Automation Configuration File Models for Faster Error-Free Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The creation of configuration files for automation tools is time-intensive and prone to syntax errors, with existing methods being unreliable for generating configuration files for specific automation tools.
Innovation Solution
A method and electronic generation device that receive an automation tool type, select a predetermined configuration file model, determine the hierarchy of input objects, and generate the configuration file based on this hierarchy, using formats like JSON, YAML, or XML, to create configuration files efficiently and reliably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If configuration files are manually created by users, then the configuration files can be customized for specific automation tools, but the creation process is time-intensive and prone to syntax errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining configuration file models with proper hierarchy structures and syntax rules before actual configuration file generation. These models contain predetermined patterns, data types, and validation rules that automatically ensure syntax correctness when generating configuration files, eliminating the need for manual syntax checking and reducing creation time while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration file models as an intermediary between the user's automation tool type selection and the final configuration file generation. These models act as templates that automatically translate high-level automation tool requirements into properly formatted configuration files with correct syntax, reducing both manual effort and errors.
2Productivity
If existing automated methods are used to generate configuration files, then generation speed may be improved, but reliability and tool-specific accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specialized configuration file models tailored to each specific automation tool type (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform). Each model contains tool-specific syntax rules, data type constraints, and hierarchical structures that ensure generated configuration files are both fast to produce and reliably correct for that particular tool, rather than using a generic generation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by implementing strict data type validation and hierarchical constraints within each configuration file model. These parameters (data types, required fields, syntax rules) are automatically enforced during generation, ensuring that while the process remains automated and fast, the output reliably conforms to each automation tool's specific requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration files are manually created without automated validation, then flexibility in customization is maintained, but syntax errors are difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through automatic validation mechanisms embedded in the configuration file models. When generating configuration files, the system automatically checks against predefined syntax rules, data type constraints, and hierarchical structures, providing immediate feedback on any errors. This maintains full customization capability while making syntax error detection automatic and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration file models serve as an intermediary that automatically validates syntax and structure between the user's customization requirements and the final configuration file output. This intermediary layer enforces proper syntax rules without limiting customization options, making error detection automatic rather than difficult.
Data Source
AI summary
This method for generating at least one configuration file for an automation tool in order to configure the automation tool, is implemented by an electronic generation device and comprises the following steps: receiving (100) an automation tool type, selecting (110), according to the automation tool type, a predetermined configuration file model from a group of predetermined configuration file models, each predetermined configuration file model being associated to a respective automation tool, each predetermined configuration file model comprising a plurality of input objects, —determining (120) a hierarchy of the input objects from the predetermined configuration file model, the hierarchy defining, for each input object except for a root object, another input object as a parent for said input object, generating (130) the configuration file according to the hierarchy of the input objects.