Method and apparatus for automatically synchronizing data to electronic devices across a communications network

Abstract

A data file mirroring application that monitors data files stored in a source directory for archiving to a remote storage medium at a destination node through a communications network. The mirroring application archives the data files to the remote storage medium in accordance with user-configured settings, and without user intervention. The data files may be archived based on a time period elapsing or a data file being revised and saved. The application may identify the remote storage medium in accordance with a unique identifier.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of electronic data storage and data backup. Specifically, the present invention relates to a system for archiving user files, and more particularly, to a system for automatically and periodically archiving user files to a selected destination media or device across a communications network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In an information-driven society, data, particularly data stored in electronic form, may be extremely valuable. People in almost all industries spend tremendous amounts of time working on computers to generate documents, reports, graphics, works of art, etc. This work, stored in electronic form, may be critically important to the user who created it. Consequently, protecting that data is also critically important.

[0005] There are many types of potential disasters that may threaten a user's data. While most users envision disasters caused by flood or fire, more common scenarios are software glitches and hardware damage caused by physical or electric shock, or minor exposure to liquid. In such cases, that data or the ability to access the data may be irreparably destroyed.

[0006] One primary means of protecting data against such disasters is to make and maintain a backup copy of the data. A great virtue of electronically stored data is the ability to quickly make a near perfect copy of the data. The copy of the data can be maintained away from the computer on which it was created, e.g., on another computer or on a removable data storage medium so that if a problem occurs with the original copy of the data, the backup copy can be used to recover the important data.

[0007] Similarly, the original copy of the data stored on the computer's hard disk may be undamaged. However, because of a software or hardware malfunction on that computer, the data may be inaccessible until the software is fixed and/or the damaged hardware is replaced. If the user cannot wait for repair, the user can use another computer and access the backup copy of the data which may be nearly as current as the inaccessible data on the hard disk. In this way, the user is able to avoid the problems that would be caused by complete lack of access to the data at a critical time.

[0008] The key to a successful backup strategy is performing backups often enough that the backup copy of important data is current (i.e., identical to the original copy) or nearly current, so as to be able to serve in place of the original copy of the data with minimal difficulty if something happens to that original copy. Also, the backup media should be reliable and preferably sized to store an entire backup copy of the data on a single piece of storage media. However, conventional backup utilities are often difficult to use and may have proprietary or incompatible formats.

[0009] Moreover, high capacity backup media, such as computer tape, requires a dedicated backup device (e.g., a tape drive). If the main system malfunctions and the data on the tapes must be accessed, the alternative or replacement computer used may not have a corresponding tape drive for reading the backup tape. The same problem may occur with any high capacity backup media. Because high capacity backup media generally require a dedicated drive, the available functioning computers to which a user may turn may not have had the necessary dedicated drive installed.

[0010] The backup copy of the data can be stored on conventional floppy disks. However, because floppies are not a high capacity data storage media, a large number of floppy disks may be required, and the backup process may consume hours of time.

[0011] Additionally, backup utilities do not generally facilitate the automatic mirroring of data between devices, especially in a flexible and user definable manner. For example, a user may have a first computer in one location such as a home and a second computer in another location such as a business. The user would like changes to certain files on the first computer to be mirrored to corresponding files stored on the second computer. In addition, perhaps, the user would like changes to files on the second computer to be mirrored to corresponding files on the first computer. To accomplish this, the user must generally remember to carry or transmit updated files back and forth between the first and second computers.

[0012] As another example, the user may have a communications management program on each of the first and second computers. Each communications management program maintains files of contacts and related information including telephone numbers. In addition, the user may also have a mobile telephone with an electronic telephone number directory stored therein. The user may want changes to the mobile telephone's directory to be mirrored to the files of the communications management programs on the first and second computers. In addition, the user may also want changes to the filed of the communications management program on either computer to be mirrored to the other computer and to the mobile telephone's directory. In the past, the user has been required to manually input, carry or transmit the updated data from one device to another.

[0013] Consequently, there is a need in the art for a system that simplifies the backup/archive process and provides adequate protection of important data. There is also a need for the backup to be made to a storage medium in a format that is compatible with other computers. Further, there is a need for the backup process to facilitate automatic mirroring of data between devices, including different computers and other types of electronic devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention meets the needs in the art described above. Specifically, the present invention provides a system that simplifies the backup/archive process and provides adequate protection of important data. The present invention also provides a backup process with automatic mirroring of data between devices, including different computers and other types of electronic devices, via a communications network. Other novel features and advantages of the present invention may be discovered by those skilled in the art by reading this text and practicing the invention described herein.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may be described as a system for backing up electronic data and data files stored in a computer-readable format, the system having at least two electronic devices or “nodes;” and a communications network over which the nodes communicate with each other. The first the node has a first data storage device on which original electronic data is stored, a processor, and a communications interface for interfacing the node with the communications network. The first node also has an agent application executed by the processor of the first node. The agent application monitors the original electronic data stored in the first data storage device and transmits the electronic data through the communications network to a second node for storage in a second data storage device of the second node. More specifically, the agent application monitors the original electronic data and transmits the electronic data to the second node in accordance with predetermined configuration settings. For example, the predetermined configuration settings cause the agent application to access the electronic data periodically and transmit the electronic data to the second node if the electronic data has been changed since last accessed by the agent application.

[0016] The electronic data may be an electronic data file. In such a case, the second node may store a new version of the electronic data file each time the data file is transmitted by the agent application.

[0017] The second data storage device may be a removable data storage medium in a storage medium drive for writing data to and reading data from the removable data storage medium. The removable data storage medium is preferably identified by the agent application by a unique identifier.

[0018] Preferably, the agent application includes a user interface for receiving configuration settings from a user. The configuration settings may include a designation of particular electronic data to be monitored by the agent application. Additionally, the configuration settings may include a period of time, where, at the end of each such period of time, the agent application checks the electronic data in the first data storage device for changes. If the system includes three or more nodes, the configuration settings may include a designation of which node is the second node to which the first node transmits the electronic data.

[0019] The communications network between nodes may comprise first and second interconnected networks. The communications network may include the Internet and/or a telecommunications network.

[0020] In one preferred embodiment, the first node is a computer. The second node may be a mobile telephone unit, and the electronic data may be telephone directory data. In another preferred embodiment both the first and second nodes are mobile telephone units, and the communications network is a telecommunications network.

[0021] The present invention also encompasses the methods of making and operating the system described above. For example, the present invention also encompasses a method for backing up electronic data and data files stored in a computer-readable format by monitoring original electronic data stored in a first data storage device of a first node and transmitting the electronic data through a communications network to a second node for storage in a second data storage device of the second node.

[0022] The present invention also encompasses the agent application described above. In other words, the present invention encompasses the software or other computer-readable instructions required to make the system outlined operate in the manner described. As used herein, the term “software” includes any computer-readable instructions regardless of the language in which written or the level at which written (e.g., source code, object code, etc.) “Software” also includes firmware, application specific integrated circuits, and any other form of digital logic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are better understood when explained in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments of the invention that are presently preferred. It being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, methods and instrumentalities illustrated. Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers are used to indicate identical elements.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system which includes a high capacity removable disk drive with which the present invention may be implemented.

[0025] FIGS. 2-3 are flow charts illustrating the processes performed by an installation application of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the processes performed by a monitoring application of the present invention.

[0027] FIGS. 5-10 are exemplary screen shots of the displays provided during the installation process illustrated in FIGS. 2-3.

[0028] FIGS. 11-13 are exemplary screen shots of the displays provided during the monitoring process illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0029] FIGS. 14-17 are block diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the present invention for storing backup data to a destination node across a communications network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present invention encompasses a system and method for automatically mirroring data files among a number of computers or other electronic devices that are connected by a communications network. As used herein, the term communications network refers generically to both wired and wireless systems of transferring data between two or more electronic devices.

[0031] The preferred embodiment includes an application for mirroring data files saved at a first storage location (which may be on a fixed or removable data storage medium) to a destination storage location (which may also be a fixed or removable data storage medium). The destination storage location may be in a separate electronic device connected to the first storage location by a communications network. This mirroring is performed primarily for archival purposes and disaster recovery. The backup application of the present invention preferably runs in the background to periodically “mirror” user files to the backup storage destination.

[0032] The following text will first discuss embodiments of the present invention in which data files are mirrored from a first data storage location (e.g., a directory on a fixed or removable media drive) to a second data storage location on a removable data storage medium that is local to the first data storage location. Thereafter, the text will describe embodiments of the present invention in which data is mirrored from a first data storage location to one or more second data storage locations which are in separate electronic devices and connected to the first data storage location by a communications network. Many of the principles of operation, features, details and functionality of the local media embodiments (FIGS. 1-13) are applicable and used in the embodiments for mirroring data to a different device (FIGS. (14)-17).

[0033] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the components of the various exemplary embodiments, as described in this text and illustrated in the corresponding Figures, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiment disclosed.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a block diagram of an exemplary computer system (10). As shown, the computer system (10) is divided between internal and external components. The internal components include a Basic Input/Output System (“BIOS”) (13) and a processor or Central Processing Unit (“CPU”) (12) that control the overall functioning of the computer system (10). A memory (14), a hard disk drive (26), a floppy disk drive (28), a tape drive (15), a CD-ROM/R/RW drive (17), and a high capacity removable media drive (11a) are also preferably connected to the CPU (12).

[0035] Typically, an IBM-compatible computer system or personal computer (“PC”) (10) employs the Windows® 95 or Windows® NT operating systems (available from Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, Wash.) and includes a BIOS (13) that supports a configuration in which floppy disks have a capacity of 720k to 1.44 MB are floppy disk drives are assigned drive letters a: and b:. The BIOS (13) also provides for fixed disks which are assigned drive letters c:, d: and so on, and are configured with a cylinder, head and sector number that relates to the capacity of the drive.

[0036] The typical BIOS (13) in a computer system supports booting (i.e., starting the system) by reading data only from drives a: and c:. It is preferable, however, that the BIOS (13) supports a configuration in which a high capacity removable media drive (11a) or (11b) may be assigned drive letter a: such that the computer system (10) may be booted from the high capacity removable media drive (11a) or (11b). The high capacity removable drive (11a) or (11b) operates to read and/or write to a high capacity storage media contained within a removable storage cartridge (19).

[0037] A removable high capacity media controller (27) serves as an interface between the removable media drive (11a) and the CPU (12). For example, the high capacity removable disk controller (27) may comprise a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) or Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface controller. A hard and floppy disk controller (25) serves as an interface between the CPU (12) and a number of drives that may be provided including, for example, a hard disk (26), a CD-ROM/R/RW drive (17), a floppy disk drive (28) and a tape drive (15). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the drive controller (25) may comprise separate floppy and hard disk controllers (e.g., IDE or SCSI controller), and that the high capacity removable media drive (11a) may also utilize the drive controller (25) as an interface to the CPU (12).

[0038] An exemplary high capacity removable media drive is the Zip® drive manufactured by Iomega Corporation of Roy Utah. Further disclosure on an exemplary high capacity removable media drive, as contemplated by the present invention, was made in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/651,321, filed on May 21, 1996, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In the exemplary embodiment in application Ser. No. 08/651,321, an IDE high capacity removable media drive (11a) is described which may comprise several sub-components, including: a 40 pin IDE bus connection; a CPU, for example, an 8052; a 1k Data RAM memory for executing local programs; a 32k ROM memory for storage programs, a controller circuit, such as an AIC-7166 manufactured by Adaptec, which controls buffer management of data to and from the media, media interface, and processor interface via the IDE bus; a Timing Processor for providing timing signals to the servo motors and the read/write channel; motor control circuitry; an RLL encoder for writing data to the media; and an RLL decoder for reading data from the media.

[0039] The high capacity removable media drive (11a) or (11b) illustrated in FIG. 1 is preferably capable of communicating with the removable high capacity media (IDE) controller card (27) via cylinder, head, and sector mode (hereinafter CHS mode) or logical block address mode (hereinafter LBA mode). In CHS mode, the controller card (27) receives data logically specifying a cylinder, head and sector from which data on the media (19) is desired. The drive (11a) translates this information to a physical cylinder, head and sector designation to retrieve the specified data from the media (19). The cylinder, head and sector information recorded in the CMOS (13a) defines the logical number of cylinders, heads and sectors on the drive and defines the translation used by the drive (11a) to determine where to physically retrieve the specified data on the media (19). In LBA mode, the controller card (27) communicates with the drive (11a) through a linear mapping of sectors, starting at sector 0 and continuing to the last sector depending on the capacity of the drive.

[0040] Other controllers are connected to the CPU (12) to provide an interface between a variety of external devices and the CPU (12). For example, a parallel port controller (16) may be used to connect the CPU (12) to, for example, a high capacity removable media drive (11b) or a peripheral such as a printer (not shown). A monitor controller (video card) (18) may be used to connect the CPU (12) to a monitor (22). And, a keyboard and mouse controller (20) may provide an interface between the CPU (12) and a keyboard and mouse device (24). The exemplary computer system (10) of FIG. 1 is configured with two high capacity removable media drives (11a) and (11b) to emphasize that a high capacity removable media drive can be implemented in either internal or external form.

[0041] As noted above, the present invention is directed to a document mirroring application that allows users to easily and effortlessly keep an up-to-date backup of their key files on removable media or fixed media at different and/or remote data storage locations. The application of the present invention is preferably compatible with all types of high capacity removable media drives (11a and 11b). Such exemplary high capacity media drives include, but are not limited to, Iomega® Zip®, Iomega® Jaz®, Iomega® Clik!™, CD-RW drives, etc. Commercially available embodiments of the mirroring application of the present invention will preferably run on PC based systems running Windows® 95 Windows® 98, Windows NT® and Windows® 2000. Commercially available embodiments of the present invention will also preferably run on Apple® Macintosh® computers running the Mac® OS v.7+. The software of the present invention is preferably localized and, in particular, includes user-selectable versions in English, Japanese, French, German and Spanish languages.

Installation Process

[0042] A brief overview of the installation process follows. Upon launching installation software for the mirroring software of the present invention, the user is provided an option to install the mirroring application software or view software tutorials. For example, the user may be provided with an explanation and promotion of the mirroring software and an animated tutorial. “Wizards” will preferably walk the user through the installation in a step-by-step fashion. The installation software will automatically detect the desired language based on the language of the operating system, i.e., the software will detect if the computer's operating system is using English, Spanish, Japanese, etc. If the operating system language is not supported, the software will prompt the user to select a language from among a list of supported languages. The installation software will also detect the operating system, set configuration options, and install the correct version of the mirroring software to a selected destination directory.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-10, the process of installing the mirroring application software will be described in greater detail. As noted above, it is preferable that a setup “wizard” step the user through the process of installing the mirroring application. Wizards are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is noted that the user may click Cancel, Next, Back and Tell me more . . . (i.e., help) buttons at any point during the installation process.

[0044] The process begins when the user clicks an installation icon (or selects an executable file (.exe) from, e.g. Windows® Explorer) step (100) and is provided a confirmation screen to begin the installation of the mirroring software. After clicking a “Next” button, a license agreement is displayed step (102). If the user does not accept the license, the installation software exits at step (104). Otherwise the installation continues at step (106) where a splash screen is displayed and files are copied at step (108) in preparation for the installation. It is preferable that InstallShield® or similar software be used for the installation process

[0045] The user may also be asked to electronically register the software. At step (110), the user is provided with an informational display, such as the exemplary display of FIG. 5. Again, the user may click the “Tell me more . . . ” button to obtain help (step 112). If at step (110) the installation software is unable to determine a language to use, the user will be prompted for a language.

[0046] At step (114), a display, such as the exemplary display of FIG. 6 is provided to the user. The user then indicates the particular removable media (and associated media drive) that is to be used as the backup data storage location, (e.g. the mirror disk). It is preferable that intelligent defaults are provided to the user from which the user can select the backup data storage location. Such defaults, for example, “Zip 100 (G:))” are illustrated in FIG. 6. The user may be instructed to label the disk selected in FIG. 6 as the “mirror disk.”

[0047] At step (116), the user's computer system (10) is scanned for other drives (e.g., hard disk drives (26) or other removable media drives (11a)). Then, at step (120), the user is asked to select a source folder (directory) to be mirrored to the backup data storage location or mirror disk. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary screen which prompts the user to input the source folder and allows the user to browse available folders from which the source folder can be selected. If there is more than one hard disk, logical partition or data storage drive configured in the user's computer system (10), the user may first be prompted to select a drive at step (118) containing the source folder (the original data storage location), and then prompted for the source folder at step (120).

[0048] At step (122), in accordance with the amount of data stored within the source folder selected at step (120), the user is provided with a message that:

[0049] (1) the source folder will occupy more than 75% of the destination disk at step (124); the user may then be reminded that additional disks are available for purchase in local outlets or on a predetermined Web site step;

[0050] (2) the source folder will not fit on the destination or mirror disk step (126); or

[0051] (3) No message at step (128) meaning that the destination or backup data storage location has sufficient capacity to receive the mirrored data from the source folder.

[0052] Moving to FIG. 3, at step (130), the user is prompted to determine if revisions of files are to be mirrored. A screen such as the exemplary screen of FIG. 8 may be provided for the user to input a response. In particular, the mirroring software may make backup copies based on a predetermined period of time elapsing and/or if a file has been revised and saved. If revisions are to be mirrored, revisioning is turned on at step (132). In either case, processing continues at step (134) where a confirmation screen is presented to the user, such as the exemplary screen illustrated in FIG. 9. The confirmation screen presents all of the user's selections on one screen prior to initiating the actual installation process.

[0053] In accordance with present invention, the mirror disk is identified by a unique identifier contained on the media. Referring to FIG. 1, the computer system (10) may query the particular piece of media (19) for the media's unique identifier during the installation process. By way of a non-limiting example, the media (19) may comprise a ZIP® disk manufactured by Iomega Corporation of Roy, Utah. Each Iomega® ZIP® disk contains a unique serial number that is written to a predetermined track during the formatting process and which may be used as the unique identifier. Further, while the media (19) has been described in terms of a ZIP® disk, it is not limited to the ZIP® disk, as the use of other removable and permanent media types having a unique identifier is within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Such media include, but are not limited to, CD-RW, DVD-RAM, and other removable floppy and hard disks.

[0054] The system (10) may query the media (e.g., 19) using an application programming interface (API) such as the Iomega Ready™ API, or other suitable method. The Iomega Ready™ API, when invoked, causes the media drive to read the unique serial number from the predetermined track by using the SCSI 0x06 Non-Sense Command. In particular, by invoking the Disk Status Page (page 0x02) of the Non-Sense Command, the media serial number may be determined by reading offset bytes 20-59 of the returned data structure. Exemplary source code for obtaining the unique identifier in conjunction with an Iomega® ZIP® drive and disk is as follows:

void CClientApp::GetZipDrive ()
{
int j,k;
m_DriveNum = 0;
for(j = 0;j<26;j++)
// scan the drives and find the IOMEGA drives
{
if(IsIomegaDrive(j))
{
k = GetGeneralDevType(j);
if(k = DRIVE_IS_ZIP)
{
m_DriveNum = j;
j = (26);
}
}
}
}
voidCClientApp::GetSerialNumber()
{
unsigned char szBuffer[1024];
memset(szBuffer,0,sizeof(szBuffer));
memset(&m_SerialNumber,0,.40);
GetInfoNonSense(m_DriveNum,0×02,szBuffer);
memcpy(&m_SerialNumber,&szBuffer[22],39)′
}

[0055] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the unique identifier is not limited to information stored on the media (19) such as the serial number, and that other types of information could be used as the unique identifier. In addition, the unique identifier should contain a sufficient number of bits (length) to ensure that no two pieces of media have the same identifier. For example, each Iomega® ZIP® disk contains a unique 39 byte (312 bits) serial number, and other bit lengths may be utilized.

[0056] At step (136) an information screen, such as the exemplary screen illustrated in FIG. 10, is presented to notify the user where the mirror application control icon may be found. The user is provided with an opportunity to cancel the installation at step (138). If the user continues with the installation, the user is prompted to restart the computer at step (140) to complete the installation after the mirror application components are copied to the destination directory.

[0057] After the computer restarts, the source folder selected at step 118 is initially copied to the mirror disk and the installation is completed. During this initial copying, at step (142) a progess screen may be displayed, preferably with animation, to notify the user that the mirror application is making an initial backup copy of the designated source folder to the designated destination drive, location or mirror disk. A dialog box indicating the completion of the initial mirroring may then be displayed in step (144). The mirror application is then fully installed and operating as will be described in more detail below.

Monitoring Operation

[0058] Some of the virtues of the present invention are simplicity of use and no required user intervention unless the mirror disk is needed or full. The mirror application of the present invention preferably loads whenever the computer system (10) is booted or when a particular user logs onto the system (10). The application monitors the source directory in accordance with the user-selected options. An animated icon will show the current status of the mirror application by appropriately indicating any of the following: a data copy operation is being performed, no mirror disk available, system is monitoring the source directory, and application disabled. For Windows® based PCs, the animated icon will preferably be in the system tray. For Macintosh® computers, the animated icon will preferably be in the menu bar.

[0059] When a change occurs to the data in the selected source folder or directory, the mirror application will copy the changed data file to the designated backup storage location, e.g. the mirror disk. The mirroring may be performed after a predetermined lapse of time between synchronizations and/or when a revision of the source data file is saved.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the user may reconfigure the mirror application operation at any time by launching the application icon from, e.g., the Start Menu or System Tray step (200). By clicking on the System Tray icon, a menu is displayed to the user, such as that in FIG. 11. The user may force a synchronization of the selected source directory the designated backup storage location, e.g. the mirror disk, by selecting the “Sync now” button (401). The user may reset the mirror application by selecting the “Reset Quik Sync” button (402). The user may access and change the settings of the mirror application by selecting the “Settings” button (403). And, the user may obtain information on the mirror application by selecting the “About” button (404) or close the mirror application by selecting the “Close” button (405).

[0061] If the user chooses “Settings,” then the general settings tab will be displayed at step (202) in FIG. 4. An exemplary general settings display is illustrated in FIG. 12. From the general settings display, the mirror application can be turned on or off using the “QuikSync” radio buttons shown in FIG. 12. The source folder and destination backup storage location can also be controlled from the general settings display of FIG. 12. The source folder is specified in the field (407) of the display. The user may also activate a browse feature (408) to browse for the desired source folder. A list of available destination drives (409) can be displayed from which the user can select a designated backup data storage location.

[0062] From step (202) in FIG. 4, the user can change the designated source folder in step (204). The browse features (408) may make use of Windows® Explorer to assist the user in locating and selecting the desired source folder. Alternatively, from step (202), the user can designate the destination drive or mirror disk where the source data is to be backed up. In step (206), the mirror application scans the system for possible backup data storage locations, particularly high capacity media drives such as Iomega® Zip®, Iomega® Jaz®, Iomega® Clik!™, CD-RW drives, etc. If only one such possible backup data storage location is available, that location will be displayed in the list (409) in step (208). If two or more such backup data storage locations are available, all will be listed (409) and the user can select the desired destination in step (210).

[0063] From step (202), i.e., from the display of FIG. 12, the user can access and adjust advanced settings of the mirror application in step (212). This is preferably done by selecting the “Advanced” tab (410) in the display of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 provides an exemplary display of the advanced settings controls for the mirror application of the present invention.

[0064] At step (220), the user can turn on or off the mirroring of revisions to the files in the source folder. This is done using the “Revisions” radio buttons (411) in FIG. 13. If the “Revisions” feature of the application is activated, each time a data file is mirrored to the backup data storage location, a new numbered version of the file will be stored at the backup data storage location. If the “Revisions” feature is not activated, the mirror application of the present invention will overwrite the previous corresponding backup file in the backup data storage location each time the source file is mirrored. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0065] At step (224), the user can also control the polling time which is the interval at which the mirror application checks the source folder for changes and mirrors detected changes to the destination location. This is controlled by entering a time interval, preferably in minutes, to the field (412) in the display of FIG. 13. The default setting is preferably five minutes. The default may be accepted or left unaltered by the user at step (226), or another time increment may be specified at step (228). Alternatively or additionally, the “Time Settings” portion of the display in FIG. 13 may include a box that can be checked or unchecked specifying that a check for changes to the source data is performed upon shut down of the system. If this box (not shown) is checked in step (230), the mirror application of the present invention will check for changes to the source data is performed upon shut down of the system and mirror changes discovered to the designated backup data storage location.

[0066] At step (222), the user can control whether the mirror application provides a warning if the designated data backup location is unavailable, for example, the designated mirror disk is not inserted in the appropriate drive. This can be done by checking or unchecking box (413) in FIG. 13.

[0067] At step (214), the user can control whether the QuikSync icon is displayed in the system tray of the user interface. This can be done by checking or unchecking box (414) in FIG. 13. The box (414) is checked and the icon is active at step (216). The box (414) is unchecked and the icon is not in the system tray at step (218).

[0068] An advantage of the present invention over conventional backup utilities is that a separate restore operation is not necessary to restore the most recent version of a file. In accordance with the present invention, filenames on the mirror disk have a revision number placed after the filename and before the extension. Thus, a source file in the source folder having the name “myfile.doc” will be stored on the mirror disk having the name “myfile(1).doc” for a first revision and so on. The mirror application advantageously keeps an infinite number of revisions. Thus, to restore a file (e.g., “myfile.doc”), the user simply inserts the mirror disk into the removable media drive and selects the highest numerical revision of the file (e.g., “myfile(87).doc”). The file can be simply copied back to the source folder or other folder and/or drive for immediate use.

[0069] The mirror application is preferably adapted to prompt the user if certain error conditions arise during its operation. For example, if a single file to be mirrored is larger than the total capacity of the destination media, the user may be shown a dialog box indicating that source file, e.g., “myfile.doc” is larger than the total capacity of the media and cannot be mirrored to the designated backup data storage location. If the current backup data storage location (e.g., a mirror disk) is full, the mirror application will prompt the user to make another mirror disk or work offline (e.g., mirroring data filed to a temporary directory on the hard drive if space allows). Also, if the mirror disk is not in the drive, the user will be given the choice to create a new mirror disk, insert an existing mirror disk, or work offline,

[0070] The following are the classes exposed by the present invention to implement the mirroring operation. A Control object acts as a flow controller for the application. All communication between modules is preferably routed through Control. The Control module will start the file monitor and the poll routine. It will also start the copying engine when needed.

[0071] Public Members:

[0072] Run ()—creates a thread that launches the file monitor thread, waits for events form the file monitor, polls at a user specified interval, runs engine when changes are detected, passes errors that occur to the error manager, starts and stops the system tray icon animation when copying files.

[0073] OnSettingsChange ()—calls Abort () and then calls Run () so the user changes will be detected

[0074] Abort ()—stops the wait for event loops and kills the thread

[0075] OnShutdown ()—calls Abort () to stop the event loop and then calls the Poll module to backup any files that might have changed since the last backup; this will be called at system shutdown only

[0076] Private/Protected Members:

[0077] StartFileMon ()—launches the File Monitor thread

[0078] SaveDiskID ()—saves the serial number of the disk to the registry; this will be used to track the current Mirror disk

[0079] GetDiskID ()—retrieves the serial number of the current Mirror disk from the registry; ;this will be used to ensure the current Mirror disk is present

[0080] SaveLastBackupTime ()—saves the time that Mirror was last run to the registry

[0081] GetLastBackupTime ()—retrieves the time from the registry that Mirror was last run

[0082] StartPoll ()—launches the Poll module to see what files have changed since the last backup

[0083] StartEngine ()—launches the Engine module and makes a call to animate the system tray icon

[0084] StartAnimateIcon ()—starts the system tray icon animation

[0085] StopAnimateIcon ()—stops the system tray icon animation

[0086] OnCreate ()—creates the event loop thread and places an icon on the system tray

[0087] LockDrive ()—makes the disk in the specified drive non-removable

[0088] UnLockDrive ()—makes the disk in the specified drive removable

[0089] IsCurrentMirrorMedia ()—checks to see if the current disk in the drive is the current Mirror disk

[0090] CreateMirrorMedia ()—prepares the current disk in the drive for use by Mirror.

[0091] The embodiments described above are used to primarily to mirror data files saved in a directory on a fixed or removable media drive to local removable media for archival purposes. The following embodiments are more particularly directed towards mirroring data to a storage device in a different and/or remote location. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many of the principles of operation, features, details and functionality of the foregoing embodiments are applicable to and useful with the following embodiments. Thus, the following description will focus on the differences between the embodiments herein for local media and remote media being used with a different computer.

[0092] Generally, the following embodiments are used to synchronize data and/or files as between a ‘universe’ comprising multiple electronic devices or ‘nodes.’ Each node is coupled or may be coupled to a communications network such that the nodes can communicate with one another over the network. In addition, each node is provided with an agent that detects changes and then orchestrates transmission of the changes to other nodes in the universe.

[0093] Under the principles of the present invention, a “node” may be an electronic device with the capacity to store and use electronic data. For example, a node may be a computer such as a personal computer, a mobile telephone, a LAN, a server, a remote storage device such as a remote server or an Internet-based storage device, a personal data assistant (“PDA”), a smart pager such as a two-way pager, a smart land-line telephone, or the like. The communications network may be the Internet, a public switched telephone network, a mobile switched network, a combination thereof, or the like. The agent may be a mirror application similar to that described in the embodiments above, though adapted as necessary to run on a particular node. It should be appreciated that additional functionality will be provided in an agent application beyond that described above in connection with the mirror application of the present invention so that the agent application can perform the additional tasks described below.

[0094] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment (300) of the present invention that includes two communications networks (302, 304) and four nodes (305, 306, 320 and 322). As shown, each node includes a data storage device (e.g., semiconductor memory, hard drive, removable data storage, etc.) Node A (306) includes data set A (308) being stored in its storage device (310). Under the principles of the present invention, data set A (308) may be backed up to the node B storage device (312), the node C storage device (314) and/or the node D storage device (316). Similarly, node D (322) includes data set D (318) that may be backed up using the communications networks (302, 304) to Nodes A (306), B (305) and C (320).

[0095] As illustrated in FIG. 14, node C (320) and node D (322) may be in electronic communication with both communications networks (304, 302). An example of a device that may connect directly to two separate networks is a web phone. When used as a telephone, the web phone connects to the public switched telecommunications network, where a user's voice is transmitted across the network. When used as a scaled-down web browser, the web phone connects to an Internet service provider (ISP) that connects the web phone to the Internet. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the lines between different communications networks may be blurred as these networks begin to use the same communications equipment and channels to transmit and receive data.

[0096] FIG. 15 illustrates a more particular embodiment (330) of the present invention that may be used to mirror data to another electronic device (that includes storage) in a different and/or remote location across a communications network or networks. The exemplary nodes of FIG. 15 are illustrated as a personal computer (332), a personal digital assistant (“PDA”) (334), a web phone (336) and a two-way pager (338). As illustrated, the personal computer (332), the PDA (334) and the web-phone (336) may all be in electronic communication with a global communications network (340). In one preferred embodiment, the global communications network (340) is the Internet. The web-phone (336) and the pager (338) may be in electronic communication wirelessly with a distinct telecommunications network (342) for use with cellular telephones and/or pagers. The communications channels as shown, via the communications networks (342, 340), may be used to send and receive data to accomplish the mirroring of data according to the principles of the present invention.

[0097] As described, the nodes (332, 334, 336 and 338) may comprise various types of electronic devices. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a personal computer with particularity. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various components that may be found in the various electronic devices that can be used as a “node” of the present invention. FIG. 16 illustrates very generally the basic components found in a generic node (350). As shown in FIG. 16, each node (350) preferably includes a processor (352) for processing electronic data, a data storage device (354) for storing electronic data and a communications component or device (356) for communicating electronic data over a communications network.

[0098] The storage device (354) may be any type of storage component for storing electronic data, including, but not limited to, semiconductor memory, a hard drive, a removable data storage medium and corresponding drive, etc. The storage device (354) simply needs to the ability to store electronic data and allow that data to be retrieved upon command.

[0099] The communications component (356) may be any electronic component or device that facilitates data communication, wirelessly or otherwise, with other nodes. For example, in a personal computer, the communications component (356) may be a modem, a network card, a serial port, etc. With a PDA, the communications component (356) may be a wireless modem, infrared or radio frequency. The communications component (356) of a web phone may be its transceiver

[0100] In the various embodiments of the present invention, a mirroring agent application running at each node periodically checks pre-determined files and/or data to determine whether such files/data have changed. Upon the agent at the node finding that a file/data has changed, the agent commences to check with agents at other pre-determined nodes to see whether the file/data needs to be updated at the other nodes. As described above in connection with FIGS. 12 and 13, the interval between checks for altered files/data, and the particular files/data that are monitored for changes may be controlled and designated by the user of the node, by an administrator of the node, by the administrator of a network including the node, etc.

[0101] If, for example, a universe consists of four nodes, A, B, C and D (305, 306, 320 and 322), as shown in FIG. 14, and the agent at the A node (306) finds that designated files/data stored in storage (310) have been updated or changed, the A agent may:

[0102] 1. communicate with the B agent to determine if the B node (305) contains a version of the data different from that stored on the A node (306);

[0103] 2. if so, determine along with the B agent which version is more current; and

[0104] 3. assuming the A version is more current, send the A version to B, upon which B appropriately updates the B version of the file/data in storage (312) with the data received from node A (306).

[0105] The A agent may then repeat the process with regard to the C agent and the C node (320) and the D agent and the D node (322).

[0106] The B agent may then note that such file/data has changed, i.e., has been overwritten with the data from node A (306), and attempt to mirror the change to the C node (320), the D node (322) and the A node (306). Of course, in this example, the changed file/data originated from the A node (306) and therefore need not be changed at the A node (306), which the A agent will confirm with the B agent. Likewise, assuming the A agent already propagated the changed file/data to the C node (320) and the D node (322), the file/data need not be changed at the C node (320) or the D node (322), which the C and D agents will confirm with the B agent.

[0107] It may be the case that the B agent notes that the changed file/data originated with or came from the A node (306) and therefore does not again poll the A agent. Similarly, it may be the case that the A agent notes to the B agent that the A agent will propagate the change to the C and D nodes (320, 322) so that the B agent should not contact the C or D agents. However, it may also be the case that such communication does not occur between the nodes to ensure that redundant checks do in fact occur, As may be appreciated, such redundancy ensures that the data is in fact propagated to all appropriate nodes. However, depending on the number of nodes in the system, too much redundancy can choke the communications network if too many node agents are seeking to communicate with each other.

[0108] A separate issue arises in the case where, for example, the A agent cannot communicate with the B agent because the B agent is offline or otherwise out of communication with the network (302). In such case, the A agent preferably notes that it must contact the B agent in an item on a to-do list, and periodically reviews the to-do list to attempt to perform each item thereon. Of course, once the item is performed, the contact with B is established, and any file/data propagation with B takes place, the item may be removed from the list.

[0109] In setting up the agent at each node, different files/data or different types of data may be designated for different handling by the mirroring agent. That is, for example, word processor files on a PC are mirrored only to other PCs and to servers, while telephone number data may be mirrored to other PCs and to mobile phones. Preferably, the user will be able to designate which files and/or types of monitored data are mirrored to which nodes in the system.

[0110] To further customize the system, particular nodes in a universe may be programmed by the user to communicate with agents at only a sub-set of the other nodes in the universe. For example, in the above example, node A (306) may be programmed to communicate changed filed/data with only node B (305). Similarly, node B (305) may be programmed to communicate changed filed/data with only node C (320); node C (320) may be programmed to communicate changed filed/data with only node D (322); and node D (322) may be programmed to communicate changed filed/data with only node A (306). Note here that changed files/data are propagated ‘around the circle’ to all nodes unless one node is out of communications with the others.

[0111] Propagating a file is relatively simple in that the entire file is sent off. Propagating data can be more complex, especially if the data must be extracted from a file, table, data structure, or the like. In such a case, each agent preferably includes or has access to an appropriate extracting tool (or data accessor). The agent then extracts designated data into an appropriate format, and sends that data to other node(s) on the system when changes are made or detected, or a mirroring operation is otherwise initiated. The data as received at the receiving agent is then injected back into the appropriate file, table, data structure, or the like in the appropriate format. Of course, the extracting tool and/or injecting tool may operate in conjunction with and/or be a part of a program or executable file that normally handles such data, and such program or executable file may work with the sending agent to notify the agent when a change in such data takes place.

[0112] FIG. 17 illustrates generally the software and data components in each node used in mirroring the data across a communications network. The agent (360) sends and receives communications using a communications module (362), such as, for example, communications software, drivers, etc. A storage device (364) at the node stores files (366) and/or data (368). In certain embodiments the agent (360) may directly access the data (368) on the storage device (364). In other embodiments, a data accessor (370) component may be needed to access the data (368). For example, if the data (368) is being read from or written to a database, a database accessor (370) (e.g., a database front end) may be used to read and/or write to the database. A node backup configuration file (372) may include information that determines how the node will operate in its operations.

[0113] Table 1 illustrates a node backup configuration file (372), in pseudocode form. As shown, the configuration data (372) may include the name or identification of a destination device to which particular data/files/updates are sent. In addition, the node backup configuration file (372) may indicate another node that is programmed to backup data to this particular node. The communication address/location of the node comprises an address or location of the other node. For example, the communications address may be an IP address, a domain name, a telephone number, a machine name, routing instructions, etc. The node backup configuration file (372) may also indicate the particular data/files to be backed up to the remote node. Alternatively, if data is being sent from another node to be stored at this node, the Data Backup may indicate the particular files, directories, folders, drives, etc., where the incoming data is to be stored. The configuration file (372) may also include Configuration Information for Node which provides various pieces of configuration information for the backup or mirroring operation. For example, authentication information, data format, conversion information, timing data, etc., may all be included in the configuration data. In addition, other data may be stored in the configuration data.

TABLE 1
#1 Node Backup
#1 Communications Address/Location of Node
#1 Data Backup
#1 Configuration Information for Node
#2 Node Backup
. . .

[0114] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary computer system of FIG. 1 may be used with the embodiments for the mirroring of data between nodes, with the addition of the communications components and modules, as discussed above. Any of the storage components of FIG. 1, including the memory (14), the hard disk drive (26), the floppy disk drive (28), the tape drive (15), the CD-ROM/R/RW drive (17), and the high capacity removable media drive (11a) may be used to store a file/data that is being mirrored between nodes. The data being mirrored to another node does not need to be stored on a removable media drive.

[0115] The installation process for the embodiments mirroring data between nodes is substantially similar to the installation process as already disclosed, except that facilities for allowing a user to input/select node names, addresses, drives, and the like, is added. In addition, present embodiments for mirroring data between nodes check the communications between the present node and user-entered nodes to ensure that communications can be established. The user interface screens shown above may similarly be modified to allow the additional capabilities and features, as discussed above.

[0116] With the present invention, and as an example, a company or other entity that provides a mobile phone to each of several employees may ensure that telephone directory changes made on one mobile phone are propagated to all other mobile phones. Thus, phone numbers such as client phone numbers on one mobile phone are available to all employees at other mobile phones, and perhaps more importantly changes to such phone numbers on one mobile phone are also available to all employees at other mobile phones. Also with the present invention, and as another example, new photograph files in a ‘Pictures of My Kids’ directory of a PC may automatically be propagated to the PC of a grandparent.

[0117] The programming necessary to effectuate the processes performed in connection with the present invention is relatively straightforward and should be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the information provided in this text. Accordingly, specific programming is not attached hereto. Any particular programming, then, may be employed to effectuate the present embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0118] In the foregoing description, it can be seen that the present invention comprises a new and useful data synchronization system comprising a universe defined to include a plurality of nodes, each of which has an agent running thereon, whereby each node is automatically provided with current files/data. It should be appreciated that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the inventive concepts thereof. It should be understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0119] It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitations. Further, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in its aspects.

Claims

1. A system for backing up electronic data and data files stored in a computer-readable format, said system comprising: at least two nodes; and a communications network over which said nodes communicate with each other; wherein a first said node comprises a first data storage device on which original electronic data is stored, a processor, and a communications interface for interfacing said first node with said communications network; and wherein said first node further comprises an agent application executed by said processor of said first node, said agent application monitoring said original electronic data stored in said first data storage device and transmitting said electronic data through said communications network to a second node for storage in a second data storage device of said second node.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said agent application monitors said original electronic data and transmits said electronic data to said second node in accordance with predetermined configuration settings.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said predetermined configuration settings cause said agent application to access said electronic data periodically and transmit said electronic data to said second node if said electronic data has been changed since last accessed by said agent application.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said electronic data is an electronic data file and said second node stores a new version of the electronic data file each time the data file is transmitted by said agent application.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said second data storage device comprises a removable data storage medium in a storage medium drive for writing data to and reading data from said removable data storage medium.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said removable data storage medium is identified by said agent application by a unique identifier.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said agent application further comprises a user interface for receiving configuration settings from a user.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said configuration settings include a designation of particular electronic data to be monitored by said agent application.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein said system comprises three or more nodes and said configuration settings include a designation of which node is said second node to which said first node transmits said electronic data.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein said configuration settings include a period of time, wherein at an end of each such period of time, said agent application checks said electronic data in said first data storage device for changes.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said communications network further comprises first and second interconnected networks.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said communications network comprises the Internet

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said communications network comprises a telecommunications network.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein said first node is a computer.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said second node is a mobile telephone unit and said electronic data is telephone directory data.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said first node is a mobile telephone unit and said communications network is a telecommunications network.

37. A method for backing up electronic data and data files stored in a computer-readable format, said method comprising monitoring original electronic data stored in a first data storage device of a first node and transmitting said electronic data through a communications network to a second node for storage in a second data storage device of said second node.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said monitoring and transmitting are performed in accordance with predetermined user-controlled configuration settings.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein monitoring is performed periodically and said transmitting is performed only if said electronic data has been changed.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said electronic data is an electronic data file and said method further comprises storing a new version of the electronic data file on said second node each time the data file is transmitted from said first node.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising inputting into said configuration settings a designation of particular electronic data in said first data storage device to be monitored in said monitoring step.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein three or more nodes are in electronic communication via said communications network and said method further comprises inputting into said configuration settings a designation of which node is said second node to which said first node transmits said electronic data.

23. The method of claim 18, further comprising inputting into said configuration settings a period of time, wherein at an end of each such period of time, said monitoring is performed to check said electronic data in said first data storage device for changes.

24. A computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions, comprising: a configuration module containing configuration settings; a reading module to read data files contained within a source directory on a selected storage medium in accordance with the configuration settings; and a sending module to send the data files to a destination node storage medium in accordance with the configuration settings if changes are detected in said data files by said reading module.