Model-Based Change Impact Analysis for Heterogeneous Computing Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex software systems with multiple layers make it difficult for users to track and understand how changes to one object affect other objects, especially when relationships between objects are not easily accessible or tracked.
Innovation Solution
A model is created with model objects that represent computing objects, allowing for the identification of affected objects by tracking relationships between them, and processing requests to determine changes based on these relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a model is created to track relationships between computing objects across multiple software layers, then the ability to determine impact of changes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates model objects that are simplified representations or copies of the actual computing objects. These model objects contain relationship information that mirrors the relationships between real objects, allowing impact analysis to be performed on the models without directly analyzing the complex original system. This copying approach enables reliable change impact determination while keeping the analysis mechanism manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The model objects serve as intermediaries between the user and the complex multi-layer software system. Instead of users directly analyzing relationships between numerous computing objects across different software layers, they interact with the simplified model objects that mediate the relationship tracking. This intermediary layer reduces the apparent complexity while maintaining accurate relationship information.
2Ease of operation
If relationship information between computing objects is made accessible through a model, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts relationship information from the complex computing objects and places it into the model objects. By taking out the relationship data from the original objects and consolidating it in the models, users can access relationship information in a centralized, easy-to-query format without needing to understand the complex distributed structure of the original system.
Solution Approach 2:
The model objects serve multiple functions: they represent computing objects, store relationship information, enable impact analysis, and provide a user interface layer. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms into a single versatile structure, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of components.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and solutions are provided for determining changes to computing objects based on a change to a related computing object. A model of model objects is created, where a model object represents a computing object of a plurality of computing objects. The model stores information about relationships between the plurality of computing objects. A change to a computing object of the plurality of computing objects is received, and the model is used to determine one or more objects of the plurality of computing objects that are affected by the change, using the relationship information in the model. At least a portion of the plurality of the objects are of differing types.