Adaptive Configuration Hyper-Server for Diverse Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces for diverse systems and services are not easily configurable, leading to increased time-to-market and maintenance challenges due to varying settings and parameters across different products and versions, requiring tedious individual configuration and inconsistent user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A configuration control hyper-server system that registers command and parameter capabilities of heterogeneous systems and services, providing an administrator interface for navigation, search, and selection, and automatically generating user interfaces to standardize settings and parameters across similar devices and services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual configuration interfaces are designed for each diverse device/service, then device-specific functionality is optimized, but configuration time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration interface that can handle multiple diverse device types and services through a common paradigm. The system defines standardized configuration elements (settings, parameters, commands) that can be applied across different device families, allowing administrators to configure various devices using the same interface patterns rather than learning separate interfaces for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration interface is segmented into reusable components including configuration elements, settings, parameters, and commands. These modular elements can be independently defined, validated, and applied to different device types. The system separates the configuration paradigm from device-specific implementations, allowing the same configuration structure to be segmented and applied across heterogeneous devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate user interfaces are created for different product versions, then version-specific features are supported, but ease of operation decreases due to learning multiple interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a version-agnostic configuration paradigm where the same interface patterns work across different product versions and families. Configuration elements are defined in a version-neutral manner, allowing administrators to operate diverse versions of devices using consistent procedures. The system maintains version-specific capabilities while presenting a unified operational interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration interface dynamically adapts to different device versions and types while maintaining a consistent paradigm. The system adjusts the presentation and validation of configuration elements based on the target device, but the underlying operational patterns remain unchanged. This dynamic adaptation allows version-specific features to be supported without requiring administrators to learn different interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive configuration options are provided for all devices, then configurability is maximized, but device complexity and difficulty of configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration system into hierarchical levels: a universal configuration paradigm at the top level, device-family-specific settings in the middle level, and device-specific parameters at the bottom level. This segmentation allows comprehensive configurability to be achieved through layered complexity, where administrators interact with simple universal patterns while the system handles the complexity of device-specific options automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration layer that mediates between the administrator and diverse device-specific options. This intermediary paradigm translates universal configuration commands into device-specific settings, automatically mapping generic configuration elements to the appropriate device parameters. The intermediary handles the complexity of device-specific options while presenting a simplified interface to administrators.
4Ease of operation
If consistent user interfaces are enforced across all products, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability to new products and services decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic configuration paradigm that automatically adapts to new device types and services while maintaining interface consistency. When new devices are introduced, the system dynamically registers their configuration elements and automatically integrates them into the existing universal paradigm. This allows the interface to remain consistent for administrators while adapting to accommodate new products and services without requiring special coding or interface redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
When each new device or service is installed into a network, a hyper-server reads a configuration description provided by the new device or service and adapts to provide a user interface for configuring its capabilities. A first server gathers descriptions of available commands and parameters from many diverse devices and services. A second server presents an administrator or operator with a control panel for one or many client devices. The panel presentation changes with respect to the devices or services selected. The hyper-server registers the capabilities of each device or service and transfers the commands and parameter settings to the appropriate device or service under configuration control.