Process Object Layer Mediator for Heterogeneous Backend Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current business service systems face challenges in orchestrating and integrating multiple heterogeneous backend systems, leading to complexity in managing process steps across various applications and platforms.

Innovation Solution

The Process Object Layer (POL) framework provides a model-driven software development infrastructure that enables the creation, execution, and extension of process objects across a services platform, acting as a mediator between front-end applications and backend systems, and orchestrating processes by aggregating atomic services into compound services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heterogeneous backend systems are integrated into a unified environment, then service orchestration capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice orchestration capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Process Object Layer (POL) as an intermediary layer between front-end applications and heterogeneous backend systems. This mediator layer provides standardized process object interfaces that abstract the complexity of underlying systems, allowing service orchestration without direct exposure of system complexities. The POL translates diverse backend system calls into unified process object operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the system into distinct layers: front-end applications, Process Object Layer, and heterogeneous backend systems. Each layer has well-defined interfaces, with the Process Object Layer acting as an independent orchestration plane. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, deployed, and modified independently while maintaining overall system integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If process steps are orchestrated across multiple applications and platforms, then service execution capability is improved, but management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice execution capabilityVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Process Object Layer provides universal process object interfaces that can orchestrate diverse backend systems through a common abstraction mechanism. The same process object framework handles different service types (e.g., account services, transaction services) by instantiating appropriate process objects, eliminating the need for separate management mechanisms for each service type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where process objects monitor the execution status of service steps across multiple platforms. Status information flows back through the Process Object Layer to coordinating applications, enabling real-time tracking and coordination of complex multi-platform service executions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If heterogeneous systems are integrated, then functional versatility is improved, but integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The Process Object Layer serves as a standardized intermediary that translates between different heterogeneous system protocols and a unified process object interface. This mediator handles protocol translation, data format conversion, and authentication/authorization uniformly, simplifying integration of new heterogeneous systems without modifying existing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes in the form of configurable process object properties and metadata that describe system capabilities. Instead of hardcoding integration logic for each system type, the system uses parameterizable process object configurations to adapt to different backend systems, making integration more flexible and easier to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10755208B2Methods, apparatus and system for mediating services
Publication Date: 2020.08.25 SAP SE
  • US10755208B2 patent drawing
  • US10755208B2 patent drawing
  • US10755208B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computerized method for providing a service is described. The method may instantiate an instance of a process object. The process object may be configured to manage two or more business process objects of one or more backend systems to provide the service. The service may be performed utilizing the process object.