Branch Processor Degraded Mode Architecture for Communication Termination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer system architectures often become non-functional or partially non-functional during communication terminations, necessitating a solution to maintain partial functionality despite terminated communications.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a branch processor with an application server, electronic journal, process-monitor, device application services registry, device manager, and hardware-device exception handler, enabling operation in degraded modes by limiting capabilities and managing exceptions in shared devices, while maintaining transaction logging and user permissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the computer system architecture includes many external and internal lines of communications, then the system can perform comprehensive computing and networking activities, but the system becomes non-functional or partially non-functional during communication terminations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing and networking activitiesVSAvoidsystem functionality during communication termination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments communication dependencies by identifying critical and non-critical components. The branch processor application server is divided into essential functions (transaction processing, electronic journal operations) and non-essential functions (full networking activities). During communication termination, only critical functions are maintained while non-critical functions are suspended, allowing the system to remain partially functional without requiring complete communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements partial functionality by maintaining only the minimum necessary operations during communication termination. The branch processor can perform limited functions such as local transaction logging and basic device operations while suspending full networking activities. This partial action approach ensures system reliability during communication issues without requiring complete functional operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If the branch processor application server operates with limited capabilities during communication termination, then the system remains partially functional, but the full range of computing and networking activities cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepartial functionality during communication terminationVSAvoidrange of computing activities

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational capabilities based on communication status. When communications are functional, the branch processor application server operates with full capabilities. When communication termination is detected, the system transitions to a degraded mode with limited capabilities, and can transition back to full operation when communications are restored. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability during communication issues while preserving full functionality when available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as network connectivity status, transaction processing modes, and device access levels based on communication availability. During communication termination, parameters are adjusted to enable local-only operations while suspending network-dependent functions. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain partial functionality without requiring permanent reduction in capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the system maintains full operational capabilities during communication termination, then computing activities can continue uninterrupted, but the system cannot respond to communication failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous computing activitiesVSAvoidresponse to communication failures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor communication status and trigger appropriate responses. When communication termination is detected, the feedback loop activates to suspend non-critical functions and alert administrators. This feedback approach ensures the system can respond to communication failures while maintaining continuous operation of critical functions during the transition to degraded mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9684894B2Method and apparatus for invoking a degraded mode architecture

Publication Date: 2017.06.20 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

An apparatus for invoking a degraded mode architecture is provided. The apparatus may include a desktop application, a branch processor, and/or a data center. The branch processor may be in communication with the data center and the desktop application. The branch processor may transmit activities that occurred in the branch processor and the desktop application to the data center. During a termination of communication between the data center and the branch processor, the branch processor may save branch processor activities and desktop application activities. After the termination of communication, the branch processor may transmit the saved activities to the data center. In addition, many components which may be found on the desktop application may also be found on the branch processor. This may enable the branch processor to perform the desktop application capabilities when there is a termination of communication between the desktop application and the branch processor.