Serial Number Generation System with Multi-Method Failover

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method for generating waybill numbers in logistics distribution systems relies solely on Redis, leading to instability and resource strain when the Redis server fails, resulting in failed generation or usage of waybill numbers.

Innovation Solution

A method that stores multiple serial number generating methods, determines the appropriate method based on business scenarios, and switches between them to ensure continuous generation of waybill numbers, using a list of available methods with failover and retry mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single Redis-based method is used for generating waybill numbers, then the system is simple to implement, but the system reliability deteriorates when Redis server fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation complexityVSAvoidwaybill number generation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple serial number generation methods (Redis, database, file system) into a single unified system. The system can automatically switch between different generation methods based on availability, ensuring continuous operation even when one method fails. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through method diversity while keeping the overall system architecture unified and manageable.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the operational parameters of the system by adjusting which generation method is active based on real-time conditions. When Redis fails, the system parameter changes to use alternative methods (database or file system). This allows the system to maintain reliability through adaptive parameter changes while preserving implementation simplicity through automated switching logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If Redis is the sole generation method, then the system architecture is simple, but productivity deteriorates due to waybill number loss and resource strain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeneration system architectureVSAvoidwaybill number generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing backup generation methods (database and file system) in advance. When Redis fails, these pre-prepared alternative methods immediately take over, preventing productivity loss. The system cushions against potential failures by having redundant capabilities ready before they are needed, thus maintaining high generation efficiency without significantly complicating the architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the status of the Redis server and automatically trigger switching to alternative generation methods when failures are detected. This feedback loop ensures that productivity is maintained by seamlessly transitioning to backup methods without manual intervention, while the overall architecture remains relatively simple through automated control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple generation methods are implemented, then system reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaybill number generation availabilityVSAvoidmultiple method management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple generation methods (Redis, database, file system) into a single unified management system with a common interface and automated switching logic. This combining approach maintains reliability through method diversity while reducing the perceived complexity by presenting a unified system to users. The multiple methods are managed together through a single coordination layer that handles selection and switching automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a single generation method is used, then the system is easy to operate, but loss of time occurs when method failure requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidtime for manual intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect failures and switch to alternative generation methods without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors its own operational status and autonomously transitions to backup methods when needed, eliminating downtime and maintaining ease of operation. This self-managing capability resolves the contradiction by preserving operational simplicity while preventing time loss through automated failover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11314712B2Method and apparatus for providing serial number, electronic device and readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2022.04.26 BEIJING JINGDONG ZHENSHI INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
  • US11314712B2 patent drawing
  • US11314712B2 patent drawing
  • US11314712B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a method, an apparatus, an electronic device and a readable storage medium for providing a serial number, capable of configuring different serial number generating methods according to different business scenarios, solving a problem of completely depending on one serial number generating method, enabling to generate a serial number that satisfies a business scenario in time, and finally improving the stability of a logistics distribution system. The method for providing a serial number according to the present invention comprises: storing various serial number generating methods; determining, according to a business scenario of a requester side and from the serial number generating methods, serial number generating methods for the scenario, and then obtaining a list of available methods for the scenario according to the determined serial number generating methods; generating, using a method in the list of available methods, a serial number for the scenario so as to provide the serial number to the requester side.