Interface Definition Negotiation for System Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration of interfacing definitions between communicating devices is cumbersome due to disparities in definitions, leading to system failures when binary encoding is used with different schema versions, and there is a need for automated negotiation and synchronization of these definitions.
Innovation Solution
A method for exchanging and negotiating interfacing definitions between computing devices, which includes determining locally available definitions, selecting a best definition based on priority rules, and using unique identifiers, with the option to retrieve definitions from local or remote repositories, and encoding messages accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of interfacing definitions is used between communicating devices, then system compatibility can be maintained, but the complexity and time required for configuration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically negotiating interfacing definitions with communicating devices. Each device advertises its supported interfacing definitions, and the system autonomously selects and configures compatible definitions without manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing configuration complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Interfacing definitions are pre-registered in a repository before communication occurs. When a communication need arises, the system quickly retrieves and configures pre-vetted definitions from the repository, avoiding the complexity of real-time definition creation and ensuring compatibility
2Reliability
If manual configuration of interfacing definitions is performed for every pair of communicating devices, then compatibility can be ensured, but the time required for configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single centralized repository stores interfacing definitions that can be universally applied across multiple device pairs. Once a definition is registered and validated, it can be reused by any number of communicating devices, eliminating the need for repetitive manual configuration and significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically queries the repository and configures interfacing definitions without human intervention. This self-service approach retrieves compatible definitions instantaneously, ensuring reliability through pre-vetted definitions while reducing configuration time from manual processes to automated queries
3Adaptability or versatility
If local modification of interfacing definitions is allowed, then device-specific requirements can be met, but confusion arises about whether devices share common definitions
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized repository acts as an intermediary between the system and individual devices. Devices can request modifications through the repository, which manages version control and ensures that all devices receive consistent, updated definitions. This maintains device-specific adaptability while preserving definition consistency through centralized mediation
Solution Approach 2:
Interfacing definitions are segmented into standardized components stored in the repository. Devices can selectively combine and use these standardized segments to meet specific requirements, while the repository ensures that all segments remain consistent and compatible across the system, balancing adaptability with consistency
4Adaptability or versatility
If different versions of interfacing definitions are used by different devices, then device requirements can be satisfied, but system failure occurs during binary encoding
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through automatic version negotiation. When a device joins or communicates, it advertises its supported interfacing definition versions. The system queries the repository for compatible versions, receives feedback on availability, and automatically selects matching versions for all communicating devices. This ensures device requirements are satisfied while maintaining version consistency and preventing system failure during binary encoding
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and articles for exchanging by a first computing device with a second computing device indicia of one or more interfacing definitions supported by at least one of the first computing device and the second computing device are described herein. In various embodiments, the first computing device may also facilitate communication with the second computing device based at least in part on said exchanging and on one or more priority rules. In some embodiments, the indications of the interfacing definitions may include a unique identifier for each interfacing definition. Other embodiments are also disclosed and described.