Software Model Process Interaction via Service Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software modeling systems fail to effectively reduce complexity for users by not providing varying levels of detail necessary for different roles in designing, configuring, or implementing enterprise software systems, which are often large and complex, requiring understanding of components at multiple levels.
Innovation Solution
The specification defines interactions between process components through inbound and outbound operations, with each component having a service interface for communication, allowing for message-based interactions between components in different deployment units, and supporting dynamic mapping of incompatible message formats, enabling a scalable and reusable software design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software systems are designed with multiple components distributed across hardware platforms, then system functionality and scalability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software system into distinct process components, each representing a separate process or function. These components are distributed across multiple deployment units that can be deployed on different hardware platforms. Each component has clearly defined service interfaces (inbound and outbound operations) that enable independent development, deployment, and maintenance while maintaining system-wide functionality.
2Loss of information
If detailed information about all system components is provided, then completeness of information is improved, but ease of understanding deteriorates due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing different levels of information detail tailored to different user roles and contexts. The modeling system allows users to view process components at varying levels of abstraction - from high-level process flows to detailed interface specifications. Each user receives information appropriate to their needs: executives see process-level views, while developers see detailed interface definitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software components are designed to be independently deployable, then deployment flexibility is improved, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes universal service interfaces that all process components must implement, including standardized inbound operations for receiving messages and outbound operations for sending messages. This universal interface framework enables components to be independently deployed while maintaining consistent integration patterns. The standardized interface definitions reduce integration complexity by providing a common language and protocol for all component interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for defining interactions between two process components. For each process component, at least one inbound operation and at least one outbound operation are defined. The inbound operations can be initiated by the other process component to read or modify data encapsulated in a business object solely associated with the process component. The outbound operations can read or modify data encapsulated in a business object solely associated with the other process component. Each of the process components characterizes software implementing a respective and distinct process, and each of the process components defines a respective at least one service interface for communicating and interacting with other process components. In addition, all communication and interaction between process components takes place through the respective interfaces of the process components.