Meta Attributes for Dynamic System Configuration Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional system configurations are static and not adaptable to different environments, making it difficult to transfer configurations between systems due to system dependencies, which requires manual modification and is time-consuming, limiting their transferability and usability across multiple systems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of meta attributes for system configuration elements allows for the creation of dynamic, self-adapting configurations that are abstract and not dependent on specific systems, enabling them to be virtualized and adapted at runtime to match the characteristics of the receiving system, using configuration managers and property files to resolve and apply configuration values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a configuration is copied from one system to another, then the configuration can be reused, but system dependencies prevent direct copying and require manual modification
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration is segmented into system-dependent elements and system-independent elements. Meta attributes identify which configuration elements are dependent on specific system characteristics, allowing these elements to be automatically adjusted when transferring configurations between systems while preserving the reusable core configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system transitions from static to dynamic by introducing runtime resolution of configuration values. Configuration elements with system dependencies are dynamically resolved based on the target system's characteristics, enabling the same configuration to adapt automatically to different systems without manual modification.
2Reliability
If manual modification is performed to adapt configuration to different systems, then system-specific requirements are met, but the process is time-consuming and effort-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Meta attributes are defined in advance to specify the system characteristics that configuration elements depend on. This preliminary action establishes the rules for automatic adaptation, so when a configuration is transferred to a new system, the resolution process can automatically adjust system-dependent elements based on these pre-defined meta attributes without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system performs self-service by automatically resolving system-dependent configuration elements based on the target system's characteristics and the meta attributes. This eliminates the need for manual identification and modification of system-dependent elements, significantly reducing the time and effort required for configuration transfer while maintaining correctness.
3Reliability
If configuration contains system-specific values, then it works for that system, but it cannot be transferred to other systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of copying system-specific values directly, the invention copies the configuration structure with meta attributes that describe system dependencies. The actual system-specific values are then resolved at runtime based on the target system's characteristics, allowing the configuration to be copied and reused across multiple systems while automatically adapting to each system's specific requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If configuration is made adaptable to multiple systems, then transferability improves, but complexity of managing system dependencies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The meta attribute system provides a universal mechanism for handling system dependencies across all configuration elements. By defining meta attributes that describe system characteristics and their relationships to configuration elements, the system achieves multi-system compatibility through a single, unified approach rather than requiring separate management mechanisms for different types of dependencies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for meta attributes of system configuration elements. An embodiment of a method includes obtaining an attribute for a property for a configuration setting. The attribute includes a requirement regarding the property for the configuration setting. A value is resolved for the setting. The resolution of the value of the setting includes following the requirement of the attribute.