Storage Resource Manager with Dynamic View Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network management applications are inefficient in displaying and managing large numbers of storage area network resources, as they restrict viewing to a single type of mode and do not easily allow for the visualization of relationships between resources, making it cumbersome to compare and view specific types of resources or their relationships.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface that allows network managers to select different view modes for displaying network resources, including tabular, network topology, and other views, enabling the simultaneous display of search results and additional resource information to better understand relationships within the storage area network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional network management applications display storage area network resources in a single fixed view mode, then the application structure remains simple, but the ability to view and compare different types of resources and their relationships is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The application dynamically switches between different view modes (table view, network topology view, etc.) based on user selection, allowing the display structure to adapt flexibly to different viewing needs while maintaining a unified application framework
Solution Approach 2:
The application integrates multiple viewing functions into a single unified interface, enabling users to access table views, network topology views, and relationship views through different selectable modes, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate applications
2Loss of information
If the application displays detailed information about all storage area network resources simultaneously, then complete information is provided, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The application segments resource information into different categories and displays them in separate, selectively viewable sections based on the chosen view mode, allowing users to focus on specific aspects without being overwhelmed by all information at once
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adjusts the level and type of information displayed based on the selected view mode, showing comprehensive details in table view while presenting simplified visual representations in network topology view, thereby maintaining navigability across different information densities
3Adaptability or versatility
If the application allows switching between multiple view modes for different resources, then the versatility of resource management is improved, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single unified application interface provides access to multiple view modes and resource types through consistent interaction patterns, allowing users to manage different resources (storage devices, networks, files) with the same operational procedures regardless of the view mode selected
Data Source
AI summary
A resource manager application performs a search for managed resources (e.g., hosts, adapters, databases, host devices, etc.) associated with a storage area network. Results of the search are displayed in a first display region of a display screen. Based on selection of a particular managed resource by a user from the first display region, the resource manager populates a second display region of the display screen with corresponding additional managed resource information. The user further selects one of multiple view mode options to view different types of corresponding additional managed resource information in the second display region.