Heterogeneous Priority Semantics for Configuration Variables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing configuration management systems face challenges in handling heterogeneous priority semantics for configuration variables, leading to conflicts and inconsistencies when multiple sources provide values for the same variable, as they typically rely on a single hierarchical priority structure.

Innovation Solution

A method and data structure that allow each configuration variable to have a separate, configurable priority semantic, enabling developers to define how values are assigned based on multiple, non-uniform priority levels, with explicit or implicit ordering, and providing a configuration library to manage these variables effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single hierarchical priority semantic is used for all configuration variables, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot handle heterogeneous priority requirements of different configuration variables, leading to conflicts and inconsistencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle heterogeneous priority semanticsVSAvoidconfiguration management system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the configuration management system into variable-specific modules, where each configuration variable can have its own priority semantic definition. This segmentation allows different priority schemes (heterogeneous priorities) to be assigned to different variables without affecting the entire system, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and applies appropriate priority semantics based on the specific configuration variable being processed. Rather than using a fixed hierarchical structure for all variables, the system adapts the priority scheme dynamically according to the variable's requirements, enabling heterogeneous priority handling while maintaining system coherence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed hierarchical priority structure is imposed on all configuration variables, then the system is easy to implement, but it reduces the flexibility for developers to define custom priority semantics for specific variables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to define custom priority semanticsVSAvoidease of configuration management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic priority semantic selection, allowing developers to define custom priority schemes for specific configuration variables when needed, while defaulting to simple hierarchical structures for variables that don't require customization. This dynamic approach balances flexibility with ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration management system automatically handles the selection and application of appropriate priority semantics based on variable characteristics, reducing the manual configuration burden. Developers can define custom priorities when necessary, but the system self-manages the complexity of heterogeneous priority handling, maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If multiple conflicting sources provide values for the same configuration variable with a single priority semantic, then the system is simple to manage, but conflicts and inconsistencies arise that reduce configuration reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration consistencyVSAvoidpriority semantic management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the priority semantic management into variable-specific units, allowing each configuration variable to have its own conflict resolution rules. This prevents conflicts from propagating across different variable types and ensures consistent resolution within each variable's context, improving configuration consistency while managing complexity through localization of priority semantics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different priority semantics are applied locally to different configuration variables based on their specific requirements. This local quality approach ensures that each variable's conflicting sources are resolved according to its own semantic rules, improving reliability by preventing inappropriate priority applications while keeping the overall system manageable through localized complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7831960B2Configuration tool with multi-level priority semantic

Publication Date: 2010.11.09 ORACLE AMERICAN INC

AI summary

A method for configuration of a program with a plurality of configuration variables to operate on a computer system that includes obtaining a plurality of priority semantics for the plurality of configuration variables, wherein the plurality of priority semantics are heterogeneous, assigning a value for each of the plurality of configuration variables based on the plurality of priority semantics, and configuring the program using the value to operate on the computer system.