Virtual Document API for Distributed Configuration Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing components within XML documents using the XML Document Object Model (DOM) and standard functions is cumbersome and error-prone, requiring numerous steps and function calls, especially when dealing with configuration information distributed across different physical devices.
Innovation Solution
A technique that manages configuration information across separate files on different physical devices, allowing them to be viewed as a single virtual document through an application programming interface (API) using unique path strings, enabling access via simple function calls regardless of storage location or retrieval method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If configuration information is stored in separate files on different physical devices, then data organization and retrieval efficiency are improved, but access complexity increases due to device-specific access methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a namespace URI system as an intermediary layer between the application and physical storage devices. This namespace acts as a virtual address space that translates logical file paths into device-specific access operations, eliminating the need for application code to handle device-specific access complexities while maintaining efficient access to distributed configuration files
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard XML DOM functions are used to access configuration elements, then compatibility with XML standards is maintained, but the number of function calls and steps required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration access operation into two distinct parts: (1) namespace resolution to determine the physical location of the configuration file, and (2) simplified element access within that file. This segmentation allows the complex namespace resolution to be handled once during initialization, while subsequent element accesses use simple, direct syntax that maintains XML compatibility but dramatically reduces the number of function calls required
3Ease of manufacture
If configuration files are grouped into separately maintained files, then data organization is improved, but the effort and function calls required to access distributed data increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal namespace URI scheme that can represent configuration files regardless of their physical location or storage medium. This universal addressing system allows the same simple access syntax to work for files on local disks, network shares, or remote servers, maintaining easy data organization while eliminating the time loss associated with device-specific access protocols and multiple access methods
Data Source
AI summary
A technique involves managing configuration information used by an application. The technique involves disposing a first file in a first physical device. The first file includes first configuration information. The technique further involves disposing a second file in a second physical device. The second file includes second configuration information. The second physical device is different than the first physical device. The technique further involves providing access to a top level file having a first path string to the first file in the first physical device and a second path string to the second file in the second physical device. The top level file in combination with the first and second files operates as a single virtual document which includes the first configuration information of the first file and the second configuration information of the second file.