Configurable Rule Engine for Message Format Standardization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing error monitoring systems in computer networks and Data Center environments require multiple managing units, each specific to different formats and applications, leading to software configuration complexities and errors, and increased resource usage.

Innovation Solution

A configurable rule engine unit that converts messages from various formats into a standardized format, reducing the need for multiple managing units and simplifying software configuration by using a single configuration file for updates and message processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple managing units are used to handle different message formats from various applications, then message processing coverage is improved, but device complexity and software configuration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage processing coverageVSAvoidsoftware configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single managing unit that can handle multiple message formats from different applications through configurable rule sets. Instead of requiring separate managing units for each application format, the system uses a universal managing unit with configurable rules that adapt to different message formats, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining broad message processing coverage

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters (message formats, routing rules, destination configurations) dynamically through configuration files rather than requiring structural changes to the managing unit itself. This allows the same managing unit to adapt to different applications and formats by simply changing configurable parameters, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple managing units are deployed for different applications, then message format handling is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage format handlingVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple managing units into a single managing unit that handles all message formats through a unified configuration system. This consolidation eliminates the need to install, configure, and maintain multiple separate managing units, thereby improving ease of operation and maintenance while preserving the ability to handle diverse message formats through configurable rules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service through configuration files that allow automatic adaptation to different message formats without requiring manual programming or complex setup. The managing unit reads configuration parameters and automatically configures itself to handle specific message formats, reducing the operational burden on users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple managing units are used for different formats, then message processing capability is improved, but loss of time in installation and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage processing capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring rule sets and parameters in configuration files before runtime. When a new message format needs to be handled, the configuration is prepared in advance and can be loaded without requiring installation or compilation of new software, thereby eliminating time loss associated with installing and maintaining multiple managing units while preserving message processing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2533153B1Unit for managing messages indicating event situations of monitored objects
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP2533153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2533153B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A managing unit (2) for managing first messages originating from a plurality of monitored objects (1-1, 1-2, ...1-n) having data indicating event situations of said monitored objects (1-1, 1-2, ...1-n) with sets of parameter values, has: - an input unit (3) for receiving said first messages, - an output unit (5) for sending at least one second message to at least one monitoring unit (11) and - a rule engine unit (4) According to the invention said rule engine unit (4) has a function of converting said first messages, wherein said first messages have different first formats, into at least one of said second messages having a second format with a selection of or all of - said parameter values and/or - transformations of said parameter values.