Unified Policy Configuration Interface for Multi-Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring settings across different computing devices is challenging due to varying terminology, options, and default values, making it tedious for administrators to manage policies consistently across diverse devices and operating systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that maps similar or identical settings from different devices to a single interface, allowing users to select common options and values, which are then saved for all corresponding device types, thereby simplifying the configuration process by restricting options to those valid across multiple platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If administrators configure settings individually for each device type, then each device can be precisely configured, but the time and effort required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device-type-specific settings into a single unified configuration interface. Administrators can configure common settings once that apply to multiple device types simultaneously, while still allowing device-specific customization when needed. This combining approach maintains configuration precision across different devices while dramatically reducing the time required compared to configuring each device type separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system provides universal settings that can be applied across multiple device types. A single configuration interface serves multiple functions by supporting both device-type-specific configuration and cross-device-type common configuration, eliminating the need for administrators to separately configure each device type while maintaining the ability to apply precise settings where needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the configuration interface supports all device types, then it can accommodate diverse settings, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration interface is segmented into common settings sections and device-type-specific sections. By dividing the configuration into these manageable segments, the interface remains simple for common operations while still supporting diverse device types. Administrators only see and interact with relevant sections based on their needs, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that translates between universal configuration concepts and device-type-specific implementations. This intermediary handles the complexity of supporting multiple device types behind the scenes, presenting a simplified interface to administrators while maintaining adaptability to diverse devices through the mediation layer.
3Measurement precision
If different terminology is used for the same setting across devices, then device-specific accuracy is maintained, but administrator confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration interface uses homogeneous terminology for common settings across all device types. Instead of displaying device-specific terms that may confuse administrators, the system presents unified terminology that consistently represents the same configuration concept across different devices, making the interface easier to understand and operate while maintaining accurate mapping to device-specific settings.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for managing policy configurations of different device types are described herein. An interface may be provided to a user where individual settings of different device types that are similar or the same are mapped to the same setting on the interface. The valid options or values for the individual device types are evaluated to identify common options or values. The user may select the common options or values of each common setting. The values selected as common settings values may be saved as the values for the corresponding individual settings of the different device types.