Centralized Policy System with Code-Free Flow Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current policy management systems lack the ability to efficiently evaluate and enforce complex service policies across various services and resources without requiring extensive programming, and they fail to provide a user-friendly interface for defining and managing policies in a centralized manner.
Innovation Solution
A centralized policy system that allows operators to define and enforce policies through a code-free interface, using an advanced policy language that includes constructs like branches and loops, with a data model for policy evaluation and execution, and a design phase for configuration followed by a run-time phase for application, enabling efficient management of services and resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If policy management systems use traditional programming approaches to evaluate and enforce complex service policies, then policy evaluation capability is achieved, but system complexity and maintenance burden increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional programming mechanisms with a visual flow-based configuration system. Instead of requiring developers to write code for policy evaluation, the system uses graphical flowcharts with drag-and-drop components that represent policy logic, data sources, and actions. This substitution of mechanical programming with visual configuration reduces system complexity while maintaining policy evaluation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a policy management platform as an intermediary layer between the service provider's business logic and the underlying technical infrastructure. This platform provides abstractions for policy definition, evaluation, and enforcement, shielding users from complex technical details while enabling sophisticated policy management through standardized interfaces and pre-built components.
2Manufacturing precision
If policy systems require extensive programming for policy definition and management, then precise policy control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces code-based policy definition with visual flowchart configuration. Users define complex policies by assembling graphical components that represent data sources, evaluation conditions, and enforcement actions. The system automatically translates these visual configurations into executable policy logic, maintaining precision while dramatically improving ease of operation for business users without programming skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables policy templates and reusable flow components that can be copied and adapted for different policy scenarios. Instead of programming each policy from scratch, users can replicate proven policy patterns by copying pre-defined flow templates and customizing them for specific needs, ensuring consistency and precision while reducing operational complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If centralized policy management is implemented, then policy consistency across services is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal policy management platform that serves multiple services and resources through a single centralized system. The flow-based configuration system provides multi-functional capabilities for defining, evaluating, and enforcing policies across diverse service types. By using standardized components and reusable templates, the system achieves policy consistency across services without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the centralized policy management system into modular flow components that can be independently configured and reused. The system divides complex policy logic into discrete, manageable units representing data sources, evaluation conditions, and actions. This segmentation allows the centralized system to manage complexity through modularity while maintaining policy consistency across all services.
4Adaptability or versatility
If advanced policy logic with branches and loops is supported, then policy evaluation capability is enhanced, but difficulty of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces programming constructs for advanced policy logic with visual flowchart elements. Branches are represented by decision nodes with visual paths, loops by iterative flow structures, and complex evaluations by nested component arrangements. This visual substitution enables business users to configure sophisticated policy logic through drag-and-drop operations rather than programming, enhancing capability while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for managing policies related to services offered to customers of network and service providers. The system enables operators and service providers to efficiently manage and define generic policies on top of their services via a code-free centralized interface. The infrastructure solution enables the operators, subscribers and application providers to define and enforce their service policies for each application, such as access control, charging schemes, privacy, campaign promotions, cross-selling and up-selling and mobile advertising, from one central point on top of all services and resources. Once integrated, no additional programming is required to create new policies or modify existing policies. The disclosed system enables operators to easily view and manage the data related to their business entities, such as services, handsets, subscribers and the like, and define the associated policies. The system allows defining policies on any type of service, traffic type or policy domain.