Modular Install Configuration Engine for Software

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex business software installations are burdensome due to size and complexity, leading to conflicts and difficulties in updates and installations, as multiple programmers contribute to the code, making it challenging to manage and duplicate successfully.

Innovation Solution

A modular install configuration engine that uses pluggable install components, each containing a payload, metadata, and configuration actions, allowing for independent installation and configuration of software components without requiring communication between different programming groups, enabling prioritized and efficient installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple programmers contribute to complex software code, then the software functionality and capabilities are improved, but the complexity of managing and coordinating these contributions increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the software installation process into independent install components, each with its own metadata and configuration actions. This segmentation allows multiple programming groups to work independently on separate components without conflicts, while the modular install configuration engine coordinates their integration through standardized interfaces and prioritization rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the software size and complexity increase, then the software capabilities are improved, but the installation process becomes more burdensome and difficult to duplicate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware capabilitiesVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The install components are designed to be self-describing through metadata that contains all necessary installation instructions, file paths, and configuration parameters. The modular install configuration engine automatically interprets this metadata and executes installation without requiring manual intervention or deep understanding of the complex software architecture, making the installation process self-service and repeatable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses metadata parameters to dynamically control the installation process. By changing parameters in the metadata (such as installation paths, configuration options, and dependency relationships), the same install component can be installed in different environments and configurations without modifying the component itself, enabling flexible and repeatable installations of complex software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If updates are performed frequently on complex software, then the software remains current and functional, but the installation and update process becomes increasingly difficult to perform successfully

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware currencyVSAvoidupdate efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates configuration actions that are executed before the main installation process. These preliminary actions include creating necessary directories, registering install components with the engine, and validating dependencies. By performing these actions in advance, the actual update process becomes faster and more reliable, as the groundwork is already prepared and conflicts are pre-checked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If a modular install configuration engine is used to enable independent component installation, then the installation process becomes more efficient and repeatable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidengine complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular install configuration engine is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple types of install components with different metadata formats and configuration requirements. It provides a standardized interface for interpreting metadata, executing configuration actions, and managing installation state. This multi-functionality allows the same engine to install diverse software components efficiently without requiring component-specific installation logic, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8156485B2Method and apparatus for creating a pluggable, prioritized configuration engine to be used for configuring a software during installation, update and new profile creation

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

One or more pluggable install components may be used with a modular install configuration engine. Each install component carries instructions that allow an install components to be used with the configuration engine. Each install component also carries payload files for deployment onto a user's end system. Each install component may be created and updated by a plurality of vendors or programming groups. Upon installation, the install component and the modular install configuration engine are integrated to create a unique install program tailored to the needs of a particular customer.