Automation Configuration Templates for Faster Error-Free File 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 acquire values for input objects, organize them in a hierarchical object tree, and generate configuration files in formats like JSON, YAML, or XML, depending on specific rules, to configure automation tools for various applications, such as Packer, AWS CloudFormation, and Terraform, while displaying input objects on a graphical user interface and storing templates for faster and more reliable generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If configuration files are manually created for automation tools, then flexibility and customization are improved, but time consumption and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining configuration templates with all necessary parameters and structures for automation tools. These templates are prepared in advance with proper syntax and formatting, so when a user needs a configuration file, it can be quickly generated by filling in specific values rather than creating from scratch, thus reducing time consumption while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration template layer between the user requirements and the final automation tool configuration. This template acts as a mediator that structures the configuration data in the correct format, automatically handling syntax rules and parameter relationships, which reduces manual effort and time while preserving adaptability through customizable template fields.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration files are manually created, then customization capability is improved, but syntax errors and reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration templates are pre-configured with correct syntax, data types, and validation rules before use. This preliminary preparation ensures that the structural framework is error-free, and users only need to provide values within predefined constraints, significantly reducing syntax errors while maintaining customization capability through flexible parameter inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through template validation that check user inputs against predefined rules, constraints, and syntax requirements. When users fill in configuration parameters, the system provides immediate feedback on validity, guiding corrections and preventing syntax errors, thus improving reliability without restricting customization options.
3Productivity
If existing automatic generation methods are used, then time consumption is reduced, but reliability and tool-specific accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specialized configuration templates tailored to each specific automation tool's requirements, syntax rules, and parameter structures. Instead of using a generic generation method, each tool (e.g., Terraform, AWS CloudFormation) has its own customized template that ensures both fast generation and high reliability by matching the specific constraints and conventions of that tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adapting the configuration template structure and validation rules to match the specific requirements of different automation tools. Each tool-specific template has customized parameters, data types, and syntax rules that change according to the target tool, enabling fast generation while maintaining accuracy and reliability for each specific use case.
Data Source
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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.