Enterprise Configuration Tool for Multi-Device Network Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of setting up computers and servers for business processes is time-consuming and prone to errors when automated, necessitating effective monitoring to minimize costly mistakes.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a single software application to configure multiple computing devices over a network by identifying devices, determining necessary commands based on hardware configurations, and verifying correct configuration through comparison with predefined criteria, while providing error notification and user authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automation is used to set up computers and servers, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup speedVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms by monitoring configuration processes in real-time, comparing actual configurations against expected states, and automatically detecting deviations or errors. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain high productivity through automation while ensuring reliability by immediately identifying and alerting configuration issues without requiring manual verification of each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system that acts as a mediator between the automated configuration process and the final device state. This intermediary layer validates configurations, compares them against predefined criteria, and provides a buffer that prevents erroneous automated actions from propagating, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual monitoring is implemented to ensure configuration accuracy, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidsetup speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service monitoring where each computing device automatically reports its configuration status to the central system. The devices self-verify their own configuration states against received criteria, eliminating the need for external manual monitoring while maintaining high reliability. This self-service approach preserves productivity by avoiding human intervention time while ensuring accuracy through automated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring processes with automated electronic monitoring systems. Instead of human operators physically checking configurations, the system uses automated software agents and electronic communication protocols to monitor and verify device states, thereby maintaining reliability without the time cost of manual processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple software applications are used to configure different computing devices with varying hardware configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehardware compatibilityVSAvoidsoftware management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal configuration system that can handle multiple computing devices with different hardware configurations through a single multi-functional software platform. The system automatically detects device types, retrieves appropriate configuration criteria from databases, and applies device-specific settings through a unified interface, thereby providing adaptability to various hardware while maintaining simple software management without requiring multiple separate applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages complexity by dynamically changing parameters based on device identification. When a computing device is added, the system automatically detects its hardware parameters, retrieves corresponding configuration criteria with appropriate parameters for that device type, and applies the correct settings. This parameter-driven approach allows adaptability to different hardware configurations while keeping the software interface consistent and simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9577884B2Enterprise quality assurance and lab management tool
Publication Date: 2017.02.21 BANK OF AMERICA CORP
  • US9577884B2 patent drawing
  • US9577884B2 patent drawing
  • US9577884B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for configuring multiple computing devices over a network using a single software application. Each of the multiple computing devices may be accessible over a network. The invention links each of the multiple computing devices to the single software application. The invention determines commands which are executable by each of the multiple computing devices to configure each of the multiple computing devices. The invention further communicates the commands based on receiving user input in the single software application. The invention then determines whether each of the multiple computing devices were correctly configured. The invention may further track the configuration process of the devices using tests and procedures. The invention tracks information related to the configuration of the devices and displays such information in report form as a result of receiving a report request in the single software application.