; and

performing a report round operation wherein a second set of said plurality of agent software modules receive said database information.

2. The method of synchronizing database information as described in claim 1 further comprising determining a maximum coverage available from a plurality of databases associated with said plurality of agent software modules.

3. The method of synchronizing database information as described in claim 2 wherein said determining comprises computing the least upper bound of all indicated coverages.

4. The method of synchronizing database information as described in claim 3 wherein said determining is performed by a single software module.

5. The method of synchronizing database information as described in claim 1 further comprising said plurality of agent software modules asserting data inquiries.

6. The method of synchronizing database information as described in claim 1 wherein said database information is identified by a single software module.

7. The method of synchronizing database information as described in claim 6 wherein said database information is identified by a range of coverages.

8. The method of synchronizing database information as described in claim 1 further comprising updating said associated database with said database information received by an agent software module associated with said associated database.

9. A computer system for synchronizing database information comprising:

a first computer system;

a plurality of databases comprising database information stored on said computer system;

said first computer system for implementing a method of synchronizing database information, said method comprising;

performing an agenda round operation wherein a plurality of agent software modules indicate coverage of an associated database;

performing a query round operation wherein a first set of said plurality of agent software modules provide database information; and

performing a report round operation wherein a second set of said plurality of agent software modules receive said database information.

10. The computer system as described in claim 9 wherein said method further comprises determining a maximum coverage available from a plurality of databases associated with said plurality of agent software modules.

11. The computer system as described in claim 10 wherein said determining comprises computing the union of all indicated coverages.

12. The computer system as described in claim 11 wherein said determining is performed by a single software module.

13. The computer system as described in claim 9 further comprising said plurality of agent software modules asserting data inquiries.

14. The computer system as described in claim 9 wherein said database information is identified by a single software module.

15. The computer system as described in claim 14 wherein said database information is identified by a range of coverages.

16. The computer system as described in claim 9 further comprising at least one of said plurality of databases residing on a second computer.