Integration Apparatus Linking Heterogeneous Software Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integration and management systems face difficulties in linking functions across different software products due to differences in operating environments of their program interfaces, making complementing or mutual usage of software functions challenging.
Innovation Solution
An integration and management apparatus that obtains and analyzes a linkage software component including setting information and an extended program from software, allowing it to execute the linkage of functions using the software's provided program interface, thereby overcoming the differences in operating environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software products from different vendors with different operating environments are integrated, then functional versatility is improved, but interface compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized interface layer that acts as an intermediary between software products from different vendors. This interface includes standardized data structures, communication protocols, and API specifications that mediate between diverse operating environments, enabling functional integration while maintaining compatibility reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal integration framework that can handle multiple software vendors and different operating environments through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional interface design allows the same integration mechanism to work across diverse software products, achieving both versatility and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If program interfaces are opened to the outside for third-party access, then software adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface architecture into distinct layers: a standardized external interface layer for third-party access, and an internal implementation layer that remains protected. This segmentation allows adaptability at the interface level while keeping the core system complexity managed and isolated.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface acts as an intermediary that handles all external access requests, preventing direct access to complex internal systems. This mediator layer simplifies external interaction while containing system complexity within the protected internal architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
An integration and management apparatus is connected to an information processing apparatus in which one or plural pieces of software operates, which one or plural pieces of software has a program interface opened to the outside and realizes a function, and includes an obtaining part that obtains, from the software, a linkage software component including setting information and an extended program for a linkage of the function realized by the one or plural pieces of software; an analyzing part that analyzes the linkage software component obtained by the obtaining part, and obtains an analyzing result; and an executing part that executes, in response to a function providing request, the extended program, and carries out the linkage of the function by using the program interface provided by the software, based on the analyzing result obtained by the analyzing part.