Workflow Server Scheduling for Security Subsystem Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Security ecosystems face interoperability issues due to changes in computer subsystems, which can cause system-wide errors and require testing during normal operation without disrupting the system.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for testing and verifying the operation of changed computer subsystems, including determining optimal testing times based on historical and current subsystem data, and using a workflow server to manage and synchronize testing with other subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If testing is performed during normal system operation, then system continuity is maintained, but testing reliability and accuracy deteriorate due to concurrent operations and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security ecosystem into multiple independent computer subsystems (radio, video, door access control) that can be tested separately. Each subsystem is tested individually rather than simultaneously, allowing testing to occur during normal operation without interfering with other subsystems. The workflow server coordinates these segmented tests to maintain system continuity while ensuring testing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary testing of changed subsystems before they are fully integrated into the operational security ecosystem. The workflow server schedules and coordinates tests of modified subsystems during periods of low activity or in advance of critical operations, allowing potential issues to be identified and resolved before affecting overall system reliability.
2Productivity
If subsystem changes are made without testing, then system updates can be applied quickly, but system interoperability and reliability deteriorate due to potential conflicts and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the workflow server monitors the security ecosystem for errors and interoperability issues after subsystem changes. The system continuously collects feedback about system operation, identifies potential conflicts between updated subsystems and existing workflows, and provides feedback to administrators about the impact of changes before they are fully deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary testing of subsystem changes before integrating them into the operational system. The workflow server coordinates pre-testing of modified subsystems to verify interoperability with existing workflows, and only approves changes that pass these preliminary tests, ensuring reliability while maintaining update speed.
3Reliability
If the security ecosystem is shut down for testing, then testing accuracy is improved, but system availability and operational continuity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing process from the overall system operation. Instead of shutting down the entire security ecosystem for testing, the workflow server enables individual subsystems to be tested independently during normal operation. This segmentation allows testing accuracy to be maintained while system availability remains uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic testing of subsystems during scheduled maintenance windows or low-activity periods rather than requiring continuous system shutdowns. The workflow server coordinates periodic testing cycles that maintain system availability between test periods, allowing the security ecosystem to remain operational while still achieving accurate testing results.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of improving computer system operations by testing and verifying operation of changed computer subsystems is provided. The system determines that a change has occurred at one or more computer subsystems associated with a given workflow and then determines a given time to test the given workflow(s). A request to test the given workflow at the given time is sent by the workflow server to the computer subsystem(s). The workflow server receives acknowledgements from the computer subsystem(s) of the request to test the given workflow. The respective acknowledgements either accept or reject the given test time. Control signals are sent to the computer subsystems to automatically perform the test of the given workflow at the given time, if accepted, in a test mode. The system then verifies the change to the one or more computer subsystems by evaluating results of the test actions of the given workflow.