Layering Resource Representation for Multi-Controller Conflict Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container orchestration platforms face conflicts when multiple controllers attempt to modify the same resource, leading to overwriting of changes and resource inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The method involves creating a layering resource representation, where an owner controller creates a base layer of a resource field tree, and collaborator controllers create overlay layers as sub-trees. Each collaborator is authorized to update their respective sub-tree fields without affecting the base layer or other sub-trees.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple controllers attempt to modify the same resource simultaneously, then collaboration and resource utilization improve, but conflicts and overwriting of changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-controller collaboration capabilityVSAvoidchange consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource into a base layer (owned by the owner controller) and overlay layers (owned by collaborator controllers). Each controller can modify only their designated layer, eliminating conflicts while enabling collaboration. The base layer maintains structural integrity and is modified only by the owner controller, while overlay layers can be independently modified by collaborator controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested layer structure where overlay layers are superimposed on the base layer. The base layer contains the fundamental resource structure, and overlay layers contain modifications or extensions. This nesting allows multiple controllers to operate on different layers simultaneously without interfering with each other, while still maintaining a unified resource view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If an owner controller maintains sole authority over a resource, then change consistency is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechange consistencyVSAvoidresource modification efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides resource modification responsibilities into segments: the owner controller manages the base layer and has final authority, while collaborator controllers manage overlay layers. This segmentation allows multiple controllers to work simultaneously on different portions of the resource without conflicts, improving overall productivity while maintaining consistency through the base layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base layer acts as an intermediary that mediates between the owner controller's authority and collaborator controllers' modifications. The base layer ensures that changes from collaborator controllers do not undermine the owner controller's decisions, while still allowing efficient collaborative modifications on overlay layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single unified resource representation is used, then simplicity is maintained, but conflict resolution becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource representation structureVSAvoidconflict avoidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource representation into multiple layers with clear ownership boundaries. The base layer is owned by the owner controller, while overlay layers are owned by collaborator controllers. This segmentation makes conflict avoidance straightforward, as controllers only modify their designated layers, eliminating the need for complex conflict resolution mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a dimensional aspect by introducing overlay layers that are superimposed on the base layer. This vertical dimension allows multiple controllers to operate independently on different layers while maintaining a unified horizontal view of the resource. The layering approach transforms a single-dimensional resource into a multi-dimensional structure that facilitates conflict-free collaboration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250110783A1Role-based multi-controller collaboration on resource modification in a container orchestration platform

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method, computer program product, and computer system for generating and using a layering resource representation of a resource in a container orchestration platform. An owner controller creates a base layer of the layering resource representation. The base layer is a resource field tree of the entire resource. After the base layer is created, one or more collaborator controllers create respective one or more overlay layers of the layering resource representation. Each overlay layer is a sub-tree of the resource field tree. Each collaborator controller is authorized to update each field of the sub-tree created by each collaborator controller and is not authorized to update any other field of the resource field tree. Any field of the sub-tree that is updated by the collaborator controller that created the sub-tree replaces any previous updating of any field by the owner controller.