Data Processing System Component Replacement via Persistent Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data processing systems face issues with corrupted Vital Product Data (VPD) rendering components unusable, even if the physical hardware is functional, and existing protection mechanisms require redundant hardware, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for replacing components in a data processing system by reading customization data from components and querying a persistent database to enable or disable functional capabilities, allowing for customization and asset protection without redundant hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VPD is stored on component hardware, then component identification and configuration are enabled, but data corruption renders components unusable even when physical hardware is functional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary persistent database that stores customization data independently of the component hardware. This mediator prevents direct corruption of component VPD while maintaining configuration integrity, as the database serves as a protective layer between the component and the configuration data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the VPD/customization data and stores it in a persistent database separate from the original component storage. This copying mechanism ensures that even if the original component data is corrupted, the configuration information remains available in the database for recovery and continued component usability.
2Reliability
If protection mechanisms are implemented to prevent VPD corruption, then component reliability improves, but redundant hardware requirements increase system cost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using redundant hardware components for protection, the patent employs a software-based intermediary persistent database that provides protection without requiring additional physical hardware. This mediator layer offers the same protective function at zero hardware cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hardware-based protection approach with a software/database-based solution. By substituting the persistent database for redundant hardware, the system achieves the same reliability protection without the physical overhead of additional components.
3Productivity
If generic replacement hardware is used, then component availability and replacement speed improve, but functional customization capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing customization data in the persistent database associated with specific component locations. When generic replacement hardware is installed, the system can immediately retrieve and apply the pre-stored customization data, enabling functional customization without manual configuration or interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically retrieving and applying customization data from the persistent database to the newly installed generic component. This self-configuration process eliminates the need for manual intervention while restoring full functional customization capability, allowing the system to adapt itself to the replacement hardware.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed during component replacement, then customization accuracy improves, but operational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically retrieve and apply customization data from the persistent database without requiring manual configuration. This automated process maintains high customization accuracy while eliminating the time-consuming manual intervention, as the system configures itself upon component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing all necessary customization data in the persistent database before component replacement occurs. This advance preparation ensures that when the replacement happens, the configuration can be automatically applied immediately without manual intervention, maintaining accuracy while reducing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for replacing components of a data processing system, comprising in response to a detection of a newly added component at a specific location; reading its customization data from a data storage and querying a persistent database to determine if functional capabilities according to customization data are specified for this specific location; depending on a result of determining the functional capabilities and of querying the database if it contains customization data either: disabling the component; or enabling the component and storing in the database the customization data; or enabling the component and replacing the customization data in the database; or storing the customization data in the data storage of the component and enabling the component.