Interface Instance Simulation with Token-Based Event Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software development environments struggle to efficiently simulate type-level constructs on interface instances and manage event handling systems, leading to overhead and limitations in runtime operations and event subscription management.

Innovation Solution

A computer system instantiates an interface instance with instance members and a separate typed object to simulate type-level parameterized constructors and static members, while maintaining a token-based event handling system that tracks subscriptions with weak references to manage event subscriptions and lifetime, allowing for efficient routing of method invocations and event handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional event handling system uses strong references to track event subscribers, then the system can maintain active subscriptions, but the subscribers cannot be freed from memory when no longer needed, causing memory leaks and increased memory usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevent subscription managementVSAvoidmemory usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a token-based intermediary system where tokens act as mediators between event subscribers and the event handling mechanism. Instead of directly holding strong references to subscribers, the system uses tokens as indirect references that can be easily created, transferred, and destroyed. This token intermediary allows the system to track subscriptions without preventing garbage collection of subscriber objects, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable subscription tracking and reducing memory usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates token copies that represent subscription relationships without copying the actual subscriber objects. These token copies are lightweight placeholders that can be stored in event subscription tables without preventing the original subscriber objects from being garbage collected. The tokens serve as indirect references that enable subscription management while allowing memory-efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system instantiates separate typed objects to simulate type-level constructs on interface instances, then developers gain access to parameterized constructors and static members, but the system complexity increases due to additional routing and association mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetype-level construct simulationVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the runtime system automatically handles the association between interface instances and their corresponding typed objects. When an interface instance is created, the runtime automatically creates and links the corresponding typed object that simulates type-level constructs. This automatic self-service approach reduces the perceived complexity for developers while maintaining the sophisticated architecture needed for type-level simulation on interface-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a runtime intermediary layer that manages the complex routing between interface instances and typed objects. This intermediary runtime system automatically handles method invocation routing, constructor simulation, and static member access without requiring developers to manually manage the complex associations. The intermediary absorbs the architectural complexity while presenting a simplified interface to developers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the system maintains detailed metadata for profiling and instrumentation operations, then comprehensive application analysis is achieved, but unnecessary overhead is introduced during other operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication profilingVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic metadata system where the level of metadata detail is adjusted based on the current operation being performed. During profiling and instrumentation operations, detailed metadata is maintained and activated to enable comprehensive analysis. During normal operations, the system dynamically reduces metadata detail to minimize overhead. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide precise measurement when needed while maintaining high productivity during routine operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2756396B1Simulation of static members and parameterized constructors on an interface-based api
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2756396B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2756396B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2756396B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to providing a simulation of a type-level construct on an interface instance and to maintaining a token-based event handling system. In one scenario, a computer system instantiates an interface instance that includes an instance object and multiple instance members. The computer system also instantiates a separate typed object which is configured to maintain one or more simulated type-level parameterized constructors. The computer system then associates the instantiated interface instance with the separate typed object. The typed object routes method invocations from the interface instance to various simulated type-level parameterized constructors and static members of the type.