Logfile Parsing for Component Dependency Graphs

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Solution Overview

Problem

In complex computing environments, identifying the root cause of faults or problems is challenging due to the complexity of software packages with numerous components and unknown dependencies, requiring a method to determine responsible components and their relationships.

Innovation Solution

A method that accesses logfile records to identify components and generate time window records, then creates a directed graph to visualize dependencies among components, facilitating root-cause analysis by parsing logfile records to determine the components responsible for issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual analysis of logfile records is performed to identify root causes, then measurement precision of component relationships is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracy of component relationshipsVSAvoidtime required for root-cause analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that automatically parses logfile records, extracts component information, and generates directed graphs representing component relationships. This intermediary system bridges the gap between raw logfile data and actionable root-cause identification, eliminating manual analysis while maintaining high precision in identifying component dependencies and temporal relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual analysis process with an automated computational system that uses parsing algorithms and graph generation to identify component relationships. The system automatically processes logfile records, extracts relevant information, and visualizes component dependencies, substituting human analytical effort with automated information processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated processing of logfile records is implemented, then productivity improves and loss of time decreases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of root-cause analysisVSAvoidcomplexity of processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex processing task into distinct functional modules: a parsing module that extracts information from logfile records, a processing module that analyzes temporal relationships and generates time window records, and a visualization module that creates directed graphs. This segmentation reduces the complexity of any single component while maintaining high overall productivity through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary data structures (time window records and directed graphs) that simplify the transformation from raw logfile data to actionable insights. These intermediary representations organize complex information in a manageable format, reducing the computational complexity required for final analysis while enabling rapid automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If detailed parsing of logfile records is performed, then measurement precision of component dependencies is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of component dependency identificationVSAvoidenergy consumption of processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information from logfile records that is relevant to identifying component relationships and temporal dependencies. By selectively parsing and extracting key fields rather than processing entire logfile contents, the system achieves high measurement precision in identifying component dependencies while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption associated with processing redundant data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10719384B2Determining relationships between components in a computing environment to facilitate root-cause analysis

Publication Date: 2020.07.21 RED HAT INC

AI summary

Determining relationships between components in a computing environment to facilitate root-cause analysis is disclosed. A logfile comprising a plurality of logfile records that were originated by a plurality of components is accessed. The logfile records identify a time associated with the logfile record and a component of the plurality of components that originated the logfile record. Each respective logfile record is parsed to identify the time associated with the logfile record and the component that originated the logfile record. A plurality of respective time window records is generated based on the at least some of the plurality of logfile records. Each respective time window record identifies the components that originated the logfile records during a time window that corresponds to the respective time window record. A directed graph that identifies dependencies among the plurality of components is generated based on the plurality of time window records.