LDAP Directory Server Dynamic Action Invocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LDAP directory servers require hardcoded logic for performing actions on data, limiting flexibility and scalability in handling various operations such as searches and updates.

Innovation Solution

Defining actions within the LDAP repository schema as scripts, applets, or plugins that can be invoked by the LDAP directory server based on client requests, allowing dynamic behavior and replacing traditional access control mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If actions are hardcoded in the LDAP server, then the server can perform data operations, but the system lacks flexibility and scalability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidhardcoded logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, hardcoded action logic into dynamic, executable code stored in the LDAP repository itself. Actions are defined as scriptable operations that can be dynamically selected and executed based on client requests, allowing the system to adapt to different operations without modifying the server's core logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an action definition mechanism within the LDAP schema that acts as an intermediary layer between the client requests and the server's execution engine. This intermediary allows flexible action definitions to be stored in the repository and invoked dynamically, decoupling the action logic from the server's hardcoded structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If actions are hardcoded in the LDAP server, then data operations can be performed, but scalability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidhardcoded logic

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal action execution framework where a single server mechanism can handle multiple different actions by invoking them dynamically from the LDAP repository. The server's action handling capability becomes multi-functional, supporting various operations (searches, updates, custom actions) through a unified interface that retrieves and executes action definitions stored in the repository.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional access control mechanisms are used, then security is maintained, but dynamic behavior is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic behaviorVSAvoidoperation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the LDAP schema to include action-related parameters and attributes. By adding new schema elements (such as action definitions, action parameters, and invocation mechanisms), the system enables dynamic behavior while maintaining the existing access control framework. The schema changes allow actions to be defined with specific parameters that can be dynamically bound during execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7921104B2Invoking actions on data via LDAP requests

Publication Date: 2011.04.05 RED HAT INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for invoking actions on data in a Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) repository. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request pertaining to data in the LDAP repository. The request indicates at least one action identified in the definition of the LDAP repository. The method further includes causing the action to be performed with respect to one or more data items in the LDAP repository.