Automatic configuration of attribute sets

• US 7,447,701 B2
• Filed: 01/30/2003
• Issued: 11/04/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/11/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Oracle International Corporation (Oracle Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Oracle International Corporation (Oracle Corporation)
• Inventors: Agarwal, Sachin, Lee, Michele C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pardo; Thuy N
• Application Number:
  US10/354,913
• Publication Number:
  US 20040010514A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,105 Days
• Field of Search: 707/104.1, 707/100, 707/102, 707/101, 707/1, 707/3, 707/103, 707/103.Y, 707/4, 707/10, 707/103.R, 707/200, 707/103.Z
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/289 Object oriented databases
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99934 Query formulation, input preparation, or translation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99942 Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99943 Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99944 Object-oriented database structure
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 Object-oriented database structure processing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99947 Object-oriented database structure reference

Abstract

Technology is disclosed for automatically configuring attribute sets, such as object classes and classes of database tables. A system employing an object class, such as an Identity or Access System, configures the object class for use by the system. One version of the system employs a template that includes entries for attributes in the object class. An example entry identifies an attribute and a corresponding meta-attribute. Alternatively, the template may support multiple object classes and include entries with different types of information. During configuration, the system selects an attribute in the object class and identifies a corresponding template entry. The system configures the attribute, based on the information in the template entry. One type of configuration includes the system assigning a meta-attribute from the template entry to the attribute. The system repeats this procedure for each attribute in the object class or at least a subset of the attributes that need configuration.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method for attribute set configuration, the method comprising:

identifying a class to be configured, wherein the class describes a type of object used to identify an entity in a directory and identifies a format for each object described by the class, and wherein the class comprises an attribute set comprising a plurality of attributes, each of the plurality of attributes describing a trait of the entity identified by the object that is described by the class, and specifies that the set of attributes is to be included in each object described by the class;

identifying a template for said attribute set, said template includes configuration information other than schema information for at least one attribute in said attribute set; and

configuring said class by configuring said attribute set in said class, based at least in part on said configuration information;

wherein the class describes a plurality of objects, each comprising the set of attributes specified by the class, the set of attributes comprising a first attribute of a first type, the plurality of objects comprising a first object in which an attribute of the first type has a first value, and a second object in which an attribute of the first type has a second value.

2. The computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said method further comprises:

retrieving schema information for said attribute set.

3. The computer implemented method according to claim 2, wherein said schema information identifies at least one attribute in said attribute set.

4. The computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein identifying a template for said attribute set comprises:

determining whether a template matches said attribute set.

5. The computer implemented method according to claim 4, wherein identifying a template for said attribute set comprises:

selecting a template determined to match said attribute set.

6. The computer implemented method according to claim 4, wherein identifying a template for said attribute set comprises:

selecting a generic template, if it is determined that no template matches said attribute set.

7. The computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein configuring said class by configuring said attribute set in said class comprises:

configuring said at least one attribute in said attribute set.

8. The computer implemented method according to claim 7, wherein configuring said at least one attribute in said attribute set comprises:

identifying an entry in said template; and

configuring said at least one attribute in said attribute set, based at least in part on said entry.

9. The computer implemented method according to claim 8, wherein configuring said at least one attribute in said attribute set, based at least in part on said entry comprises:

assigning a meta-attribute to said at least one attribute.

10. The computer implemented method according to claim 9, wherein said meta-attribute includes at least one component from a set of components consisting of cardinality, display name, display type, searchable, version, visible, and semantic type.

11. The computer implemented method according to claim 9, wherein said entry matches said at least one attribute.

12. The computer implemented method according to claim 9, wherein said entry is a default entry in said template.

13. The computer implemented method according to claim 9, wherein said entry identifies said meta-attribute.

14. The computer implemented method according to claim 13, wherein said entry contains said meta-attribute.

15. The computer implemented method according to claim 9, wherein assigning a meta-attribute to said at least one attribute comprises:

creating an object that specifies said meta-attribute for said at least one attribute.

16. The computer implemented method according to claim 8, wherein identifying an entry in said template comprises:

determining whether said at least one attribute is listed in said entry in said template.

17. The computer implemented method according to claim 8, wherein identifying an entry in said template comprises:

determining whether said entry in said template satisfies a filter.

18. The computer implemented method according to claim 17, wherein said filter requires said entry in said template to include a character string having a predetermined level of similarity with said at least one attribute.

19. The computer implemented method according to claim 17, wherein said filter requires said entry in said template to specify a meta-attribute including at least one predetermined component.

20. The computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said attribute set is a class of database table.

21. The computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said method is performed by an Identity System.

22. The computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said method is performed by an Access System.

23. The computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said method is performed by an integrated Identity/Access System.

83. The method according to claim 1, wherein:

said configuration information for at least one attribute includes a meta-attribute; and

configuring said class by configuring said attribute set in said class includes assigning said meta-attribute to said at least one attribute.

84. The method according to claim 83, wherein:

identifying a template for said attribute set comprises determining whether a template matches said attribute set; and

said meta-attribute is automatically assigned to said at least one attribute if said template matches said attribute set.

85. The method according to claim 83, wherein:

said method is performed by a software system; and

said assigned meta-attribute allows said software system to recognize and utilize said at least one attribute.

86. The method according to claim 2, further comprising:

identifying one or more attributes in said attribute set based on said schema information.

87. The method according to claim 86, further comprising, for each of said identified attributes:

determining whether said template includes an entry matching said identified attribute; and

assigning a meta-attribute to said identified attribute if said entry matches said identified attribute, said entry identifies said meta-attribute.

88. The method according to claim 87, further comprising, for each of said identified attributes:

assigning a generic meta-attribute to said identified attribute if said entry does not match said identified attribute.

99. The computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of classes describe a type of object used to identify an entity in a directory, and wherein identifying a class to be configured comprises:

selecting a class from among the plurality of classes.

100. The computer implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising:

displaying, for a user, a configuration of the class.

24. One or more processor readable storage devices having processor readable code embodied on said one or more processor readable storage devices, said processor readable code for programming one or more processors and comprising:

code for identifying a class to be configured, wherein the class describes a type of object used to identify an entity in a directory and identifies a format for each object described by the class, and wherein the class comprises an attribute set comprising a plurality of attributes, each of the plurality of attributes describing a trait of the entity identified by the object that is described by the class, and specifies that the set of attributes is to be included in each object described by the class;

code for identifying a template for said attribute set, said template includes configuration information for at least one attribute in said attribute set said configuration information includes information on how to display said at least one attribute; and

code for configuring said class by configuring said attribute set in said class, based at least in part on said configuration information;

wherein the class describes a plurality of objects, each comprising the set of attributes specified by the class, the set of attributes comprising a first attribute of a first type, the plurality of objects comprising a first object in which an attribute of the first type has a first value, and a second object in which an attribute of the first type has a second value.

25. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 24, wherein said code for identifying a template for said attribute set comprises:

code for determining whether a template matches said attribute set.

26. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 24, wherein said code for configuring said class by configuring said attribute set in said class comprises:

code for identifying an entry in said template; and

code for configuring said at least one attribute in said attribute set, based at least in part on said entry.

27. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 26, wherein said code for configuring said at least one attribute in said attribute set comprises:

code for assigning a meta-attribute to said at least one attribute.

28. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 27, wherein said entry matches said at least one attribute.

29. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 27, wherein:

said entry is a default entry in said template;

said configuration information is generic configuration information; and

said default entry includes said generic configuration information.

30. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 27, wherein said entry identifies said meta-attribute.

31. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 27, wherein said code for assigning said meta-attribute to said at least one attribute comprises:

code for creating an object that specifies said meta-attribute for said at least one attribute.

32. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 26, wherein code for identifying an entry in said template comprises:

code for determining whether said at least one attribute is listed in said entry in said template.

33. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 26, wherein code for identifying an entry in said template comprises:

code for determining whether said entry in said template satisfies a filter.

34. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 24, wherein said attribute set is a class of database table.

35. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 24, wherein said code is executable by an Identity System.

89. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 24, wherein:

said configuration information for at least one attribute includes a meta-attribute; and

said code for configuring said class by configuring said attribute set in said class comprises code for assigning said meta-attribute to said at least one attribute.

90. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 89, wherein:

said code for identifying a template for said attribute set comprises code for determining whether a template matches said attribute set; and

said meta-attribute is automatically assigned to said at least one attribute if said template matches said attribute set.

91. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 24, wherein said processor readable code further comprises:

code for retrieving schema information for said attribute set; and

code for identifying one or more attributes in said attribute set based on said schema information.

92. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 91, wherein said processor readable code further comprises, for each of said identified attributes:

code for determining whether said template includes an entry matching said identified attribute; and

code for assigning a meta-attribute to said identified attribute if said entry matches said identified attribute, said entry identifies said meta-attribute.

36. An apparatus, comprising:

one or more storage devices; and

one or more processors in communication with said one or more storage devices, wherein said one or more storage devices have embodied thereon processor readable code for programming said one or more processors, said processor readable code comprising;

code for identifying a class to be configured, wherein the class describes a type of object used to identify an entity in a directory and identifies a format for each object described by the class, and wherein the class comprises an attribute set comprising a plurality of attributes, each of the plurality of attributes describing a trait of the entity identified by the object that is described by the class, and specifies that the set of attributes is to be included in each object described by the class;

code for identifying a template for said attribute set, said template includes configuration information other than schema information for at least one attribute in said attribute set; and

code for configuring said class by configuring said attribute set in said class, based at least in part on said configuration information;

wherein the class describes a plurality of objects, each comprising the set of attributes specified by the class, the set of attributes comprising a first attribute of a first type, the plurality of objects comprising a first object in which an attribute of the first type has a first value, and a second object in which an attribute of the first type has a second value.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said code for identifying a template for said attribute set comprises:

code for identifying an entry in said template; and

code for configuring said at least one attribute in said attribute set, based at least in part on said entry.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said code for configuring said at least one attribute in said attribute set comprises:

code for assigning a meta-attribute to said at least one attribute.

39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein said code for assigning said meta-attribute to said at least one attribute comprises:

code for creating an object that specifies said meta-attribute for said at least one attribute.

40. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said attribute set is a class of database table.

41. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said apparatus comprises an Access System.

93. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein:

said configuration information for at least one attribute includes a meta-attribute; and

said code for configuring said class by configuring said attribute set in said class comprises code for assigning said meta-attribute to said at least one attribute.

94. The apparatus according to claim 93, wherein:

said code for identifying a template for said attribute set comprises code for determining whether a template matches said attribute set; and

said meta-attribute is automatically assigned to said at least one attribute if said template matches said attribute set.

95. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein said processor readable code further comprises:

code for retrieving schema information for said attribute set;

code for identifying one or more attributes in said attribute set based on said schema information.

96. The apparatus according to claim 95, wherein said processor readable code further comprises, for each of said identified attributes:

code for determining whether said template includes an entry matching said identified attribute; and

code for assigning a meta-attribute to said identified attribute if said entry matches said identified attribute, said entry identifies said meta-attribute.

42. A computer implemented method for attribute set configuration, said method comprising:

identifying a class to be configured, wherein the class describes a type of object used to identify an entity in a directory and identifies a format for each object described by the class, and wherein the class comprises an attribute set comprising a plurality of attributes, each of the plurality of attributes describing a trait of the entity identified by the object that is described by the class, and specifies that the set of attributes is to be included in each object described by the class;

identifying a first entry in a template, said template includes configuration information for at least one attribute in said attribute set, said configuration information includes information on how to display said at least one attribute; and

configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class, based at least in part on said configuration information;

wherein the class describes a plurality of objects, each comprising the set of attributes specified by the class, the set of attributes comprising a first attribute of a first type, the plurality of objects comprising a first object in which an attribute of the first type has a first value, and a second object in which an attribute of the first type has a second value.

43. The computer implemented method according to claim 42, wherein said method further comprises:

identifying said template for said attribute set.

44. The computer implemented method according to claim 42, wherein said first entry matches said attribute and includes said configuration information.

45. The computer implemented method according to claim 42, wherein said first entry is a default entry in said template.

46. The computer implemented method according to claim 42, wherein identifying a first entry in a template comprises:

determining whether said template contains an entry matching said attribute.

47. The computer implemented method according to claim 46, wherein determining whether said template contains an entry matching said attribute comprises:

determining whether said attribute is listed in an entry in said template.

48. The computer implemented method according to claim 46, wherein determining whether said template contains an entry matching said attribute comprises:

determining whether an entry in said template satisfies a filter.

49. The computer implemented method according to claim 48, wherein said filter requires an entry in said template to include a character string having a predetermined level of similarity with said attribute.

50. The computer implemented method according to claim 48, wherein said filter requires an entry in said template to specify a meta-attribute including at least one predetermined component.

51. The computer implemented method according to claim 46, wherein configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class comprises:

automatically assigning a meta-attribute specified in said first entry to said attribute, if it is determined that said first entry matches said attribute.

52. The computer implemented method according to claim 51, wherein said meta-attribute includes at least one component from a set of components consisting of cardinality, display name, display type, searchable, version, visible, and semantic type.

53. The computer implemented method according to claim 46, wherein identifying a first entry in a template comprises:

determining whether to use a default entry in said template as said first entry, if it is determined that no entry in said template matches said attribute.

54. The computer implemented method according to claim 53, wherein it is determined to use said default entry in said template as said first entry and configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class comprises:

assigning a meta-attribute specified in said first entry to said attribute.

55. The computer implemented method according to claim 42, wherein configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class comprises:

assigning a meta-attribute specified in said first entry to said attribute.

56. The computer implemented method according to claim 55, wherein said first entry contains said meta-attribute.

57. The computer implemented method according to claim 55, wherein assigning a meta-attribute specified in said first entry to said attribute comprises:

storing said meta-attribute in an object corresponding to said attribute.

58. The computer implemented method according to claim 42, wherein said attribute set is a class of database table.

59. The computer implemented method according to claim 42, wherein said method is performed by an Identity System.

60. The computer implemented method according to claim 42, wherein said method is performed by an Access System.

61. The computer implemented method according to claim 42, wherein said method is performed by an integrated Identity/Access System.

97. The method according to claim 42, wherein identifying a first entry in a template comprises:

retrieving schema information for said attribute set;

identifying one or more attributes in said attribute set based on said schema information;

determining whether said first entry matches one of said one or more attributes.

62. One or more processor readable storage devices having processor readable code embodied on said one or more processor readable storage devices, said processor readable code for programming one or more processors and comprising:

code for identifying a class to be configured, wherein the class describes a type of object used to identify an entity in a directory and identifies a format for each object described by the class, and wherein the class comprises an attribute set comprising a plurality of attributes, each of the plurality of attributes describing a trait of the entity identified by the object that is described by the class, and specifies that the set of attributes is to be included in each object described by the class;

code for identifying a first entry in a template, said template includes configuration information other than schema information for at least one attribute in said attribute set; and

code for configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class, based at least in part on said configuration information;

wherein the class describes a plurality of objects, each comprising the set of attributes specified by the class, the set of attributes comprising a first attribute of a first type, the plurality of objects comprising a first object in which an attribute of the first type has a first value, and a second object in which an attribute of the first type has a second value.

63. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 62, wherein said first entry matches said attribute.

64. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 62, wherein said first entry is a default entry in said template.

65. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 62, wherein said code for identifying a first entry in a template comprises:

code for determining whether said template contains an entry matching said attribute.

66. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 65, wherein said code for determining whether said template contains an entry matching said attribute comprises:

code for determining whether said attribute is listed in an entry in said template.

67. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 65, wherein said code for determining whether said template contains an entry matching said attribute comprises:

code for determining whether an entry in said template satisfies a filter.

68. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 65, wherein it is determined that said first entry matches said attribute, and said code for configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class comprises:

code for assigning a meta-attribute specified in said first entry to said attribute.

69. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 65, wherein said code for identifying a first entry in a template comprises:

code for determining whether to use a default entry in said template as said first entry, if it is determined that no entry in said template matches said attribute.

70. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 69, wherein it is determined to use said default entry in said template as said first entry and said code for configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class comprises:

code for assigning a meta-attribute specified in said first entry to said attribute.

71. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 62, wherein said code for configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class comprises:

code for assigning a meta-attribute specified in said first entry to said attribute.

72. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 62, wherein said attribute set is a class of database table.

73. One or more processor readable storage devices according to claim 62, wherein said code is executable by an Identity System.

74. An apparatus, comprising:

one or more storage devices; and

one or more processors in communication with said one or more storage devices, wherein said one or more storage devices have embodied thereon processor readable code for programming said one or more processors, said processor readable code comprising;

code for identifying a class to be configured, wherein the class describes a type of object used to identify an entity in a directory and identifies a format for each object described by the class, and wherein the class comprises an attribute set comprising a plurality of attributes, each of the plurality of attributes describing a trait of the entity identified by the object that is described by the class, and specifies that the set of attributes is to be included in each object described by the class;

code for identifying a first entry in a template, said template includes configuration information for at least one attribute in said attribute set, said configuration information includes information on how to display said at least one attribute; and

code for configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class, based at least in part on said configuration information;

wherein the class describes a plurality of objects, each comprising the set of attributes specified by the class, the set of attributes comprising a first attribute of a first type, the plurality of objects comprising a first object in which an attribute of the first type has a first value, and a second object in which an attribute of the first type has a second value.

75. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein said code for identifying a first entry in a template comprises:

code for determining whether said template contains an entry matching said attribute.

76. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said code for determining whether said template contains an entry matching an attribute comprises:

code for determining whether said attribute is listed in an entry in said template.

77. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said code for determining whether said template contains an entry matching an attribute comprises:

code for determining whether an entry in said template satisfies a filter.

78. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein it is determined in that said first entry matches said attribute and said code for configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class comprises:

code for assigning a meta-attribute specified in said first entry to said attribute.

79. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein said code for identifying a first entry in a template comprises:

code for determining whether to use a default entry in said template as said first entry, if it is determined that no entry in said template matches said attribute.

80. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein said code for configuring said class by configuring an attribute in said attribute set in said class comprises:

code for assigning a meta-attribute specified in said first entry to said attribute.

81. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein said attribute set is a class of database table.

82. The apparatus according to claim 74, wherein said apparatus comprises an Access System.

98. A computer implemented method for attribute set configuration, the method comprising:

identifying a class to be configured, wherein the class describes a type of object used to identify an entity in a directory and identifies a format for each object described by the class, and wherein the class comprises an attribute set comprising a plurality of attributes, each of the plurality of attributes describing a trait of the entity identified by the object that is described by the class, and specifies that the set of attributes is to be included in each object described by the class;

identifying a template for an attribute set, said template includes configuration information for at least one attribute in said attribute set, said configuration information including at least one of a cardinality component, display name component, display type component, searchable component, version component, visible component, and semantic type component identifying a special action associated with the attribute; and

configuring said class by configuring said attribute set in said class, based at least in part on said configuration information;

wherein the class describes a plurality of objects, each comprising the set of attributes specified by the class, the set of attributes comprising a first attribute of a first type, the plurality of objects comprising a first object in which an attribute of the first type has a first value, and a second object in which an attribute of the first type has a second value.