Portable Dynamic View Definition Editor for Network Object Databases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems lack user-friendly interfaces for editing and modifying dynamic, abstract views of network object databases, restricting users to programmer-intervention and limiting portability and flexibility in configuring and managing network devices.
Innovation Solution
A user interface and system that enable users to create, modify, and delete view definitions, specifically allowing the editing of dynamic and abstract views of network object databases, with the option for these views to be portable and editable across different devices, using a graphical user interface and markup languages like XML to define and transport view definitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user interface is provided for editing view definitions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a view definition editor as an intermediary component that mediates between the user and the network object database. This editor provides a user-friendly interface for creating and editing views without requiring users to directly manipulate complex database structures or write programming code, thus improving ease of operation while managing complexity through abstraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy or representation of the view definition in a portable format that can be edited independently from the underlying database complexity. This allows users to work with simplified view definitions without directly encountering the complex database schema, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If view definitions are made portable across devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes view definitions portable and device-independent, allowing the same view definition to be used across multiple different devices and network object databases. This universal view definition format enables adaptability without requiring complex device-specific implementations, as the view definitions can be transported and applied universally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the view definition from its original device context and represents it in a standalone, portable format. This separation allows view definitions to be independent of any specific device or database implementation, improving adaptability while avoiding the need for complex device-specific view management systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic and abstract views are enabled, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic views that can be created, modified, and deleted by users at runtime without requiring system reconfiguration or programming changes. This dynamic capability allows views to adapt to changing user needs and network conditions, improving adaptability while the system manages the underlying complexity automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces abstraction layers that allow different levels of detail and complexity to coexist. Users can work with simplified abstract view definitions at the user interface level, while the system handles the complex mapping to underlying database structures in the background, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If programmer intervention is eliminated for view editing, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to independently create and edit view definitions without requiring programmer intervention. The system provides self-service capabilities through the view definition editor, allowing users to perform tasks that previously required programming expertise, thus improving ease of operation while the system maintains precision through automated validation and error checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the view definition editor that guide users through the view creation and editing process. The system provides real-time validation, error messages, and suggestions to ensure that user-created views maintain the necessary precision and correctness, eliminating the need for programmer intervention while preserving manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A user is enabled to edit a table defining a view of a network object database, for example, a MIB. The user can select from among a plurality of network object types and select from among a plurality of columns of the table. At least one column of the table is specified by the user and edited to represent a network object type specified by the user. The view definition can be extracted from the application and transported to another device where it can be edited and/or viewed using a suitable application. Such portable view definition may be defined as part of a document, for example, a document formatted in accordance with a markup language, such as XML. Such document may include information for requesting objects to populate the view, which may be used to construct requests (e.g., SNMP requests) to retrieve objects from one or more network devices.