Generic Storage Framework for Automatic Configuration Notification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous computing environments, managing and translating diverse data storage formats between applications is complex, especially when configuration data changes, leading to invalid data manipulation activities and unawareness of updated underlying values.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that associate configuration values with machine executable activities, detect changes, and automatically execute dependent activities by a processor, using a notification system to manage and execute activities stored in a generic format accessible across multiple applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If format translators and wrapper scripts are used to share data between applications, then data compatibility between applications is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal configuration storage framework that stores all configuration data in a single standardized format (XML) that can be accessed by multiple different applications. This eliminates the need for separate format translators between applications, as they all read from the same unified storage structure. The framework provides multi-functional capabilities including storage, retrieval, and change detection across applications without requiring application-specific translation layers.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a configuration storage framework as an intermediary layer between applications and their configuration data. This framework manages the complexity of data format translation and storage centrally, allowing applications to interact with a unified interface rather than dealing with multiple proprietary formats. The framework acts as a mediator that handles format conversion and data sharing responsibilities, reducing the burden on individual applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If configuration data is stored in application-specific formats, then storage efficiency for each application is improved, but adaptability and ease of operation across multiple applications deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidcross-application accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts a universal XML-based configuration format that serves multiple applications simultaneously. While XML provides structured data storage, the framework enables any application to read and interpret the configuration data through a common interface, achieving both efficient storage and broad accessibility. The standardized format allows different applications to share configuration data without requiring application-specific storage schemas.

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

3Device complexity

If manual monitoring of configuration changes is implemented, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and loss of time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidchange response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated feedback mechanism that monitors configuration changes and automatically notifies dependent applications. When configuration data is modified, the framework detects the change, identifies affected applications through dependency tracking, and sends notifications to trigger updates. This eliminates manual monitoring while maintaining system simplicity through automated processes that respond to configuration changes in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The framework provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting configuration changes and initiating notifications to dependent applications without human intervention. The system monitors itself and manages the change propagation process autonomously, reducing the need for manual oversight while improving response time. Applications are automatically updated based on configuration changes without requiring manual coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If configuration changes are not automatically tracked, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and loss of information increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking complexityVSAvoiddata manipulation validity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated change tracking through the configuration storage framework that monitors all configuration modifications. The framework maintains a record of configuration changes and automatically identifies which applications depend on the modified configuration. This feedback mechanism ensures that dependent applications are notified and updated, preventing execution of invalid data manipulation activities while maintaining manageable complexity through centralized change management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8677112B2Automatic notification based on generic storage framework
Publication Date: 2014.03.18 SAP SE
  • US8677112B2 patent drawing
  • US8677112B2 patent drawing
  • US8677112B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one general aspect, a method may include associating a configuration value with at least one machine executable activity. The method may also include detecting that the configuration value has changed. In various embodiments, the method may include automatically determining which, if any, machine executable activities are directly dependent upon the changed configuration value. The method may further include automatically executing, by a processor, at least a portion of the machine executable activities that are directly dependent upon the changed configuration value.