Service Option Identifier Encoding for Policy Element Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In networked computer systems, determining valid combinations of policy features for service interactions between providers and requestors is challenging due to significant processing power requirements and unclear indications of policy elements in request messages.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for assigning and identifying option identifiers for service provision, using a hash function to encode element identifiers combined via an XOR function, enabling efficient determination and inclusion of valid policy options in service requests, with option identifiers provided to requestors for direct inclusion in service requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If message analysis is performed to determine alternative policy elements selected by a requester, then the indication of policy elements is obtained, but significant processing power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Option identifiers are assigned to each option in the set of options before service requests are processed. This preliminary assignment allows requesters to directly include the identifier in their requests without requiring the service provider to perform complex message analysis, thereby obtaining definitive policy element indication while minimizing processing power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If message analysis is performed to determine alternative policy elements, then policy element indication is obtained, but the indication may not be definitive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of analyzing the entire service request message to infer policy elements, the invention uses a copied or derived representation - the option identifier - that directly encodes the policy element selection. This identifier is included in the request message and provides a definitive, unambiguous indication of the requester's policy element choices without requiring complex message analysis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all combinations of alternative policy features are considered, then complete service options are evaluated, but the complexity of determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service options are segmented into discrete, identifiable units - individual options with unique identifiers. Instead of evaluating all possible combinations of policy features, the system divides the option space into predefined alternatives, each with a specific identifier. This segmentation allows the service provider to efficiently determine which option the requester selected by simply identifying the provided identifier, rather than analyzing complex combinations of policy elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces processing power needs by allowing definitive identification of policy elements, ensuring valid service requests and improving the efficiency of service interactions by enabling requestors to independently determine and include correct option identifiers.
Implementation Method 1
Each element identifier may be encoded using a hash function
Implementation Method 2
The element identifiers may be combined together to provide the corresponding option identifier. The element identifiers may be combined using an XOR function
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and software is disclosed in which options for the provision of a service are each identified by an option identifier for use in determining the applicable options for a given service request.