Feature Variable Configuration System for Software Access Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack an efficient method for defining and updating feature variable configurations that enable access to software features and associated behaviors within a system, particularly in the context of rapid code changes and evolving feature requirements.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for defining feature variable configurations that utilize a feature variable configuration definition system, which includes components for executing code changes over test cases, logging feature variable configurations, generating impact scores, and updating platform license definitions to reflect changes in feature variable dependencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If rapid code changes are implemented to accommodate evolving software feature requirements, then the system's adaptability improves, but the complexity of managing feature variable dependencies increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to evolving feature requirementsVSAvoidcomplexity of feature variable dependencies

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating feature variable configuration definitions before they are manually created. The impact analysis system proactively identifies which feature variables are affected by code changes and generates the corresponding configuration definitions in advance, preventing the accumulation of complex manual configuration management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring code changes and automatically updating feature variable configurations. The impact analysis provides feedback about which feature variables are affected by changes, and the automated generation and updating of configuration definitions ensures the system state remains consistent with the codebase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual updates to platform license definitions are performed to reflect changes in feature variable configurations, then system control is maintained, but the time and effort required for updates increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of platform license definitionsVSAvoidtime for updating platform license definitions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically generating and updating feature variable configuration definitions and platform license definitions without manual intervention. The impact analysis system identifies changes, generates the affected configuration definitions, and updates platform license definitions automatically, eliminating the need for manual updates while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical manual process of updating platform license definitions with an automated computational system. Instead of manually analyzing code changes and updating configurations, the system uses automated impact analysis and code generation to perform these tasks, significantly reducing time and effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If comprehensive feature variable configurations are maintained to ensure accurate access control, then system reliability improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring configuration changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of access controlVSAvoiddifficulty of tracking configuration changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by automatically tracking which feature variables are affected by code changes through impact analysis. The system continuously monitors the codebase, identifies changes, and provides feedback about which feature variable configurations need to be updated, making configuration changes detectable and measurable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary impact analysis component that mediates between code changes and feature variable configurations. This intermediary automatically identifies the relationship between code changes and affected feature variables, tracking configuration changes without requiring direct manual analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12332766B2Defining feature variable configurations that enable access to features of a system

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SALESFORCE INC

AI summary

A method and system for defining feature variable configurations in a system defined by a codebase has been developed. The codebase is executed over a set of test cases to test the software feature behaviors of a software feature. Feature variable configurations including feature variables generated by the test cases are logged. Associations between the feature variables and individual software feature behaviors are identified based on the logged feature variable configurations. Impact scores for the feature variables associated with individual software feature behaviors are calculated based on an occurrence of the associations between the feature variables and individual software feature behaviors. Deterministic feature variables are identified for individual software feature behaviors based on the calculated impact scores. At least one common feature variable is operable to enable access to the software feature in the system is identified from the deterministic features variables associated with the individual of software feature behaviors.