Fuzzy Logic Surveillance for IT Resource Status Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IT monitoring systems rely on Boolean logic and thresholds, leading to overreaction or underreaction to minor changes in parameter values, as they fail to mimic human reasoning, resulting in inefficient decision-making and increased alert processing due to arbitrary threshold definitions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of fuzzy logic to process parameter values and propagate status information, using membership functions to visualize and derive fuzzy sets for resource status, allowing for more nuanced decision support akin to human reasoning, and integrating this with traditional display methods and automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If threshold processing is used to determine status changes, then automated monitoring is achieved, but overreaction to minor changes occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated monitoringVSAvoidstatus determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation from binary (above/below threshold) to continuous membership values (0-1 scale). Instead of using fixed thresholds that cause abrupt status changes, the system uses fuzzy membership functions to calculate degrees of membership in status sets, allowing gradual transitions and more accurate representation of system state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical threshold comparison mechanism with fuzzy logic processing. Instead of simple binary comparisons that trigger alerts, the system uses membership function calculations and fuzzy set operations to determine status, eliminating the abrupt reactions caused by traditional threshold processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple thresholds are defined for different alert levels, then detailed status classification is achieved, but complexity of threshold management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatus classification detailVSAvoidthreshold management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the threshold management approach by changing from multiple discrete threshold values to continuous membership functions. Instead of defining separate thresholds for warning, alarm, and critical levels, the system uses membership functions that naturally provide graded classification through membership degrees, simplifying the management structure while maintaining detailed status differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal fuzzy logic framework that handles multiple status levels through a single cohesive mechanism. The membership function approach provides a unified method for determining all status classifications (OK, warning, alarm, critical) simultaneously, eliminating the need to manage multiple independent threshold sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If binary logic is used for status determination, then simple processing is achieved, but inability to mimic human reasoning occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidhuman reasoning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the logical framework from binary (true/false) to fuzzy logic with continuous membership values between 0 and 1. This allows the system to represent partial truths and nuanced states that mimic human reasoning, while maintaining computational efficiency through standardized fuzzy logic operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces binary logical operations with fuzzy logic processing that can handle gradations and uncertainties. The system uses membership function evaluations and fuzzy set operations to replicate human-like reasoning patterns, determining status based on degrees of membership rather than strict binary conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7853538B2Fuzzy logic-based surveillance in information technology and business service management systems

Publication Date: 2010.12.14 HILDEBRAND DIETMAR

AI summary

A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring all levels of information technology and computing resources from low-level hardware up to enterprise level applications and their relation to business processes and business services, and alerting responsible personnel by giving them decision support by visual feedback using color cross-fading graphical objects showing parameter status and monitored resource status multi-colored by a scheme, which is determined by applying fuzzy logic to the raw monitored indicator parameter values and derived or propagated status attributes and by triggering events derived from fuzzy logic based analysis of raw measured parameter values and derived or propagated status attributes and raw events raised outside the apparatus.