Runtime Component Replacement via Dynamic Definition Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for replacing software components in applications require rebuilding the application, limiting flexibility and increasing development costs, especially when components need to be updated to coordinate with new network services.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow component replacement during application runtime by determining compatibility with external services and modifying connections to use these services, enabling seamless integration without redeveloping the application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If component replacement is performed using SCA specifications with definition files, then component compatibility and interface standardization are improved, but application flexibility and runtime replacement capability deteriorate because rebuilding is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application into executable code and configuration data (definition files). The definition files are separated into application-specific portions and component-specific portions, allowing component replacement by merely updating the component-specific definition data without affecting the executable code or requiring application rebuilding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic component replacement at runtime by making the definition file structure adaptable. The system can load and switch between different component definitions during execution based on runtime conditions, transforming the static definition file approach into a dynamic configuration system that supports flexible component substitution without recompilation.
2Reliability
If application rebuilding is performed to replace components, then component version control and compatibility are improved, but development cost and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing a structured definition file format that separates component identification and version information from the application executable. This preliminary structuring allows components to be replaced by simply updating definition files with new version information, eliminating the need for application rebuilding and significantly reducing development time and costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If firmware update is performed to coordinate with new network services, then service coordination capability is improved, but user burden and device freedom worsen due to load and ROM capacity constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts service coordination functionality from the firmware into separate, updatable component definitions that can be modified without updating the entire firmware. This extraction allows new network services to be coordinated by simply adding or modifying component definition files, eliminating the need for firmware updates and reducing user burden while maintaining service coordination capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting apparatus determines whether an external service is compatible with an interface through which a component connected with another component or another external service uses a service of the other component or the other external service, and if it is determined that the external service is compatible with the interface through which the component uses the other component or the other external service, modifies the connection so that the component connected with the other component or the other external service is connected with the external service. The connecting apparatus then executes the component connected with the external service.