Configurable Stream Join and Aggregation for Variable Input Streams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling operations face inefficiencies and equipment damage due to dynamic drilling conditions, necessitating rapid data aggregation and analysis to mitigate dysfunctions, with current systems lacking flexibility in handling varying numbers of input streams.

Innovation Solution

A configurable streaming operator that uses a configuration data stream to selectively join or aggregate input streams, allowing for flexible handling of varying configurations and reducing the need for redesigning the application topology when new streams are added or removed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed topology is used for data stream processing, then the system structure is simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt to varying numbers of input streams without redesign

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying input streamsVSAvoidtopology configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the data stream topology configurable and adaptable during runtime. Instead of a fixed topology, the system allows dynamic addition and removal of input streams through a configuration file, enabling the processing pipeline to adapt to varying numbers of input streams without requiring complete redesign of the application topology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by creating a unified data stream processing framework that can handle any number of input streams through a single configurable operator. The system uses a universal configuration mechanism that works regardless of whether there are 2, 5, or 10 input streams, eliminating the need for separate configurations for different stream counts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple fixed configurations are created for different numbers of input streams, then each configuration is optimized for its specific case, but the overall system complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing reliability for specific configurationsVSAvoidnumber of configuration variants
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for multiple fixed configurations by implementing a universal configurable operator that can adapt to any number of input streams. A single configuration file format and processing framework handles all cases, whether there are 2 or 20 input streams, thereby maintaining reliability across different scenarios while reducing the number of configuration variants from many fixed versions to one universal version.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by allowing the configuration file to dynamically specify the number of input streams and their properties. Instead of creating different configuration files for different stream counts, the system reads parameters from a single configuration file that can be adjusted to reflect the current number of active input streams, thereby adapting the processing pipeline to match the actual data sources available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the application topology is redesigned whenever new input streams are added, then the system remains optimized for current needs, but development and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoiddevelopment and maintenance cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the data stream topology to be modified at runtime through configuration file updates rather than requiring application redesign. When new input streams are added, the system simply reads the updated configuration and adjusts the processing pipeline accordingly, maintaining high data processing efficiency while eliminating the need for costly development and redeployment cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by allowing the data stream processing system to automatically adapt to new input streams without requiring manual intervention from developers. The configurable operator automatically reads the configuration file, detects new streams, and integrates them into the processing pipeline, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing development and maintenance costs through automated self-configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4645107A1Data stream controller with configurable barrier for join and aggregation
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 CONOCOPHILLIPS CO
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AI summary

A method, system, and apparatus are provided for a configurable streaming operator to join or aggregate input data streams in a streaming application topology. The configurable operator may include a configuration data stream that allows for the selection of a varying number of input streams to join or aggregate. Introducing the configuration stream into a streaming operator allows the underlying operator to selectively use the remaining input streams based on the configuration stream as well as influencing the resulting output stream as defined by the configuration stream to provide flexibility in handling various configurations with a minimum and/or maximum of input streams.